The News - Wednesday, 19 November 2025

BBC News

Congress approves bill to release Epstein files that will head to Trump's desk

Once Trump signs the measure, the justice department will have 30 days to release the materials.

Epstein saga reveals Republican rifts - and the power of Trump's base

The votes in Congress to release more files came after the president faced pressure from within his own party.

UK lacks plan to defend itself from invasion, MPs warn

A highly critical report says the UK does not have the resources it needs to deal with complex military threats.

Is this what spying by China can look like?

Despite the government's efforts to thaw tensions with Beijing, MPs were warned this week of spying threats from China.

'Things happen' - Trump defends Saudi crown prince over Khashoggi killing

The US president's claims that the crown prince "knew nothing" contradict the CIA's own assessment.

Cristiano Ronaldo attends White House dinner alongside Saudi crown prince

The Portuguese player is being paid handsomely to be part of the gulf state's modernisation plan.

Hotel adverts banned over misleadingly cheap rooms

Ads for Hilton, Travelodge, Booking.com and Accor are banned by the Advertising Standards Authority.

Line of Duty to return for seventh series on BBC

Adrian Dunbar, Vicky McClure and Martin Compston will all reprise their roles in the hugely popular drama.

Sister's 'jealous' ex lit fatal fire, trial told

Bryonie Gawith and her three children died in the fire at their home in Bradford in August 2024.

On the front line of Europe's standoff with Russia's sanction-busting shadow fleet

With Europe imposing sanctions on Moscow, there has been a growing network of vessels sailing without a valid flag from Russia through European waters.

MI5's 'Chinese spies' alert and Trump defends MBS

Reported Chinese espionage in the UK and the Saudi crown prince's visit to DC dominate Wednesday's papers.

'I worked, I paid taxes - then the bank took my home'

Homeowners facing repossession homelessness doubles in three years, BBC investigation finds.

Baby Shark: How a 90-second clip created a $400m business

Shares in the firm behind the highly-addictive children's song rose by more than 9% in their stock market debut.

First kiss dates back 21 million years, say scientists

A new study looks at how the mouth-on-mouth smooch came into being, and concludes that Neanderthals also kissed.

Net migration 20% lower than first thought as more British nationals left UK

The figures also reveal migration peaked 38,000 higher than previously reported in the year to March 2023.

Tech giant seeking $1.7bn from Mike Lynch's estate after yacht death

Hewlett-Packard is seeking payment from the estate of Mike Lynch, who died when his yacht sank last year.

Palestine Action activist hit officer with hammer during defence firm break-in, jury told

Six Elbit Systems protesters caused "serious damage" to the Israel-based defence firm's UK site.

Loose wire on ship may have led to Baltimore bridge collapse, report says

The cargo ship lost power before crashing into the Francis Scott Key Bridge, leaving six workers dead.

Judge rules Meta doesn't have monopoly after Instagram, WhatsApp acquisitions

The decision allows Instagram's parent company to avoid the prospect of the company breaking up

Diddy denies sexual battery allegation after Los Angeles authorities open probe

The new criminal investigation comes as the music mogul is serving a 4-year prison term.

Russian spy ship pointed lasers at RAF pilots tracking it, says defence secretary

John Healey says he has updated the Navy's rules for tracking the vessel after the "dangerous" move.

Serial rapist and former police officer David Carrick guilty of more sex offences

David Carrick is already serving a life sentence for 71 offences of sexual violence.

Ultra-processed food is global health threat, experts warn

It is increasing our risk of a range of chronic diseases, including obesity and depression, a major review says.

Labour's Budget is already unravelling, Badenoch says

The Conservative leader says the government floated the idea of increasing income tax rates only to "U-turn".

Inside the California lab that shows the contradiction at the heart of the trillion-dollar AI race

The confusing question lingering over the AI hype is whether it could be a bubble at risk of bursting

Bar owner bans solo drinkers and is 'baffled' by reaction

Some people are unhappy that they are not allowed to drink on their own in a bar in Altrincham.

Oasis fan's death at Wembley was 'tragic accident'

Lee Claydon, 45, fell from an upper level at Wembley Stadium during an Oasis concert.

Children among 25 killed in one of Russia's deadliest strikes on western Ukraine

Two blocks of flats were attacked in the western city of Ternopil. One was almost destroyed.

