BBC News
Several hundred feared dead after Mayotte cyclone
A local official warns the full extent of the damage is still being assessed, with entire communities devastated.
South Korea court begins Yoon's impeachment trial process
It has six months to decide whether to sustain or reject the vote to impeach President Yoon Suk Yeol.
Royal Mail takeover by Czech billionaire approved
The £3.6 billion takeover by Daniel Kretinsky's EP Group will be announced on Monday morning, the BBC understands.
'I thought I would die' - freed captive tells BBC of life in West African jihadist base
BBC Africa speaks exclusively to a man from Ghana who was held captive by insurgents in Burkina Faso.
Christmas dinner set to cost less this year
The BBC digs into which bits of the festive feast have gone up and down in price.
Councils to be merged in major local government shake-up
Ministers plan to combine smaller councils across England, prompting warnings of "turmoil" over mergers.
Why are more parents home-educating their children?
The BBC speaks with parents who insist the school system is "broken" as latest government estimates point to a rise in home education.
Bronze Age massacre victims likely cannibalised
At least 37 people appear to have been butchered and likely eaten in a Bronze Age massacre in Somerset.
Commentator Isa Guha sorry for calling cricketer 'primate'
Guha apologises after her remark about Indian cricketer Jasprit Bumrah caused a backlash.
Bitcoin hits new record high of more than $106,000
The world's largest cryptocurrency has risen by more than 50% since Donald Trump's election victory.
Tornado hits northern California town as ice storm chills Midwest
A twister touched down in Scotts Valley as one person was killed during ice storms in Nebraska.
Robbie Williams on why he's played by a monkey in new film
Better Man tells the story of Robbie Williams' life, with him portrayed by a CGI monkey.
The Papers: Prince urged to avoid royal Christmas and 'inheritance tax backfires'
Sources have told several papers that pressure is mounting on the prince to avoid Buckingham Palace.
Murder and mayhem: The story of Glasgow's deadly gang feud
A gangland feud which dates back more than 20 years is the focus of a new BBC Radio 5 Live true crime podcast.
'We just need peace': BBC speaks to Syrians watching Israel's incursion
As Israel unveils plans to expand its Golan Heights settlements, Syrians living nearby say they want an end to conflict.
New name, no photos: Gisèle Pelicot removes all trace of her husband
In the years before the mass rape trial that has shocked France, Gisèle almost caught Dominique Pelicot.
UK in diplomatic contact with Syrian rebels, says Lammy
The foreign secretary's remarks come as the government announced £50m of humanitarian aid for Syrians.
Bali Nine drug smugglers 'relieved' to be back in Australia
The five remaining members of the drug ring have spent almost 20 years in Indonesian prisons.
Legendary Indian tabla player Zakir Hussain dies at 73
The Indian classical music icon died of a lung disease at a hospital in San Francisco.
Boy, 2, dies after hit-and-run involving stolen Porsche
Two adults remain in a serious condition in hospital and another two are stable after the crash.
DJ Fat Tony says he was injured after being hit at gig
Fat Tony, real name Anthony Marnoch, performed on Friday at Lido Margate in Kent.
Assad says he didn't intend to leave Syria, statement claims
In what appears to be his first reaction since fleeing Syria, the former president says Russia decided to airlift him to Moscow.
Jeremy Bowen: Assad's torture prison is the worst facility I have ever seen
Inside the infamous prison's corridors it becomes clear how hard it will be to mend the Syria that Assad broke.
Letby lawyers say expert has changed his mind on three deaths
The nurse was convicted of the murders of seven babies and the attempted murder of seven more.
Telegram pushes extremist groups to users, study shared with BBC finds
Civil rights group examined 28,000 channels, finding white nationalist groups among those promoted.
Calls for Archbishop of York to resign over Church failings in sex abuse case
Stephen Cottrell knew that a priest was banned from being alone with children, but the priest remained in post.
Judge finds UK unlawfully detained migrants on British island
Sri Lankan Tamil migrants were held in a camp on the Indian Ocean island, which is the site of a secretive UK-US military base.
Local government is being shaken up - here are five ways it could affect you
What difference could the biggest shake up of local government in 50 years make to your area?
German Chancellor loses confidence vote paving way for early election
Despite losing, the result was the outcome the SDP leader wanted and paves the way for early elections.
Woman sentenced for hurling milkshake at Farage
The Reform UK party leader was drenched in liquid when he started his constituency campaign in June.
'The school system is broken': Why more parents are home-educating their children
The BBC speaks with parents who insist the school system is "broken" as latest government estimates point to a rise in home education.
Story behind the punk hit that took on Wham! and Band Aid for Christmas number one
Toy Dolls' ex-bass player remembers how their Nellie the Elephant cover became a smash hit in 1984.
Why Final Fantasy director almost rejected his dream job
Naoki Hamaguchi says he wasn't sure if he wanted to spend 10 years on one project.
