BBC News
Shaken by Assad's sudden fall, Syria faces seismic turning point
The worst scenario for Syrians is that their country will spin into violent chaos, writes the BBC's Jeremy Bowen.
Assad's police threatened to bury me and my reporting. Now I'm back, and free
The BBC's Lina Sinjab - who fled Damascus 2013 as it was engulfed in war – reflects on her return to the city.
Luigi Mangione charged with murdering healthcare CEO in New York
The 26-year-old man was taken into custody at a McDonald's in the town of Altoona, Pennsylvania, on Monday.
Bosses of world’s largest LGBT news site PinkNews accused of sexual misconduct
Ex-staff members say they saw one of the couple who runs the site kissing and touching a drunk colleague.
Stop non-priority spending, Treasury warns ministers
Rachel Reeves promises to take an "iron fist" to waste, but the Tories say her sums do not add up.
New Gavin and Stacey photos released ahead of finale
Pictures from the show's Christmas special are released as the final episode draws ever closer.
Murdoch loses bid to change trust in real-life 'Succession' battle
The court says Murdoch acted in "bad faith" by trying to give control of his empire to his eldest son.
Germany to tighten people-smuggling law in UK deal
The Joint Action Plan sees Germany commit to making it easier to prosecute those facilitating people-smuggling to the UK.
New Zealand to ban greyhound racing
The industry has long faced criticism, with some breeders accused of mistreating or doping the animals.
Champion cyclist pleads guilty over wife's car death
Rohan Dennis was driving a car that struck his wife, fellow Olympian Melissa Hoskins, in Australia.
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.
Ex-Marine Daniel Penny acquitted in chokehold death of homeless man on NY subway
The case sparked weeks of protests and reignited national debate over race, mental illness, and public safety in the US.
Google unveils 'mind-boggling' quantum computing chip
It solves in five minutes a problem computers now would need 10,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000 years to work out, Google says.
What just happened in Syria and who's in charge?
Syria's PM says his former cabinet is working with the rebels who toppled President Assad.
Syrian asylum seekers in limbo as countries stop applications
Austria, Germany, the United Kingdom, France, and Greece have all said they will suspend asylum decisions for now.
Nail artist cries after seeing her work in Wicked
Shea Osei says she made more than 35 sets of press on nails for the Wicked movie.
The Papers: UK to freeze Syria asylum claims and 'Red card for Coote'
The fallout from the demise of the Assad regime and the sacking of referee David Coote lead the papers.
What is rage-baiting and why is it profitable?
Called rage-baiting, making people angry with social media posts can be a business.
Chris Mason: Assad's fall leaves UK with political dilemma
The overthrow of the Assad regime leaves the UK needing to make some difficult decisions.
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.
Wine-bottle snowman towers 26 feet over pub
Thousands of lights have completely covered the Queen Victoria Inn in Somerset.
Hershey shares jump on Cadbury owner buyout report
A deal between Mondelez and Hershey could create a food giant with sales of almost $50bn a year.
Flood warnings as thousands without power after Storm Darragh
Travel impacts also continue after the storm caused significant disruption over the weekend.
Prioritise safety not A&E target, NHS leaders told
Health Secretary Wes Streeting delivers message amid mounting concern about winter pressures.
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.
UK sanctions Kenyan businessman over illicit gold trade
Pattni has been accused of smuggling gold and exploiting natural resources in Africa for decades.
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.
Monks 'cruel' to child sexual abuse victims - review
One survivor of abuse on the island says she does not know she survived after her ordeal.
'She lied to me about Kyran or police have it wrong'
A recording raising key questions in the case of Kyran Durnin, who is presumed dead, is being broadcast by BBC Spotlight.
Former England rugby star feared dead in flood
Northumbria Police says a search is continuing where Tom Voyce's car was found near Alnwick.
Minister criticises 'cultures of silence' after Wallace claims
The culture secretary said she was "prepared to take further action" against claims of misconduct.
