The News - Saturday, 26 July 2025

BBC News

Starmer suggests UK will play role in new Gaza aid air drops

His comments come as he faces calls from 221 cross-party MPs for the UK to recognise a Palestinian state.

Almost a third of people in Gaza not eating for days, UN food programme warns

Israel faces increasing pressure from Western allies to lift restrictions into the flow of aid into Gaza.

Gregg Wallace 'sorry' but says he's 'not a groper'

The former presenter was sacked after 45 allegations against him were upheld by a review.

Tee time with Trump - striking balls and deals over 18 holes

For some US presidents, golf was a break from work - but for Trump, visiting Scotland this weekend, it is anything but.

UK condemns Hong Kong cash offer for help in arresting activists

David Lammy and Yvette Cooper describe the bounties as "another example of transnational repression".

'My dad started spying on my mum' - the drugs causing sexual urges

The prescribed medication, taken for movement disorders, can have extreme side effects.

Thousands of retained firefighters owed pensions, union says

More than 10,000 former firefighters could be missing out thousands of pounds pension payments, their union says.

Cambodia calls for immediate ceasefire with Thailand as death toll rises

Thailand has not yet commented on the proposal, as fighting continues for a third day with 32 confirmed killed.

Southwest flight plummets, injuring flight attendants

The drastic manoeuvre was necessary to avoid collision with another plane, according to reports.

Taiwan holds controversial vote targeting 'pro-China' lawmakers

The vote could alter the balance of power in Taiwan, which has seen months of political deadlock.

World's thirst for matcha dries up global supplies

Surging demand, smaller tea crops due to heatwaves and US tariffs on Japan are pushing up matcha prices.

Watch moment 'air scooter' fails Channel crossing attempt

The drone-like contraption flew from Sangatte and neared the cliffs of Dover before splashing down.

​​What is inside the GHF food aid box being distributed in Gaza?

BBC Verify examines the meals handed out to Gazans - and why their nutritional value is questioned by some experts.

'I'm so tired': Mother of starving Gazan baby speaks to BBC

Hedaya al-Muta'wi's 18-month-old son Mohammed suffers from malnutrition due to famine, weighing just 6kg.

Why we need to talk about periods, breasts and injuries in women's sport

Understanding the pressure elite sports puts on women’s bodies is pushing athletes to new levels of excellence.

'Don't look away' and 'Prostate patients ignored by NHS'

Gaza features prominently on the front pages, while the Daily Telegraph focuses on prostate cancer screening.

How reality TV changed the way we think - for the better

When the first series of Big Brother launched, one critic denounced it as a "smearing of excrement" over TV screens. So, exactly 25 years on, how has reality TV affected viewers?

Sleep, run, hydrate - should you be a stickler for recommended daily doses?

After a study casts doubt on the daily steps maxim, what about the other health benchmarks we are told to strive for?

School-leavers losing their lives for Russia in Putin's war with Ukraine

Russia has promised that no 18-year-olds will be sent to fight in Ukraine, but the BBC finds many have already been killed.

Summer of stink: Inside America's garbage labour dispute

A garbage strike that began in Boston has led to trash pile-ups in cities across the country.

'I'm utterly lost': Patients' anger over doctors strike cancellations

Patients tell the BBC they have sympathy for resident doctors, but are worried about delays to surgeries.

Trump praises PM as he arrives in Scotland for four-day trip

The US president will be playing golf as well as meeting the prime minister and first minister for talks.

Asylum seekers refusing to leave hotels risk homelessness

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

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.

Salon owner 'ready' for key L'Oréal dispute hearing

Rebecca Dowdeswell has been locked in a legal battle with the global cosmetics giant since 2022.

Insect boom for UK after warmest, sunniest spring on record

How have spring and early summer's dry, warm and sunny conditions affected insects?

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.

Jeremy Bowen: Air dropping aid is an act of desperation that won't end hunger in Gaza

Air drops can look good on television, but deliver very little aid and endanger civilian lives.

Gaza aid site offered a 'women only' day. It didn't stop the killing

Families say mothers Mary Sheikh al-Eid and Khadija Abu Anza were shot while seeking aid from GHF station in southern Gaza.

Security tightens as Donald Trump plays golf during Scotland visit

The US President is in Scotland for a four-day private visit, which includes the opening of a second golf course at his Aberdeenshire resort.

Five killed as Ukraine and Russia trade drone attacks

Three people die in strikes on Dnipro in Ukraine, while two are killed in Russia's Rostov region.

