The News - Wednesday, 22 October 2025

BBC News

300 people tell BBC of police misogyny and racism after undercover investigation

Many describe incidents of domestic violence and sexual abuse being dismissed by officers across England.

Focus of grooming inquiry 'will not change', home secretary insists

Shabana Mahmood's intervention comes after three survivors quit their inquiry roles over fears the scope was widening beyond abuse gangs.

Effects of antidepressants on physical health ranked for first time

Find out which to avoid if you are concerned about weight gain.

Ukraine hits Russian chemical plant with UK-made Storm Shadow missiles

The Bryansk facility produced gunpowder, explosives and rocket fuel components, Ukraine's military says.

The £5.30 orange juice that tells the story of why supermarket prices are sky high

Butter, chocolate, coffee and milk have all seen prices rocket. Tracing back through the story of one particular supermarket staple begins to explain why

Israel identifies bodies of two hostages returned by Hamas

The recovery of Aryeh Zalmanovich and Master Sergeant Tamir Adar's remains means Hamas has returned 15 out of 28 deceased Israeli hostages.

Six arrested after violent protest outside Dublin migrant hotel

Police officers were attacked with missiles and fireworks after violence flared outside a hotel used to house asylum seekers.

Gambling ads featuring Lewis Hamilton and Chelsea FC logo banned over influence on children

UK's ad watchdog warns the betting companies not to include any character who has a strong appeal to viewers under the age of 18.

Our biggest competition is screens at home, says boss of theme park giant Merlin Entertainments

Merlin Entertainments Fiona Eastwood sits down for the BBC's Big Boss Interview.

Can shampoo repair hair? Four haircare myths get the chop

There are countless hair products and hacks circulating. Two trichologists bust four common haircare myths.

The Papers: 'Problems pile up for Reeves' and 'a kiss from Carla'

Reported budget leaks and ex-French president Sarkozy beginning his prison term make the papers.

Author Philip Pullman calls on government to act on AI using books for training

The writer of the trilogies His Dark Materials and The Book of Dust wants copyright laws changed.

Why Trump made breakthrough in Gaza but can't with Putin over Ukraine

The leaders' cancelled summit is just the latest twist in Trump's efforts to broker an end to the war, writes Anthony Zurcher.

Is Trump allowed to demolish part of the White House to build a ballroom?

Demolition work has begun on part of the White House to make way for President Trump's new ballroom.

Israel's 'yellow line' in Gaza gives Netanyahu room for manoeuvre

Israeli forces have pulled back to a boundary which leaves Israel in control of most of Gaza - keeping far-right ministers on Netanyahu's side, for now.

Fining firms for sewage spills will get 'quicker and easier', says government

The plans would see automatic fines for some offences and the burden of proof lowered for others.

Stolen Louvre jewellery worth £76m, prosecutor says

The historic items were taken in broad daylight and are now feared to have been broken down for parts.

British officers sent to Israel to help monitor Gaza ceasefire

A small number of British planning officers has been sent to Israel to join a US-led multinational taskforce.

Chris Mason: Labour feel the heat in crucial Welsh by-election test

Polling and the mood within the parties suggest something is up in Caerphilly, writes political editor Chris Mason.

Hermès appoints British designer Grace Wales Bonner to lead menswear

Grace Wales Bonner becomes the first black woman to lead design at a major fashion house.

British grandmother on Bali death row to return to UK after drug smuggling conviction

Lindsay Sandiford, 69, spent years in prison in Indonesia after being convicted of drug smuggling.

Harvey Willgoose killer sentenced to at least 16 years

Mohammed Umar Khan stabbed Harvey through the heart at Sheffield's All Saints Catholic High School.

Migrant removed to France returns to UK on small boat

The man was sent to France under the 'one in, one out' deal but returned via the Channel on a small boat, the BBC understands.

Council U-turn on fine for coffee poured in drain

Burcu Yesilyurt, who poured coffee down a drain in Richmond, welcomed the cancellation of the "disproportionate" fine.

Can you spot a traitor? Take our quiz to find out

Many of us like to think we could identify a traitor if we were in the castle. But would you spot the clues?

Manchester Pride goes bust with thousands owed in unpaid fees

Organisers say the event is no longer "financially viable", blaming rising costs and declining ticket sales.

Reform of special educational needs system delayed until 2026

The government says it needs more time to test proposals for the special educational needs system.

Relief over inflation, but what now for the Budget?