Car loan scandal victims told to complain to their lender
Aggrieved car buyers who feel they were mis-sold a loan should complain to their lender, MPs hear.
Thames Water boss defends exec bonuses as sewage spills soar
The company saw a 40% increase in pollution incidents in the first half of the year as its debts continued to swell.
Thousands to get payouts as Birmingham City Council agrees equal pay deal
Settling the thousands of long-running claims is a "good day for low-paid women", Unison says.
Russian spies planned to kidnap journalist, trial hears
The Old Bailey has heard a Russian spy cell planned to kidnap a journalist and smuggle him out of the UK.
King presents Elizabeth Emblems to families of those who died on duty
King Charles presents a new award recognising those who died in public service.
Government department spends £1,200 on two folders
It comes as Chancellor Rachel Reeves asks departments to highlight savings they can make in the next few years.
MP calls for first-cousin marriage to be banned
Tory former minister Richard Holden says the children of first cousins are at greater risk of birth defects.
Syrian families' 'unbearable' wait to know fate of detained relatives
Thousands of prisoners under Assad have been released - families are searching for relatives among them.
Bodies showing signs of torture found at Damascus hospital, rebels say
Pictures showed bodies wrapped in blood-stained shrouds piled up inside a morturary at Harasta Hospital near Damascus.
'I'm scanning every face' - one woman's search for the family she has lost
A woman whose grandfather, father and brothers were detained by the military tells the BBC it is "devastating" that they are still missing.
Turkey's 3m Syrian refugees face big decision on going home or staying
Thousands of Syrians have flocked to Turkey's borders with Syria, but not everyone will want to go back yet.
Jeremy Bowen: The country now faces a seismic turning point
The worst scenario for Syrians is that their country will spin into violent chaos, writes the BBC's Jeremy Bowen.
28 Years Later: Trailer has fans guessing over Cillian Murphy's fate
Some suggest a zombie that pops up in the trailer may be Murphy's original 28 Days Later character.
What we know about Luigi Mangione, the IT graduate charged over CEO shooting
The man suspected of gunning down a health executive in New York was found with a ghost gun, $10,000 and fake ID.
How Hamlet found a virtual stage in Grand Theft Auto
New documentary Grand Theft Hamlet follows actors attempting Shakespeare inside GTA during lockdown.
'She would take off her uniform and cry' - thousands of children are missing school in Scotland
Twelve-year-old Hannah missed most of her primary education but has been receiving support to get her back to school.
New Gavin & Stacey photos released before finale
Pictures from the show's Christmas special are released as the final episode draws ever closer.
Murdoch loses real-life 'Succession' court battle against his children
The court says Murdoch acted in "bad faith" by trying to give control of his empire to his eldest son.
Reeves says assisted dying unlikely to hit public finances
The Chancellor voted with hundreds of MPs to pass the first stage of Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill.
Bosses of world’s largest LGBT news site PinkNews accused of sexual misconduct
Ex-staff members say they saw one of the couple who runs the site kissing and touching a drunk colleague.
Luke Littler trends higher than PM on Google in UK this year
The star is the top searched athlete and behind only the Princess of Wales and Donald Trump overall.
Coffee price surges to highest on record
Coffee drinkers are set to feel the pinch from high prices after crops got hit by drought and heavy rainfall.
Sex abuser who targeted dozens of child victims online jailed for 27 years
The 130 charges relate to 47 victims, some from England, of which 46 were children at the time of the offending.
Dennis pleads guilty over wife Hoskins' death
Former world champion cyclist Rohan Dennis pleads guilty over a car incident in Australia which killed his wife, fellow Olympian Melissa Hoskins.
Girl begged killer to stop as he stabbed her
Elianne Andam was stabbed in the neck outside a Croydon shopping centre while supporting a friend.
Man, 84, in court charged with murdering wife
Retired nurse John Hanson was arrested following the death of his wife Margaret at their home in Galashiels.
NHS to get £600m boost in Welsh budget
All Welsh government departments to be offered more cash from April under budget plans.
