BBC News
Social care reforms in pipeline for 2028, say ministers
The government announces first steps to creating a National Care Service - but reform is several years away.
'No one deserves this': Victims' families seek answers in New Orleans attack
The family of one 25-year-old victim says they have had "zero information" about how he was killed.
'Ripped off' caravan owners start compensation fight
Parks involved in the legal action have defended their sales practices and pitch fee rises.
Man in exploded Cybertruck was elite soldier and shot himself before blast
Las Vegas police say the driver of the burned vehicle is US Green Beret Matthew Livelsberger of Colorado.
Sara Sharif's killer father 'attacked in prison'
Urfan Sharif, who was convicted of murdering his daughter Sara, is said to have been assaulted in HMP Belmarsh on New Year's Day.
Meghan announces new Netflix lifestyle show
The show's trailer drops a day after the Duchess of Sussex returned to Instagram.
Two dead after plane hits factory roof near LA
Police say that 18 people were also injured during the incident in Fullerton, California.
Badenoch calls for national inquiry into 'rape gangs'
Alexis Jay, who led a major inquiry into historical child sex abuse, says changes are needed, not more research.
Watch: Mixed emotions as people return to street of New Orleans attack
As businesses and bars re-open, the BBC's Carl Nasman talks to people returning to Bourbon Street.
What CCTV and social media videos reveal about New Orleans attack
BBC Verify’s Jake Horton looks at how the attack in New Orleans unfolded.
Watch: CCTV shows the moment people escaped the path of truck by inches
CCTV footage shows people leaping out of the way of the vehicle, as it was driven at crowds on New Year's Day.
Weekly quiz: Who beat Sabrina Carpenter to the best-selling song of 2024?
How closely have you been paying attention to what's been going on in the world over the past seven days?
The Papers: Sara Sharif's dad 'attacked in prison' and social care 'shake-up'
Friday's papers carry a variety of stories, including news the government is launching a commission to reform social care.
'I learned to play guitar with one arm after a stroke'
A man has been able to resume his music career after a stroke - by teaching himself to play the guitar one-handed.
'A man exposed himself to me on a video call - police didn't properly investigate'
Police are dismissing women's experiences and failing to properly investigate, BBC is told.
Slovakia threatens to cut benefit for Ukrainians
A dispute between Slovakia and Ukraine over Russian natural gas transit has been escalating.
Names of 425,000 suspected Nazi collaborators published
The names of Dutch people investigated for working with the Nazis during World War 2 are available online for the first time.
Man dies after car hit pedestrians on Christmas Day
A man who was hurt when a car hit pedestrians in London's West End on Christmas Day has died.
New Syrian government's school curriculum changes spark concern
The curriculum will take on a more Islamic slant, with evolution and Big Bang theory dropped from science.
Drunken Zambian policeman freed 13 suspects to celebrate New Year
A manhunt is underway for the 13 suspects, who were allegedly released by an intoxicated police officer.
Hamas police chief among 40 reported killed in Israeli strikes on Gaza
The officer was killed in an overnight air strike on a displaced people’s camp in the southern Gaza.
Baby dies after A1 crash in icy conditions
The seven-month-old died in hospital after a car hit a tree near Grantham on Thursday night.
Hospital flu cases rising at 'very concerning' rate, NHS England warns
The number of people with flu in hospital has quadrupled in the last month, the latest data shows.
A dawn stand-off, a human wall and a failed arrest: South Korea enters uncharted territory
Yoon Suk Yeol is being investigated for inciting an insurrection, yet police are unable to arrest him.
Musk misinformed on grooming gangs, says minister
The Conservatives have also criticised the billionaire for "sharing things that are factually inaccurate".
Hacker stole unreleased Coldplay and Rexha tracks
Skylar Dalziel made about £42,000 from selling music she had stolen, including Shawn Mendes music.
Neil Young reverses his Glastonbury 'boycott'
The rock legend will now headline despite initially criticising what he called "corporate control".
One-punch-killer thought victim had made fun of partner at pub karaoke
The judge says the 64-year-old's murder was "senseless and cruel" and the killer showed no remorse.
Apple's AI notification falsely claims Littler has already won world darts final
The AI-generated notification said the teenager had won the tournament before the final had been played.
Biden blocks Japan's Nippon Steel from buying US Steel
Biden decided to scrap the deal despite concerns that it could damage Washington's relations with Tokyo.
British woman and fiance found dead in Vietnam villa
Greta Marie Otteson, 33, was discovered dead in a room at a tourist villa in Hoi An, police said.
'No-one deserves this': Victims' families seek answers in New Orleans attack
The family of one 25-year-old victim says they have had "zero information" about how he was killed.
'Ripped off' caravan owners start compensation fight
Parks involved in the legal action have defended their sales practices and pitch fee rises.
Unanswered questions remain after Las Vegas Cybertruck explosion
Officials still do not know why a US Army soldier drove the Tesla more than 800 miles from Colorado to Las Vegas.