Scientists bust 10,000 steps advice - do we need to stick to other daily health targets?

As a study casts doubt on the daily steps maxim, we take a look at some other health benchmarks we’re often told to strive for.

Why we need to talk about periods, breasts and injuries in women's sport

Understanding the pressure elite sports puts on women’s bodies is pushing athletes to new levels of excellence.

The Traitors Prom, and WWE Unreal: What's coming up this week?

Music on a theme of betrayal at the Royal Albert Hall, the reality show that could become your new obsession, and Comic Con hits Manchester.

How reality TV changed the way we think - for the better

When the first series of Big Brother launched, one critic denounced it as a "smearing of excrement" over TV screens. So, exactly 25 years on, how has reality TV affected viewers?

Summer of stink: The garbage strike plaguing US cities

A garbage strike that began in Boston has led to trash pile-ups in cities across the country.

Russian teens, fresh out of school, losing their lives in Putin’s war with Ukraine

Russia has promised that no 18-year-olds will be sent to fight in Ukraine, but the BBC finds many have already been killed.

Gregg Wallace 'sorry' but says he's 'not a groper'

The former presenter was sacked after 45 allegations against him were upheld by a review.

Insurance giant says most US customer data stolen in cyber-attack

Hackers accessed "personally identifiable data" of the firm's customers, financial professionals and staff.

Hundreds of protesters gather at asylum hotel

A BBC reporter at the scene says the demonstration was largely peaceful, but noisy.

UK condemns Hong Kong cash offer for help in arresting activists

David Lammy and Yvette Cooper describe the bounties as "another example of transnational repression".

Hackers steal images from women's dating safety app that vets men

Thousands of women registered with Tea have had their images illegally accessed, the US firm says.

A mum and her disabled daughter lay dead at home for months. Why did no-one notice?

Alphonsine Djiako Leuga died first - before daughter Loraine Choulla died of malnutrition and dehydration weeks later.

Watch: CCTV shows moment thief stole £24,000 of wine

Iuliu Kubola, 61, used a wheelie bin to cart dozens of bottles from the restaurant's cellar into his pedicab outside.

World's thirst for matcha dries up global supplies

Surging demand, smaller tea crops due to heatwaves and US tariffs on Japan are pushing up matcha prices.

Bournemouth Echo

'Loving' dog dies after it was struck by land train

The 13-year-old cocker spaniel "had the hearts of many people was so loving with people", said he owner after she was ran over by the land train.

Council secures £290,000 funding to carry out 'neglected' beach maintenance

Funding from the national government has been secured by the council to carry out much needed maintenance on Christchurch beaches following growing concerns by residents over neglect and erosion.

Company applies for licence at restaurant that lost it after hiring illegal workers

Chicken n Beer, at 58 Stanfield Road, had its alcohol licence revoked in May after it was found to have employed illegal workers, following a review application submitted by Dorset Police and supported by HM Immigration Enforcement.

Residents to decide 'future of play park' during ongoing consultation

The council is urging residents to take part in the consultation stage of Plan for Play and decide the future of Riverlands play park in Southbourne.

Virtual reality store is Bournemouth Echo’s Trader of the Week

A new virtual reality store has opened its doors in Bournemouth, offering residents and visitors a chance to step into ‘immersive digital world’.

Poole chippy crowned the best in the area

The fish and chip show was voted as best in Poole by members of the public in Neil Duncan-Jordan's MP Choice Awards,.

Paultons Park named among the world's best 10 theme parks

Paultons Park has been hailed as one of the world's best 10 theme parks in the Tripadvisor Traveller's Choice Awards 2025.

Poole's highest-rated pub is a 'fabulous' establishment that 'never disappoints'

Poole's highest-rated pub offers a wide selection of drinks, including cask ales, alongside quality food - what's not to love about the Poole Arms?

'Have a bit of consideration for those using cars'

There seem to have been a lot of letters in the Echo recently from people either for or against cycling and driving, so can I add my halfpennyworth.

Make the most of your outdoor space this summer with Jefferson Calor Gas

As summer sets in across the South of the UK, outdoor gatherings, BBQs, and evenings on the patio become highlights of the season.

Nurseplus opens new Bournemouth office

The service has expanded its Bournemouth presence with brand-new office for care at home and nursing services.

BCP Council announce road closures and delays

Delays are expected, and motorists can contact Southern Gas Network for further information.

Peppa Pig to return to Bournemouth with brand-new family show

Peppa Pig’s Big Family Show will include the character’s latest family member, baby Evie.

