The News - Friday, 25 July 2025

BBC News

France will recognise Palestinian state, Macron says

France to become the first G7 state to recognise the state of Palestine, as Israeli PM Netanyahu condemns decision.

The story behind the photograph of a starving Gaza baby

Photographer Ahmed al-Arini told BBC Newshour he had to catch his breath between each photograph.

Trump to fly into Scotland for golf club visits - and a meeting with Starmer

His private visit is exceptional as US presidents rarely promote their personal interests so publicly while in office.

The fractured friendship behind the fight at the Thailand-Cambodia border

The countries have a history of occasional conflict, but this latest fight comes after an old friendship crumbled.

Kelly Osbourne lost 'best friend' after Ozzy's death

She has made her first comments since her father's death at the age of 76 on Tuesday, posting lyrics from the song Changes.

Samaritans to close more than 100 branches

The charity's chief executive says "at least half" of their branches will close in the UK and Ireland.

Cash cards to pay for gluten-free food in UK first

One woman who took part in the pilot says it only "scratches the surface" of food bills.

US wrestling legend Hulk Hogan dies aged 71

The star was a huge figure in WWF, now WWE, in the 1980s and was also known for his reality TV series.

Woman in viral Coldplay concert clip resigns from executive role

The clip showed a man and woman swaying to the music before quickly ducking and hiding from the camera.

Pro-Palestinian convict to be freed by France after 41 years

Georges Abdallah will immediately be expelled to his native Lebanon after his release on Friday.

'I can barely do one story. I just feel dizzy' - BBC's Gaza freelance journalists tell of struggle for food

Three freelance journalists working for the BBC in Gaza are facing the same dire circumstances as those they are covering.

One in five children in Gaza City is malnourished, UN aid agency says

The UN agency for Palestinians says it has thousands of truckloads of supplies near Gaza which it wants to deliver.

Israel and US leave Gaza ceasefire talks in Qatar

US special envoy Steve Witkoff accuses Hamas of showing "a lack of desire to reach a ceasefire in Gaza".

We might get killed, but we have to get food, injured Gazan tells BBC

Many patients brought to UK-Med's Gaza field hospital were seeking food aid but found only violence.

Weekly quiz: Who rescued England's Lionesses against Italy?

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

The Papers: 'Threat to NHS from strikes' and 'UK must do more on Gaza'

Doctors' strikes and the UK response to the humanitarian situation in Gaza lead Friday's papers.

Renée Rapp: Media training is boring, I can't give fluffy answers

Rapp made headlines by going off script on a press tour for the Mean Girls movie. She has no regrets.

Too hot for Santa as Lapland buckles under record heatwave

After an unusually cold early summer, the whole of Finland has been plunged into two weeks of high temperatures.

Blood, sweat and tears: Look back at Hulk Hogan’s highs and lows

The all-American hero of wrestling also had a Hollywood career and was one of Donald Trump's biggest fans.

Artificial food colours are out, so what's next?

Big food firms are phasing out artificial colours, so tech firms are rushing to fill the gap.

As porn sites apply new age checks, will users hand over personal ID?

All websites hosting pornography will have to check the age of their users from Friday.

More traders to challenge rate-rigging convictions

The traders decision to appeal comes after the victory of two other traders in the Supreme Court

Five ice hockey players found not guilty in Canada sexual assault case

The verdict marks the end of the highly publicised case, in which the men were accused of sexually assaulting a woman in 2018.

The Bill's PC Reg Hollis helps arrest thief

Jeff Stewart, who played PC Reg Hollis for 24 years, came to the aid of officers in Southampton.

Justice department official expected to meet Epstein accomplice Ghislaine Maxwell

The meeting comes as pressure grows on the Trump administration to release files linked to the disgraced financier's sex trafficking network.

EE and BT network outage resolved, firm says

The government says "EE and BT digital voice calls to 999 have now been restored."

Prisoners using vapes to start fires, report says

HMP Berwyn, in Wrexham, has seen a 74.1% increase in deliberate fires at the prison, a report says.

More than 200 MPs call for Starmer to recognise Palestinian state

More than 130 Labour MPs are among the signatories piling fresh pressure on PM Sir Keir Starmer.