Prices rise slower than expected in the year to September while the chancellor hints at help in the Budget.

US Senate candidate apologises for tattoo that resembles Nazi symbol

Democratic candidate Graham Platner says he was unaware that his skull-and-crossbones tattoo looked like Nazi imagery.

UN's top court says Israel obliged to allow UN aid into Gaza

The court also says Israel has not substantiated its allegations against the UN agency for Palestinian refugees.

The £5.30 orange juice that tells the story of why supermarket prices are sky high

Butter, chocolate, coffee and milk have all seen prices rocket. Tracing back through the story of one particular supermarket staple begins to explain why

'My ex stalked me, the law needs to be better'

Two victims share their experiences as the government announces a review into tackling stalking.

Which benefits are going up and by how much?

The cost of living is always important but this month's data has a particular extra impact for millions of people.

Chess federation looking into Vladimir Kramnik's attacks on grandmaster Daniel Naroditsky

The chess community has called for action against the Russian after the US chess grandmaster died.

Prince Andrew should face MPs over Royal Lodge lease, says Davey

Sir Ed Davey says Prince Andrew should be give evidence to a select committee inquiry about Crown finances.

Apple may be forced to allow rival app stores in UK

The Competition and Markets Authority says the tech giant dominates the smartphone market along with Google.

Effects of antidepressants on physical health ranked for first time

Find out which to avoid if you are concerned about weight gain.

'Police made it 10 times worse' - 300 people tell BBC of police misogyny and racism

Following a BBC undercover investigation, many describe incidents of domestic violence and sexual abuse being dismissed by officers across England.

Bournemouth Echo

Taxi driver fears Christchurch bypass closure will bring town to a standstill

A taxi driver said he is ‘making himself ill with stress’ over how a major road closure will impact his business.

MP slams government for making 'disastrous' visa rule changes

Poole MP Neil Duncan-Jordan slams UK government’s new skilled worker visa rules, warning higher salary threshold and ILR changes threaten health and social care.

Event to relive jive and swing era coming to Bournemouth

Bournemouth is set to host a jive weekend at Carrington House Hotel, 14–17 November, featuring The Jive Aces, dance workshops, and live music.

Calls for tougher action on drug driving as deaths rise

Dorset PCC urges tougher drug driving laws as drug-related road deaths rise. New reports highlight drug-related road deaths now outnumber drink driving in some parts of the UK.

Packed schedule of activities for kids this half-term

BH Live Active leisure centres offer kids’ holiday activities for October half-term, including swimming, sports camps, inflatables, and a Halloween event.

HealthBus Trust welcomes new nurse-led clinical consultant

HealthBus Trust appoints Hazel Allen as Nurse-led Clinical Consultant, advancing nurse-led homeless healthcare across Bournemouth, Christchurch & Poole.

New Forest National Park Authority elects new chair

Victoria Mander elected chair of New Forest National Park Authority, succeeding David Bence.

Printing company launches £250,000 investment programme

GD Print has also invested in the Konica Minolta AccurioPress 7090 Enhanced, further expanding its production capabilities.

Plans for 'Shake & Stir Vintage Armed Forces Weekender' in 2026

Shake & Stir Vintage Armed Forces Weekender planned for Southbourne, June 2026—vintage music, dance, heritage, and veterans’ charity support. Volunteers, sponsors needed.

Charity event featuring pet photoshoot raises more than £1,300

Jess, one of the vets from Priory, said: "We chose to support The Cinnamon Trust because their values mirror our own.

Café "absolutely buzzing" to be shortlisted in Daily Echo competition

A Wimborne café says it is “absolutely buzzing” after being shortlisted in the Daily Echo’s Café of the Year competition.

School will host firework display with food and music

Broadstone First School & Middle School host "Broadstone's Best Firework Display 2025" on 25 Oct, with music. Tickets from £7. Dunyeats Road.

One of country's most senior Freemasons at naming ceremony

A history of Freemasonry in New Milton was shared, dating back to the 1930s when members struggled to attend meetings in Lymington.

Care home resident's joy at being reminded of railway days

They showcased wagons and stock from the archives, which even seasoned enthusiasts had never seen.

Bakery shows how council grants can help businesses grow

The council's grants have enabled Honeybuns to buy new equipment, including an automatic cake slicing machine, which will help to increase productivity.

World-class ballet production to be performed in Bournemouth

Together, they journey through a world of snowflakes, sweets and dreams.

