The News - Saturday, 18 October 2025

BBC News

Prince Andrew gives up his title as Duke of York

The prince said he had made the decision because "continued accusations about me distract from the work" of the Royal Family.

After all those scandals, why did Andrew quit his titles now?

He has voluntarily given up his titles but was clearly under pressure to jump before he was pushed.

Zelensky guarded on Tomahawk missile talks with Trump after White House meeting

Following the meeting, Trump calls for Kyiv and Moscow to "stop where they are" and end the war.

We're furious the 'Lip King' is selling weight-loss jabs, say dead mother's family

Alice Webb died last year after falling unwell following a non-surgical Brazilian butt lift carried out by Jordan Parke.

Smuggler jailed for 40 years after shipping ballistic missiles parts from Iran

The Pakistani convict called himself a "walking dead person" just days before his last voyage destined for Houthi rebels in Yemen.

Exciting results from blood test for 50 cancers

The Galleri test looks for fragments of DNA that have broken off a tumour and are circulating in the blood.

'Have a great life!' Trump orders prison release of disgraced ex-lawmaker Santos

George Santos was jailed for seven years for stealing identities, including from members of his own family.

Government 'doing everything' to overturn Maccabi Tel Aviv fan ban

The Home Office said it is exploring what extra resources are required to allow fans to attend the Aston Villa match.

Mystery heatwave warms Pacific Ocean to new record

Temperatures have surged across a large area of the north Pacific - and scientists don't know exactly why.

Lamborghini swerves away from all-electric future

Customers still want "the sound and the emotion" of internal combustion engines, the company's boss Stephan Winkelmann said.

Red Cross retrieves another body of dead hostage in Gaza, Israel says

If forensic testing confirms the identity of the remains, it will be the tenth body Hamas has returned - out of 28.

'I'm trying to forgive', says mum of baby found in Hull undertakers two years after funeral

Jasmine Beverley was given the ashes of a stranger by funeral director Robert Bush.

How an old suitcase revealed a hidden family fortune, lost under Nazi rule

The contents of his late father's case led Antony Easton to uncover a rich and tragic history.

The Papers: 'Andrew gives up titles' and 'Banned old Duke of York'

Prince Andrew giving up his titles, including the Duke of York, dominates Saturday's papers.

'I'm not putting my ring back on yet,' says Molly-Mae after Tommy reunion

The pair are now back together, but in her new series, Molly-Mae Hague says things are "not perfect".

Grand Sumo in London? An ancient sport finds new fans far beyond Japan

Going to Japan is almost the only way to see a top-flight suo sumo tournament. This week, London is hosting.

'It's scary to think I could have died': How Americans are coming back from fentanyl addiction

Fatal overdoses in the US are falling - and Kayla's state of North Carolina is at the forefront of that trend.

Can Putin's 'Flying Kremlin' travel through EU airspace to Budapest?

If Putin does go to Budapest to meet Trump in the next two weeks, he would need to clear a few hurdles first.

'A drunken Butlin's holiday mishap saved my life'

Charlotte Morjaria found out she had cancer after an accident on a trip with her friends to Butlins.

'We have to prioritise South Africans': Anti-migrant movement blocks foreigners from healthcare

Activists are stopping foreigners going to some health clinics with little push-back from the state.

Buying more, wearing less - why India's Diwali gold rush is different

Soaring gold prices have dented jewellery demand but Indians are not ready to give up on the metal yet.

Who is Prince Andrew? The royal who has given up his titles

He remains a prince but has given up the title of Duke of York among others.

David Hockney's iPad drawings sell for millions

Seventeen prints titled "Arrival of Spring in Woldgate" went under the hammer at Sotheby's earlier.

OpenAI stops 'disrespectful' Martin Luther King Jr deepfakes

The intervention has not stopped Sora users generating and sharing fake clips of other historical figures.

Government 'doing everything' to overturn Maccabi Tel Aviv fan ban

It is working with police and exploring what additional resources are required to allow all fans to attend.