'Vile' sex abuser with dozens of child victims jailed
The 130 charges relate to 47 victims, some from England, of which 46 were children at the time of the offending.
Bournemouth Echo
CCTV footage shows alleged murderer wandering around Bournemouth
Nasen Saadi, from Croydon, south London, is on trial charged with murder.
Man ‘butchered woman’ on seafront in random attack
A CRIMINOLOGY student ‘butchered a woman’ on the seafront in a “savage and random attack”, a court has heard.
Man charged in connection with fatal collision involving an 18-year-old girl
A man has been charged in connection with a fatal road traffic collision in East Dorset.
Man accused of beach stabbing asked: "You're not planning a murder are you?"
Nasen Saadi, 20 and of Croydon, is charged with the murder of 34-year-old Amie Gray and the attempted murder of 38-year-old Leanne Miles.
Man said he ‘loved and was fascinated by knives’ after alleged beach murder
A man accused of stabbing a woman to death, and attempting to kill another, told prison officers he ‘loved and was fascinated by knives’, a court has heard.
Cineworld announces it has axed Tower Park venue
Cineworld in Poole is to be closed down as part of the struggling firm’s restructuring plan.
Man suffers serious head injury and three are charged after alleged attack
A MAN suffered serious injuries to his head during an alleged assault in Bournemouth.
Serious crash highlights dangers of drink and drug driving, warn police
A car which was destroyed in a crash involving a drunk driver has served as a warning from police about the dangers of driving under the influence.
First Look: Flamingo Cafe Bar opens in Ashley Cross
THE highly anticipated Flamingo Café Bar has officially opened in Ashley Cross.
Meat stolen from Tesco Express
AROUND £50 worth of meat was stolen from a Tesco Express in the New Forest.
Ricky Gervais to bring tour and Netflix show to Bournemouth
Comedian Ricky Gervais will be coming to Bournemouth early next year for his new tour.
Woman on bridge sparks concern
A WOMAN on a bridge in Bournemouth sparked an emergency response.
Bird of prey with one foot captured by photographer in Poole
A BIRD of prey with one foot has been captured by a wildlife photographer in Poole.
Seven-week road closure on major road to start in the new year
A MAIN road in Poole will be closed both ways for seven weeks.
In The Dock: Women beaters and drink drivers among the cases
The following cases were heard at Poole Magistrates' Court:
20mph zones to be introduced in village
Roads in Charminster Dorset are to have 20mph zones introduced from December 13
Development of 46 homes set to be built in New Forest
A development of 46 homes is set to be built in the New Forest National Park
Friends honour late dancer’s 21st birthday with half marathon tribute
FRIENDS of a talented school girl who died aged 16 have run 21km in tribute to what would have been her 21st birthday.
Team behind new Bournemouth takeaway platform braves Storm Darragh
The Bournemouth Eats team were out in full force in the wind and rain, handing out vouchers for their new business.
Family seen boogie boarding in sea during storm Darragh
Storm Darragh brought trees down, caused major travel disruption, and forced events to be cancelled last minute.
Anger after roadworks extended for three months
The road closure in New Milton has been extended for three months due to gasworks carried out by gas company SGN, that were first scheduled to finish in three to four weeks.
Man found dead at home by his wife
An inquest has opened into the death of a Lymington man who was found dead at his home.
All the energy companies offering free or cheaper electricity this Christmas
Multiple energy companies have announced that they will pause charges for electricity at points over the festive season, including Christmas Day
Facebook group started by a Poole woman tackling mental health problems
A MENTAL health support group started by a woman in Poole after her own struggles has now become a place that encourages people to get moving and talk about their mental health.
Private school denies it's an 'entertainment centre' in booze bid
A private school near Lymington has insisted it is not becoming an ‘entertainment centre’ as it bids to sell alcohol
Staff and students at Wimborne school donate festive treats to food bank
A school in Wimborne has donated a variety of festive foods to a local food bank for Christmas.
New Forest distillery becomes official partner to prestigious car brand
A New Forest distillery has become an official partner for the Rolls-Royce Enthusiasts’ Club.