Gustav Klimt painting becomes second most expensive artwork sold at auction

The portrait of Austrian heiress Elisabeth Lederer was looted by the Nazis and almost destroyed.

Good for mortgages, bad for the food shop - how the fall in inflation rate affects you

The rate of inflation has fallen prompting hopes of lower mortgage rates, but food prices are still rising.

Wicked sequel leaves critics less spellbound than first film

Several critics highlighted Ariana Grande's performance, but were cooler on the film overall.

How to keep babies warm in cold weather and other winter tips

As temperatures fall across much of the UK, the best ways to keep people and pets warm and dry.

Epstein saga reveals Republican rifts - and the power of Trump's base

The votes in Congress to release more files came after the president faced pressure from within his own party.

Police bullied me into admitting murder, says man wrongly jailed for 38 years

In his first interview since release, Peter Sullivan says he wants an apology from the police after wrongful conviction of the 1986 murder of Diane Sindall.

Supreme Court rules Christian-focused RE taught in NI schools is unlawful

The Christian religious education taught in schools in Northern Ireland is unlawful, the UK Supreme Court has ruled.

Larry Summers resigns from OpenAI board after Epstein emails made public

The former US treasury secretary has faced a backlash over frequent messages to Epstein.

MP offers seat to Burnham for Starmer challenge

Clive Lewis says he would step down to allow Mayor Andy Burnham the chance to become Labour leader.

Time taken to bring shoplifters to justice is 'unacceptable', retailers tell BBC

The BBC followed a series of shoplifting cases which highlight how shops have waited months for thieves to be brought to justice.

British woman among five killed in Chile snowstorm

Victoria Bond, from Cornwall, is named as one of those who died in Torres del Paine National Park.

Bournemouth Echo

Man who was 'full of creativity' dies in hospital days after motorbike crash

A 24-year-old died in hospital days after a motorbike crash, an inquest heard.

'We wanted to build a space where therapists feel supported'

A new therapy practice has opened its doors in Parkstone.

'I'm so proud': Gym students delighted after claiming two gold medals

AN INSTRUCTOR of gymnasts says she is incredibly “proud” and “happy” after two of her students received gold media in national finals.

Bournemouth martial arts teacher recognised as one of the world's best

A marital arts teacher has attained a “lifetime achievement” after he was granted a prestigious martial arts accreditation.

Road closure information for Christchurch's Christmas lights switch on

Saturday's Christmas switch-on in Christchurch will see the closure of its busiest commercial streets.

In The Dock: Man tried to sexually communicate with child in Christchurch

The following cases were heard at Poole Magistrates' Court:

'We are incredibly grateful to public for their support', Grand opening of new garage

AN OPENING ceremony of a new garage in Bournemouth was a “huge success” highlighted by a special visit from the mayor of Bournemouth, who officially cut the ribbon.

‘Life-changing’ clothes specially designed for premature babies donated to hospital

‘LIFE-CHANGING’ clothes specially designed for premature babies in intensive care have been donated to a hospital in Bournemouth.

'I don't want Bournemouth to sink any further': Plans to introduce 24 hour casino

Plans have been submitted in an attempt to convert a former bank into a 24 hour casino.

Councillor says Solent Meads must remain open

A councillor has called for a golf course to remain open instead of being transformed into a nature park.

Emergency services descend on main road following 'incident'

Road partially blocked after crash on Ringwood Road

'Armed police' called after report of person with a knife

ARMED police were called to an address in Bournemouth after reports of a person with a knife.

Fire breaks out near petrol station in Poole

Fire services are attending to skip fire in Poole

E.coli levels in polluted river ten times the safe limit, tests show

Campaigners are demanding answers after it was revealed that the Lymington River is still being polluted by raw sewage

Council praises residents as New Forest bin collection reform hits milestones

New Forest District Council has said its major overhaul of bin collections is off to a strong start.

Person taken to hospital after two vehicle crash

A PERSON was taken to hospital by an ambulance after two-vehicle collision near Christchurch.

Bypass blocked following crash: 'We've been sat in traffic for 30 minutes'

Drivers can expect delays on Christchurch bypass following reports of a crash on the Stony Lane Roundabout.

Plans to build a new detached house in Poole

A full planning application has been submitted to BCP Council seeking permission to build a new detached house on land adjacent to 2 Furze Hill Drive, Poole, BH14 8QL.