Railway enthusiast's lifetime collection to be sold

The lifetime collection of a railway enthusiast is being sold by Charterhouse after their passing.

Grant-giving charity launches new programme opportunities

Talbot Village Trust has announced the launch of two new grant programmes.

'Exceptional' season for Dorset school football teams

The school celebrated more achievements by being presented with the Dorset County Football Association award.

Researchers developing AI technology to track baby barn owls in Dorset

A PHD student at Bournemouth University is developing an AI model to help with the conservation of barn owls in Dorset.

Police issue urgent appeal to find wanted man

POLICE are hunting a man in connection with a burglary and driving offences.

Man taken to hospital after disturbance late at night

A police helicopter was dispatched to the scene and an investigation incident is ongoing.

130 dispersal notices issued by police in antisocial behaviour crackdown

More than 130 dispersal notices have been issued by Dorset Police in recent weeks as officers continue to tackle antisocial behaviour at Bournemouth beach.

Police arrest court dodger and discover fly-tipped cannabis waste

Police in the New Forest have arrested a court-dodging driver and discovered nearly 50 bags and boxes of cannabis waste

Christmas Day turns to nightmare for woman beaten up for ringing daughter

“I want the court to know I am, or was, a capable, strong, successful woman. I’ve lost all that."

PICTURES: Summer fireworks light up the skies over Bournemouth

Bournemouth's popular summer fireworks were back with a bang on Friday night.

RECAP: Red Arrows launch Swanage Carnival

The Red Arrows are set to launch Swanage Carnival 2025 today. We will be bringing you latest updates.

Teenage boy hospitalised with injuries after 'disturbance'

The 17-year-old boy sustained injuries to his arm, hand and head and an investigation is ongoing into the incident.

Can I get away with a speeding ticket through a loophole? What the law says

In some special circumstances, you may be able to contest a speeding ticket if you've been caught.

DVLA issues fresh warning to all drivers over 70 who risk £1,000 fines

Failing to return an expired licence to the DVLA is an offence under the Road Traffic Act 1988 and can be punished with a £1,000 fine

'Stop using immediately': Next, Asda, Lidl, Sainsbury's & more issue recalls

The Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS) has issued a number of recalls, including on products sold at Sainsbury's, Next, Lidl and Asda

Drivers warned of £70 fine for common driving mistake - how to avoid

Drivers who are captured driving in a bus lane will receive a standard fine of £70, which is reduced to £35 if paid within 21 days

'Do not eat': Recalls at Tesco, Waitrose, Lidl and more major UK supermarkets

Waitrose, Lidl, Tesco and other UK supermarkets have issued recall warnings to shoppers, with the FSA saying "do not eat"

Formula 1

‘I want to stay with Kimi and George as it stands’ – Wolff

Mercedes boss Toto Wolff has given the clearest indication yet that he wants to retain the driver line-up of George Russell and Kimi Antonelli in 2026.

Can rivals and rain stop Piastri conquering Spa?

Oscar Piastri delivered a lap of the very highest quality to take Sprint pole position ahead of the Belgian Grand Prix and put an ominous marker in the sand ahead of the weekend. But with rain still forecast for Sunday afternoon as it stands, do his rivals still have a chance to topple the Australian?

Benavides and AIX Racing on pole in Spa Qualifying

Brad Benavides claimed his and AIX Racing’s first pole position in Formula 3.

What the teams said - Sprint Qualifying in Belgium

The drivers and teams report back on all the action from Friday Practice and Sprint Qualifying at Spa-Francorchamps for the Belgian Grand Prix.

Russell suggests damage a factor in early Sprint Qualifying exit

George Russell believes that gravel on the track from team mate Kimi Antonelli’s off in Sprint Qualifying could have caused damage that brought his own session to an early close at the Belgian Grand Prix.

Verstappen concedes Sprint pole margin 'not a big surprise'

Max Verstappen believes that losing out on Sprint pole position for the Belgian Grand Prix was "not a big surprise", as the Red Bull driver finished half a second behind poleman Oscar Piastri.

Hamilton frustrated by early Sprint Qualifying exit

Lewis Hamilton was left visibly frustrated after qualifying in 18th place for Saturday’s Sprint Race following a session-ending spin.

Ride onboard for Norris' pole lap in Spa

Lando Norris scored the 13th pole position of his Formula 1 career to best McLaren team mate Oscar Piastri in Qualifying for the Belgian Grand Prix.

