The News - Thursday, 17 July 2025

BBC News

Babies made using three people's DNA are born free of hereditary disease

The method was pioneered by UK scientists to overcome devastating, sometimes fatal inherited diseases.

US says 'specific steps' agreed to end Syria violence after Israeli strikes hit Damascus

Israel says it is "working to save our Druze brothers", but Syria accuses it of "treacherous aggression".

Busiest UK airports raise kiss-and-fly fees, says RAC

Britain's airports are charging up to £7 to briefly drop-off passengers close to terminals.

MoD offered to speed up resettlement case of Afghan who posted data breach names on Facebook

The BBC understands the individual, an Afghan national, is now living in the UK.

New photo to mark Queen Camilla's 78th birthday

The Queen is pictured smiling and looking relaxed in the new photo taken at her Wiltshire home, Raymill.

'It's just better!' Trump says Coca-Cola to change key US ingredient

Coca-Cola said they "appreciate President Trump's enthusiasm", without confirming they plan to make the tweak.

Labour MP Diane Abbott stands by racism comments

The veteran Labour MP was disciplined by the party last year over comments in a newspaper letter.

Germany to tighten people-smuggling law as chancellor visits UK

It comes as Friedrich Merz makes his first official visit to the UK as German chancellor.

Flat owners planning legal claim over 'secret' insurance charges

Property firms allegedly charged leaseholders commission for arranging buildings insurance without telling them.

Summer holiday clubs now cost an average of £1,076 per child

Some areas have seen prices rise by as much as 13%, research by children's charity Corum finds.

BBC gains rare access to US base tracking global missile strikes

From their base in Colorado, Space Force units track missiles fired anywhere in the world.

'Afghan's £1bn blunder' and four MPs 'lose Labour whip'

The Afghan data breach continued to dominate the papers on Thursday.

Who are the Druze and why is Israel attacking Syria?

A fresh wave of deadly sectarian violence has rocked Syria, highlighting the country's fragile security landscape.

Harry follows in Diana's footsteps with landmine walk in Angola

The Duke of Sussex visited a mine-clearing charity in Angola once supported by Princess Diana.

Co-op boss confirms all 6.5 million members had data stolen in cyber-attack

In her first interview since the attack, Co-op's chief executive said she was "incredibly sorry" to customers.

Emma Watson banned from driving for six months after speeding

The actress already had nine points on her licence before the speeding incident occurred last summer.

Porn sites to introduce age checks for UK users - but how will it work?

Anyone in the UK wanting to access online porn will soon have to undergo more rigorous age checks.

Legend of Zelda movie casts two British actors in lead roles

Bo Bragason and Benjamin Evan Ainsworth will play Princess Zelda and Link respectively.

Watch: Volcano erupts in Iceland spewing lava from the ground

The eruption near the capital Reykjavik is the 12th volcanic eruption in the country since 2021.

Pope expresses sadness after Israeli strike on Gaza church kills three

Israel says it regrets any harm to a religious site or uninvolved civilians after a shell hits the Catholic Church of the Holy Family.

16 and 17-year-olds to be able to vote in next general election

Other planned changes include expanding voter ID to include bank cards and moving to automatic registration.

Syria leader vows to protect Druze after sectarian violence prompts Israeli strikes

Ahmed al-Sharaa spoke after Israel said it would destroy government forces it accused of attacking Druze in Syria.

Two men framed by corrupt officer decades ago cleared by appeal court

Ronald De Souza, who was part of the Stockwell Six, and Errol Campbell, who died in 2004, are cleared.

Nurse confronted trans doctor in 'unacceptable' manner, tribunal hears

An NHS manager has said said Sandie Peggie should have raised concerns about sharing facilities in a different way.

Meta investors settle $8bn lawsuit with Zuckerberg over Facebook privacy

Shareholders accused Meta leaders of damaging the company by allowing repeat violations of Facebook users' privacy.

'Unfair' NHS wait lists revealed in official report

Data for the NHS in England shows the waiting list for gynaecology is one of the largest.

Doctors found guilty over death of pregnant woman in Poland

Izabela's death of sepsis in 2021 led to nationwide protests against the country's strict abortion laws.

How will votes at 16 and changes to voter ID work?

The minimum voting age will fall to 16 across the UK as part of a package of election reforms.

Mystery surrounds Russian mum and children found in Indian cave

There is little clarity on how they came to be in a forest infested with snakes and wild animals.

Trump's voters want to see the Epstein files - but have faith in their president

Trump supporters have a new priority on their minds - the release of the so-called Jeffrey Epstein files.

Busiest UK airports raise drop off charges, says RAC

Britain's airports are charging up to £7 to briefly drop off passengers close to terminals.