Top Boy actor Micheal Ward charged with rape

The Bafta-winning star is known for shows and films including Top Boy, Small Axe and Blue Story.

NHS faces challenging few days during doctors strike, warns Streeting

Hospitals in England battle to keep both emergency and non-urgent work going in five-day walkout.

South Park creator makes mock apology to Trump after White House attacks episode

The White House said an episode ridiculing Donald Trump was "a desperate attempt for attention".

River Island plans to close 33 shops - but why is it in trouble?

The future of the chain is in the balance ahead of a crucial court ruling on its restructuring plans.

Watch: Inside the inquest into Jay Slater's death

The BBC's Fiona Trott explains a coroner's conclusions about the 19-year-old's death last year.

UK ban on Palestine Action a 'disturbing' misuse of legislation, says UN rights chief

Volker Turk urges the UK government to lift the "unnecessary" ban on the group.

Around 6,000 porn sites start checking ages in UK

Despite the law some remain sceptical about the effectiveness of porn age checks.

Failings in care of ex-cricketer Graham Thorpe before he died, coroner says

The ex-cricketer's wife said his mental health declined after losing his job as a batting coach.

Two teens who murdered boy, 14, on London bus sentenced to life

Kelyan Bokassa was stabbed 27 times as he travelled home on a bus in south-east London on 7 January.

Asylum seekers refusing to leave hotels risk homelessness

The Home Office says new guidance will establish "clear consequences for those who game the system".

'All the people are hungry': Voices from Gaza on desperate lack of food

All week across the BBC we've been hearing from people in Gaza about their lives as food supplies are restricted leading to malnourishment and starvation.

French pledge to recognise Palestine is a gamble - so will Starmer follow suit?

The prime minister is facing pressure at home and abroad to recognise a Palestinian state.

Watch: Protesters pack Tel Aviv square to demand Gaza ceasefire

Demonstrators urged Isreal's leaders to end the war and bring back the hostages.

The story behind the photograph of a starving Gaza baby

Photographer Ahmed al-Arini told BBC Newshour he had to catch his breath between each photograph.

How Epstein case is tearing apart Maga's online conspiracy wing

In conspiratorial pro-Trump spaces online, arguments rage over the US president's approach to the long-running saga.

Could Jeremy Corbyn's new party shake up politics?

Labour and the Greens appear to have the most to fear from a new left-wing party but UK politics is very volatile.

'We lived through hell,' say Venezuelans released from mega-prison in El Salvador

Four men deported from the US to a notorious facility in El Salvador tell the BBC after their release they were mistreated.

What's happened to resident doctors' pay since 2008?

Resident doctors in England say pay is at the core of their dispute with the government, but what’s actually happened to their pay over the past 17 years?

Driver jailed after e-bike crash kills young mum

Keaton Muldoon was found not guilty of murder, but admitted causing death by dangerous driving.

Dwayne Johnson hails 'childhood hero' Hulk Hogan

The Rock says an act of kindness from the wrestling legend when he was 12 "meant the world".

Veteran jazz singer Dame Cleo Laine dies aged 97

She was the first British singer to win a Grammy in a jazz category and performed with all the greats.

Former MP Mhairi Black announces she has left the SNP

The SNP's former Westminster deputy leader said she disagreed with the party's stance on trans rights and Palestine.

Bournemouth Echo

You can dance, you can jive (but not here) - theatre bans dancing at ABBA tribute

"What did they think all of these people were here for - sitting and humming quietly while remaining absolutely still and unmoved by a tribute act of a group known for upbeat and excessively joyous 70’s pop classics?"

'Focus will be on patient safety' says UHD as doctors go on strike

Residents doctors will go on strike this week with thousands expected to walk out for five days.

Phil Broadhead quits his role as party leader ahead of a move to Dubai

The leader of the council’s opposition has announced that he will be stepping down from his role.

Devastating legacy of cancer causing drug which affected generations

Generations of a Bournemouth family have been deeply impacted  by the effects of a cancer-causing drug which was previously prescribed to pregnant women.

'Democracy needs people like me': suspended Poole MP to make first public appearance

The outspoken Poole MP said his suspension would not prevent him from being an "active" MP.

