The News - Wednesday, 11 December 2024

BBC News

We may run out of prison space despite building more - minister

Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood says "building alone is not enough" to deal with the overcrowding crisis.

Israel confirms attack on Syrian naval fleet

The BBC has verified videos showing blasts in the Syrian port of Latakia, as Israel conducts strikes across Syria.

Luigi Mangione fights extradition to face charge of murdering CEO

The 26-year-old was arrested in Pennsylvania, and prosecutors are seeking to bring him to trial in New York.

Whale makes epic migration, astonishing scientists

A humpback whale makes one of the longest and most unusual migrations ever recorded, raising alarm.

Government recommends 2.8% pay rise for public sector

Teachers, NHS staff and senior civil servants are among those covered by the proposals.

General Motors pulls plug on robotaxi business

After the announcement, the project's co-founder posted on social media "GM are a bunch of dummies."

New guidance on 'parental alienation' in family court battles

Family Courts should give more weight to allegations of domestic abuse than to claims of so called "parental alienation", it says

Damp and mouldy housing could see personnel leave military

MPs want to see military housing improved but say they are "not confident" funds will be available.

UK rent soars by £3,240 since pandemic, says Zoopla

The cost of renting rose sharply after lockdown was lifted but the rate of increase is now slowing.

Services will shut, Mencap warns on National Insurance rise

The charity is one of a number of care organisations warning they will have to axe vital services.

Farage recruits tycoon Nick Candy as Reform UK treasurer

Billionaire former Tory donor is aiming to raise big money to help put Nigel Farage in No 10.

Syria's new transitional PM calls for stability and calm

Mohammed al-Bashir is tasked with governing until March by the Islamist-led rebels who ousted Bashar al-Assad.

I hope Assad pays the price, says mother whose son's death inflamed 2011 Syrian revolution

Hamza al-Khatib, 13, was arrested at a 2011 anti-government rally and tortured - but Assad's downfall has not brought his family justice.

Germany's one million Syrians at centre of fierce debate over their future

Some politicians question the future of Syrian refugees, with migration the big issue in February elections.

The global players in Syria before and after Assad

Global powers who have been involved in the 13-year civil war have a vested interest after Assad's fall.

'My childhood sweetheart took £42k from me'

Alice, from Shropshire, says she is a victim of romance fraud by a man who was her childhood sweetheart.

The Papers: Israel 'sinks navy' in Syria and Rayner to force through jail plans

Strikes carried out by Israel inside Syria and plans to deliver more prison space lead the papers.

What is a ghost gun, the weapon allegedly used in New York CEO shooting?

Advocacy groups call the controversial weapon "the fastest growing gun safety problem in the US".

'I went in for a tackle and heard my neck snap'

BBC South spends six months with patients and staff at Salisbury Hospital's dedicated spinal unit.

Seal colony thriving 'thanks to secluded site'

The National Trust hopes the colony will continue to grow and rival others along the coast.

Watch: Moment house explodes in north-east London

Two people were hospitalised after a huge blast destroyed a house in Ilford.

Dick Van Dyke and Cher among thousands fleeing Malibu wildfire

The Franklin wildfire has burned over 3,000 acres in the celebrity coastal enclave of Malibu.

Carer's Allowance overpayment debt rises to £250m

Some carers have been forced to pay back thousands of pounds, leaving many in financial hardship.

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.

Two-tier policing claims are 'nonsense', MPs told

Cleveland Police's boss tells MPs his officers were "entirely fair" in their response to the riots.

'My childhood sweetheart took £42k from me'

Alice, from Shropshire, says she is a victim of romance fraud by a man who was her childhood sweetheart.

Mothers and babies had 'adverse outcomes' at maternity unit, report says

Mothers and newborn babies came to harm because of staffing shortages and a "toxic" culture, a whistleblowing investigation says.

Increased vet burden creates animal welfare concerns

While the number of vets in Wales has increased, the number of pets has at a far higher pace.

La Mon bombing report likely to criticise police investigation

Twelve people attending an Irish Collie Club dance were killed in the La Mon attack in February 1978.

Inside Sara Sharif's life of violence and torture - as father and stepmother guilty of murder

The 10-year-old was sassy, bubbly and dreamed of being on X Factor, but behind closed doors she was brutally beaten.

PinkNews boss suspended from NHS job after BBC investigation

The BBC heard claims Dr Anthony James kissed and touched a younger PinkNews colleague at a party.

'Christmas lights' galaxy reveals how Universe formed

The galaxy resembling Christmas lights hanging in the cosmos has space scientists feeling festive

Can you solve the GCHQ Christmas challenge?

The spy agency has released its notoriously tricky annual Christmas puzzle.

'Dozens' being investigated over Post Office Scandal

Criminal trials aren't expected to begin until 2027, almost 30 years after concerns were first raised.