Man comes forward in relation to an assault outside bar

A man has come forward following an image appeal in connection to a reported assault in Boscombe.

Pokesdown school chef takes his menu to 10 Downing Street

A Bournemouth school chef swapped his primary school kitchen for 10 Downing Street to cook for the Prime Minister.

Accidental skip fire closes road in Poole

A skip fire caused disruption on Thursday morning as the fire service closed a busy Poole road to battle the blaze.

Bournemouth man died after 'tragic accident' at Oasis Wembley show

Police have said it was a "tragic accident" that a Bournemouth man died after a fall from a height at an Oasis concert in Wembley Stadium, a pre-inquest review heard.

Man suffers facial injuries after assault outside The Soho Inn

A MAN in his 20s suffered facial injuries after a reported assaulted outside The Soho Inn in Christchurch Road.

Teenage dancer lands dream role after leaving school

Bournemouth dancer Corben Heward-Mills secures first principal role in Dick Whittington panto at Lighthouse Poole, performing alongside Chris Jarvis.

104-year-old's face 'lit up' after special donkey visit

Eileen, who was joined by her daughter Angela and some of her friends, said: "I love donkeys.

Dorset home care provider wins national business award

GoodOaks Homecare in Poole wins 'Franchisor of the Year – Expanding' at the 2025 BFA and HSBC UK British Franchise Awards.

Pub group donates thousands to charity after special event

Hall & Woodhouse donates £66,000 to local charities, including Lewis-Manning Hospice Care, after its annual Charity Day at managed pubs.

Local financial services firm appoints new board director

She will also focus on building the team's skills and connections.

Road closures and parking suspension in Sherborne for market

Dorset Council has issued a notice of Sherborne Market road closures on 21 December 2025 and parking suspensions on 20–21 December 2025.

Dorset bus company Morebus appoints new managing director

Ed Wills appointed as new managing director of Morebus, part of Go South Coast, from January 2026, succeeding Ben Murray after Andrew Wickham’s passing.

Mulligans Bournemouth offering 20 per cent off gift vouchers

Mulligans Bournemouth offers 20% off gift vouchers for crazy golf, electro-darts, and more during Black Friday Week. Ideal Christmas gifts—buy online or in venue.

Drivers warned of freezing temperatures as snow expected

With this in mind, Motorpoint's resident driving expert, Tim Rodie, has shared five pieces of advice for anyone driving when icy weather hits.

Banking worker takes on new role to help local businesses

SWIG Finance supports a range of funding needs, including cashflow, operational costs, marketing, expansion and acquisitions.

Free energy advice events to help those struggling this winter

Citizens Advice is set to offer free energy advice at events across Dorset for Fuel Poverty Awareness Day, with energy-saving tips, guidance on accessing further support, and free giveaways to help keep homes warm.

Hampshire named as Britain's top destination for horse-riders

Hampshire tops HarryHall.com's UK horse-friendly staycations guide, with the New Forest crowned as the perfect backdrop for a relaxing hack.

University receives more than £1 million from government

AUB's bid was specifically for the Bournemouth Film School (BFS), the largest film school outside of London.

Charity encourages people to adopt a seal this Christmas

Support Dorset Wildlife Trust by adopting a seal or other wildlife this Christmas. Eco-friendly gifts fund vital local conservation and habitat protection.

Cat brings cake and cuddles to Bournemouth care home

Sherman the cat brought cake and cuddles to Castle Dene care home in Bournemouth for National Cat Day.

Poole care home team cycles 60 miles for Children in Need

Yvonne, a resident at Elizabeth House, said: "I think it was a good laugh and great fun."

'This is a truly exceptional space': Secondary school opens new hub

NEW refurbished complex communications need hub offering an "inclusive environment" for SEND students has been opened in a secondary school.

Car insurance expert shares £2 hack and 6 tips to avoid spending hundreds this winter

Drivers have been urged to use this £2 window wiper hack to save drivers hundreds of pounds in repairs during the most recent ice warnings from the Met Office this week.

Good Morning Britain's Richard Madeley feels 'washed out' after being 'replaced'

Good Morning Britain’s Richard Madeley has issued a health update after being 'replaced' by Paul Brand earlier this week on the ITV programme

The 62p kitchen staple at Sainsbury's ideal for cleaning your air fryer

Here are nine key steps for cleaning your air fryer and three top tips for regularly maintaining it - which you can do with classic cupboard staples.

