The News - Monday, 09 December 2024

BBC News

'You can breathe': On the streets of Damascus after Assad

The BBC spoke to people in the Syrian capital after the end of the Assad family's five decades in power.

BBC reporter: 'First time I've come to Syria without fear of arrest'

A Syrian herself, Lina Sinjab says this is the first time she's entered the country "without fear of detention".

From Syrian jihadist leader to rebel politician: How Abu Mohammed al-Jawlani reinvented himself

The HTS chief has evolved from jihadist leader to rebel statesman while fighting to overthrow Bashar al-Assad.

Reports of people trapped underground at notorious Syrian prison

It is thought thousands of people could still be trapped in hidden parts of the notorious Saydnaya prison.

US will fear the vacuum that could replace Assad

Washington worries that the overthrow of Syria's president could lead to a power grab by Islamist groups.

Starmer welcomes fall of Assad's 'barbaric regime'

The UK prime minister said it was "early days" when asked whether the government would engage with Syrian rebels.

Closer UK and EU ties will boost growth, says Reeves

Labour has ruled out rejoining the European Union but wants to "break down barriers to trade".

Trump vows to end birthright citizenship and pardon US Capitol rioters

He tells NBC he will issue "a lot" of executive orders, including on immigration, once he takes office.

Puberty blockers: Can a drug trial solve one of medicine's most controversial debates?

The government has pledged to determine the evidence - and establish whether the benefits outweigh any potential harms of prescribing puberty blockers to children questioning their gender

I'm A Celebrity 2024 winner crowned after series finale

The ITV show has been on for three weeks and viewers have crowned their King or Queen of the Jungle.

Car loan scandal payout fears as row drags on

People who were unaware of commission paid when they bought a car on finance may be in line for payouts, but face delays.

Anora or Wicked? Golden Globe nominations to be announced

The Brutalist, Conclave, Sing Sing, Emilia Pérez and Dune: Part Two could also be recognised.

Government wants state to be more 'like a start-up'

As well as urging a "test and learn" mindset in government, ministers want to bring in tech workers on secondment.

Melbourne synagogue fire 'likely' terror act, police say

Three suspects are being sought over the fire, which injured one person and caused extensive damage.

Husband 'got back into' strangled Harshita Brella's life after arrest

Harshita Brella's sister says Pankaj Lamba worked himself back into his wife's life after he was arrested.

Papers report on 'delight' in Syria but warn of uncertainty ahead

Most of Monday's papers lead on the rebels toppling the Assad regime, as Syrians celebrate its fall.

Gynaecology patients going private to avoid NHS waiting lists

Women in agony are using their savings to pay for urgent treatment to avoid waits of up to two years.

How one of gaming's best-known actors took on one of film's biggest roles

He's played some of the biggest roles in gaming, but Troy Baker confesses his latest scared even him.

Pubs warn Guinness being limited could 'cripple' their business

Pubs say they're trying to find alternative stouts as wholesalers put limits on how much Guinness they can get.

HTS leader not only player in Syria's fast-changing future

Bashar al-Assad's regime is gone, but it remains unclear what Syria's new order will eventually look like, writes Lyse Doucet.

On secret military island, a mother strives to raise her children normally

Shanthi tried her best to create a sense of normality for her children on the remote British island Diego Garcia.

Hit by blackouts Cuba’s tourism industry now braces for Trump

Cuba's hotels, already hit by power cuts, worry that Trump may increase the US's economic blockade.

Raygun musical cancelled after viral Olympian's legal threat

Creator Steph Broadbridge says lawyers for Rachael Gunn sent a cease and desist letter.

UK 'not ready' for extreme weather like Storm Darragh

The head of the Climate Change Committee calls on the government to invest in adaptations now.

Influencers enlisted to help fight fly tipping as problem worsens

Litter pickers say the situation is depressing as the cost of removing dumped rubbish nears £2m.