Accuser's brother urges King to strip Andrew of prince title

Sky Roberts says he would like to see the King go a step further after Prince Andrew agreed to give up his other titles.

Eleven killed after Israel hits bus in Gaza, Hamas-run civil defence says

The Israeli military said it had fired at a "suspicious vehicle" it said had crossed the line demarcating the area occupied by its forces.

After all those scandals, why did Andrew quit his titles now?

He has voluntarily given up the remaining vestiges of his royal life, but was clearly under pressure to jump before he was pushed.

Lady Annabel Goldsmith dies aged 91

Annabel's nightclub in Mayfair, which was popular with celebrities in the 1960s and 1970s, was named after her.

Anger as historic Scottish ship towed out to sea and sunk in Hawaii

Falls of Clyde was scuttled by the authorities in Hawaii despite a campaign to return to its birthplace for restoration.

Louisiana resident assisted in Hamas 7 October attack, US says

Mahmoud Amin Ya'qub al-Muhtadi allegedly joined a paramilitary group that fought alongside Hamas during the 7 October attack.

David Attenborough becomes oldest Daytime Emmy winner

The 99-year-old broadcaster and naturalist wins for his work narrating the series Secret Lives of Orangutans.

Watch: Brits row from Peru to Australia in tiny boat

Jess Rowe and Miriam Payne told the BBC how they made the six-month journey unsupported, catching fish and growing their own vegetables.

'Have a great life!' Trump orders prison release of disgraced ex-lawmaker Santos

George Santos was jailed for seven years for stealing identities, including from members of his own family.

Tory MP reports deepfake defection video to police

Such political disinformation has the potential to corrupt democracy, says the Mid Norfolk MP.

Great-grandmother graduates from university at 90 years old

90-year-old Maryette was the oldest of more than 300 graduates at the Open University's ceremony in Belfast on Tuesday.

Suffolk mum grows 58-stone pumpkin to beat son in family challenge

Frances Crickmore's monster pumpkin triumphed in the farmer family challenge.

I never expected to work at the chocolate factory founded by my ancestor

Giles Naish says he is proud of his connection to chocolatier and philanthropist Joseph Rowntree.

Bournemouth Echo

I tried Lush's 'Book a Bath' experience at their spa and I was pleasantly surprised

HAVING a bath somewhere other than your home may seem slightly unconventional however, Lush have turned its ‘book a bath’ into a spa experience.

Fraudster who scammed victims for £28m bought house in New Forest

A fraudster who bought a house worth £2.4 million in Hampshire from the proceeds of a holiday investment scam defrauded more than 3,000 people out of £28 million.

Tributes paid to 'inspirational' founder of Bournemouth parkrun who died

Tributes have been paid to the ‘inspirational’ founder of Bournemouth parkrun, who has passed away.

Lebanese restaurant reopens in town centre after four-month refurb

A Lebanese restaurant in Bournemouth town centre has reopened after a four-month refurbishment. 

Parisians jailed for illegally driving 'scared' Vietnamese child into Poole

Berge-Fa Fresnel Bakouetela, 19, and Sofiane Khalis, 24, both pleaded guilty to a breach of immigration law, by driving a non UK national into Poole from Cherbourg.

In The Dock: Driver failed to stop after hitting 17-year-old

The following cases were heard at Poole Magistrates' Court:

'Profitable' bar to close after owners fail to find buyer

AN ALE bar has announced it will be closing its doors after being unable to find someone to take over the ‘profitable’ business.

Revamped pub to reopen with 'premium feeling' under new landlord

The Athelstan Arms pub in Bournemouth is reopening under a new landlord who wants to give the site and customers a 'new sense of pride'.

Lane closed on A31 due to crash

A lane closure is in place on the A31 due to a crash

Lane closure and slow traffic on A31 due to crash

A LANE closure is in place on the A31 near Ringwood due to a crash.