Former Echo journalist signs three-book deal for cosy crime series

Former Bournemouth Echo journalist Faith Eckersall signs three-book deal with Embla Books for Dorset-set cosy crime series, The Piddlington Gazette Mysteries.

IT firm named Managed Service Provider of the Year

The IT provider has been privately-owned since it was founded in 2006 and is based in Ringwood, with offices in Aldershot and East Grinstead.

Couple who have cared for around 40 children win award

Foster carers in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole were honoured at the Fostering and Supported Lodgings Awards 2025. BCP Council seeks new carers—find out how to apply.

Two women become county champions after winning close final

Helen Blackiston and Christine Pentelow of Ringwood Bowling Club win the 2025 Bowls Hampshire Women’s Golden Pairs Championship by one point at Banister Park.

Event celebrating education, empowerment and humour

Kickass Menopause event attended by 186 women featured talks on hormone changes, skin health, pelvic floor strength, nutrition, and sexual wellbeing, coinciding with World Menopause Awareness Day this weekend.

Tank Museum hosts free event for armed forces community

The Tank Museum in Bovington hosted its free 'On Track' event, supporting the armed forces community with wellbeing activities, advice, and commemorative art.

Dorset named one of top ten areas in UK most at risk of tyre theft

This equates to 19.4 thefts per 100,000 people, placing Dorset ninth on the list of areas most at risk.

College named premier business partner of Dorset Chamber

Bournemouth and Poole College has been named a premier business partner of the Dorset Chamber.

School assistant vice principal completes 33-mile ultramarathon

LEAF Studio’s Ollie Yeats completes 33-mile Maveric Jurassic Coast ultramarathon to inspire students and raise funds for the Student Training Fund.

Travel consultants return from 'life-changing' trip to Japan

Thirty Not Just Travel consultants joined an Elite Experience in Japan, blending business training with Tokyo and Kyoto cultural tours to boost specialist travel expertise.

New wellbeing festival for older adults is set to launch

ElderFest, a free wellbeing festival for older adults, launches in Christchurch on 27 October. Discover health checks, social groups, and local support services.

Poole venue named business events venue of the year

Lighthouse Poole wins business events venue of the year at the Dorset Tourism Awards.

Octogenarian fundraiser swaps skydiving for runway

Gordon Lewis, 81, from Bournemouth, hosts a charity fashion show at Marsham Court Hotel, raising £750 for Dorset Cancer Care Foundation (DCCF).

Bellway launches 'Countdown to Christmas' for Dorset homebuyers

The offer is valid on select plots until the end of October, with buyers able to choose how to utilise the incentive.

MP backs positive campaign to counter 'relentless negative coverage'

Bournemouth West MP Jessica Toale backs 'Check In, Chill Out' campaign to boost Bournemouth’s image and tourism, supported by local hospitality leaders.

Nigel Havers to entertain Bournemouth audiences during UK tour

Nigel Havers brings his UK tour to Bournemouth Pavilion on 21 October 2026, sharing stories from five decades in showbiz.

Aldi to invite Dorset nominations for share of £10,000

Aldi relaunches Winter Fund, giving £10,000 to charities and community groups across the UK. Dorset shoppers can nominate local charities, community groups, and food banks for cash support ahead of the festive season.

Celebrations as company marks 40 years in business

Polyhose UK in Christchurch celebrates 40 years supplying thermoplastic, PTFE, and hydraulic hoses nationwide. ISO9001 accredited and Dorset Chamber member.

Residents taken on festive outing to garden centre

Kingland House residents enjoyed a festive day at Haskins Garden Centre, exploring Christmas displays, thanks to transport support from Yeatmans of Parkstone.

Bournemouth school holds concert at St Peter’s Church

Bournemouth Collegiate School (BCS) pupils shone at the ‘Songs from the Shows’ concert.

Store's third branch to offer local traders, community cinema and food emporium

Trove will open a new branch in the former Sturtons and Tappers in Winton on November 8 - following the success of its existing Bournemouth and Christchurch stores.

Bournemouth cockerpoo to make debut musical paw-formance

A LOCAL dog is set to star in a production of a classic musical next week in Bournemouth

Work begins on traveller site before permission granted

Residents have expressed anger over fears that work has begun on a traveller site before planning permission has been approved.

Teacher banned after 'mocking' religion of pupils during lesson on honour killings

Mr Alex Lloyd, formerly of The Bishop of Winchester Academy, has been banned from teaching following the outcome of a teacher misconduct hearing from September 29 to October 1.