Why a nation of 1.45 billion wants more children
India, the world's most populous country, is seeing a debate about having more babies.
Mayotte: 'It feels like nuclear war aftermath' after cyclone, residents say
Rescuers comb through the debris in the French Indian Ocean territory hit by the worst storm in 90 years.
Bates hopes 'real baddies' will be named as Post Office inquiry draws to close
Bates hopes sub-postmasters can get closure as the inquiry's evidence hearings come to an end.
One in four babies in England born by Caesarean
Experts link the rise to a growing number of complex pregnancies, where the mother is older or obese.
Rapper Slowthai breaks down as he is cleared of rape
The musician had been accused of raping a fan following a gig in Oxford in September 2021.
Zoo at centre of welfare concerns to close
Bosses at the attraction say they are working to find long-term homes for the animals.
Festive ferry services at risk as Irish PM doubts when Holyhead will reopen
Irish PM says Holyhead is unlikely to reopen by Christmas, but the Welsh government remains hopeful.
Amy Dowden to return to Strictly for live tour
The Welsh dancer will perform alongside her Strictly celebrity partner JB Gill.
Bournemouth Echo
Contentious flats plans rejected by government - to 'delight' of resident
CONTENTIOUS plans for new flats in Bournemouth that BCP Council failed to make up its mind on have been rejected by the government.
Westbourne caravans may be turning road into a 'crime hotspot'
People and businesses are concerned for their safety with the suspicious activity on a road in Westbourne.
Business closes blaming government budget and high rent
A TRADE counter has announced it will close on Christmas Eve.
33 roadworks happening in BCP area in week before Christmas
THE following roadworks are taking place in the BCP area this week:
Disruption this week to main Bournemouth route with temporary lights installed
TEMPORARY traffic lights are to cause delays to motorists on a busy route in Bournemouth.
Poor kids significantly less likely to be ready for school than rich peers
Poorer kids in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole are significantly less likely to be ready for school than their wealthier peers, new figures show.
Aid charity for Ukraine sending 400 generators this Christmas
New Forest for Ukraine (NFFU), a group of unpaid volunteers committed to helping the people in Ukraine. The team has been collecting generator for more than a year to send them to people of Ukraine.
Exact time the King's Speech will begin and how to watch
His Majesty’s pre-recorded speech will air on BBC, ITV and Sky News on Christmas Day
LIVE: Air ambulance called to serious crash
The air ambulance has been called to a crash in Poole
Body found in Bournemouth town centre car park
A BODY was found in a car park in Bournemouth town centre.
WATCH: Murder accused questioned by police after seafront stabbing
A MAN accused of murdering and attempting to murder two women on a Bournemouth beach told police they had 'not found the murder weapon'.
'Murder' victim's screams played to court as man faces trial for seafront attack
A man facing trial for the murder and attempted murder of two woman on a Bournemouth seafront, told police he 'blacked out'. Nasen Saadi, 20 and of Croydon, denies the charges
Man accused of seafront murder maintains mistaken identity
A MAN accused of stabbing a woman to death on Bournemouth seafront maintains he has been mistakenly identified.
Shed engulfed in flames after suspected arson
A SHED was engulfed in flames after a fire which was believed to have started intentionally.
Driver flees after crash causes serious injuries to man in his 60's
A hit and run in Upton left a man with a serious leg injury.
Bournemouth woman raising funds for cuddle beds
A WOMAN from Bournemouth has started fundraising to provide cuddle beds in the Christchurch hospital in the memory of her husband.
Registered sex offender jailed after 1,500 indecent images of children found
A SEX offender found in possession of more than a thousand of indecent images of children has been jailed.
Wallet and bank cards stolen from vehicle
A CCTV image has been released following the theft of items from a vehicle in Wimborne Road.
Developers 'playing the system' by avoiding planning promises, MP says
DEVELOPERS are “playing the system” to get away with not providing infrastructure along with major developments, Vikki Slade has said.
Railway line to close over festive period for work
THE railway line between Brockenhurst and Lymington Pier will be closed for the second phase of work over the festive period.
Labour BCP leader calls councillors opposing planning reform 'blockers'
LABOUR BCP leader Patrick Canavan has said councillors opposing the government’s reforms to the planning system are “blockers”.
Lots unwrapped at Christmas property auction
A BIDDING war saw a three-bedroom flat in Bournemouth go under the auctioneer’s hammer for £250,000.
Government responds to Ferndown Town Council challenge
Ferndown Town Council’s challenge of the Winter Fuel Payment changes has prompted a response from the government.
59 tourism award finalists announced ahead of ceremony
THE finalists have been announced for this year’s Dorset Tourism Awards.
GP passes out as lifeboat tractor driver
A GP who is also a lifeboat volunteer has successfully passed out as a lifeboat tractor driver.
