BBC News
French government collapses in no-confidence vote
Michel Barnier's ousting over a budget bill deepens France's current political crisis.
Barnier downfall threatens to set a pattern for what lies ahead
Paris correspondent Hugh Schofield asks if the next French prime minister will face the same fate as Michel Barnier.
Chris Mason: Is Starmer speech a ‘plan for change’ or ‘emergency relaunch’?
The prime minister is to set out targets in areas including policing, housebuilding, the NHS and pre-school education.
Gregg Wallace’s ghostwriter says he sexually harassed her
The MasterChef host has denied any sexual misconduct with Shannon Kyle, who worked on his 2012 memoir.
NHS gets 12 years to roll out new weight-loss drug
Fears that giving 3.4 million people immediate access to new weight-loss drug could overwhelm NHS.
What a new photo reveals about the shooter in CEO Brian Thompson killing
Police are using facial recognition software to try to determine the identity of the gunman.
'Spray foam insulation ruined our house sale'
More than 160 people contacted the BBC after it found some mortgage lenders are rejecting homes with spray foam.
Bitcoin surges past $100k for first time
Its record price is making headlines - but that's just one part of the cryptocurrency's tumultuous story.
'A hospital worker WhatsApped my mental breakdown'
Julie Trafford says she feels "dirty and angry" after the video was shared in an online group.
Georgia's opposition comes under attack as leader is dragged from HQ
The prime minister had earlier vowed that the organisers of a week of pro-EU protests would face justice.
Councils call for cash to cover homeless bill shortfall
The Local Government Association says a freeze on central funding has cost councils nearly £740m since 2019.
Will the government be able to hit its new targets?
Keir Starmer is going to announce measurable targets to judge his government's progress on its key missions.
The Papers: 'Long Starm of the law' and France 'in turmoil'
Keir Starmer's pledge to restore neighbourhood policing and a political crisis in Paris lead the front pages.
Selling sex for gold in the Amazon's illegal mines
Life for women among the Amazon’s illegal gold miners is harsh, violent, and can be deadly.
Five key takeaways from the Scottish Budget
Scrapping the two-child cap and changes to tax thresholds are among plans for the next financial year.
Shoppers back to using cash to budget, say retailers
Notes and coins used in a fifth of transactions, say retailers - a second consecutive annual rise.
Only adverts showing junk food covered by TV ban
Adverts that do not show viewers unhealthy food will not be restricted by a new 9pm watershed.
Parthenon Sculptures deal some distance away, says British Museum chairman
But George Osborne said "a lot of progress" had been made in talks to lend the antiquities to Greece.
Romania hit by major election influence campaign, amid Russian cyber-attacks
Romania's intelligence service reveals details of what it says is an attempt from abroad to meddle in the country's presidential election.
Three more hospitals hit by cyber attack
Screenshots of data the attackers claim to have taken were published online on Thursday.
Five key takeaways from the Scottish Budget
Scrapping the two-child cap and changes to tax thresholds are among plans for the next financial year.
I was told I couldn't have an Afro wig after chemo
Anastasia Cameron makes wigs for cancer patients after her own poor experiences.
Hilary Benn begins process of repealing Legacy Act
Hilary Benn begins the process of formally repealing the controversial Troubles legislation.
Judge Labour on six targets, Starmer says in major speech
The PM says the pledges, ranging from living standards to the NHS, will allow voters to hold the government to account.
Six takeaways from the PM's 'plan for change'
The prime minister has set out what he wants his government to be judged by at the next election.
Parents caused death of three-year-old boy found buried in garden
Abiyah Yasharahyalah died in a severely malnourished state following a respiratory infection.
Flu cases make NHS busier than ever with 95% of beds full
NHS England medical director warns hospitals under strain after sharp rise in flu cases.
Harry says life in the US is what Diana would have wanted for him
The prince said his family were able to access a degree of privacy and freedom that they couldn't in the UK.
Romania's far right presidential frontrunner vows to end Ukraine aid
Calin Georgescu, who leads Romania's presidential race, tells the BBC he would end support for Ukraine if elected.
Amnesty accuses Israel of genocide against Palestinians in Gaza
Israel denies the accusation, saying it is defending itself against Hamas attacks in accordance with international law.
Ofsted chief alarmed by rise in 'flexi-schooling'
Ofsted's chief inspector says he is worried about the number of pupils who are partly home-educated.