Car bursts into flames after crash

A VEHICLE burst into flames after a crash near Bovington - forcing a three hour road closure

Met Office weather forecast for Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole

UK weather forecast: 17–23 November – mixed sun, cloud and rain. Temperatures peak at 16°C. Heavy rain Sunday, sunny spells Thursday.

The one bakery you need to visit in the BCP area according to readers

Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole has several high-quality bakeries to visit, according to Daily Echo readers

From rescue to runaway: RNLI launches own Hunted spin-off

RNLI 'fugitives' have embarked on their own Hunted spin-off, aiming to get from Lymington to Poole stations undetected.

Emergency services called to beach after woman collapsed

Emergency services were called Southbourne beach following reports of a woman who had collapsed.

Prince Andrew will 'no longer' use Duke of York title as he steps 'further' back

Prince Andrew will stop using his remaining titles and honours, including the Duke of York, in the wake of the Epstein scandal.

Animal blessing service held in Wimborne Minster

She brought along two of her North Ronaldsay sheep, which is a rare breed and originate from the Orkney Island.

Builder launches app to deliver building materials in 30 minutes

Bournemouth builder launches Quick Trade Direct app, offering rapid building materials delivery in as little as 30 minutes for Dorset tradespeople, DIYers and local suppliers.

Bournemouth University to lead work in £16 million NIHR grant

Bournemouth University researchers will lead two areas of work as part of a £16m NIHR grant, focusing on integrated social care, digitised care, and care in rural and coastal communities.

Bournemouth event named best in Dorset for second year in a row

Bournemouth Writing Festival wins Dorset Tourism Awards for tourism event or festival of the year, attracting UK writers and boosting local hotels, restaurants, and shops outside the busy summer months.

Ringwood Society annual Design and Conservation awards

Ringwood Society Design and Conservation Awards: Monsreed Limited, Williams Lester Architects, Seldown House, and Love to B Skincare recognised.

Laurel and Hardy photo expected to fetch up to £1,200 at auction

Signed Laurel and Hardy 1947 English tour photo, featuring Oliver Hardy and Stan Laurel, to be auctioned by Ewbank’s—estimate £800–£1,200.

Warning after UK experiences 'warmest summer on record'

"Using just a little less water in the colder months helps resources to recover, so we can start next summer with levels as good as possible."

Trip to Hardy exhibition inspires 86-year-old care home resident

Pam said: "I always have a pen and paper ready to write my own poems about my life and Dorchester, much like Hardy."

Hundreds of children cycle to school for week-long initiative

Hundreds of children across Dorset have cycled to school this week as part of a national campaign.

Coordinated oil spill exercise held at Beaulieu River

The exercise was conducted in real-time to evaluate the readiness of the river and Beaulieu Estate teams.

Clinic holds event to inform people about upper eyelid surgery

Skin ID Clinic in Lilliput hosted an "All About Eyes" event on upper eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty) led by Consultant Ophthalmic Surgeon Miss Cath Marsh.

Bournemouth in Bloom celebrates its 40th annual awards

Bournemouth in Bloom marked its 40th annual awards at the West Cliff Hotel, with winners receiving trophies and blue plaques.

Charity recognises efforts to improve motorcycle safety

DocBike charity honours Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service, Ben Preston, and David Sidwick for outstanding contributions to motorcycle safety and injury prevention.

The 3p an hour bargain buy that keeps me warm all winter without heating

As the nights draw in, few things in life can be quite as perfect as snuggling down under an electric blanket or a heated throw.

Inn unveils new standalone bedrooms in 'tranquil escape'

Each Hideout is styled with a calming palette of greens and earthy neutrals, inspired by the surrounding landscape.

Diamond ring set to be sold at Charterhouse auction

A stunning around 2.4ct diamond ring will be auctioned at Charterhouse this November, with estimates of £3,000–£4,000. Valuations ongoing.