Road blocked after second incident in the New Forest this morning

The A31 eastbound is blocked this morning after an incident between Picket Post and Stony Cross.

RECAP: Main road closed both ways following crash

The A35 Lyndhurst Road is closed in both directions due to a crash.

Unreliable rail service 'damaging economy and putting people off travelling by train'

SERIOUS concerns have been raised about the Weymouth-Waterloo rail connection amid claims the unreliable service is damaging the economy and putting people off using the train altogether. Calls have been made for further investment to be pumped into the Dorset section of the line which has encountered numerous problems.

Cosy Dorset pub receives glowing national review

Cosy Dorset countryside pub the Fleur de Lys in Cranborne has received a glowing review in The Times after its recent renovation works

Vet issues warning to pet owners to avoid this dangerous autumn hazard

A vet has issued a warning to pet owners about acorns and the dangers they pose for dogs if they swallow them - these are the symptoms to look out for.

All of the Morrisons shops closing including cafes and pharmacies

Morrisons is closing 52 cafes, 18 market kitchens, 17 Morrisons Daily convenience stores, 13 florists, 35 meat counters, 35 fish counters and four pharmacies.

Stalker left woman to 'live in fear'

A stalker has been jailed for more than two years after he frequently harassed a Poole woman in public and online.

Woman dead and man left with life changing injuries after crash

A woman has died following a crash which left another person with life-changing injuries.

Police hunt for man wanted after absconding from prison

Police are searching for a wanted man with Dorset links after absconding from prison.

Government

Cyber Extortion and Ransomware (Reporting) Bill

A Bill to require a company that meets specified criteria to report any cyber extortion or ransomware attack on the company to the Government within a specified time after the attack; to make provision about the content of such reports, including a requirement to provide information about any payments made; and for connected purposes.

Formula 1

Enrico Cardile on Aston Martin’s 2026 ambitions

The Italian engineer on his move from Ferrari to Aston Martin – and his goal to make the team in green winners.

Bearman coaches ‘Chicken Shop Date’ star Amelia Dimoldenberg

Amelia Dimoldenberg can’t drive – so F1 drivers, including latest *Passenger Princess* guest Ollie Bearman – are going to teach her…

The ultimate fan guide to the Mexico City Grand Prix

Plan your 2025 Mexico City Grand Prix weekend: discover travel tips, food highlights, nightlife, photo spots, and must-do experiences at Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez.

Globally celebrated F1 Exhibition opens in Germany

Formula 1 Exhibition has opened its doors at OBEX in Oberhausen, Germany for the first time, bringing exciting racing history, unique F1 cars and exhibits, multimedia installations, interactive elements and plenty of adrenaline and drama across an area of more than 3,000 square metres.

What time is the 2025 Mexico City GP and how can I watch it?

Formula 1 travels to the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez this weekend for the 2025 Mexico City Grand Prix – and here are the global start times for Sunday’s race.

How to stream the 2025 Mexico City Grand Prix on F1 TV Premium

Formula 1 moves on to the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez this weekend for the Mexico City Grand Prix – and here’s all the information you need to follow the action live on F1 TV.

What is the weather forecast for the 2025 Mexico City GP?

Formula 1 travels to the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez this weekend for the 2025 Mexico City Grand Prix – but what sort of weather conditions will await the drivers and their teams?

What tyres will the teams and drivers have for Mexico?

Formula 1 heads from the Circuit of The Americas to the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez for the Mexico City Grand Prix – and tyre suppliers Pirelli have confirmed the compounds that the teams and drivers will have access to.

What's the best F1 Fantasy line-up for Mexico?

Set against the vibrant backdrop of the Autodromo Hermanos Rodríguez, the Mexico City Grand Prix is famous for its high-altitude conditions. Who is poised to make the most of the conditions in F1 Fantasy this weekend?

‘Team instructions must always be followed’ admits Colapinto

Windows Central

Is Ninja Gaiden 4 on Xbox Game Pass? Here's the lowdown — one of gaming's most legendary action franchises is back in a big way

We finally have a new Ninja Gaiden game on our hands with Ninja Gaiden 4, but is it playable on Xbox Game Pass? Here's what we know.

"RIP BF6 Portal" — DICE nukes Battlefield 6's Portal server XP as it contends with bot farms and unbalanced challenges

Battlefield 6's challenges are unbalanced, which has led to a sharp rise in XP server farms within its Portal section. DICE just nerfed the experience gained in Portal, much to the chagrin of many gamers.