Ukrainian war dead reaches 43,000, Zelensky says in rare update

The Ukrainian president also claimed that 198,000 Russian soldiers had been killed and 550,000 wounded.

'I fought £255 parking charge and won'

Garry Kay was asked to pay £255 because he took longer than five minutes to buy a parking ticket.

Dorothy's ruby slippers sell for $28m at auction

The shoes, worn by Judy Garland in the classic 1939 movie, went for $25m more than the auctioneer's estimate.

Man dies and two hurt in west London 'disturbance'

London Ambulance Service said a man died at the scene and two were taken to major trauma centres.

Police investigating Labour council leader

Scottish Labour confirmed Cammy Day has been suspended pending the outcome of the investigation.

Landslide residents want to leave their homes

After a coal tip landslide narrowly missed their homes, residents say are worried about a risk of another.

In maps: How anti-Assad rebels took control

A visual guide to the latest developments as advancing Syrian fighters set their sights on Damascus.

What we know about Syria's notorious Saydnaya Prison

Thousands of people have been executed and tortured in the secretive prison since the 1980s.

UK could remove rebel group that led Assad's overthrow from terror list

Pat McFadden says any decision should be "swift" after the group led the overthrow of al-Assad rule.

Israel says it has bombed missile and chemical weapons facilities

The IDF also released photos of its personnel who crossed from the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights into the buffer zone where UN peacekeepers are based.

Girl, 15, was fatally stabbed standing up for friend after a break up, court hears

Elianne Andam was attacked outside a shopping centre in Croydon, south London, in September last year.

Major water company uses accounting trick to inflate balance sheet by £1.68bn

A substantial Severn Trent Water investment is based on IOU notes - BBC Panorama finds.

Ariana Grande, Cynthia Erivo and Timothee Chalamet up for Golden Globes

Selena Gomez and Nicole Kidman are also among the contenders as Hollywood's award season kicks off.

Donald Trump says Prince William 'looks better in person'

Prince William met the president-elect after the re-opening of the Notre-Dame cathedral in Paris.

Jay-Z accused with Diddy in lawsuit of raping girl, 13, in 2000

Jay-Z has dismissed the action as a "blackmail attempt", while Diddy has denied the claims against him.

'Mama wore crown at bath time,' says King Charles

The King also spoke of feeling "slightly anxious" about wearing the heavy St Edward's Crown at his own coronation.

TikTok asks for emergency pause to looming US ban

The app says the Supreme Court - and incoming Trump administration - needs more time to consider the case.

Labour council leader quits over alleged messages to Ukrainian refugees

Police are investigating Edinburgh councillor Cammy Day following an allegation of inappropriate behaviour.

Lockerbie wreckage moved to US for bombing trial

Abu Agila Masud is accused of making the device that blew up Pan Am Flight 103 in 1988, killing 270 people.

Puberty blockers: Can a drug trial solve one of medicine's most controversial debates?

The government has pledged to determine the evidence - and establish whether the benefits outweigh any potential harms of prescribing puberty blockers to children questioning their gender

From jihadist to rebel politician: How Syria's Jawlani reinvented himself

The HTS chief has evolved from jihadist leader to rebel statesman while fighting to overthrow Bashar al-Assad.

Why car loan scandal victims may have to wait even longer for payouts

People who were unaware of commission paid when they bought a car on finance may be in line for payouts, but face delays.

Bank accounts locked and cash withdrawn after elderly gave power to law firm partner

BBC hears how people felt pressured to grant lasting power of attorney to a man called Ron Hiller.

Flood warnings as thousands without power after Storm Darragh

Travel impacts also continue after the storm caused significant disruption over the weekend.

Restaurant saves wedding couple's day after storm

A couple whose wedding was cancelled got their fairytale ending when a stranger stepped in.

Prioritise safety not A&E target, NHS leaders told

Health Secretary Wes Streeting delivers message amid mounting concern about winter pressures.