Motor group named 'Dealer of the Year 2025' at national awards

Eden Motor Group wins Dealer of the Year 2025 at the Leasing.com Awards, recognising its "exceptional performance," "customer service," and "contribution to the UK automotive leasing industry."

Douch Family Group growing after investment in funeral home

Ives and Shand, part of the Douch Family Group, sees growth in Parkstone following investment in its Parkstone branch, supporting funerals and wakes and community groups.

Lighthouse announces diverse lineup of events for February

That same evening, comedian Glenn Moore will perform his show "Please Sir, Glenn I Have Some Moore?" at 8pm in the Sherling Studio.

Duo raise thousands for church restoration with 10,000ft skydive

Colten Care staff skydive to raise over £2,000 for Mudeford All Saints Church restoration after 2022 fire.

Knitted wartime scenes to be displayed at Sherborne Abbey

Knitted wartime scenes exhibition, The Longest Yarn 2, opens at Sherborne Abbey from 4–27 November, marking Remembrance Sunday. Free entry; donations support the abbey and veterans' charities.

Season of melodramatic films to open at Lighthouse Poole

The season is made possible with the support of the BFI Film Audience Network, funded by the National Lottery.

Excitement as B&M could open in Bournemouth next year

B&M could open new Bournemouth store in former Wilko unit on Wimborne Road, Winton in early 2026, following BCP Council approval.

Bournemouth has the worst mould problem among coastal towns

Bournemouth tops England's popular coastal towns for mould problems, with high search rates for removal. Damp and mould pose health risks and cost the NHS £1.4bn.

Nearly 100 local business leaders meet for networking lunch

Mr Edwards reflected on his two decades leading the charity, sharing stories from his time at the helm.

Why using a mobile phone at the petrol station may be banned

However, the organisation has stressed the importance of reducing risk, as even a small spark could have severe consequences.

Firm sets refreshed vision as it nears 70 years in business

Ward Goodman unveils new vision as it nears 70 years, focusing on financial planning, wealth management, and business advisory services across the UK.

New school building officially opened by CBeebies star

CBeebies presenter Chris Jarvis opens Oak Academy’s building in Bournemouth, opened under the Schools Rebuilding Programme. Guests toured new facilities.

Volunteers honoured for their outstanding contributions

Forest Holme Hospice Charity celebrated six volunteers with Hidden Heroes Awards at Colten Care’s Bourne View Care Home, recognising outstanding service.

'Do not eat': M&S, Tesco, Lidl and more UK supermarkets issue recalls

M&S, Tesco, Lidl and Iceland are among the supermarkets to issue recalls and 'do not eat' warnings on products

Tesco, Argos, Primark and B&M warning as shoppers told 'stop using immediately'

Shoppers at Tesco, Argos, TK Maxx, John Lewis, Primark, B&M and Amazon have been warned to stop using some products sold at the stores

CrossCountry customers warned of travel disruption this weekend

Despite the suspension, rail industry timelines mean it is too late to reinstate a normal timetable on CrossCountry services this weekend.

'A welcome restoration of local democracy'

Tuesday night's decision by BCP Council to establish a town council for Poole is a welcome restoration of local democracy.

Model railway exhibition to move to new and larger venue

Poole and District Model Railway Society's 2025 exhibition moves to Corfe Hills School, Poole. Enjoy quality model railway layouts, traders & demos.

Donation to help give vital support to Christchurch families

Diverse Abilities received £5,303 from Christchurch Magdalen Trust to support disability short breaks at The Treehouse, Hurn, helping Christchurch families.

Formula 1

Can Verstappen conquer McLaren again in Austin?

Max Verstappen took his 10th Sprint pole in 22 Sprint weekends with a superb final lap at Austin's Circuit of The Americas to edge out McLaren Lando Norris by the smallest of margins. But have the Dutchman and his Red Bull team got what it takes to defeat McLaren for the fourth race weekend on the bounce? 

What the teams said – Sprint Qualifying in the United States

The drivers and teams report back on all the action from Friday practice and Sprint Qualifying from the Circuit of The Americas ahead of the United States Grand Prix.