Next Xbox won’t be cheap — Sarah Bond teases a “very premium, high-end next-gen console experience”

Sarah Bond has hinted that the next Xbox will be a premium, high-end console, but rising prices and Microsoft’s growing focus on AI have fans worried about the future of Xbox hardware.

Microsoft is giving Xbox yet another price hike — this time it's hitting game developers, and "macroeconomic developments" are to blame

Development kits for Microsoft's Xbox consoles are getting a major price hike just one month after the systems themselves were made more expensive.

Meet ChatGPT Atlas — OpenAI launches an "early experience" AI-powered browser that's already punching holes in Google's dominance

OpenAI recently launched an AI-powered browser called ChatGPT Atlas to general availability on macOS and is expected to ship across Windows, iOS, and Android "soon".

Black Ops 7 release date likely stays set for November 14, despite early launch rumors

A rumor surfaced stating there was a chance Black Ops 7 could launch early, but in all truth, it looks like a dud.

Can't afford Borderlands 4? Then grab one of the best, underrated Borderlands PC titles we gave an almost-perfect score for — now on sale for 81% off

Loaded has swiped a rich 81% discount for Tiny Tina's Wonderlands, a mad looter-shooter spin-off that combines the insanity and violence of Borderlands with the magic and RPG elements of Dungeons and Dragons.

Microsoft fixes bug preventing classic Outlook launch — but still recommends the new Outlook for Windows as a workaround, despite it not being prime-time ready

Microsoft recently indicated that it had fixed an annoying bug preventing users from launching the classic Outlook email client. However, it still lists using the new Outlook app for Windows as a workaround.

$96.5 million for Nadella | Microsoft's CEO receives record pay in a year that saw 15,000+ layoffs

Microsoft's CEO Satya Nadella stands to gain around $96.5 million for his part in the company's 2025 boom. Here's why that stings in a year with 15,000+ Microsoft layoffs, as well as why a pay cut wouldn't change much.

Yes, a Windows 11 update killed "localhost" support — Microsoft breaks Windows again

Microsoft’s latest Windows 11 update, KB5066835, has broken localhost support and disrupted development workflows across the platform. The issue, caused by a faulty change to the HTTP.sys networking component prevents local servers and testing environments from running.

ROG Xbox Ally X (was) back in stock at Currys in the UK — A chance to buy the high-end handheld before it sold out

ASUS' highly anticipated Xbox Ally X has recently launched to the public and quickly sold out in multiple retailers across the United Kingdom. However, we have noticed that the UK store, Currys, has restocked this gaming handheld.

Microsoft prepares major Windows 11 feature drop with new Start menu, Taskbar updates, and more | New features expected to roll out next month

Windows 11's next major update is set to include a brand-new Start menu, lots of Taskbar and File Explorer updates, and general quality of life improvements, which is now in the final testing stages before general availability.

I was right, this is my top value Windows laptop of 2025 — as long as you don't build your own

I've been using HP's OmniBook 5 14 (G1q), and my first impressions have been confirmed. This is an excellent high-value laptop, especially with stock configs.

Sam Altman was right, the 'Dead Internet Theory' could kill the web within 3 years — "LLMs can suffer from brain rot!"

A new study by Cornell University claims that LLMs can get brain rot due to prolonged exposure to low-quality data online, leading to a decline in their cognitive capabilities.

Best features Microsoft rolled out in 2025 for Windows 11 versions 25H2 and 24H2

Check out the best features and changes that Microsoft rolled out in 2025 for Windows 11, which are now available for version 25H2 and 24H2.

Snapdragon X2 Elite Extreme vs. Apple M5 | ARM-based computing levels up, but how do these chips compare?

Apple's new M5 CPU is soon making its way into the MacBook Pro, iPad Pro, and Apple Vision Pro, while Qualcomm's Snapdragon X2 Elite family is expected to arrive early next year. Here's an early look at how the chips compare.

Laffgaff

What famed police force is sometimes known as the Diablos Tejanos?

The Texas Rangers.

Tornado

What did the tornado say to the car? "You wanna go for a spin?"

Itsfoss

Arduino Alternative Microcontroller Boards for Your DIY Projects in the Post-Qualcomm Era

If Arduino being acquired puts a bad taste in your mouth, or even if you just want to explore what the alternatives offer, this article is for you.