'Total abdication of leadership': Council take 'no view' on Israel twin town

All signage relating to the Bournemouth-Netanya twinning agreement will remain in place but will not be replaced if removed.

Towers of dips and Mediterranean favourites at The Real Greek

Towers of dips served with warm flatbread; that’s my idea of a very nice day out.

'A new vibe and a new start': shop owner to open different business after costs soar

Emily Swales, owner of Ratz Vintage Clothing in Fordingbridge is opening a new shop, "The Rabbit Hole".

Two Poole parks awarded Green Flag status

Poole Park and Upton Country Park were both awarded the prestigious award for outstanding management and maintenance of green spaces.

Multi-let industrial estate in Poole sold

The multi-let Aztec Centre in Poole has been acquired by property consultancy Vail Williams on behalf of a client.

Red Arrows highlight jam packed eight-day carnival

The much-loved carnival procession live music performances and and family-friendly activities are just a few of exciting events on through the week.

Dorset firm launches new partnership to make sea safer

Dorset-based Savvy Navvy has teamed up with the RNLI to promote water safety through its navigation app.

BIC to show Women's Euros final for free

Bournemouth International Centre is hosting a live screening on Women’s euro final.

New president appointed to lead Bournemouth funeral directors association

A new president has been appointed to lead long-established professional association.

Verified tradespeople list launched in Dorset

Dorset residents seeking trustworthy tradespeople can now turn to a reliable source for peace of mind.

Children invited to 'stunning garden' to embark on summer reading adventure

Wimborne Library and the Museum of East Dorset are teaming up to support the UK-wide Summer Reading Challenge, organised by the charity The Reading Agency. This initiative encourages children to keep reading during the summer holidays, helping them stay confident and ready for the new school term in autumn.

Glastonbury stars arriving in Bournemouth for one-night concert

A Glastonbury debut band are coming to Bournemouth for a one-night event playing their biggest hits.

Great deals on dependable used cars and vans at SM Cars

If you’re searching for great deals on dependable used cars and vans, SM Cars in Bournemouth is the place to be.

Award-winning chocolatier to appear at food festival

An award-winning chocolatier will be hosting a demonstration at Wimborne Food Festival.

Rockwater's 'The Table' supper club "takes diners on a culinary journey"

Diners are being invited to take their tastebuds on a trip around the world - without leaving Dorset.

Group guide launched for 'exciting' line up at Bournemouth Pavilion until end of year

The guide shares the line-up of shows and performances running through to the end of the year. From the sounds of Space Cowboy (Jamiroquai tribute) and the timeless classics of Glenn Miller to side-splitting comedy, an Adele tribute, ballet, smash-hit musical performances, Fawlty Towers: The Play and the ever-magical Cinderella pantomime, there’s something to suit every taste and budget.

Quackers! Rubber duck races in Bournemouth this weekend

Everyone is encouraged to come on down to watch and compete in the rubber duck races this weekend.

'True celebration of rural life' promised at return of New Forest and Hampshire show

From July 29 to July 31, the annual event is set to return to New Park in Brockenhurst, offering a vibrant showcase of rural life, family fun, and more than 2,000 animals across the showground.

Householders warned to dispose of waste properly to avoid fines

Ferndown Town Council has shared a reminder to householders that rubbish handed to someone else remains your legal responsibility until it is correctly disposed of.

Cafe to offer free breakfasts during school holidays for local families

The summer holidays can be an expensive time for families, but one cafe in Fordingbridge is offering free breakfasts three days a week for locals who may need a helping hand.

Rhyming retelling of Die Hard coming to Poole in the autumn

The plot centres around off-duty policeman John McClane, who becomes the hostages’ only hope when gunmen seize a Los Angeles skyscraper.

Marketing company 'delighted' to scoop national business award

PR and marketing specialists The Inspiration Agency was named the winner of the Best Merger or Acquisition category at the 2025 Best Business Awards.

Bus operator urges public to use public transport for carnival

The bus operator will be have additional buses running and urged carnival goers to take public transport to and from Swanage.

Beachgoers warned of stronger currents due to spring tides

A warning has been issued ahead of this weekend’s spring tides, which bring stronger sea currents and higher risks for swimmers.