Woman, 41, killed in dog attack in Aberdeen

Michelle McLeod was described by relatives as a much-loved mother and daughter.

Cafe partially collapses as fire engulfs building

The fire has swept through a cafe and spread to neighbouring buildings, the fire service says.

Sinfield 'battered' after 230-mile Rob Burrow run

The rugby league star did seven ultra marathons in seven days and raised more than £1m.

Criminology student murdered woman on beach, court told

Amie Gray was stabbed to death while her friend survived the random attack, the jury hears.

Labour council leader quits over alleged sex messages to refugees

Police are investigating Edinburgh councillor Cammy Day following an allegation of inappropriate behaviour.

Owner 'not bothered' by XL bully attack on girl, 12

A court heard that the dog's owner, Justin Allison, didn't do anything to help the girl under attack.

Suspended sentence after crash death of 'beautiful, happy' child

Scarlett Rossborough, eight, died after being knocked down by John Noble Lindsay in Carrickfergus in 2023.

Bournemouth Echo

Decision on BCP tourist tax still pending after ballot appeal

A decision has yet to be made on whether a 'tourist tax' will be introduced in BCP.

'It's time to find someone else who wants to carry it on'

A Dorset business with ties to both military and yacht building companies has announced it is selling up.

Should councillors be allowed to vote in meetings while watching online?

Parties are split over whether BCP Council should be allowed to attend “major” meetings and cast a vote online.

BCP Council to consult kids and residents on playpark improvements

Children will be consulted on BCP Council’s “ambitious” plans to transform and renovate playparks across the conurbation.

Bosses urged not to end up with a tax hangover after staff Christmas parties

BUSINESSES in Dorset planning to treat their staff to a festive party this Christmas are being warned not to end up with a tax hangover.

Day centre ‘extremely proud’ of first Ofsted with praise from inspectors

A day centre has said it is “extremely proud” of its first Ofsted report as inspectors praised staff.

‘Deliberate ploy to stop residents attending’: Councillor hits out at inquiry venue

A councillor has hit out at the venue choice for the Sandbanks Ferry inquiry, saying it is a “deliberate ploy” to stop residents from attending.

In The Dock: Man smeared faeces in cell after caught stealing salmon among the cases

The following cases were heard at Poole Magistrates' Court:

MP says extra town and parish councils is 'huge leap backwards'

TOM Hayes has said he has “serious concerns” about the council’s proposals to introduce extra town or parish councils.

Thousands of free books gifted to the NSPCC this Christmas

NSPCC hubs across the UK have received more than 37,000 free books to share with partner agencies and families in time for Christmas as part of a new partnership with the UK’s largest children’s reading charity.

Coastguard search over three hours for ‘high risk’ missing person with child

The Coastguard searched for over three hours for a ‘high risk’ missing person with a young child.

British retirees reveal their top 10 bucket list destinations to visit in 2025

New Zealand and Japan are among the bucket list destinations British retirees want to visit in 2025

Teenage boy stabbed during a night time 'gathering'

TWO teenagers have been arrested after a 16-year-old was stabbed.

Alleged beach killer 'stabbed two women and left them to bleed to death'

Nasen Saadi, 20, is on trial for alleged murder of Amie Gray.

LIVE: Traffic chaos after lorry blocks main road

Residents in Wick are currently stuck while a broken-down lorry is recovered.

Hit-and-run crash in Bournemouth leaves pedestrian injured

Officers are appealing for witnesses and anyone with dashcam footage to come forward following a collision in Bournemouth.

Two people saved from brush with death after tree crashed onto car

Emergency services were alerted to reports of a tree on a car at around 11.30am on December 7.

Motorists delayed after large fallen tree blocks main road

Motorists are facing delays and standstill traffic after a tree blew and fell onto both lanes of Gravel Hill this morning.