Conor McGregor ordered to pay Nikita Hand's legal costs
The MMA star was found liable in a civil case taken by Ms Hand who had accused him of raping her.
French president to address nation after Barnier government collapses
The prime minister will stay on as caretaker while President Emmanuel Macron chooses a successor.
'We feel betrayed by government after spray foam ruined our house sale'
More than 160 people contacted the BBC after it found some mortgage lenders are rejecting homes with spray foam.
Bitcoin price bursts the $100k barrier, but is this the end of its volatility?
The rapid increase in price has been attributed to Donald Trump's election victory - can it continue?
Analysis: Barnier downfall threatens to set a pattern for what lies ahead
Paris correspondent Hugh Schofield asks if the next French prime minister will face the same fate as Michel Barnier.
What we know about Musk's cost-cutting mission
Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy are on Capitol Hill to discuss their new advisory body. So what will it do?
I was told I couldn't have an Afro wig after chemo - now I help others like me
Anastasia Cameron makes wigs for cancer patients after her own poor experiences.
Brianna Ghey killer has sentence appeal bid refused
Eddie Ratcliffe's lawyers argued the trial judge had not taken his "immaturity" into account.
Gregg Wallace’s ghostwriter says he sexually harassed her
The MasterChef host has denied any sexual misconduct with Shannon Kyle, who worked on his 2012 memoir.
Muhammad overtakes Noah as most popular boy's name
Muhammad surpassed Noah as the most popular choice for parents naming their baby boys in 2023.
Rugby star Stuart Hogg given non-harassment order
Sentence on a charge of acting in an abusive manner towards his estranged wife is deferred to January.
'Third nuclear age' threatens the West, armed forces chief warns
Only a "remote chance" Russia would directly attack the UK if the countries were at war, Admiral Radakin said.
The fictional kingdom of couple who buried son in garden
How the belief system of three-year-old Abiyah Yasharahyalah's parents led to his death.
No need for 'large' council tax hikes - Robison
The finance secretary says a record funding deal should prevent an increase - but the decision will rest with local authorities.
Darren Millar elected Welsh Tory leader unopposed
Millar is confirmed as the party's Senedd leader after being backed by all 15 other MSs.
Conor McGregor ordered to pay Nikita Hand's legal costs
The MMA star was found liable in a civil case taken by Ms Hand who had accused him of raping her.
Bournemouth Echo
Councillors to vote on whopping £172k payment rise - including 27% more for leader
COUNCILLORS could be in for a bumper payment to the tune of an additional £172k – with the leader potentially in for a whopping 27 per cent rise.
Lidl offers man voucher after £100 golden ticket 'theft'
LIDL has said it in touch with a man to provide a new voucher after his £100 golden ticket was “stolen”.
Trial for man accused of murdering woman on seafront to begin
A TRIAL for a man accused of murdering a woman on Bournemouth seafront, and attempting to murder another, is set to begin today.
Elderly woman recovering after five-hour wait for ambulance following fall
AN ELDERLY woman who waited over five hours for an ambulance after falling and breaking her hip is still in hospital.
In The Dock: Woman wrecked car and property with hammer
THE following cases were heard at Poole Magistrates' Court:
Public tip about swerving driver leads to arrest and driving ban
A driver was arrested and disqualified from driving after a member of the public reported them for swerving on the road and suspected drunk driving.
Heavy traffic following three vehicle crash during rush hour
TRAFFIC is building on a busy road after a three-vehicle crash in Merley.
LIVE: 'Multiple arrests' in huge police operation
Multiple arrests are being reported as several police officers storm a property.
Man 'stabbed woman to death on Bournemouth beach'
Nasen Saadi, 20 and from Croydon, faces trial for the murder of Amie Gray and attempted murder of Leanne Miles on Durley Chine Beach on May 24 Saadi denies both charges
Woman, 24, dies after crash on Upton bypass
A woman has died following a crash on the Upton bypass.
Bournemouth Christmas market to close over weekend due to storm warnings
Bournemouth Christmas market is closing over the weekend due to Storm Darragh.
Officers issue update on serious crash that left woman fighting for life
Emergency services were alerted to reports of a crash in Shaftesbury Road on the B3081 at around 8.45pm on December 2.
Camper vans parking near Boscombe beach leave residents furious
FURIOUS neighbours have made complaints to the BCP council about campervans parking on the road overnight.
Woman caught driving without full licence after dropping kid off at school
A car was seized on the morning school run after being stopped by police.