What is the cheapest supermarket for Christmas dinner in 2024?
Christmas dinner can be expensive, so experts analysed the costs of Aldi, Lidl, Morrisons, Tesco, Sainsbury’s, Asda and Iceland to see which was cheapest.
Pet health expert warns of seven dangers to your dog this winter
It’s important that dog owners are aware of the potential hazards that the colder months bring when walking dogs
Met Office forecasts late December snow - could UK be set for a white Christmas?
The long range weather forecast from the Met Office, which covers December 24 to January 7, has predicted "sleet and snow".
Government
Domestic Abuse (Aggravated Offences) Bill
A Bill to create certain domestic abuse aggravated offences; and for connected purposes.
Formula 1
All the drivers taking part in the 2024 post-season test in Abu Dhabi
The 2024 season might have drawn to a close, but the action hasn’t quite stopped. There is still today’s Pirelli tyre test to undertake, which will feature a number of familiar faces – and some fresher ones.
5 Winners and 5 Losers from Abu Dhabi – Who signed off their season in style?
The champagne corks were popping at McLaren as Lando Norris’ commanding victory in the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix gave the iconic British team their first constructors’ championship since 1998. But as they celebrated, many of their rivals were left rueing what might have been at the Yas Marina Circuit. For one last time this year, Lawrence Barretto picks his winners and losers from Middle Eastern season finale.
Leclerc tops post-season test in Abu Dhabi as Sainz, Ocon and more debut for new teams
Charles Leclerc set the pace for Ferrari during Tuesday’s post-season test session at the Yas Marina Circuit, leading the way from former team mate and new Williams driver Carlos Sainz and the Mercedes of George Russell.
Hamilton deserved to beat me in Abu Dhabi says Russell, as he pays tribute to ‘incredible’ team mate
George Russell might have out-qualified his illustrious team mate yet again in Abu Dhabi, but he couldn’t withstand Lewis Hamilton’s late attack as the two Mercedes team mates went wheel to wheel on the final lap of the final race of the season.
Albon reflects on ‘last hurrah’ for Williams in Abu Dhabi as Colapinto vows to ‘come back in the future’
After a rollercoaster of a season, Williams driver Alex Albon has reflected on the team’s “last hurrah” in a tricky Abu Dhabi Grand Prix as they switch focus to progressing forward in 2025.
GALLERY: Sainz at Williams, Ocon at Haas and more as drivers hit the track for Abu Dhabi post-season test
A host of names – both new and old – will make their mark on track for the final time in 2024 as they take part in the post-season test at the Yas Marina Circuit in Abu Dhabi, providing teams with valuable data ahead of the winter break.
Windows Central
Some long-awaited classic Activision-Blizzard games just appeared on the Microsoft Store, could Xbox be getting another Game Pass injection?
Call of Duty + United Offensive, Call of Duty 2, and Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare have appeared on the Microsoft Store, so will they come to Xbox Game Pass?
These STALKER 2 screenshots are so drop-dead gorgeous they've got me begging the devs for a Photo Mode, but you can use this mod in the meantime
It's a shame that STALKER 2 doesn't have a Photo Mode, but this modded solution is the next best thing — and it's absolutely fantastic.
I wanted to review Indiana Jones' French toast, but Xbox sent me a bunch of cool glasses instead
Xbox and IHOP's latest collaboration around the Indiana Jones and the Great Circle launch includes five collectible glasses, and I have them all now.
A Copilot+ PC, not super soldier serum or a flight suit, is Captain America's secret weapon
Copilot+ PCs feature in a new ad that shows Falcon helping Captain America during a battle.
Our favorite mini PC is affordable and perfect for photo and video editing — Right now, you can get it at a special low price with this coupon code
Use this special coupon to get your favorite mini PC at a special low price. It offers solid performance and plenty of ports in a compact frame.
Rocksteady is killing Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League with a final update in January — but it's getting a highly-requested feature
Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League Season 4 is the game's last seasonal update, with an offline mode and a new character being added.