Full price list for the food and drink at Bournemouth Christmas market

We visited the Christmas market to check out the prices on all the food and drinks on offer, including the returning fan favourite, Yorkshire pudding wraps.

Mexican restaurant opens new venue after relocation to smaller site

A POPULAR Mexican restaurant has officially opened at its new location in the town centre.

Government

Access to Finance for Women in Business Bill

A Bill to require the Secretary of State to prepare and publish a report on access to finance for women in business; to make provision about the publication of data relating to access to finance for women in business; and for connected purposes.

Formula 1

Check out teams’ special liveries for the Las Vegas GP

Several Formula 1 teams will run special liveries at this weekend’s Las Vegas Grand Prix, adding even more to the show in what is already a spectacular event under the city lights.

Special edition helmets for the Las Vegas Grand Prix

See the 2025 Las Vegas GP special edition helmets from McLaren’s Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri

The F1 ACADEMY storylines to watch out for in Las Vegas

Their battles have had fans on the edge of their seats all season long, but for the 2025 F1 ACADEMY field, it all comes down to this as the Drivers’ and Teams’ titles hang in the balance.

Helmut Marko on finding the next Max Verstappen

Every driver who wants to win with Red Bull needs to impress Helmut Marko.

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

Las Vegas brings high speeds, colder temperatures, and a show-stopping street circuit unlike anything else on the calendar. Which drivers and teams will hit the jackpot in F1 Fantasy?

Why Hamilton and Ferrari could flourish in 2026

IndyCar winner and F1 TV pundit James Hinchcliffe looks at why it was always likely to take time for Lewis Hamilton and Ferrari to be firing on all cylinders.

10 questions on the latest news and F1 in Las Vegas

Test your knowledge of the latest F1 news and racing history in Las Vegas ahead of this week's race.

How to stream the 2025 Las Vegas Grand Prix on F1 TV Premium

Here is all the information you need to follow the Las Vegas Grand Prix weekend live on F1 TV.

What is the weather forecast for the Las Vegas Grand Prix?

Formula 1 moves on to the Las Vegas Strip Circuit this weekend for the 2025 Las Vegas Grand Prix – but what kind of weather conditions are set to greet the drivers and their teams?

What tyres will the teams and drivers have in Las Vegas?

Formula 1 will return to action with the Las Vegas Grand Prix this weekend – and tyre suppliers Pirelli have confirmed the compounds that the teams and drivers will have available to them.

What the F1 drivers have been up to ahead of Las Vegas

With a short break after the Sao Paulo Grand Prix, here’s a glimpse into the lives of the drivers, before we head into the final three races of the season.

Windows Central

Fortnite for Xbox PC and Xbox Ally devices is currently broken for many — but a fix is on the way

Epic Games' big Xbox PC store debut has hit something of a snag, with the download button only offering a 10MB broken executable rather than the full game.

DOOM: The Dark Ages's take on Horde mode just got a huge update — and players can now share favorite encounters with friends

DOOM: The Dark Ages' Horde-like Ripatorium mode gets expanded heavily with Update 3, letting players share their favorite encounters with each other.

Cancelled by Riot — Hytale’s creator revives the game fans thought was dead

After getting acquired and cancelled by Riot, Hytale's original creators once more own the game and are working on developing it.

Xbox Game Pass gets Marvel Cosmic Invasion and more as November ends — but grab these departing games, too

The latest batch of Xbox Game Pass titles are on the way, with Marvel Cosmic Invasion announced a surprise addition for November's second batch.

Hold up, Battlefield 6's new Eastwood map in California Resistance is actually awesome — but it shares one big issue with all the rest

Battlefield 6's California Resistance update added the Eastwood map, and after playing it, it's quickly become one of my favorites in the entire game.

Unlock the full power of your Xbox Ally — this system update unlocks more performance

Armoury Crate SE update version 2.1.15.0 is rolling out to ROG handheld gaming PCs, and it's bringing some excellent performance improvements.

Microsoft doubles down on agentic AI — Agent 365 prepares for a future with over 1 billion agents

Microsoft revealed Agent 365 during Ignite, launching a central hub that was designed for creating, deploying, and securing AI agents across Microsoft 365.