'Senseless vandalism' - War memorial damaged beyond repair
A war memorial has been damaged after it was deliberately knocked over in a case of 'senseless vandalism'
Council chief executive resigns to work in New Zealand
Matt Prosser, chief executive of Dorset Council, has resigned to work in New Zealand
Face cream thief steals £195 of skin care from luxury shop
A FACE cream thief stole £195 worth of skin care products from a luxury perfumery.
Christmas tractor run to bring festive cheer this weekend
Tractors will be adorned in Christmas lights and going on a parade through Dorset for good cause WillDoes on Sunday, December 8, 2024
Killers jailed for life for brutal bingo hall murder
THE veteran crime buster's confidence was not misplaced.
"Hugely respected" managing director to retire at end of year
THE managing director of a Poole-based manufacturer has announced he is to retire at the end of the year.
University unveils £1.2million renovated studios
ARTS University Bournemouth (AUB) has launched its renovated North Light Studios following a £1.2million investment.
Rail disruption expected after fire breaks out near track
Southwestern Railway has warned passengers of a fire next to the track at Wareham.
Firefighters put out flat fire in Bournemouth
FIREFIGHTERS tackled a roof fire of a block of flats in Bournemouth.
Firefighters rush to car fire in Poole residential area
On arrival, smoke was seen billowing from the vehicle as it went up in flames.
CCTV: Make-up and perfume stolen from New Milton shop
Perfume and make-up were stolen from a shop in New Milton.
Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance announce temporary change
The air ambulance charity has assured residents that the new helicopter is a ‘seamless swap’ for the crew to carry out their duties.
National BBC radio show to be hosted in village hall
RADIO 4 is to broadcast from a New Forest village hall later this month.
6 pets from RSPCA Dorset who are on the lookout for their forever homes
The RSPCA Ashley Heath Animal Centre in Ringwood, Dorset has many pets, such as cats and dogs, looking for new homes
Man accused of beach murder admits phone access charge
A 20-year-old man accused of the murder of Amie Gray on Bournemouth beach has pleaded guilty to refusing to give his mobile phone access code to police.
Tesco offers full refund to customers as chicken product poses 'risk to health'
Tesco is recalling one of its chicken products due to a “risk to health”, offering customers a full refund
Send us pictures of your school's nativity play or Christmas show
It's the 2,000-year-old tale chronicling the birth of Jesus - played out each year by young school children.
Busy opening weekend marks to return of Ringwood’s 'Winter Wanderland'
Ringwood transformed into a festive wonderland last weekend, as the town hosted its annual Christmas event, attracting crowds despite unexpected rain showers.
Vikki Slade says government must 'make fairer votes a reality'
MP Vikki Slade has backed calls for reform to the voting system.
Children's presenter launches Lighthouse Christmas appeal
BOURNEMOUTH-BASED children’s presenter Chris Jarvis has launched this year’s Big Christmas Appeal at Lighthouse Poole.
Record sales at Tank Museum during Black Friday
RECORD sales at the Tank Museum were recorded over the Black Friday weekend.
AUB students short film talks about healthcare crisis
Film students at Arts University Bournemouth (AUB) are creating a movie highlighting healthcare system challenges faced by patients in the UK.
Pet expert says these 8 festive foods could be deadly to your dog this Christmas
Dogs are not able to properly digest at lot of human food, which is often high in salt, sugar and fat
Pharmacist warns of the ‘big four’ winter bugs threatening to wreck Christmas
We are all being urged to be on guard against flu, covid, RSV and norovirus this winter as cases rise
The top baby names for boys and girls have been revealed
Muhammad overtook Noah as the most popular name for baby boys in England and Wales in 2023, figures show.
Waitrose apologises to customers as product deemed a 'health risk' is recalled
A Waitrose spokesman said: “We apologise that it has been necessary to recall this product and for the inconvenience caused.”
Government
Public Body Ethnicity Data (Inclusion of Jewish and Sikh Categories) Bill
A Bill to provide that, where a public body collects data about ethnicity for the purpose of delivering public services, it must include specific 'Sikh' and 'Jewish' categories as options for a person’s ethnic group; and for connected purposes.
Formula 1
IT'S RACE WEEK: 6 storylines we're excited about ahead of the 2024 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix
23 races down, one to go. Formula 1’s record-breaking season comes to a close this weekend, but there are still plenty of stories to get stuck into. Here are some of the topics that are likely to be the focus at the final round in Abu Dhabi.