Tomorrowland organisers say festival will go ahead after fire destroys main stage

Tens of thousands of campers arrive at the Belgium site as festival managers focus on "finding solutions".

'It's just better!' Trump says Coca-Cola to change key US ingredient

Coca-Cola said they "appreciate President Trump's enthusiasm", without confirming they plan to make the tweak.

Connie Francis: Pretty Little Baby singer dies at 87

The singer had recently enjoyed a career resurgence after her 1960s song Pretty Baby went viral.

Suspension from Labour doesn't mean I'm silenced, MP says

The PM argues MPs "elected on a Labour manifesto" should back the government's plans.

Ariana Grande tells fans she's not abandoning music after Dr Seuss film casting

The US singer insists there's still room for music after being cast in another film this week.

UK jobs market weakens as unemployment rate rises

The official data shows wage growth has slowed while the number of vacancies continues to fall.

Bournemouth Echo

Bournemouth stonemason stopped bones being stolen from grave

Samuel Horner played an important role in creating the memorial to Daniel Defoe

Council approves major plans for both Poole bridges

A £6million project to improve the long-term reliability of Poole Bridge and Twin Sails has been given the go-ahead.

6 pets at RSPCA Dorset who are on the lookout for loving new homes

A number of pets at Dorset RSPCA branches in Ashley Heath and Dorchester are looking to find loving new homes

Council's major changes to bin collection service revealed

The new wheelie bins and caddies are part of New Forest District Council’s new waste collection and recycling service and will be rolled out next month.

Toddler defies expectations by swimming five metres at just two-years-old

Ava reached the milestone through the Puddle Ducks Dorset programme.

Renowned guitarist who worked with Rod Stewart coming to town

Cregan's career spans over several decades, during which he worked with prominent artists like Cat Stevens, Cockney Rebel, and others.

Dorset site manager wins national award

A SITE manager working on a development in Dorset has won a top national award, marking him among the best in the country.

Children's hospice to undergo extension to meet growing need for its care

The extension will increase the size of the hospice's end-of-life Mermaid Suite and improve facilities in other areas of the building.

Southwestern ambulance joins national initiative to support army veterans

A NATIONAL programme enabling NHS organisations strengthen to support current and former members of the armed forces and families is joined by Southwestern ambulance service.

Smooth jazz festival to return to Christchurch

Following the success of last year's event, Stompin' on The Quomps will be returning to Christchurch Quay.

Tea and cake afternoon raises nearly £500 for flower festival

More than 50 people gathered for a sunny afternoon of tea and cake in a Wimborne garden – raising almost £500 towards this year’s Wimborne Minster Flower Festival.

Bournemouth's historic pier becomes part of new interactive map

An interactive map of historic coastal landmarks has been launched by Historic England.

Health insurance without the hassle from a Bournemouth-based, family-run team

At Insure My Health, we believe private health insurance should be simple, affordable, and personal.

MP calls for reform of schools as parents at 'breaking point'

BOURNEMOUTH MP has urged national government for ‘urgent improvements’ to schools in support for children with special educational needs and disabilities.

South West Water launches fund to support community projects

South West Water's Better Futures programme will provide £5m of community funding for a number of projects in the area.

Missing woman found unresponsive in Poole

An inquest has opened into the death of a woman who went missing from Poole.

Residents slam ‘sneaky’ plan to build 13 flats with access from quiet road

Residents ‘strongly object’ to plans to build 13 flats which will “place unacceptable pressure on local infrastructure.”

Award-winning pub opening brewery in Poole's Arthur Bray's Yard

Two new taprooms are coming to Arthur Bray's Yard near Poole Quay later this year as the Barking Cat Ale House is set to open its own brewery.

Dorset volunteer urges support for Ukraine after losing arm and leg in drone strike

A Dorset man who lost an arm and a leg while volunteering in Ukraine is urging people not to forget the human cost of the ongoing war.

Lunchtime concerts to take over Bournemouth churches

Multiple lunchtime concerts are due to take over churches in Bournemouth this July.

Operating steam trains is 'unsafe' due to hot and dry weather, says Swanage Railway

On July 14, at around 1.14pm, fire crews were called to Townsend Road in Corfe Castle to reports of a fire in the open.

24 drivers stopped in fewer than three hours for speeding in New Forest

Members of the public have reported to police that three of the worst roads for speeding in the New Forest are Beaulieu Road at Matley Wood, Brockenhurst Road at Hawk Hill and Northgate lane at Kings Hat.

Bournemouth drives up parking fines in first ever government trial

Bournemouth will be the only place in the country to trial a new scheme introducing significantly higher parking fines in a bid to tackle summer parking chaos.

