The News - Wednesday, 18 December 2024

BBC News

General's assassination pierces Moscow's air of normality

The killing of Igor Kirillov is a wake-up call for the Russian capital, writes Steve Rosenberg.

Tens of thousands face Winter Fuel Payment delay

Tens of thousands of pensioners might not get their Winter Fuel Payments this year because of a backlog in processing claims.

The ordinary woman who rocked attitudes to rape in France

The verdicts aren't yet in - but the trial has already started changing the conversations around consent in the country and beyond

Watchdog says police unprepared for scale of riots

Past incidents involving "extreme nationalist sentiment" were underestimated, a review finds.

How Facebook restricted news out of Gaza

Palestinian news outlets have seen a steep drop in audience engagement since October 2023.

Minister tested Ask for Angela scheme undercover

The Labour MP says she conducted her own undercover tests before she became "too well known".

Luigi Mangione faces first-degree murder charge in death of healthcare CEO

The suspect faces first-degree murder and second-degree murder charges in the killing of CEO Brian Thompson.

Trudeau in peril after spat over Trump threat sparks crisis

Canada's PM faces pressure after losing a minister in row over how to respond to possible future tariffs from the US.

Syria mass graves: Daunting task of searching for and naming the dead

Most of the more than 100,000 people who disappeared in Syria since 2011 are now believed to be dead.

'Lonely' Laura makes 300 friends in six weeks

The Scunthorpe Lovely Ladies Group is now staging regular meetings and even a Christmas party.

The Papers: 'We have been betrayed' and 'Musk ready to bankroll Farage'

Labour's rejection of a payout for pension age changes is criticised, while Reform UK is in talks with the billionaire.

'My ex had such a small sentence for strangling me'

Survivors of strangulation welcome the first recommendations for courts on punishment for offenders.

Chris Mason: The challenge of disruptors with deep pockets

Nigel Farage tells the BBC he is in "open negotiations" with the US billionaire but no figure has been agreed on.

Could this be what our home on Moon or Mars might look like?

India tested its first analog space mission in the Himalayan mountains of Ladakh.

Trouble in Arctic town as polar bears and people face warming world

Climate change makes it trickier for Churchill's residents to co-exist with increasingly hungry predators

Ros Atkins On... the killing of Russia's chemical weapons chief in Moscow

The BBC's Analysis Editor, along with BBC Verify, takes a look at material from the scene to assess what we know.

Motive 'combination of factors' in Wisconsin school shooting

Police say clarifying a motive for Monday's deadly school shooting in the state's capital of Madison is a priority.

Australian radio host pleads not guilty to abuse

Top broadcaster Alan Jones says all charges against him are "baseless" or "distort the truth".

Avanti West Coast staff to strike on New Year's Eve

Train managers at Avanti will now walk out on New Year's Eve and 2 January, as well as every Sunday from 12 January to 25 May.

Man arrested over Kyran Durnin murder found dead

Kyran, who was six when last seen alive, was reported missing from his home in County Louth in August.

Former Archbishop of Canterbury George Carey quits ministry

It follows a BBC investigation into the Church of England's handling of a sexual abuse case.

Honda and Nissan hold merger talks

In March, the two Japanese car makers agreed to explore a strategic partnership for electric vehicles.

Death of student in Amsterdam unlawful, coroner says

Danny Castledine, 22, from Nottinghamshire, sustained 44 wounds near the Singel canal in Amsterdam.

Criminology student guilty of murdering woman in beach stabbings

Amie Gray was killed and Leanne Miles seriously injured in the attack by Nasen Saadi in Bournemouth.

Taxpayers can't fund payouts for Waspi women, Starmer says

Waspi campaigners say they will keep fighting on pensions after the government rejects compensation.

100mph laughing gas driver jailed for killing friends

Friends Daniel Hancock, 18, Elliot Pullen, 17, and Ethan Goddard, 18, were killed in the crash.

Syria's new leaders must keep promises to respect rights, UN envoy says

Geir Pedersen tells the BBC's Jeremy Bowen that Syrians are experiencing "a lot of hope and a lot of fear".

US Supreme Court to hear last gasp TikTok ban challenge

The US wants the app to be sold or banned because of what it says are links to the Chinese state.

UK inflation is up for second month in a row - will prices keep rising?

Inflation has hit its highest level for eight months, will prices continue to rise at a faster rate?

Grace Dent to replace Gregg Wallace on Celebrity MasterChef

Wallace stepped away from presenting MasterChef after a BBC News investigation heard allegations against him.

Axel Rudakubana denies murdering Southport girls

He has not guilty pleas entered on charges of murdering three girls and attempting to kill 10 others.

Police can seize more than £2m from Tate brothers, court rules

It comes after Devon and Cornwall Police made a legal bid to seize the money from the brothers and a third person.