Hundreds of cannabis plants seized in week of police raids

Police seized approximately 700 cannabis plants in raids in the New Forest, arresting men in separate incidents

Bournemouth Airport's private jet centre scoops major industry award

BOURNEMOUTH Airport’s XLR corporate jet centre is celebrating scooping a major aviation industry award for outstanding customer service and operational excellence.

37 roadworks taking place across BCP this week

The following roadworks are being carried out within the BCP Council area by the council and various utility companies this week:

Man comes forward after driver fled four-vehicle crash

A MAN has come forward after a driver fled from the scene of a four-vehicle crash in Poole.

"There's a real community here and that's what gets us through"

People took part in a 12-hour 'spinathon' to raise money for mental health charity.

Christmas experience comes to indoor children's attraction

An indoor attraction has created a Christmas experience for youngsters.

Help a toad get to its 'hoppy' place

AS TOAD populations continue to decline across the UK, the Ringwood and Poulner Toad Patrol is gearing up for its annual mission to save these precious amphibians.

Dorset businesses back Jobs Foundation

Support is growing from companies in Dorset for the national Jobs Foundation charity which champions ‘business as a force for good‘.

Hundreds attend powerful exhibition in Bournemouth

More than 500 people visited a powerful exhibition in Bournemouth town centre.

'Build back Bournemouth campaign must not be lost'

I understand that our new MP, Jessica Toale, has not succeeded Sir Conor Burns in his campaign to "Build Back Bournemouth," and his initiative appears to have been lost.

Food banks and animal shelters 'more likely to get donations than children'

Food banks and animal shelters are more likely to receive donations this Christmas rather than children, data shows.

Poole bus station to host milestone birthday for Morebus

A POPULAR bus service is holding a special event to mark a milestone in two of its buses.

Should the UK public be banned from buying and using fireworks? Government responds

The UK Government has discussed whether or not the general public should be banned from buying and using fireworks following a petition.

Parents warned flu cases are 'skyrocketing' amid spike in cases among children

Health bosses have warned that hospitals are dealing with a “quad-demic” of disease, with rising levels of flu, Covid-19, norovirus and RSV

Formula 1

FIA post-race press conference – Abu Dhabi

1. Lando Norris (McLaren), 2. Carlos Sainz (Ferrari), 3. Charles Leclerc (Ferrari)

What the teams said – Race day in Abu Dhabi

The drivers and teams report back on all the action from the 2024 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix from the Yas Marina Circuit.

‘We’ve never looked as strong’ – Gasly ecstatic after securing sixth in constructors' for Alpine in Abu Dhabi

Pierre Gasly continued his strong run of form that he and Alpine discovered late in the season, making the most of their surge in performance to obtain sixth in the constructors’ standings in Abu Dhabi.

Verstappen and Piastri give their take on first-lap clash as both endure tough outing in Abu Dhabi

Max Verstappen and Oscar Piastri have each given their take on the Lap 1 incident that kickstarted a difficult race for them both in Abu Dhabi, with Verstappen receiving a penalty for the clash while Piastri dropped down the order and faced a tough recovery drive.

MUST-SEE: Listen in to Hamilton's emotional radio as he crosses the line in his final race for Mercedes

Perez says collision with Bottas in Abu Dhabi ‘sums it up’ as he admits uncertainty around his future

Sergio Perez had a race to forget at the season closer in Abu Dhabi as he was forced to retire early on, leaving him to lament his “very difficult year” that has cast doubt on his future with Red Bull.

F1 NATION: A famous win for McLaren as Hamilton bids farewell to Mercedes – it's our Abu Dhabi GP review

Abu Dhabi marked not just the end of the 2024 season, but the end of an era in many ways. McLaren ended a 26-year barren run by finally winning the constructors' title again, while Lewis Hamilton saw his record-breaking spell as a Mercedes driver draw to a close.

‘We will always be your people’ – Wolff shares special message to Hamilton ahead of move to Ferrari

Toto Wolff shared an emotional final message with Lewis Hamilton as the seven-time world champion prepares to head to Ferrari after spending 12 years breaking records with Mercedes.

