The News - Monday, 04 August 2025

BBC News

Hackers, secret cables and security fears: The explosive fight over the UK's new Chinese embassy

It will be the biggest embassy in Europe, if approved. But its opponents fear it brings with it certain risks and dangers

Leaders condemn videos of emaciated hostages as Red Cross calls for access

Hamas said it would allow Red Cross access if humanitarian aid corridors were opened into Gaza.

Man dies after fall at Oasis Wembley concert

The band said they were "shocked and saddened" to hear of the death of a fan.

BBC finds electrocuted, drowned and starved cats in online torture groups

A BBC investigation finds cats and kittens mutilated and tortured by online networks with UK links.

Government pledges extra £100m to tackle people smuggling

The money will pay for up to 300 additional National Crime Agency officers and new technology and equipment.

Chinese university students told to spy on classmates, report says

Lecturers are also being harassed, the report finds, as ministers say threats will not be tolerated.

'I'm in control of my sexual health' - UK gonorrhoea vaccine rollout begins

Doctors say the jabs could save the NHS millions of pounds over the next decade.

F1 tycoon pleads guilty in rare Singapore corruption case

Ong had given expensive gifts to a former minister, including F1 tickets and a private jet ride.

Mission begins to save snails threatened by own beauty

Researchers in Cuba and the UK are working together to reveal the biological secrets of the beautiful but endangered Polymita snail.

Secret filming exposes the 'madams' involved in Kenya's child-sex trade

An undercover BBC investigation reveals the women who involve children as young as 13 in sex work.

'Wembley tragedy' and 'extra £100m will not stop boats'

The papers take a look at a death at an Oasis concert and efforts to tackle illegal migration.

NHS in England told to keep Welsh patients waiting

One woman says the Welsh NHS "can't be bothered" to send letters to patients to explain.

More than 60 migrants die off Yemen in boat capsize

Dozens are still missing after a boat carrying more than 150 migrants - many believed to be Ethiopian - sank off Yemen's south coast.

Fifth person charged over break-in at RAF base

The incident in June saw activists break into the Oxfordshire air base and spray paint two RAF Voyager planes.

Ukraine drone attack causes fire at Sochi oil depot, Russia says

Meanwhile, Ukraine reports Russian air strikes on the southern cities of Kherson and Mykolaiv.

Chile rescuers find body of last trapped miner - five confirmed dead

Tunnels in a copper mine collapsed after an earthquake on Thursday, trapping five miners and killing a sixth person that day.

He is a human skeleton, Gaza hostage's brother tells BBC

Ilay David says the Hamas video showing his brother Evyatar emaciated and weak is a "new form of cruelty" that has left his parents shattered.

Eurostar passengers face delays and cancellations due to French rail issue

Several services between London and Paris have been impacted, as have some trains between Amsterdam and Brussels.

Could you be owed car finance compensation? Here's how to check

A court ruling could lead to millions claiming compensation over being mis-sold car finance deals.

British couple held in Iran are in country's worst prisons, says son

Joe Bennett says Lindsay and Craig Foreman have been held in solitary confinement.

I regret taking my 11-year-old to a riot following Southport attack, says stepmum

A year after anti-migrant protests, two rioters tell BBC Panorama about their motives and regrets.

Two teenagers detained for torture and killing of cats

Two 17-year-olds tortured and cut open the animals, which had been transported in a black bag.

Hundreds of Israeli ex-officials appeal to Trump to help end Gaza war

It comes amid reports that PM Netanyahu is pushing to expand Israel's military operations in Gaza.

Men in court over alleged rape of 12-year-old girl in Nuneaton

Two men are charged by Warwickshire Police over the attack in Nuneaton on 22 July.

Radio personality James Whale dies aged 74

Known for his late-night TV shows and radio phone-ins, he entertained and offended in equal measure.

Hackers, secret cables and security fears: The explosive fight over China's new embassy in the UK

It will be the biggest embassy in Europe, if approved. But its opponents fear it brings with it certain risks and dangers

How to stay safe during a storm and what to do in a power cut

The rain and high winds experienced during stormy weather can damage homes and cause power outages.

BBC finds electrocuted, drowned and starved cats in online torture groups

A BBC investigation finds cats and kittens mutilated and tortured by online networks with UK links.

'There is nothing left' - British expat family forced to flee wildfire in Cyprus

Ben Armstrong says his "nightmare" came to life as his family wouldn't be safe if they stayed at their home.