Musk's Tesla lobbied UK to charge petrol drivers more

Musk's firm backed the government's green stance, despite its maverick chief executive's social media attacks.

Russian ships move from Syria base amid doubts over future

Satellite images show Russian ships off the Syrian coast, as Moscow mulls its military future after Bashar al-Assad's fall.

Indefinite ban on puberty blockers for under-18s to be introduced

Health secretary says use of drugs a scandal as review finds using them would be unacceptable risk.

Briton, 18, sentenced for sex with 17-year-old in Dubai

Marcus Fakana has been sentenced for a year over the relationship, a campaign group in Dubai says.

'I hid Sara Sharif's family during international police hunt'

During multiple raids on Rasikh Malik's property, officers failed to find the family. But he was the one who hid them.

Smiles, songs and dreams of X Factor

Murdered Sara was a caring, cheerful "chatterbox" who "would sing to anyone", her head teacher says.

Video shows Sara playing the guitar

The 10-year-old's father and stepmother have been found guilty of her murder.

The 50 men accused in mass rape of Gisèle Pelicot

The men accused of raping Gisèle Pelicot have been dubbed Monsieur-Tout-Le-Monde as they broadly represent a microcosm of French society.

The women detectives forging ties for life with sex trafficking victims they rescue

A Spanish police unit is making lasting relationships with women it rescues from slavery.

'Superb' or 'playing it safe'? How critics are rating Timothée Chalamet as Dylan

The actor plays Dylan in A Complete Unknown, which focuses on the singer's rise to fame in the 1960s.

Improve productivity for more pay, public sector told

Downing Street tells unions angry at 2.8% pay proposals that workers must become more productive.

Consult us on inheritance tax, farmers urge PM

Farmers driving tractors stage another protest against the Budget changes in central London.

Badenoch stands by Nigeria comments after criticism

Nigerian Vice-President Kashim Shettima has accused the Tory leader of denigrating her country of origin.

Medical misogyny leaves women in pain for years, say MPs

Women experiencing conditions such as heavy periods and endometriosis are being dismissed when they ask for help, a report warns.

Girl, 11, rescued in Med after three days clinging to tyre tubes

The girl from Sierra Leone said all the 44 migrants on board had died in the storms and high waves.

Paedophile head's minimum jail sentence 'incorrect'

Judge "incorrect" to say Foden spending at least 11 years in prison, says Crown Prosecution Service.

Bournemouth Echo

Legend drummer held 34th annual fundraising event for cancer

LEGEND drummer held his 34th of the annual fundraising event for the charity Youth Cancer Trust in Bournemouth.

BCP Council's cabinet agree to prepare for 'fire and rehire' of staff

Cabinet members at BCP Council have agreed prepare for a ‘fire and rehire’ of council staff if negotiations with unions continue to break down.

Housebuilder invites feedback on 170 homes

HOUSEBUILDER Pennyfarthing Homes has launched an online public update and consultation for a proposed housing development.

Dorset Police scolded for 'poor performance' when replying to requests

Dorset Police have been highlighted and scolded by a regulatory body for “poor” performance when replying to Freedom of Information requests (FOI).

£200k of 'weed' and £15k of 'cocaine' found during raids

THREE ‘cannabis’ farms, £15k worth of ‘cocaine’ and a ‘stun gun’ were all found during a police crackdown on county lines.

In The Dock: Man banned from every Asda in Dorset among the cases

The following cases were heard at Poole Magistrates' Court:

Plea for bus service for 'isolated' residents

An East Dorset councillor has called for improvements to bus services in the area.

Inside The Daily Echo's Cafe of the Year

After winning the Daily Echo’s Café of the Year, the team at The Hutch in Westbourne are “over the moon”.

Two Morebus routes celebrated in important milestone

Morebus is celebrating this week as its m1 and m2 services reach an important 20-year milestone.

Changes to bin collections this month - all you need to know

Changes are being made to bin collections in Dorset over the festive period and residents are being urged to take note.

Animal warning signs to appear along Dorset roads

New road signs warning of the danger to hedgehogs and other creatures will pop up alongside Dorset roads in the New Year.

Life expectancy for men in BCP is below pre-pandemic levels

Life expectancy at birth for men in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole is below pre-pandemic levels, new figures show.

The most popular baby names in BCP last year are revealed

The most popular names for babies born in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole last year have been revealed.

CCTV shows murder accused pacing seafront days before fatal stabbing

CCTV shows a man pacing across a Bournemouth seafront days before an alleged attack where a woman was stabbed to death.

Heartbreaking tribute paid to woman, 24, killed on Upton Bypass

The family of a woman who very sadly died in a fatal road traffic collision in Poole have issued a tribute.