Cyclist's death 'unexplained' as police investigation continues
The death of a cyclist in his 50s from Bere Regis is being treated as 'unexplained'
REVIEW: The Rick Wakeman Yuletide Christmas Show, Lighthouse Poole
The Rick Wakeman Yuletide Christmas Show
Spectacular Christmas show at the Regent in Christchurch
DANCING - spectacular; singing - spectacular; costumes - spectacular; stage set - spectacular.
Hundreds of children homeschooled in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole
Hundreds of children were being homeschooled in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole this school term, new figures show.
AUB student selected to design mermaid trail tail
AN Arts University Bournemouth student has been selected to design one of BH Live’s sponsored tail sculptures a part of Julia’s House’s ‘The Great Tail Trail’.
Group that empowers men to socialise reveals new mural
Members of the Men's Shed have revealed their new mural to the community at the Immanuel Church in Southbourne.
MP congratulates Christmas card competition winner
VIKKI Slade visited Merley First School to congratulate the winner of her annual Christmas card competition.
Warning issued over Christmas fraudsters
People celebrating this festive season are being encouraged to have a #FraudFreeXmas and stay alert to fraudsters taking advantage of the time of year.
Vaccinations and blood pressure checks available at last session of 2024
Flu and COVID-19 vaccinations are being offered to eligible people at a lifestyle event taking place at The Spire in Poole on Wednesday 18 December.
Prince Andrew to miss Christmas celebrations with royal family at Sandringham
On December 25, it's thought that Prince Andrew and Sarah Ferguson will not attend Sandringham for Christmas celebrations.
Average UK house price drops by more than £6000 this December
The average house price in the UK has dropped by more than £6000 this December, according to Rightmove.
Formula 1
What next for Zhou? Why Formula 1’s first Chinese racer is confident his F1 story is far from over yet
For many, he will be remembered mainly as China’s first F1 race driver. But Zhou – who leaves the sport alongside team mate and veteran 10-time Grand Prix winner Valtteri Bottas – doesn’t want that to be his legacy.
WATCH: F1 Animated is back for an amusing alternate take on the 2024 season
Animator Nick Murray Willis is back with another hilarious edition of F1 Animated, as he recreates a number of the most memorable team radio messages and commentary lines from the 2024 season.
END OF YEAR REPORT: Williams - A mid-season driver swap, countless crash dramas and a true test of determination
How do you begin to sum up the rollercoaster that has been Williams’ 2024? From chassis dramas to driver swaps – and more cars in the barrier than you care to reflect on – the team’s resolve has been pushed to new extremes. But through every challenge that came their way, the squad has always risen above it. What’s more, with continued off-track improvements and a Smooth Operator on board, there’s plenty to be optimistic about. Here’s Williams’ end of year report…
REVEALED: Your favourite race of the thrilling 2024 season
The votes are in, the numbers have been counted, and your favourite race of the 2024 season has been revealed – the Sao Paulo Grand Prix!
Mekies hails ‘outstanding’ season for Tsunoda with RB racer making steps ‘no one could have forecast’
RB team boss Laurent Mekies has praised Yuki Tsunoda for putting together an “outstanding” season that “nobody could have forecast”, while suggesting he would be “ready” to race for Red Bull if an opportunity arises.
Mercedes reveal how Hamilton created motivational WhatsApp group during fractious 2021 season
Lewis Hamilton turned to WhatsApp to help inspire his Mercedes colleagues during their intense title battle with Max Verstappen and Red Bull back in 2021, the team have revealed.
Windows Central
With minutes to spare, Helldivers 2 players complete the Illuminate Major Order to save Calypso — but you and I both know that was only the first wave
After a Herculean effort from Helldivers 2 players, the game's new Illuminate faction has been defeated. But everyone knows it'll be back soon with a vengeance.
Qualcomm claps back at Intel, denies high return rates of Snapdragon PCs
Qualcomm has denied claims of high return rates for Arm PCs. Recently, Intel's co-CEO stated that retailers see higher return rates for PCs powered by Qualcomm chips than systems powered by Intel processors.
Windows 11 will finally support this highly requested webcam feature
Microsoft is testing a new feature in Windows 11 that allows multiple applications to access a camera stream simultaneously.
Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella claims OpenAI had two years of runway in the AI race to work uncontested and build ChatGPT
Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella recently indicated OpenAI had a 2-year lead to work uncontested in the AI race, leading to its immense success with ChatGPT.
Laffgaff
What is the name of the mammoth in the movie Ice Age?
Manny.
Fajita Restaurant
My local fajita restaurant makes great food, but they won't share the recipe with me. They keep it under wraps.
Itsfoss
I Don't See a Reason to Switch to Windows from Linux Anymore in 2025
Do you think there's any reason to switch to Windows? Well, we don't think so, and here's why!