Tsunoda ‘frustrated’ by costly Red Bull error in SQ1

Yuki Tsunoda was left questioning what had happened after a timing error from Red Bull saw him drop out of Sprint Qualifying at the end of the first phase at the Circuit of The Americas.

Leclerc admits Ferrari are ‘so far behind now’

Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton gave a downbeat assessment of Ferrari’s performance during Sprint Qualifying at the United States Grand Prix, with Leclerc stating that the squad are “so far behind now” after ending the session towards the bottom of the top 10.

Ride onboard as Verstappen charges to US GP Sprint pole

Max Verstappen continued his dominance of Sprint Qualifying in the United States by taking his third Sprint pole in Circuit of the Americas.

FIA Team Principals press conference – United States

TEAM REPRESENTATIVES Laurent MEKIES (Red Bull), Zak BROWN (McLaren), Toto WOLFF (Mercedes)

Norris ‘not surprised’ to miss out on Austin Sprint pole

Lando Norris admitted that he was “not surprised” to just miss out on pole to Max Verstappen during Sprint Qualifying at the United States Grand Prix, though the McLaren driver remains hopeful of getting “back ahead” during the Sprint itself.

Verstappen cautious of ‘tough’ McLaren challenge in COTA Sprint

Red Bull's Max Verstappen snatched Sprint pole from Lando Norris with an impressive last-gasp effort at the Circuit of The Americas.

Watch the action as Verstappen takes Sprint pole at COTA

Max Verstappen took his third United States Grand Prix Sprint pole in succession, with a last-gasp effort to deny Lando Norris.

Verstappen beats Norris to Sprint pole in Austin

Max Verstappen has taken pole position for the Sprint at the United States Grand Prix, the Dutchman putting in a stunning lap during the final moments of Sprint Qualifying to beat both McLaren cars.

LIVE COVERAGE: Follow the Sprint in the United States

Live coverage of the F1 Sprint ahead of the 2025 United States Grand Prix in Austin.

Brown defends call to keep Norris' 'consequence' private

McLaren CEO Zak Brown has defended the decision not to make details of Lando Norris’ ‘consequence’ public, after his collision with team mate Oscar Piastri at the Singapore Grand Prix.

Mercedes were ‘definitely not’ in Sprint pole fight – Russell

George Russell believes that Mercedes were “definitely not” in with a chance of claiming pole position during Sprint Qualifying at the United States Grand Prix, the Briton instead suggesting that the squad’s fight is for P4 after claiming fifth on the grid.

Hulkenberg feared Austin practice pace was ‘too good to be true’

Nico Hulkenberg qualified on the second row of the grid for the United States Grand Prix Sprint, marking his best starting position of the season.

See how Verstappen took Sprint pole with our ‘Ghost Car’

Max Verstappen clinched Sprint pole at the United States Grand Prix as his superb lap just pipped Lando Norris to top spot.

Windows Central

The ARC Raiders Server Slam beta is off to a rip-roaring start on Steam with a player count of nearly 200,000 — it's a top seller just behind Battlefield 6, too

Battlefield 6 still holds the crown, but how long can it hold on?

I'm happy Battlefield 6 just made these huge improvements to its slow progression system — but the biggest problem still remains

Some major improvements to Battlefield 6's slow progression system have come that should speed up leveling considerably, though its Challenges are still quite frustrating.

The Xbox Ally handheld gaming PC launches worldwide — and Xbox already has a roadmap for its future

The Xbox Ally is now officially out in the wild, and while the hardware shows real potential, the software still needs work. Xbox has laid out a roadmap to improve the experience, covering new features, performance upgrades, and long-term handheld support.

Laffgaff

Dr William T. G. Morton demonstrated the use of what surgical anesthetic for the first time in 1846?

Ether.

Cannibal Sleepover

My cannibal girlfriend finally convinced me to sleep over. She promised to make me breakfast in the morning.