‘Murderer’ captured on CCTV fleeing the scene on night of seafront attack

An alleged murderer was captured on CCTV approaching the victims of a brutal knife attack on a Bournemouth seafront.

Murder accused watched horror movie in cinema before alleged stabbing

A man accused of murdering a woman on Bournemouth seafront watched a horror movie in cinema before the alleged stabbing, court told. Nasen Saadi, 20 and of Croydon, faces trial for the death of Amie Gray, 34, and attempted murder of Leanne Miles, 38. He denies the charges.

Huge amount of fake cigarettes found in Bournemouth town centre

AROUND 1,000 fake cigarettes and £1,000 of cash were found in a car in Bournemouth town centre.

Emergency services called to Poole to find garage "well alight"

Emergency services were called to Poole to find a garage "well alight".

"Suspicious" fire at vacant property in Christchurch

Officers are appealing for witnesses following a "suspicious" property fire in Christchurch.

Police hunt man believed to be in Poole after £4,000 fishing shop theft

Dorset Police is urging the public to help locate a man who may be in the Poole area, wanted in connection with a series of thefts in Swindon.

Bournemouth firm wins at Keith Lemon-hosted awards

A property and construction consultancy with an office in Bournemouth has won a prestigious national award.

New Forest gin inspired by Rolls Royce launches

New Forest-based 820 Spirits has become an official partner for the Rolls-Royce Enthusiasts’ Club.

Parish council offers £25k contract to fix community hub

West Parley Parish Council is seeking offers for construction work for its community hub.

Free big band concert coming to Wimborne

A free big band concert comes to Wimborne next year.

GCHQ releases 2024 Christmas challenge - can you solve the 'fiendish' puzzles?

GCHQ has released it's 2024 Christmas challenge which features a series of seven puzzles - see where to download it and what to expect.

Changes to pension payments this month - how to tell if you will be affected

Recipients of DWP benefits including Universal Credit and Personal Independence Payments (PIP) will also see changes to payments this month

How to watch the 'spectacular' Geminid meteor shower in the UK this week

The Geminids are visible from December 4–20, but the peak is December 14–15.

Energy bills predicted to rise further in April ahead of January hike

The Ofgem energy price cap does not set the maximum a household will pay for their energy but limits the amount providers can charge them per unit

Government

Marriage (Prohibited Degrees of Relationship) Bill

A Bill to prohibit the marriage of first cousins; and for connected purposes.

Rivers, Streams and Lakes (Protected Status) Bill

A Bill to make provision for the designation of rivers, streams and lakes as having protected status; to specify criteria for minimum standards that a site must meet where it has been designated as a river, stream or lake with protected status; to set minimum standards of water quality, safety, environmental management and provision of information in relation to such sites; and for connected purposes.

Building Regulations (Swift Bricks) Bill

A Bill to require the installation of swift bricks on new buildings; and for connected purposes.

Carbon Emissions from Buildings (Net Zero) Bill

A Bill to require new buildings to meet net zero standards for embodied and operational carbon emissions; and for connected purposes.

Breast Cancer Screening (Review) Bill

A Bill to require the Secretary of State to review the current arrangements for breast cancer screening, including the potential merits of reducing the minimum age at which women are invited for regular breast cancer screening and of increasing the use of automated breast ultrasound; and for connected purposes.

Formula 1

Alonso ‘ready to go for 2025' as he signs off ‘difficult’ season for Aston Martin with points in Abu Dhabi

Fernando Alonso is keen to return to action in 2025 after scoring some ‘important’ points at the 2024 finale in Abu Dhabi, with the Spaniard praising Aston Martin for how they have responded to ‘difficulties’ throughout the year.

PALMER: Hamilton’s battling Abu Dhabi drive was a fine farewell to Mercedes – and a promising prelude to his Ferrari move

After a year of ups and downs, Lewis Hamilton finally said goodbye to his Mercedes team at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, and while he couldn’t finish with the podium he wanted, it was still a strong, combative weekend from the seven time champ that will give him a boost heading into the winter.

POWER RANKINGS: Who ended the season on a high note during the finale in Abu Dhabi?

Lando Norris closed out the 2024 F1 season by taking victory in the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix on a weekend that saw McLaren seal their first constructors’ championship since 1998. Ferrari, meanwhile, missed out on the accolade but did still have something to celebrate after a strong comeback drive from Charles Leclerc to claim P3. But who else impressed our judges at the Yas Marina Circuit? Scroll down to check out the final Power Rankings leaderboard.

F1 TV crowned Apple TV App of the Year

F1 TV has been named Apple TV App of the Year in Apple’s 2024 App Store awards...

BEYOND THE GRID: Wolff, Shovlin and the Mercedes team share their stories of working with Hamilton

Lewis Hamilton and Mercedes: their names are together forever in the Formula 1 record books as one of the most successful team and driver partnerships in the sport's history comes to an end.