Curfew in Mayotte as thousands without water

Rescuers race to find missing people and survivors in the French territory devastated by Cyclone Chido.

Russia detains Uzbek man over general's killing in Moscow

A 29-year-old Uzbekistan citizen admits he was recruited by Ukraine's special services, Russia claims.

Chris McCausland: Blind people don't need inspiring

The comedian, who is Strictly's first blind winner, says the public's attitudes need to change.

Tens of thousands of pensioners might not get Winter Fuel Payment by Christmas

Tens of thousands of pensioners might not get their Winter Fuel Payments this year because of a backlog in processing claims.

The ordinary woman who has shaken attitudes to rape in France

The verdicts aren't yet in - but the trial has already started changing the conversations around consent in the country and beyond.

Prince Andrew will not attend royal pre-Christmas lunch

It comes after Chinese businessman Yang Tengbo, who had links to the prince, was barred from the UK on grounds of national security.

'Nothing nefarious': Biden seeks to reassure US over drone sighting mystery

There is "no sense of danger" after a puzzling flurry of sightings on the east coast, the president says.

The polar bear capital of the world: Where people and predators co-exist

Climate change makes it trickier for Churchill's residents to co-exist with increasingly hungry predators

Veterans get social housing priority in rule change

Councils will now have to put veterans at the top of the list for social housing and waive rules requiring a local connection.

'She was full of life', dad of teen who died in Laos poisonings tells BBC

Shaun Bowles tells the BBC his daughter was having "so much fun" before drinking tainted alcohol.

Serial rapist jailed for 16 years after attacks on nine women

Luke Ford was found guilty of a catalogue of offences over a 12-year period, including the rape of six women.

How Facebook restricted news out of Gaza

Palestinian news outlets have seen a steep drop in audience engagement since October 2023.

Bournemouth Echo

Christchurch food bank broken into days before Christmas

Christchurch food bank was broken into over the weekend, just days before Christmas.

New development could change landscape of busy crossroads forever

A proposed retirement village could dramatically change the landscape of a busy crossroads junction.

Railway passengers should expect disruptions this festive period

South Western Railway customers are advised to check before travelling over the festive period due to seasonal service alterations and major engineering works.

Could BCP Council get elected mayor under devolved powers?

BCP Council continues to explore its options for devolution – but as it stands will not be joining the Heart of Wessex.

Purbeck body found on beach 'not suspicious', police say

Police now believe that the death of a man who was found on a Dorset beach is not suspicious.

Developers want to add extra storey to block of flats

Developers are looking to add an extra storey to a block of flats in Bournemouth.

In The Dock: Man found with kitchen knives on Bournemouth Pier among the cases

The following cases were heard at Poole Magistrates' Court:

Meet the primary school pupils who have released a Christmas single

Primary school students have released a Christmas song leaving people in the feeling of awe and festiveness.

Prama opens its twelfth charity shop in Dorset

A charity has opened the doors to a new shop in Bearwood.

Panto stars help launch 15th annual Christmas day dip

PANTO STARS HELP LAUNCH 15TH ANNUAL CHRISTMAS DAY DIP Pantomime stars from Bournemouth Pavilion went into the water to launch this year’s annual Bournemouth White Christmas Dip.

Bournemouth law firm expands to Southampton

Law firm Steele Raymond has set its sights firmly on growth, as it announces plans to open an office in Southampton early in the new year.

What's on at Lighthouse in January 2025

A round up of shows and films that will be coming to Poole's Lighthouse in January 2025.

'Good neighbours would not act in this manner'

As long-standing volunteers of the National Trust serving on Brown Sea Island, we would like to say that good neighbours would not act in the manner of the residents of Panorama Road.

Man found guilty of murdering woman in seafront stabbing

A MAN has been found guilty of stabbing a woman to death on a Bournemouth beach, and attempting to murder her friend.

‘Amie’s life brutally taken’: Murder victim’s wife speaks out after killer’s verdict

THE WIFE of a woman who was stabbed to death on a Bournemouth beach has said she can now “rest in peace”.

Police officer sentenced for 'aggressive behaviour' after bottomless brunch

Detective Inspector Mark Portelli, 45 was sentenced at Southampton Magistrates Court on December 18.

Couple died within seconds of each other during Caribbean holiday

A Poole couple collapsed and died within seconds of each other while strolling along a Caribbean beach, their inquest has heard.

Dorset priest sexually abused young boys in the 1960s

A PRIEST who worked as a teacher during the 1960s has been jailed for sexually abusing young boys.

Image released of man in connection with shoplifting at Holland & Barrett

Officers have issued the CCTV image of a man they want to speak with regarding a theft in Ringwood.