Higher parking fines area extended and 'whole seafront will be covered'

The area covered by a government trial to increase parking fines has been extended to cover the whole seafront.

Tributes paid to 'most loving and kind hearted' man who died in A357 crash

Dorset Police received a report at 9.27am on Tuesday, July 22, 2025 of a single-vehicle crash involving a grey BMW on the A357 Cook’s Lane near Spire Hill Farm in the Stalbridge area.

Four arrested and six people hospitalised after 'serious assault' at Sandfest

Four men were arrested and six people were hospitalised following a 'serious' assault at Sandfest in Poole.

Police cordon remains in place after woman’s body found

A cordon remains in place at a public park following the discovery of a dead body.

77-year-old man arrested after exposing himself to motorists

A 77-year-old man has been arrested after he exposed himself to motorists.

Woman arrested after 'disturbance' in Westbourne

A 29-year-old woman has been arrested on suspicion of assault following a 'disturbance' in Grosvenor Road, Westbourne.

'Deep seated' fire at recycling station extinguished after almost three days of blaze

On July 23, at around 11.26am on fire service crews were called to reports of a fire at Hurn Recycling Transfer Station in Christchurch.

Police warn 'criminal offences will not be tolerated' ahead of anti-migrant protest

Police have stated that they're aware of an anti-migrant protest which is due to take place in Bournemouth this evening.

Vital charity could be forced to close branch in Bournemouth

The charity is planning to close around half of its 200 branches as its current business model is “not sustainable” putting the Bournemouth branch at risk.

Man with knife steals bike from teen in Christchurch

A man with a knife stole a teenager's bike from outside of Home Bargains and police have issued a CCTV appeal.

Bournemouth man's body pulled from the sea at The Needles

The man’s next of kin has been informed.

UK's biggest bird of prey released in New Forest Wildlife Park

Two of the UK's biggest birds of prey have arrived in the New Forest

Presenter reveals Harry Redknapp's wife Sandra is in hospital while on air

The wife of Dorset football legend Harry Redknapp is reportedly in hospital being treated for a mystery illness.

Road closures continue on A35

Night-time road closures of the A35 between Stinsford and Bere Regis are continuing until Thursday, July 31

Business owners 'shocked' after being ordered to repaint bright blue shop

Happy Mobiles in Lymington has been told to undo changes made to a listed building which was made without planning permission

How can I keep my child safe online? NSPCC guidelines as Ofcom tightens rules

New Ofcom rules tighten up how children can use sites including X, formerly Twitter, Bluesky, Reddit, Facebook, Instagram and TikTok and YouTube

Free bus pass update following calls to include all over 60s

The government has responded to calls for free bus travel for anyone aged 60 or above.

Tesco issues 'do not eat' warning to shoppers as salmonella found in products

Tesco customers are being urged not to eat multiple meal deal items due to the possible presence of salmonella

Formula 1

WATCH: Mekies reflects on challenge ahead at Red Bull

Laurent Mekies is gearing up for his first race weekend as Team Principal and CEO at Red Bull – and, before the action gets underway, the Frenchman sat down with Lawrence Barretto to discuss his new role.

Mekies on why Red Bull need Verstappen’s ‘magic’

New Red Bull Team Principal Laurent Mekies exclusively sits down with F1 Correspondent & Presenter Lawrence Barretto to discuss his new job and the importance of retaining Max Verstappen.

Verstappen's future the focus amid Red Bull's new era

After months of speculation, there was still no indication on Thursday from Max Verstappen or George Russell ahead of the Belgian Grand Prix which team they will be racing for in 2026.

Norris expects 'difficult decisions' with wet Belgian Sprint weekend

Lando Norris believes teams will face “difficult decisions” at Spa Francorchamps, with wet weather expected across the Sprint weekend.

All the talking points as F1 arrives in Belgium

There are plenty of talking points ahead of the Belgian Grand Prix, with the F1 TV crew here to run through them all.

Piastri thrilled to ‘get a result’ with Spa Sprint pole

Oscar Piastri was delighted to “get a result” after taking pole position in Sprint Qualifying at the Belgian Grand Prix, while McLaren team mate Lando Norris admitted that he was “not the happiest” following his P3 finish.