Irish missionary and child, 3, among nine kidnapped from Haiti orphanage

Gena Heraty and a three-year-old child were taken in the middle of the night in a "planned act", officials say.

Man remanded in custody over Palestine Action RAF break-in

He is the fifth person to be charged in relation to the incident in June.

Chinese students at UK universities told to spy on classmates, report says

Lecturers are also being harassed, the report finds, as ministers say threats will not be tolerated.

Kremlin plays down Trump's nuclear rhetoric as US envoy set to visit Moscow

The comments come as Trump's deadline for Russia to agree a ceasefire with Ukraine or face sanctions edges closer.

Tesla awards boss Elon Musk $29bn in shares

Tesla's board hopes to retain Elon Musk amid a fight for tech talent in the sector.

Policing boss defects from Tories to Reform

Rupert Matthews, who held the position since 2021, has defected from the Conservatives.

Watch: Florida police officer removes alligator from family's pool with bare hands

The reptile was retrieved by the officer and buckled into the back of a police car.

Bournemouth Echo

Woman 'grateful' for community support after fire destroys her home

A Dorset woman says she is “grateful” and “thankful” to the community for rallying around her family after a fire destroyed their home in the early hours of the morning.

‘Overgrown trees are causing my garden to flood – but the council won’t cut them’

A frustrated woman is urging the council to prune trees backing onto her property in Dibden after her garden flooded

'Unassuming' and scenic Hampshire village that is 'gateway to the New Forest'

Ashurst is a village a short drive away from Southampton that is described as a "picturesque" gateway to the New Forest

Summer firework spectacular coming to Christchurch Quay

SUMMER firework spectacular is coming back for residents promising to give ‘family friendly evening of fireworks.’

'Why don't AFC Bournemouth sponsor the air festival?'

Enviously looking across the bay from Bournemouth beach at another spectacular display by the Red Arrows at Swanage we too wondered why BCP can no longer afford anything.

I tried the bargain lunchtime menu at town's top rated restaurant

Al Molo restaurant has retained its position as the number one-rated restaurant in Dorchester on popular review website TripAdvisor for more than a year.

Man allegedly had drugs and breached court bail

A MAN has been arrested on suspicion of breaching court bail and possessing drugs.

'Scandalous cost of parking will stop us using Bournemouth Airport'

We travel abroad on a regular basis, and wherever possible we use regional airports - Southampton and Bournemouth in particular.

'Criminals feel untouchable - but we're clamping down on shoplifting'

To every retail worker in our town — I want you to know that I’m on your side. You should not face abuse or theft, and I’m working to keep you safe.

Greenpeace event to discuss the impact of fishing and fish farms

AN IMPORTANT discussion will explore the impact the impact of fish farms and fishing on marine life in Swanage next month.

Bournemouth hotel boss appointed by national government in major new role

BOURNEMOUTH hotel boss appointed by national government as the new Disability & Access Ambassador for the Hospitality Industry.

Volunteers remove 'invasive' plants from stream

Bournemouth Water volunteers show support with Bourne Stream clean-up project to remove invasive plants.

Annual dog show is back for 2025

A DORSET based animal charity is organising a weekend of dog show to fundraise for their charity.

In The Dock: Woman banned from supermarkets after assaulting five people

The following cases were heard at Poole Magistrates' Court:

Emergency services rush to house fire in Bournemouth

Emergency services are currently in attendance of a House fire in Bournemouth.

Beloved Grade II restaurant in former church up for sale

A beloved family restaurant in Lymington is up for sale for over half a million pounds.

Woman assaulted by man in town centre with two females rushing to help

A WOMAN was assaulted by a man in Bournemouth town centre, with two females rushing to help.

Thieves stole bike after breaking into vehicle

TWO thieves forced entry into a vehicle to steal a mountain bike from inside.

£5 million paid out in A&E negligence claims

Figures obtained by Medical Negligence Assist found that, since 2019, NHS Trusts in Dorset have had to pay out nearly £5m to patients who have lodged claims following negligence in an A&E setting.

Bid to build new homes on green belt land slammed and rejected

A bid to erect new homes on green belt land in New Milton has been rejected by the Planning Inspectorate.

Drivers warned as major dual carriageway set to be hit by road works

Drivers in the New Forest are being warned as National Highways are set to carry out road works on a busy main road.