Vehicles with keyless entry stolen in West Moors

Two vehicles were recently reported stolen in the West Moors area.

Man awaits verdict accused of stabbing woman to death on seafront

A man is awaiting a verdict, accused of stabbing a woman to death on a Bournemouth beach. Nasen Saadi, 20 and of Croydon, is charged with the murder of Amie Gray, 34, and attempted murder of Leanne Miles, 39.

Dorset Police will receive more money - but funding formula is criticised

Dorset Police will see a six per cent funding increase as part of the ‘Government’s Plan for Change’

New Forest trail named among England's best winter walks with a pub en route

The Brockenhurst and the Tall Trees Trail Circular in the New Forest, Hampshire, was named among the best winter walks with a pub stop

Four Dorset towns in running for cash prize for culture

Four Dorset towns have been shortlisted to be the 2026 Town of Culture.

AUB students' designs chosen for public art project

The project, organised by Julia's House children's hospice, will see the sculptures displayed in key locations across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole.

Bus drivers don Christmas jumpers for charity

Bus drivers across the region are once again getting into the festive spirit by sporting Christmas jumpers this December in aid of charity.

Bournemouth West MP visits important archaeological site

Archaeologists have been working to excavate and preserve finds from shipwrecks such as the Swash Channel Wreck, HMS Invincible and the 1250 Wreck, with some on display for the local MP.

More than 1,500 women in BCP diagnosed with endometriosis

MORE than 1,500 women in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole have been diagnosed with endometriosis, new figures suggest.

Refugee fund distributes £100k to grassroots groups

Among the latest grant recipients is Safe and Sound Dorset, which was awarded £4,992 to run a weekly creative group for Ukrainian women.

New Forest hotel renowned for 'holistic excellence' among Europe's best to visit

Lime Wood Hotel in the New Forest has been named among the best hotels to visit in Europe for 2025 according to Condé Nast Traveller

Kinson pupils enjoy first Christmas Movie Night

Pupils at Kinson Academy in Bournemouth enjoyed the school’s very first Christmas Movie Night recently when the school hall was turned into a temporary cinema.

Aldi tells shoppers the best time to shop in the lead-up to Christmas

Aldi has told customers when is the best time to shop in the lead-up to Christmas.

Christmas themed gardening club meeting sees 40-plus members attend

A Christmas themed Wimborne gardening club meeting was attended by more than 40 members.

Living Advent Calendar raises £13,500 for charities

The festive initiative started in Sweden more than 15 years ago and was brought to Christchurch by the Rotary Club.

Strictly winner Chris McCausland to bring comedy tour to Bournemouth

Chris, known for appearances on Have I Got News for You, Would I Lie to You?, and QI, started his stand-up career before winning Strictly Come Dancing.

Ukrainian refugee, 13, delivers speech at House of Lords

Having joined St Edward's School in Year 7 with no English skills, Andrii quickly adapted, learning the language at an impressive speed with the help of his teachers.

Panto star 'buzzing' to return to Poole for Christmas

Actor Tom Mann is set to return to Poole's Christmas pantomime this year.

Health officials issue winter illness warning to south west residents

The public is encouraged to get vaccinated against flu, Covid-19 and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), as these illnesses are circulating widely.

Insolvency practitioners predict rise in company closures

The Government aimed to rebuild public finances and address a £22 billion deficit, having ruled out raising income tax, VAT or employees’ national insurance.

Poole venue up for 'incredible' triple win at awards night

It has hosted events for Open University, Diverse Abilities, Tops Day Nurseries, Bournemouth University, NHS Dorset, Dorset Women’s Institute and HM Prison and Probation Service.

Met Office issues White Christmas update with Christmas Day forecast

The definition that the Met Office uses to define a white Christmas is for one snowflake to be observed falling in the 24 hours of December 25

UK inflation at highest level since March as Chancellor says 'more to do'

The Office for National Statistics (ONS) said Consumer Prices Index (CPI) inflation rose to 2.6% in November

How to watch Channel 5's The Good Ship Murder Christmas special - full cast list

How to watch The Good Ship Murder's first Christmas special on Channel 5 with Shayne Ward (Jack Grayling) and Catherine Tyldesley (Kate Woods).

Government

Off-road Bikes (Police Powers) Bill

A Bill to give police powers to enter a private dwelling for the purpose of seizing an off-road bike that has been driven in an anti-social way or without insurance; and for connected purposes.

Formula 1

Perez and Red Bull agree to part ways following conclusion of 2024 season

Oakes discusses 'trepidation' over becoming third Alpine Team Principal in 18 months

Oliver Oakes has opened on whether he felt any trepidation over becoming the third Team Principal at Alpine in the space of 18 months, with the Briton admitting that he had to ask himself some “personal questions” when assessing whether to take the job or not.