TECH WEEKLY: The key 2024 performance differentiator that saw McLaren usurp Red Bull as the F1 team to beat

The 2024 season goes down in history as one of the most competitively diverse we’ve ever seen. For the first time, four teams achieved one-two race results. But it was McLaren who emerged as the 2024 world champion team.

THIS WEEK IN F1: 10 quiz questions on the season finale Abu Dhabi Grand Prix

Test how closely you were paying attention to the racing action at the Yas Marina Circuit...

Ferrari agree to supply General Motors F1 project with power units and gearboxes

Ferrari have announced that they have entered into an agreement with the General Motors/Cadillac F1 project to supply the team with power units and gearboxes starting in 2026, the year in which the manufacturer could potentially join the grid.

Windows Central

My favorite multiplayer game in ages just got snubbed at The Game Awards — I can't believe it's not up for Game of the Year

Helldivers 2 is a phenomenal game and one of the best multiplayer co-op titles in recent memory. I can't believe it didn't get a GOTY nomination at The Game Awards.

Surprise, Microsoft's new "native" Copilot app for Windows 11 is still just a website

The Copilot web app is now a native Windows app... that displays the Copilot website.

DarkSky for BlueSky promises exclusive features for "skeeters" on Windows 11

DarkSky for BlueSky is a new third-party client for the popular social media platform. DarkSky just launched in preview on Windows 11.

Here are the best settings for Indiana Jones and the Great Circle on gaming handhelds — ROG Ally, Legion Go, Steam Deck

I thought the new Indiana Jones game wouldn't play well on handhelds, but it's actually great on ROG Ally if you have the right settings.

After saying Xbox multi-platform game delivery would have "no red lines," Xbox's games chief is now saying they'll go multi-platform on a "game by game basis." Does it make sense?

The big controversy surrounding Xbox pertains to whether or not it plans to keep delivering exclusive games to Xbox customers on console. Microsoft itself doesn't even seem to know yet.

Cyberpunk 2077 somehow still getting better with new widely-requested customization options

Cyberpunk 2077 Update 2.2 is now available, bringing new customization options for cars and V that players can utilize.

Did the best files app on Windows 11 just beat Microsoft's File Explorer again?

A preview up to Files, a third-party file explorer, just received a preview update that makes it look even better when compared to the default File Explorer on Windows 11.

This intriguing mini PC is missing a crucial AI element, but it's otherwise sleek with desktop-class RTX power

Lacking a working NPU (for the time being), a lot of the AI capabilities aren't functional. However, the neo Ultra is still a great little PC that offers desktop-class performance.

Xbox 360 Red Ring of Death sweater summons the ghosts of Christmas past

A new holiday sweater from Microsoft features the infamous Red Ring of Death that indicated when an Xbox 360 was broken. Unfortunately, only Microsoft employees can buy the sweater at the moment.

Microsoft AI CEO poaches former DeepMind colleagues to form the company's new AI health division — A recent study claims 48% of people rely on ChatGPT, Gemini, Copilot, and Claude for health-related queries

Microsoft AI CEO Mustafa Suleyman recently hired Dominic King, a former colleague from his Google DeepMind days to help lead the company's new AI health unit as Vice President.

"Stop hiring humans": Y-Combinator-backed firm's controversial billboard lobbying its 'Era of AI employees is here' ad campaign enrages Silicon Valley

A new ad campaign by an AI startup called Artisan lauds the replacement of humans with AI employees in the workplace. The AI startup plastered multiple billboards in Silicon Valley with a controversial tagline — “Stop Hiring Humans.”

How to watch the Game Awards 2024: Start time, what to expect, and everything you need to know

Here's when you can watch the Game Awards 2024 and what platforms you can use to keep up with every announcement and winner.

A new Black Ops 6 easter egg has been found that nobody will try and unlock on a map everyone hates playing

Somehow someone discovered an easter egg on the Black Ops 6 map, Warhead, that you likely won't ever bother triggering.

Google requests the US government to shatter Microsoft's exclusive cloud deal with OpenAI, claiming consumers may incur extra charges buying the ChatGPT maker's tech through Microsoft

Google recently requested the US Federal Trade Commission to break Microsoft's exclusive deal to host OpenAI's technology on its cloud servers. The company claims consumers may incur additional charges when buying OpenAI products through Microsoft servers.

Path of Exile 2 team addresses early access feedback as, "there are still a lot more changes to come"

Path of Exile 2 has had an eventful launch, and its developers are updating the players on what's next.

A sweeping balance update for weapons has just landed in Black Ops 6 with the latest patch

The latest patch for Black Ops 6 has addressed balancing in virtually all weapons, including addressing headshot TTK.