The little Dorset town which has one of the best restaurants in the country

Here's what foodies can expect to find if they visit Beaminster in west Dorset, which has one of the best restaurants in the country

Six-mile diversion in place for 75 metre roadworks

A massive diversion route has been put in place for a road closure

The beach tent trend that's causing concern

Concern has been voiced that beach tents and windbreakers are taking over Weymouth beach.

Chris Packham backs call to fix autism death review system

The LeDeR programme analyses the care received by individuals with learning disabilities or autism who have died.

'Deliberate' heath fire destroyed 19 hectares of land

A WILDFIRE affecting 19 hectares of heathland in Dorset is ‘deliberate’ officials have confirmed.

Man arrested after woman sexually assaulted in early hours

A man has been arrested after reportedly sexually assaulting a woman in the early hours.

Trolley of rubbish dumped in alleyway traced to address

A trolley filled with rubbish was fly tipped was left in an alleyway.

New Forest summer camp welcomes teens fleeing Ukraine war

It offered a safe and inclusive environment for young people affected by the ongoing war.

Campsite given green light to serve alcohol all year

A campsite near a New Forest village has been given permission to serve alcohol all year round despite objections from a neighbour.

Man reportedly punched in face three times in Baiter Park

Dorset Police reported the man assaulted the victim in the areas of Whitecliff and Baiter Park before leaving in the direction of Sherwood Avenue.

PICTURES: Thousands flock to Camp Bestival for four days of music and family fun

THOUSANDS of people gathered to enjoy Dorset’s ultimate family festival filled with four days of music and family fun.

Man ‘acted like an animal’ by biting, strangling and restraining woman

A MAN ‘acted like an animal’ when he bit, strangled and prevented a woman from fleeing during an hours-long attack, a court heard.

Charity boss stole £14k from slavery victims and blew it on food and fuel

The manager of a charity stole more than £14,000 of taxpayers' money meant for victims of human trafficking and spent the money in Swindon instead.

Dorset's new scheme makes solar more affordable

Are you considering installing solar panels but unsure where to start? The first round of the "Solar Together" scheme is now open for registrations in Dorset. This scheme allows residents access to high-quality solar panels and battery storage at competitive prices.

Bournemouth Airport operator sold to international investment firm

The operator of Bournemouth Airport has been sold to an international investment firm.

Newsquest to publish souvenir supplements for Teenage Cancer Trust anniversary

Newsquest has announced it will be publishing souvenir supplements across its titles to mark the Teenage Cancer Trust's 35th anniversary

What happens if you die intestate? Half of adults don't have a will

NoThe National Wills Report revealed that approximately 47% of UK adults, over 32 million people, do not have a will. “Do I need a Will” searches in the UK have risen 37% in the last year, with 88K searches a month, according to Google Trends.

The Chase star forced to halt Celebs Go Dating filming over his health

The Chase’s Mark Labbett has been filming for Celebs Go Dating but he was forced to pause filming for the series after "a hypoglycaemic attack".

Formula 1

All the key moments from the Hungarian GP

In the last race before F1 embarks on its summer break, the Hungarian Grand Prix offered up plenty of talking points to tide us over until the racing returns.

What the teams said – Race day in Hungary

The drivers and teams report back on all the action from race day at the Hungaroring for the 2025 Hungarian Grand Prix.

Verstappen concedes Red Bull had ‘a tough week’ in Hungary

Max Verstappen experienced one of his more challenging race weekends with Red Bull as he lost ground to the frontrunners in Hungary and was forced to settle for crossing the line at the tail end of the top 10.

Hamilton ‘looking forward to going away’ after tough Hungary weekend

Lewis Hamilton’s challenging weekend in Hungary continued on Sunday, with the Ferrari driver finishing the Grand Prix a lap down and outside the points-paying positions.

Vasseur admits Ferrari needs answer for 'strange' chassis issue

Fred Vasseur admits that Ferrari must find an answer to the "quite strange" chassis problem which afflicted Charles Leclerc's Ferrari in the Hungarian Grand Prix and led to a "disaster" final stint.

9 things you might have missed from the Hungarian GP weekend

With the Formula 1 Hungarian Grand Prix all wrapped, here are some more off-track moments you may have missed...

Win a VIP experience with Mercedes-AMG Petronas

Win the ultimate VIP experience with Mercedes-AMG Petronas

6 Winners and 5 Losers from Hungary

Lando Norris executed the one-stop to perfection on his way to victory in Hungary, but who else stood out in the final race before Formula 1's summer break?