Man 'preyed upon' vulnerable victim and stole from his home

A man has been sentenced after he 'preyed upon' a vulnerable man and stole items from his home in Bournemouth.

Large heath fire breaks out in Holt Heath

The heath fire in Holt Heath covered approximately 50,000 square metres and required six appliances to extinguish it.

Teenager hospitalised after being assaulted with glass bottle

A 44-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of wounding with intent after the teenager was taken to Poole Hospital.

Thunderstorm warnings issued for BCP

The Met Office has issued a thunderstorm warning for Bournemouth and surrounding areas.

Fire breaks out and building damaged on Bournemouth estate

Two fire engines were called to the fire in West Howe that started in a hedge and damaged the exterior a building last night.

Motorist hospitalised following crash

Police are appealing for dashcam footage after a motorist was hospitalised following a crash near Wareham.

Road blocked and motorists injured after crash

A crash involving two cars blocked the A31 near Winterbourne Zelston.

Woman pushed to the ground by 'aggressive' man

A 37-year-old was arrested on suspicion of assault after he pushed a woman in her 20s to ground in Shaftesbury on Tuesday evening.

PHOTOS: Thousands flock to famous vintage Poole festival

FAMOUS vintage festival transported people back in time as thousands flock to town centre to enjoy the celebrations.

Bournemouth woman wins award for social and community group

The founder of the Chitter Chatter Club was won second place in the 2025 Social Care Impact Award of Excellence for her work to end loneliness.

Law change could create 'slums of the future,' New Forest councillor warns

Government plans to stop councillors from debating planning applications  in their areas could lead to developers building the “slums of the future”.

Why you’re seeing more wasps this summer than last year

Wasps are more likely to swarm in southern areas this year following spring and summer heatwaves, experts have warned.

New Forest music festival returns headlined by spectacular Queen tribute

Exbury Festival of Music, headlined by 21st Century Queen, leads a packed events programme at Exbury Gardens this summer

What travel insurance do I need? Single, annual or long stay compared

Travel experts have shared what type of travel insurance you might need on a trip abroad, from single, annual and long stay

16 year olds across the UK to vote in next general election as voting age lowered

UK Government plans have confirmed that 16 and 17-year-olds will be able to vote in the next general election as the voting age has been lowered across the UK.

Snake warning issued to UK residents as RSPCA braces for 'influx' of sightings

The RSPCA has issued a warning to the public as it braces for an "influx" of snake sightings amid warmer weather conditions.

Naga Munchetty 'leaving' BBC Breakfast for rival broadcaster, reports claim

Naga Munchetty is to 'leave' BBC Breakfast for a show on a rival broadcaster amid allegations of 'bullying'.

Government

Managing Agents (Regulation) Bill

A Bill to establish an independent regulator of managing agents; to make provision about the powers and duties of the independent regulator; to require managing agents to comply with a code of practice and to make provision about that code of practice; to make provision for a licensing scheme for managing agents; to make further provision about the regulation of managing agents; and for connected purposes.

International Court of Justice Advisory Opinion on Policies and Practices of Israel (Sanctions and Other Measures) Bill

A Bill to require the Secretary of State to take steps to give effect in the United Kingdom to the Advisory Opinion of the International Court of Justice issued on 19 July 2024 entitled “Legal Consequences arising from the Policies and Practices of Israel in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem”, including provision for sanctions and for other measures to give effect to that advisory opinion; and for connected purposes.

Formula 1

Leclerc remembers close friend Bianchi

Ferrari driver Charles Leclerc shares memories of his close friend and godfather Jules Bianchi, who passed away 10 years ago today.

WATCH: Leclerc shares his memories of Bianchi

The legacy of Jules Bianchi continues to live on and, with today marking 10 years since the Frenchman’s passing, Charles Leclerc has shared his memories of him.

Win a signed Oracle Red Bull Racing camo end plate with F1 Unlocked

This is your chance to win an official scale replica of a rear wing end plate from the RB7, signed by Daniel Ricciardo.

Windows Central

Inside OpenAI’s Slack-driven evolution — engineer reveals secrets behind its meteoric rise and chaotic brilliance

A former OpenAI engineer who worked on the company's most promising products recently shared an intriguing account of what it’s like to work at the $300 billion AI firm, following his resignation.

Nintendo is taking desperate measures in patent infringement case against Palworld — and it's looking a little weird

Nintendo’s legal campaign against Palworld continues with Pocketpair making gameplay changes to dodge infringement claims. Now Nintendo is rewriting its own patents mid-lawsuit — a move experts say looks like a last-ditch effort.