BEYOND THE GRID: The best of 2024 – featuring ageless Alonso, Carlos’s comeback and super-sub Bearman

A driver market for the ages, Max Verstappen at his very best, emotional race wins, new constructors’ world champions and the end of some iconic eras – the 2024 Formula 1 season was sensational. In an end-of year Beyond The Grid special, Tom Clarkson picks his favourite moments from a long list of stellar guests.

Pourchaire and Maloney set to leave Sauber Academy

Theo Pourchaire and Zane Maloney are both set to leave the Sauber Academy, with the young drivers about to embark on new ventures after graduating from the development programme.

THE BIG QUIZ OF 2024: 20 questions on the 2024 Formula 1 season

Hit play on our quiz to see how much you can remember about the 2024 Formula 1 season...

Doriane Pin to continue with Mercedes for 2025 F1 ACADEMY campaign

Mercedes have opted for an unchanged line-up in F1 ACADEMY, with the team announcing that their junior driver Doriane Pin will continue in the series for a second season in the PREMA Racing-operated car.

Windows Central

Helldivers 2's best new stratagem is the dumbest thing I've ever seen, but holy Liberty, it can wipe out armies in seconds

The best new stratagem in Helldivers 2 is its ridiculous Anti-Tank Emplacement. Here's why you need to get your hands on it as soon as possible.

Over 8 billion game hours were spent with Blizzard in 2024

Blizzard Entertainment's President shares some light-hearted statistics from her first year at the helm

The first "Designed by Microsoft" accessories from Incase are now available to buy

Two classic Microsoft accessories are now available to buy once again, thanks to a partnership between Microsoft and Incase.

The STALKER mod of my dreams is here, and adds something even STALKER 2 doesn't have: Co-op multiplayer

There's no co-op in STALKER 2, but a new mod for the previous game, Call of Pripyat, just came out that adds the highly requested multiplayer feature.

This Intel-based mini PC is ideal for everyday tasks, media centers, or tech enthusiast projects — You can grab it at a massive discount with this coupon code

The Geekom GT13 Pro utilizes an Intel CPU and GPU while offering plenty of storage space and a healthy amount of ports. Right now, you can get it at a special low price with this coupon code.

Save $200 on the Lenovo Legion Go — ensure yours arrives before Christmas!

A massive discount on the Legion Go saves you $200 on the most versatile gaming handheld. If you order today, the console will arrive before Christmas.

Indiana Jones and the Great Circle just got another patch improving ray tracing on Xbox and bringing these important bug fixes

Indiana Jones and the Great Circle nabs a new update, fixing performance errors on PC and improving ray tracing on Xbox.

How to increase minimum VRAM on Steam Deck by adjusting UMA Frame Buffer Size

Changing VRAM allocation doesn't magically increase Steam Deck performance, but it can affect the stability of specific games.

Ranking the top 10 dormant Capcom game franchises that need to be revived

To celebrate Capcom’s recent announcements of new Onimusha and Okami titles, and its declaration of reviving its old dormant IPs, we have made a list of the top ten franchises that Capcom should bring back to life.

Corsair Virtuoso Max headset review: A headset for adults.

Corsair's Virtuoso Max is among the most expensive headsets you can buy right now. Is this premium option truly worth the cash, or will you ears find themselves wanting?

AI safety researcher says it's no longer a question of how long but how much money until we reach AGI

AI safety researcher, Roman Yampolskiy recently indicated it's no longer a question of how long but how much until AGI.

Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 tops November 2024 US sales, continues to boost Xbox Game Pass

Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 was the best-selling game of November 2024 in the U.S, per Circana, with the title also contributing to Xbox Game Pass growth.

Hear how it's been developing on Windows 11 on ARM for a whole year from an actual developer who's been using it

From the mouth of a software developer using Windows 11 on ARM for a full year, hear about the experience, both good and not so good.

"We did not hit the mark": TeamRICOCHET addresses shortcomings in Warzone and Black Ops 6's anti-cheat integration ahead of changes for Season 2

Cheaters have been rampant since Black Ops 6 and Warzone's Season 1 integration, and now Team RICOCHET are admitting the process was botched. New cheat mitigation efforts are on the way, and a wave of bans has rolled out to help.

Laffgaff

Ovine is an adjective that means relating to or resembling what animal?

Sheep.

Straight-Jacket

I regret buying that straight-jacket now. I thought it would look good on me but I just couldn't pull it off.

Itsfoss

Using Cloudflare Tunnels to Access Homelab Services Out of Local Network

Self hosting various open source software on your local system and now want to use it from anywhere? Cloudflare Tunnel comes to your help.

Use Zoom In and Out While Recording in OBS Studio

You can use some third party scripts to enable mouse-based zoom in, zoom out while screen recording with OBS Studio. Here's how!