McLaren ‘as close to perfect as you can get’ – Brown

Zak Brown and Andrea Stella react to McLaren's performance at the Hungarian Grand Prix, where Lando Norris delivered a victory and Oscar Piastri finished second.

‘It's a when not if’ – Russell on Mercedes contract situation

George Russell has confirmed it is a case of "when not if" he will sign a new contract keeping him at Mercedes for 2026 after months of speculation.

Alonso praises Aston Martin's double points finish in Hungarian GP

Fernando Alonso believes there was "nothing more we could ask" from the Hungarian Grand Prix as Aston Martin secured its best team result of the season.

Bortoleto 'glad I was fighting' Alonso and Verstappen in Hungary

Gabriel Bortoleto admits "I'm glad I was fighting" the likes of Fernando Alonso and Max Verstappen during the Hungarian Grand Prix, having secured his best result in Formula 1.

Vasseur insists Hamilton ‘frustrated but not demotivated’

Ferrari Team Principal Fred Vasseur has come to the defence of Lewis Hamilton after the Briton described himself as "useless" during the Hungarian Grand Prix weekend.

‘It was an absolute blast!’ – F1 Unlocked winners

F1 Unlocked brings fans closer with unforgettable moments and F1 fan experiences you won’t find anywhere else. Watch and read about their experience below.

MS Dynamics

Diagnostics and telemetry for Dynamics 365 Contact Center voice channel

In today’s connected world, voice communication remains a cornerstone of customer engagement. Whether it’s a support call for customer service or a telehealth session with a doctor, call quality and reliability are critical. That’s where our enriched telemetry and insights come in. Equipped with comprehensive telemetry data, developers and IT teams can monitor, detect, diagnose, and resolve issues with voice call performance, regardless of the calling service provider. This […]

The post Diagnostics and telemetry for Dynamics 365 Contact Center voice channel appeared first on Microsoft Dynamics 365 Blog.

Windows Central

Battlefield 6 has a mountain of hype — and this data shows it might have a chance at seriously denting Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 this year

While they are very different games (even before you talk about Call of Duty's wacky skins), it's interesting to analyse the competition between the two flagship military shooters.

ChatGPT chats won’t show up on Google anymore — here’s how to remove your shared links

ChatGPT chats were showing up in Google Search thanks to a specific setting. Now OpenAI has disabled it — and you can clean up your links.

I spent a week using this AIO and it met all of my creative needs — I can't recommend it enough as a school or family computer

The Lenovo Yoga AIO 27" is a reliable desktop with a built-in wireless phone charging base. It offers solid performance for everything from everyday work tasks to creative projects. But there are a few things to be aware of. Our review.

Windows Central Podcast: 10 years of Windows 10, and Copilot Mode!

Dan and Zac take a look back at Windows 10 as it celebrates its 10th anniversary and discussing how it's evolved over the years. Plus, a first look at Copilot Mode and the 50th Anniversary Surface Laptop!

Battlefield 6 clarifies PC vs. console crossplay, skill-based matchmaking — potentially solving one of my biggest issues with Battlefield 2042

Battlefield 2042 introduced full cross-play and cross-progression between platforms, as EA dabbled with cross-play in earlier installations. However, it caused more problems than it solved. Will Battlefield 6 get it right?

Windows 11 bug that "unexpectedly" trolled Apple squashed by Microsoft — Vista startup sound removed

Windows 11 no longer plays the Vista startup sound. Microsoft says it was just a bug, but the timing with Apple’s new UI says otherwise.

Don't buy the wrong laptop for school — these sub-$600 options are actually worth your money

Heading back to school? Whether you're a student or the parent of a student, it's an expensive time. These budget-friendly laptops sit above many of the other affordable PCs out there, saving you stress and money.

"Miserably incompetent" — Microsoft locked this LibreOffice developer account for a week, indicating "service violations"

LibreOffice developer Mike Kaganski lost access to his Microsoft account for a week while his first support tickets were ignored after the company claimed he had violated terms in its Services Agreement.

How to get started with Markdown in the Notepad app for Windows 11

On Windows 11, you can now use Notepad with Markdown support, and in this guide, I'll explain these steps to enable, use the markup language, and disable the feature.

Laffgaff

Which basketball team reached 5 straight NBA Finals in the 2010s?

Golden State Warriors.

Zoo Escape

Did you hear about the aquatic sea mammals that escaped from the zoo? It was otter chaos.