Watch the action as Piastri takes Belgium Sprint pole

Oscar Piastri blew the field away with a stunning effort to take sprint pole position by 0.477s from Max Verstappen.

Dunne in superb form as he takes brilliant Spa pole

Alexander Dunne shone in Spa as he took Pole Position in F2 Qualifying.

FIA Team Principals press conference – Belgium

Team Principals Ayao Komatsu, Jonathan Wheatley and Laurent Mekies face the press ahead of the Belgian Grand Prix weekend.

Piastri dominates to take Sprint pole at Spa

McLaren's Oscar Piastri secured Sprint pole with a scintillating lap in SQ3 in Belgium.

AS IT HAPPENED: Piastri takes Sprint pole in Belgium

Live coverage of the Formula 1 Sprint Qualifying session ahead of the 2025 Belgian Grand Prix at Spa-Francorchamps.

Permane on his new role as Racing Bulls Team Principal

On his first race weekend since his promotion to the role of Team Principal at Racing Bulls, Alan Permane has been reflecting on his new position.

Catch the best FP1 moments ahead of the Belgian GP

Oscar Piastri topped the sole practice session at the Belgian Grand Prix from Max Verstappen, ahead of Sprint Qualifying later on Friday.

Hamilton ‘refuses’ to miss out on a title with Ferrari

Lewis Hamilton has reiterated that he is “here to win” at Ferrari, with the Briton stating that he “refuses” to miss out on winning a title as previous champions have done at the Scuderia.

Piastri sets the pace in FP1 for Belgian GP

Oscar Piastri claimed top spot in Free Practice 1 for the Belgian Grand Prix as he finished four tenths clear of Max Verstappen, with McLaren team mate Lando Norris a further tenth back in third.

MS Dynamics

Business Central and IRS 1099 Reporting in the USA: An Important Shift Ahead 

IRS 1099 reporting in the U.S. is undergoing a significant transformation with Microsoft introducing a new standalone IRS Forms app in Business Central. This new approach replaces the traditional method of using preprinted forms with an electronic filing system designed to improve compliance and simplify technical processes.

The post Business Central and IRS 1099 Reporting in the USA: An Important Shift Ahead  appeared first on Microsoft Dynamics 365 Blog.

Next-Gen Retail Payments: Trends, Tech, and Transformation using Dynamics 365 Commerce + Adyen 

In today’s retail landscape, payments have evolved into a strategic inflection point—where customer expectations, brand trust, and operational efficiency converge. No longer just the final step in a transaction, payments shape the overall customer experience and directly influence conversion, satisfaction, and loyalty. As consumers engage across physical stores, mobile apps, and digital platforms, they demand […]

The post Next-Gen Retail Payments: Trends, Tech, and Transformation using Dynamics 365 Commerce + Adyen  appeared first on Microsoft Dynamics 365 Blog.

2025 release wave 2 plans for Microsoft Dynamics 365, Microsoft Power Platform, and Role-based Microsoft Copilot offerings

The 2025 release wave 2 for Microsoft Dynamics 365, Microsoft Power Platform, and Copilot offerings introduces new capabilities that help organizations harness the potential of AI.

The post 2025 release wave 2 plans for Microsoft Dynamics 365, Microsoft Power Platform, and Role-based Microsoft Copilot offerings appeared first on Microsoft Dynamics 365 Blog.

Introducing the new summary experience in Dynamics 365 Sales

We’re excited to announce a major upgrade to how sellers interact with Copilot summaries in Dynamics 365 Sales. Beginning with the 2025 Release Wave 2, Copilot summaries for Opportunities, Leads, and Accounts will appear directly at the top of the record in a sleek insights bar. This update brings AI-powered insights directly into the seller’s […]

The post Introducing the new summary experience in Dynamics 365 Sales appeared first on Microsoft Dynamics 365 Blog.

Windows Central

Intel plans to layoff 24,000 employees in 2025 — it will also pull back from several projects including some in Germany, Poland, and more

Intel has revealed plans to reduce its total workforce to 75,000 "core employees" and also expects to pull back from projects in Germany, Poland, the United States, and more.