Norris happy to ‘get back to the top’ with Spa pole

Lando Norris was pleased to “get back to the top” by claiming pole position in Qualifying for the Belgian Grand Prix, while McLaren team mate Oscar Piastri was left disappointed to miss out on P1, having felt that there “was more in it”.

Hamilton concedes it’s ‘unacceptable’ to be out in both Q1s in Spa

Lewis Hamilton described his Belgian Grand Prix Qualifying result as "unacceptable" after finishing 16th while Ferrari team mate Charles Leclerc in third.

Norris grabs McLaren's first GP pole at Spa since 2012

Lando Norris grabbed his fourth pole position of the season at Spa, pipping his team mate as McLaren locked out the front row ahead of the Belgian Grand Prix. But there were plenty of interesting results up and down the grid, with Yuki Tsunoda making Q3 but Lewis Hamilton tumbling out in Q1. Here are some of the best facts and stats from Qualifying at Spa-Francorchamps…

Watch the action as Norris takes pole in Belgium

Watch the highlights as Lando Norris topped Qualifying for the Belgian Grand Prix in Spa.

Fornaroli takes commanding Spa Sprint Race victory

Invicta Racing’s Leonardo Fornaroli took his second consecutive Sprint Race victory with his triumph in Belgium.

FIA post-Sprint press conference – Belgium

Max Verstappen, Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris report back after the Sprint at Spa-Francorchamps.

Norris surges to pole position in Belgium

Lando Norris will start the Belgian Grand Prix from pole position after going fastest of all in Qualifying, the McLaren driver beating team mate Oscar Piastri and Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc with an impressive lap around Spa-Francorchamps.

AS IT HAPPENED: Norris takes pole for Belgian GP

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

Ocon ‘super pleased’ with Haas double Sprint points in Spa

Esteban Ocon and Ollie Bearman were left delighted after claiming a double points finish for Haas in the Sprint at the Belgian Grand Prix, with the pair converting their respective grid slots of P5 and P7 into a total tally of six points.

Windows Central

Sony wants to expand "PlayStation Studios games beyond PlayStation hardware" — hiring to partner with Xbox, Steam, Nintendo Switch, and more

Sony is following Microsoft's multiplatform strategy, looking to acquire a bigger third-party publishing footprint across PC and even rival consoles.

Bethesda's Oblivion Remastered reaches massive milestone that makes it the Xbox Game Pass hit of the summer — but 'Mixed' Steam reviews highlight a huge problem

One of Xbox's biggest Game Pass hits this year, Oblivion Remastered, just hit a massive milestone. However, "Mixed" PC reviews highlight a huge problem with it.

Frostpunk 2 finally has a console release date for Xbox Series X|S and PS5 — and it's still coming to Xbox Game Pass

11 bit studios' Frostpunk 2 is finally headed to Xbox Series X|S and PlayStation 5 in September 2025, with the game still launching on Xbox Game Pass.

The Division 2 has hit heights not seen in over five years — proof that proper DLC still matters to gamers

The Division 2 has seen a resurgence with its latest DLC, reaching heights of engagement not seen in more than five years.

Fallout show producer is reportedly making a Wolfenstein TV Series for Amazon — I can't wait for more dead Nazis

A report indicates that MachineGames, Bethesda Softworks, and Kilter Films are teaming up to bring a Wolfenstein TV series to Prime Video.

7 things you didn’t know your Microsoft account does on Windows 11

A Microsoft account is more than a method to sign in. In this guide, I'll show you several ways the service works behind the scenes on Windows 11, including managing devices, storing recovery keys, syncing settings, and what you need to do to improve your privacy.

Dying Light: The Beast has been delayed to the beginning of 2025's Autumn season — Which is possibly the worst timing ever, as it will clash with Borderlands 4

Techland, the creators behind the Dying Light series, has announced that it will be delaying the next instalment, Dying Light: The Beast, to September 19, 2025, to allow more time for polishing the final product before release.

Elden Ring Nightreign's Patch 1.02 update next week is adding a feature we've all been waiting for since launch — and another I've been begging for, too

The Patch 1.02 update is coming to Elden Ring Nightreign next week, and it's bringing two fantastic new features to the game I've been waiting ages for.

Laffgaff

In music how many crotchets are there in a minim?

Two.

Vineyard

I recently went back to work at the vineyard I grew up on, where they make wine the old fashioned way. It was my old stomping grounds.

Itsfoss

5 Open Source Apps You Can use for Seamless File Transfer Between Linux and Android

Want to share selected files between your Android smartphone and Linux computer? Explore these open source tools.