‘It sucks’ – Lawson insists Abu Dhabi ‘one of my better races’ with tough outing ending in DNF

Abu Dhabi did not go to plan for the RB team, with a slew of issues affecting both drivers. Liam Lawson failed to see the chequered flag, while Yuki Tsunoda trailed home a lap down in 12th place after suffering with a clutch issue throughout the entire race.

Jubilant Brown cites Stella’s ‘unbelievable’ leadership as key to McLaren constructors' success after ‘worst two hours of my life’

Zak Brown went up onto the podium to represent McLaren in the wake of Lando Norris’ historic victory in Abu Dhabi, celebrating with his driver before embarking on what promised to be a night-long party with the rest of the McLaren team.

FIA outline Verstappen’s ‘work of public interest’ for bad language in Singapore press conference

Formula 1’s governing body, the FIA, has announced the details of Max Verstappen’s “work of public interest” duty linked to the stewards’ penalty for the use of unacceptable language during the drivers’ press conference at the 2024 Singapore Grand Prix.

Magnussen reflects on ‘real privilege’ of F1 career as Hulkenberg shares pride in Haas efforts despite team losing out on P6

Haas narrowly lost out on P6 in the constructors’ standings to a high-flying Alpine side, but Kevin Magnussen and Nico Hulkenberg left Abu Dhabi satisfied with the team’s consistent performance this season, even though the finale didn’t quite go as planned.

‘I’m not done yet’ – Bottas defiant on his F1 future after ‘everything went wrong’ in final Kick Sauber race

Abu Dhabi was a not the perfect farewell for the Kick Sauber drivers, with Valtteri Bottas and Zhou Guanyu both struggling on their final outing in Formula 1. The Finn didn’t even finish the race after two collisions, while Zhou limped home 13th after picking up a time penalty.

Kick Sauber announce F1 ACADEMY’s Carrie Schreiner as Team Brand Ambassador

Kick Sauber have confirmed that their 2024 F1 ACADEMY driver Carrie Schreiner will move into a role as the Swiss outfit’s Team Brand Ambassador, now that her campaign in the all-female series has come to an end.

MONDAY MORNING DEBRIEF: How Hamilton expertly turned a P16 starting slot into a P4 finish in his farewell Mercedes race

Lewis Hamilton was on his way to comfortably clearing Q1 in Abu Dhabi qualifying – faster in the first two sectors than team mate George Russell, just as he had been throughout practice – before Kevin Magnussen’s Haas threw a bollard in his way.

Windows Central

Indiana Jones and the Great Circle gets its first patch on Xbox and PC, with a nice feature for those of you with particularly beefy NVIDIA GPUs

Ray Tracing and bug fixes arrive for Indiana Jones and the Great Circle, which is available now in early access on Xbox and PC.

"We have already achieved AGI. It’s even more clear with O1": OpenAI employee claims 'o1' constitutes AGI after Sam Altman indicated it would whoosh by with "surprisingly little" societal impact

An OpenAI staffer claims the company might have already hit the coveted benchmark following the release of OpenAI o1 to broad availability.

Bethesda declares Indiana Jones and the Great Circle an approachable and accessible game with a new outline of accessibility features, but not everybody is happy.

Indiana Jones and the Great Circle is getting rave reviews, but before the game launches on December 9 Bethesda wants players to know that it is both approachable and accessible, with more accessibility tech coming in future updates.

Windows Phone in 2024?! Not exactly, but this is close.

An enthusiast managed to get Windows 11 onto a phone by using "Project Renegade." The device does not work perfectly, but it serves as a reminder of what could have been with Windows Phone.

This 4K computer monitor doubles as a Google TV and comes with a remote — It would be perfect if not for one downside

ASUS ZenScreen Smart Monitor MS27UC is a great 4K computer monitor that doubles as a Google TV complete with a remote. Our review.