"It often generates unrealistic physics and struggles with complex actions over long durations": OpenAI's Sora ships to general availability with critical performance caps and a $200 subscription requirement for better resolution and longer duration
OpenAI shipped Sora to broad availability. It's limited to ChatGPT Plus and Pro users with caps on resolutions and durations.
Microsoft AI CEO predicts AGI within 7 years, but not with 'current hardware' as indicated by Sam Altman: "I don’t think it can be done on [Nvidia] GB200s"
Microsoft AI CEO Mustafa Suleyman talks about AGI, security, OpenAI partnership, copyright infringement by AI, and more in a detailed interview with The Verge.
Here's how to turn your Android Phone into a 'Windows Phone' in 2024
Windows Phone is dead but its spirit lives on. A video by MrMobile shows how you can turn an Android phone into a 'Window Phone' with Launcher 10.
Legacy of Kain: Soul Reaver 1 & 2 Remastered drops the original for a run-of-the-mill upscale, but it's far more of a 'Definitive Edition' than Grand Theft Auto ever was
Both games flaunt fantastic character models, but this legendary series receives only a passing-grade port rather than an overhauled remaster with much-needed visual options.
As Space Marine 2 gets a new Operation, Henry Cavill's Warhammer 40K series is moving forward at Amazon
As Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 gets another playable mission with Operation obelisk, Henry Cavill's Warhammer 40,000 TV series moves ahead at Amazon.
Fellow Diablo 2 snobs: Path of Exile 2 is the game we've been waiting for
Path of Exile 2 is new on the scene, and it's giving me major Diablo 2 vibes. It's the first ARPG I've played other than Blizzard's masterpiece that captures the same feel, and I can't get enough.
Amazon's Prime Gaming has a bunch of incredible free games right now to celebrate Secret Level and you don't want to miss out on them
Amazon's latest batch of free PC games contains some big hitters like The Outer Worlds and Baldur's Gate, so you won't want to miss claiming them.
My new ASUS ROG Ally had a really weird issue that I'm not exactly sure how I solved — but here's what I tried anyway
My new ROG Ally almost immediately had an issue with the right bumper (RB), here are three things I tried that seem to have fixed it.
This mid-range gaming laptop feels like the forgotten middle child, and isn't difficult to understand why
The Lenovo Legion 5i (Gen 9) is a pretty great mid-range gaming laptop that's rather confusingly positioned in Lenovo's lineup (and a little difficult to find).
Christmas has come early because my favorite Xbox controller is having a limited-time discount on Amazon that will save you over $90
Looking for a discount on one of the best controllers this holiday season? Look no further than Amazon's 61% discount for my favorite Xbox controller, the Razer Wolverine V2 Chroma.
I bought this game even though I don't own an Xbox Series X|S or a gaming PC
Forza Horizon 4 will be delisted from digital storefronts later this week. I bought the game to not miss out even though I don't have an Xbox right now.
Rumors and leaks about NVIDIA's RTX 5000 GPUs point to an early 2025 launch — Here's what you need to know
NVIDIA's eagerly anticipated RTX 5000 GPUs are expected to make their debut in January 2025, and I've collected the most credible rumors here to keep you in the know.
Official Xbox Wireless Headset (2024) review — Is this new budget option worth the money, or simply a headache?
Microsoft's refreshed official Xbox Wireless Headset is here. I wasn't a big fan of the first iteration a few years ago, but is its sequel worth your money?
'World of Warcraft: Midnight' is FINALLY delivering one of the game's most fan-requested features, but there are six things I want to see the system incorporate to make sure it really lands
After many years of requests, Blizzard Entertainment will finally add player housing to World of Warcraft in the upcoming Midnight expansion. Join us as we count down the things we wish to see player housing include when it goes live.
Laffgaff
Which lost city was discovered by archaeologist Hiram Bingham in 1911?
Machu Picchu.
Neil Diamond
Did you know that Neil Diamond used to be called Neil Coal? Until the pressure got to him.