A rare opportunity is here to get an HP gaming laptop for only $500 — NVIDIA RTX graphics and a 144Hz display at a bargain price

Opportunities to get a proper gaming laptop for just $500 don't come around all that often, so you'll want to take advantage of this one.

Destiny 2: The Edge of Fate reviews open 'Mixed' on Steam, with a player count only a fraction of The Final Shape's — I'm surprised it's this low after a new expansion

The next era of Bungie's looter shooter Destiny 2 has kicked off with The Edge of Fate expansion, but it's off to a "Mixed" start.

The cheapest place to get my games just got even cheaper — get an extra 10% off while you can

CDKeys is my favorite place to grab cheaper games, and the deals just got even better with this 10% off discount code.

Cyberpunk 2077 Update 2.3 is bringing more vehicle customization, photo mode options, and one amazing new feature — launching this week

Cyberpunk 2077's next update is coming soon, bringing auto-driving, new photo mode options, and more.

VRAM shortages could be a thing of the past — NVIDIA and DirectX tech drops usage by up to 90% as seen in early tests

Using an early combination of NVIDIA Neural Texture Compression and DirectX Raytracing 1.2's Cooperative Shaders, one enthusiast is already seeing a massive drop in VRAM consumption while rendering with an RTX 5080.

Pokémon has partnered with one of the biggest PC gaming brands again, and you can actually buy these accessories — but do you even want to?

Razer and Pokémon have collaborated on a new collection of limited edition accessories, this time featuring the original three (plus one) starters, and I have them.

The wireless gaming mouse I've used for 5 years is down to $30 — that's less than 2 cents a day (and it's still my favorite)

The Logitech G305 Lightspeed doesn't support removable USB cables, but rather runs on a single AA battery. Not that I can remember the last time it died.

Microsoft is on track to become the second $4 trillion company by market cap, following NVIDIA — and mass layoffs

Microsoft's share price rose over 19% this year so far, vastly outperforming the overall market.

Steam Deck seems to have quietly gained support for another popular online game — no anticheat block anymore

Anticheat is the biggest block to games working properly on the Steam Deck, but not a total wall. Now, it looks like another popular title has had its anticheat enabled.

I don't play my handheld gaming PCs without this $10 accessory — Here's why it's a must-have for anyone who owns an ROG Ally, Steam Deck, or Legion Go

I always use this $10 accessory with my ROG Ally, Legion Go, Steam Deck, and other handheld gaming PCs. It protects them and gives me peace of mind.

Elon Musk says "We need more babies" — then creates digital girlfriends so you actually won't go out and make any babies

Grok adds flirty 3D AI companions. Elon says we need more babies, but gives you a waifu instead.

Intel is laying off thousands of US workers in AI restructuring — CEO Lip-Bu Tan says it's "too late" to catch up with the competition

Intel CEO Lip-Bu Tan says it's "too late" to catch up with its rivals in the AI sector, laying off thousands of US workers to reduce its expenses.

You'll soon be able to chat with Copilot and attend Teams meetings while driving your Mercedes-Benz — now there's no excuse to miss your meetings

Mercedes and Microsoft partner up to deliver generative AI and productivity features to its cars, letting you attend Teams meetings and chat with Microsoft 365 Copilot while you drive to and from work.

Microsoft's AI CEO says Google nearly launched "ChatGPT" before OpenAI — but brutal skeptics, fears of disrupting search, and safety concerns thwarted the plan

Microsoft's AI CEO, Mustafa Suleyman, recently discussed various aspects of AI and some missed opportunities in his career.

ZeniMax QA testers face whiplash and "rancid" work morale following Microsoft's gaming layoffs — but the union still fights

ZeniMax Workers United ratified a historic contract with Microsoft just weeks before layoffs cut into the team, but the union is still pushing on.

This Microsoft pay scale reveals AI pros are making bank — with compensation packages reaching up to $336,000/year

A report recently detailed how much Microsoft pays its employees in 2025, from software engineers to product managers.

You've got to try these 5 premium Minecraft add-ons — Dinosaurs, security systems, and more really shake up Bedrock Edition

Shake up Minecraft: Bedrock Edition with dinosaurs, security systems, and more using these premium add-ons.

Laffgaff

Which Prime Minister of Great Britain was nicknamed the ‘Iron Lady’?

Margaret Thatcher.

Funfair Sign

Vandals have stolen the F from the Funfair sign in our town. Now that is just unfair.

Itsfoss

FOSS Weekly #25.29: End of Ubuntu 24.10, AUR Issue, Terminal Tips, Screenshot Editing and More Linux Stuff

Europe keeps on marching...towards open source.