Wolff explains why Hamilton won’t be able to turn out for Ferrari in Abu Dhabi post-season test
Toto Wolff has offered an explanation as to why Lewis Hamilton will not be able to drive for Ferrari in the Abu Dhabi post-season test ahead of the seven-time world champion’s impending move to the Scuderia in 2025.
WEEKEND WARM-UP: McLaren and Ferrari prepare to slug it out for the constructors', as Hamilton says farewell to Mercedes in Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi once again plays host to the final round of the F1 season, but who will be celebrating when the fireworks go off at the end of the Grand Prix? Max Verstappen has taken one title, but the other is going down to the wire – and F1 TV's Weekend Warm-Up team are ready to discuss the fight between McLaren and Ferrari...
Leclerc overjoyed by ‘special’ chance to drive alongside his brother in Abu Dhabi as he opens up on family's sacrifice
Charles Leclerc has expressed excitement about sharing the track with his younger brother Arthur in the first practice session for the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, opening up on the years of sacrifice it has taken for the pair to reach this momentous point.
‘He’s made it personal’ – Russell accuses Verstappen of ‘crossing a line’ over Qatar stewards’ room fallout
George Russell has accused Max Verstappen of “crossing a line” following the fallout that has come from the stewards’ hearing that occurred after a qualifying incident between them last time out in Qatar.
Lawson reveals he’ll know about his future ‘next week’ as he claims he ‘feels ready’ to drive for Red Bull
RB driver Liam Lawson is not currently under contract with any team for next season, but has provided a deadline of “next week” for news about his next steps amid reports that he could be a contender for the second Red Bull seat.
Sainz says helping Ferrari to win constructors’ title would be ‘perfect goodbye’ in final race together
Carlos Sainz has admitted that helping Ferrari to seal the constructors’ championship in Abu Dhabi would be the “perfect goodbye” as he targets a win in his final race for the team.
ABU DHABI GRAND PRIX – Read the all-new digital race programme here
Check out the digital race programme for this weekend's Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix 2024.
Doohan reacts to ‘amazing’ early F1 debut as he outlines Alpine’s expectations
Jack Doohan has kicked off his first Formula 1 weekend with Alpine, stepping up from his role as reserve driver for the final race in Abu Dhabi to replace the departing Esteban Ocon in a sudden driver switch.
FIA Thursday press conference – Abu Dhabi
The drivers face the press ahead of the 2024 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix weekend from the Yas Marina Circuit.
‘There’s still time to go and win some races’ – Magnussen opens up on his exciting next chapter with BMW
Ahead of Kevin Magnussen’s final race with Haas in Formula 1, he revealed that he will join BMW Motorsport as a works driver for the 2025 season to take the wheel of the M Hybrid V8.
NEED TO KNOW: The most important facts, stats and trivia ahead of the 2024 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix
After a jam-packed season, the 2024 F1 campaign comes to a close with this weekend’s Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. Need to Know is your all-in-one guide with stats, trivia, insight and much more. You can also see how fans have voted using our F1 Play predictor game.
F1 TV nominated for Apple TV App of the Year award
F1 TV has been nominated in Apple’s 2024 App Store Awards, having been announced as a finalist in the Apple TV App of the Year category.
CHRISTMAS GIFT GUIDE: Bag a special present for the F1 fans in your life with our top picks
With Christmas just around the corner, we’ve put together a guide of all the best options to help you choose a special present for those F1 fans in your life. Check out our F1 Christmas Gift Guide.
AS IT HAPPENED: Follow all the build-up ahead of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix weekend
Live coverage of all the build-up ahead of the 2024 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix weekend.
Wolff addresses Hamilton’s struggles in final Mercedes season as he insists ‘we’ll stay with good memories’
Mercedes Team Principal Toto Wolff has addressed why Lewis Hamilton has had such an unsettled final season with the team as they prepare for an “emotional” farewell at the season-closer in Abu Dhabi.
Windows Central
I just upgraded my GPU, but Indiana Jones and the Great Circle's PC requirements are still making me sweat with their eye-watering demands
The system requirements and recommended PC specs for Indiana Jones and the Great Circle are incredibly steep.
Here's when Ranked Play will be available in Call of Duty: Warzone on Black Ops 6
The Black Ops 6 integration of Warzone is getting its own Ranked Play mode, with special rewards on offer for the best players. Here's when you can drop in.