Windows 11 Pro key at less than $10 — This insane 94% discount is perfect for workers looking to upgrade their PC now that Windows 10 is dead

Stacksocial has managed to snag a one-in-a-million discount for Windows 11 Pro, which has reduced its MSRP to less than $10.

It's the last day to grab this NVIDIA RTX 5070 Ti below MSRP — price protection for Black Friday means you won't see a lower listing

NVIDIA's RTX 5070 Ti is an awesome GPU that can handle 4K gaming, and it's now below MSRP at Newegg with Black Friday price protection in place. Problem? The deal ends after today.

Test your ARC Raiders knowledge with this quiz — See if you can get a better score than your squad mates

Think you really know ARC Raiders? With the game smashing player records, earning a Game Awards nomination, and sparking plenty of conversation since launch, now’s the perfect time to put your knowledge to the test. Try the quiz, compare your score, and see if you’re a true Raider.

I played Goat Simulator 3's new Baadlands DLC, and making a goat and pineapple pizza is not the worst crime you can commit

Goat Simulator 3: Baadlands – Furry Road delivers a massive new wasteland map, new quests, wasteland gear, a summonable motorcycle, and cam building. We went hands-on for a preview of the post-apocalyptic DLC.

Samsung's fastest gaming monitor just hit an all-time low — 500Hz for under $800

Samsung’s Odyssey OLED G6 gaming monitor is down to its lowest price yet, offering a 500Hz refresh rate, QD-OLED visuals, and burn-in protection for $799.99.

Megabonk developer shocks fans by pulling out of the Game Awards — here's why it might be crazier than you think

Megabonk’s surprise withdrawal from The Game Awards has shocked fans, reigniting theories about the developer’s true identity.

CalDigit's TS5 packs in 15 ports and 140W charging — but it skips two of my favorite docking station features

CalDigit's TS5 is a Thunderbolt 5 docking station with an impressive set of specs and a price tag $100 cheaper than its TS5 Plus sibling. Does it shed too many features, or is it exactly what you need?

Windows 11's November Insider update brings new features and reveals a new version

Microsoft introduces agentic AI features, visual changes for Widgets and the Lock Screen, and improvements to Quick Machine Recovery and Smart App Control, and reveals version 26H1.

Warhammer 40,000: Darktide reveals new Hive Scum class — it makes me so nostalgic for Borderlands 2's Krieg that it may end up my new favorite class

Warhammer 40,000: Darktide has revealed its 6th class, the Hive Scum, in a new cinematic trailer, along with articles detailing how its gameplay will function.

Handheld gaming PC accessories quick guide — Peripherals for Steam Deck, Xbox Ally X, ROG Ally, Legion Go 2, and more

These are the seven accessories I recommend to any handheld gaming PC owner, whether they have a Steam Deck, ROG Ally, Xbox Ally, Legion Go, or other device.

Should you splurge on the premium Xbox Ally X, go mid-range with the versatile Legion Go S, or stick to the budget-friendly Steam Deck?

There are dozens of handheld gaming PCs on the market right now, but these are the three I recommend most, whether you're looking for a budget, mid-range, or premium device.

Fortnite takes aim at Roblox as Unity and Unreal engines join forces inside Epic’s creator economy

Epic is bringing Unity games into Fortnite, potentially setting up a major showdown with Roblox as creators gain more freedom and higher payouts, but will it be enough?

Microsoft is finally bringing the long-awaited 'agenda view' to the Windows 11 Taskbar calendar flyout, meaning you can stop opening the full app just to see your next meeting or event

You'll soon be able to see your upcoming events and meetings directly in the calendar flyout on the Taskbar on Windows 11. Finally!

Laffgaff

Who wrote the thriller novel ‘The Hunt for Red October’?

Tom Clancy.

Itsfoss

Microsoft's New Windows AI Feature Comes With Warnings About Malware and Data Theft

New opt-in experimental feature comes with some warnings and requires file access.

After Nearly 10 Years of Building Mastodon, Eugen Rochko Steps Into Advisory Role

Mastodon's creator steps back from CEO role, transfers assets to non-profit organization.

Open Source Developers Are Exhausted, Unpaid, and Ready to Walk Away

The foundation of modern software is cracking under the weight of burnout.