With Call of Duty's obsession with cringe-inducing pop culture skins, 'Battlefield 6' has a very real opportunity to offer the alternative — will EA deliver?

EA has every opportunity to capture an audience desperate for a grounded military shooter experience. But EA's history of actually, you know, delivering for fans is incredibly spotty.

President Trump: "What the hell is NVIDIA? I've never heard of it before" — but is it right to dunk on him?

President Trump said he hadn’t heard of NVIDIA before learning about its AI dominance, but later praised CEO Jensen Huang as “amazing.”

Here's exactly when you can play Grounded 2 — Xbox announced launch times for its release date, and the Game Pass survival game is coming in hot

Xbox and Obsidian are about to launch Grounded 2, a sequel to the beloved survival game, in Early Access on Xbox, PC, and Game Pass. Here's when you can play.

NASCAR 25 finally has a release date at long last — but barely in time for the end of the season

NASCAR fans have been tearing their hair out wanting to know when the first iRacing-built game based on the series would be releasing, and now, finally we know.

Taking an all-in-one PC to Starbucks is certainly a move — what's the weirdest PC setup you've seen someone use in public?

Every so often we see these silly photos of people in a coffee shop using some kind of ridiculous PC setup that isn't just a laptop or a table. So what's the weirdest you've ever seen?

Battlefield 6 reveal trailer shows grounded warfare in a divided America — and a multiplayer reveal is coming soon

The Battlefield 6 reveal trailer is here, bringing a first look at warfare in a divided America.

Microsoft makes me hate how much I love its products — so I’m making a fresh start with my new Galaxy Z Fold 7

I'm divorcing myself from some of Microsoft's products and services with my new smartphone, because I'm tired of fighting Microsoft to be a fan of its products.

Satya Nadella says company layoffs have been "weighing heavily" on him, which arrived despite the "objective measure" that "Microsoft is thriving" — and more layoffs could be on the way

Satya Nadella issued a statement addressing Microsoft’s recent layoffs. The company has been criticized for laying off employees while achieving success overall.

GPD teases what could be the most powerful handheld gaming PC in the world — but there are many questions still to answer

Chinese PC maker GPD is well known for making handhelds, but its latest, the Win 5, is the first we've seen using AMD's Strix Halo APUs. But there's still much to learn.

Google is using AI overviews in search to nuke the web — studies say it makes you dumb: "I feel like I've lost some brain cells"

A new study claims that users who encountered Google's AI Overview feature, which generates a summary in response to a web search query were less likely to click on links to other websites compared to those who didn’t have a similar interaction with the AI-powered tool.

Wuchang: Fallen Feathers developers apologize for one of the worst PC launches in 2025 — "We deeply regret the inconvenience and negative experience"

Steam users are up in arms over how badly Wuchang: Fallen Feathers has been optimized.

Microsoft Copilot looks set to gain GPT-5 access via new 'smart' chat mode — right alongside ChatGPT

OpenAI's GPT-5 generative AI model is expected to launch next month, and it looks like Copilot is set to gain access to it right alongside ChatGPT, as references to a new GPT-5 powered "Smart" chat mode have been spotted.

This discounted Surface Laptop 7 is less than half the price of the new 5G model

Get the Surface Laptop 7 for $879.99 — a top-rated productivity laptop at less than half the price of the 5G version.

HP OmniBook Ultra Flip 14 vs. OmniBook X Flip 14 — One AI laptop is clearly superior, but can you stomach the price?

HP's top consumer OmniBook laptops share a lot in common, but one is clearly made to go on sale while the other is made to appease those who love premium features. I can help you choose the right one.

Epic goes ballistic over the latest CMA filing — Fortnite and the Epic Games Store will no longer be coming to iOS in the UK this year

According to Epic, the CMA has ruined the chances of Fortnite and its Store returning to iOS, as it deprioritizes its once-anti-competitive stance on Apple.

Microsoft's AI CEO says Copilot will evolve into a "real friend" with a permanent identity — an ideal utopia of digital patina

Microsoft's AI CEO, Mustafa Suleyman, recently discussed how Microsoft views and develops AI, regulation, competition with other rival AI firms, and his vision for Copilot.

Laffgaff

What is the largest brass instrument in an orchestra?

The tuba.