Two new AI gaming handhelds have hit the market, but they're going to have to work hard to Claw their way up against the competition
MSI's new Claw gaming handhelds are now available and they tote Intel's powerful Lunar Lake AI processors. Learn more specs here.
The company that probably made your chair now makes a ridiculous monitor arm to mount up to FOUR 32-inch screens
Secretlab, most known for its chairs, also makes desks, monitor mounts, and other accessories. Now, Secretlab also offers a quad-arm stand for true multi-screen setups.
Indiana Jones and the Great Circle PC system requirements and specs: Can you run it?
The highly anticipated Indiana Jones and the Great Circle is almost here, but does your PC meet its system requirements? How about the recommended specs? Here's what you need to know.
Intel renamed Arc Control to the most boring thing possible, but the update adds useful features for Battlemage GPUs
Intel's new Battlemage GPUs aren't the only new thing on the way. The Arc Control app has been renamed and updated with some new features and controls.
A Snapdragon X Elite mini-PC is on the way, but it's not from Qualcomm
A leaked image shows that Geekom will release a mini-PC powered by a Snapdragon X Elite. It would be the first device to launch with that processor inside.
The Microsoft Store on Windows 11 is about to get even more useful
The Microsoft Store will soon be able to update apps that aren't hosted on Microsoft's store servers.
Microsoft rolls out fresh set of fixes for Windows 11 Insiders in the Canary Channel
Windows 11 build 27758 is now rolling out to Insiders in Microsoft's most unstable testing channel.
Get your "Xbox 2024 Year in Review:" Microsoft's new Xbox site shows you how many hours you've spent gaming this year
Microsoft's new website shows you how many hours you spent playing games on Xbox and PC this year.
EA announces it will patent 23 accessibility technologies that will be available to developers royalty-free "to reduce or eliminate as many barriers to access as possible and empower our gamers"
EA has announced it is doubling its catalog of patents on accessibility technologies, which it says will be available to developers royalty and license-free.
The coolest mobile gaming controller has a transparent design and Hall Effect sticks
The GameSir X3 Pro is combines advanced cooling technology and a transparent design to make a seriously neat looking controller for Xbox Cloud Gaming and Nvidia GeForce Now.
An Xbox Series S goes full Nokia to save a man's life after he was hit by a truck
A man was hit by a truck and dragged several feet, but his newly purchase Xbox saved his life.
The Steam Deck might be joined by other hardware running SteamOS if Valve's updated brand guidelines are anything to go by — Could the ROG Ally be one of them?
Recently updated branding from Valve suggests third-party hardware running SteamOS could be happening.
As a Diablo fan, I'm rooting for the success of its strongest competitor: Path of Exile 2
With Path of Exile 2 launching soon, Diablo 4 devotees are pushing back on the notion that it spells doom for Blizzard and, rather, brings innovation to both games.
One of the cutest games revealed at the Xbox Showcase just got a new teaser trailer
The Legend of Baboo, a heartwarming story of a boy and a dog fighting a demonic invasion with mythology from Turkish folklore, has a new teaser trailer showcasing gameplay.
Forget white Christmas. Microsoft "predicts" the world will melt before the end of the year.
Windows 11's weather widget may list temperatures of up to 30,000 Fahrenheit due to a bug. The issue also appears to affect other weather graphics powered by Microsoft.
Everything coming to Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 Season 1 Reloaded— New maps, limited modes, Ranked play, patch notes and more
Call of Duty Black Ops 6 is getting its first mid-season refresh with Season 1 Reloaded, and it's bringing the holiday cheer to the FPS.
Microsoft's WSL 2 looks like it could be getting even stronger with official support from Fedora
WSL on Windows 11 might be getting an official Fedora release
"The safety concerns expressed actually don't come at the AGI moment": Sam Altman says Artificial General Intelligence will come sooner than anticipated
OpenAI CEO Sam Altman indicated that AGI might be here sooner than most people think with surprisingly little societal impact despite reports of stunted AI development due to scaling laws.
Laffgaff
Louis Washkansky was the first person to survive a transplant of what organ?
Heart.
Edible Scrabble
I suspect there will never be an edible version of Scrabble. But if there is, I'll eat my words.
Itsfoss
FOSS Weekly #24.49: KDE's Own Distro, Cinnamon 6.4, OpenWrt's First Router, Bootkit Malware in Linux and More
After GNOME, KDE wants to have its own official KDE distro. Should we call it KLinux or Kinux?