Weekly quiz: Who beat Sabrina Carpenter to the best-selling song of 2024?
How closely have you been paying attention to what's been going on in the world over the past seven days?
Why is it so hard to arrest South Korea's impeached president?
Yoon Suk Yeol has been impeached by parliament and suspended from office.
To conserve or cull? Life in Australia's crocodile capital
The Northern Territory is home to over 100,000 saltwater crocodiles, but not everyone wants them there.
Shops offered grottos and wine to combat 'drab' December
Small businesses are offering incentives to entice customers as consumer confidence remains low.
Strictly's Amy froze embryos after cancer diagnosis
Amy Dowden says the move means "hopefully" she and her husband can have a baby.
Israel confirms it is holding Gaza hospital chief Abu Safiya
The IDF had earlier told a local NGO it was unaware of his case, sparking concern.
Nick Clegg leaves Meta ahead of Trump's return as US president
He will be replaced by Republican Joel Kaplan, a former White House deputy chief of staff under President Bush.
'Masterful' novelist David Lodge dies aged 89
Lodge was twice nominated for the Booker Prize in the 1980s for comic novels Small World and Nice Work.
Sara Sharif's killer father 'attacked in prison'
Urfan Sharif, who was convicted of murdering his daughter Sara, is said to have been assaulted in HMP Belmarsh on New Year's Day.
Man in exploded Cybertruck was elite soldier who shot himself before blast
Las Vegas police say the driver of the burned vehicle is US Green Beret Matthew Livelsberger of Colorado.
Bournemouth Echo
Mystery at crashed Arabian car that hasn't been removed since August
Mystery surrounds the owner of a crashed car in Bournemouth that has been abandoned for almost five months.
Man relives historic railway journey 53 years on
A man who drove diesel trains to Swanage in the dying years of the Purbeck branch line has had one more drive on a 53rd anniversary.
New shop opening in Castlepoint next month
Home store Rituals has given an opening month for opening after winning planning consent from BCP Council.
Public toilets closed for maintenance
Public toilets are now closed while a town council carries out maintenance work.
When will Homebase in Branksome and Blandford close?
Homebase remains tight-lipped over the closing dates of its Branksome and Blandford stores.
Morebus managing director awarded MBE
Morebus chief Andrew Wickham has been made a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) in the King’s New Year’s Honours list.
Bus stops to be removed and replaced with upgraded with new shelters
Old bus shelters will be replaced and upgraded with new CCTV cameras.
Family's heartache at vandalised memorial bench
A family has been left distraught after a memorial bench to a grandmother and mother was vandalised.
Former Bournemouth University Professor awarded with MBE
Professor Keith Brown has been awarded an MBE in the Honours list for his services towards adult safeguarding, fraud and scam prevention.
"You can still live a positive life with MS"
A couple are holding a ball in hopes to raise money and awareness for the MS Society.
The Slimming World consultant helping people change their lives
A Poole Slimming World consultant is helping people to fight battle of weight loss and start a new journey of their life.
Swanage railway marks 200 years of railway development
In 1885, the ten-mile branch line railway linking Swanage and Corfe Castle with Wareham, on the main railway line to London, was first opened to the public.
Pre-school reopens amid police probe 'criminal allegation'
A pre-school that was forced to close by Ofsted after a person was arrested has reopened.
Poole Quay to welcome popular seafood and music festival once again
Planning is underway for the third Seafood and Sounds festival in Poole Quay for 2025.
A reminder of updated bin collection dates for BCP
A list of updated dates for bin collections has been posted after delays were seen over the holidays.
New beauty salon opens in Bournemouth town centre
A new beauty salon has opened its doors in Bournemouth town centre.
'Punishment for being an old man'
Too many elderly and disabled pensioners are now struggling through the punishment of retirees by this new Government.
Food bank expands drop-off locations for its 'hardest month'
A food bank has added new additions to its list of drop-off points for its ‘hardest month.
Council worker wins photo contest, pledges support to animal charities
His winning photo received widespread media coverage, including being the lead image on the BBC website.
Everything you need to know about The Good Ship Murder's second series
The Good Ship Murder is returning to Channel 5 for a second series - here's the full cast list and how to watch the new episodes.
Police probe boat after couple's death as neighbours speak out
Neighbours have spoken of their disbelief at the death of an elderly couple in a seaside town as forensic officers examine a boat on their driveway.
Person dies after emergency at railway station
A PERSON died at Bournemouth railway station on Thursday evening.
Person hospitalised following crash that closed road for hours
A person was taken to hospital following a crash that closed a road for hours in Wareham.
'Find alternative routes' - Road closed after vehicle fire
Road closed and slow traffic due to vehicle fire on A350 both ways from Hill top Roundabout to Sunrise Roundabout.
Manhunt for 'balding man' after theft from property
A white male, around 60 years old, approximately 5'5" tall, and balding, used a tool to steal a pillar cap from a property wall.
Investigation launched after machete wielding man at Tesco store
Officers were alerted to reports of a man with a machete outside Tesco on Wimborne Road in West Howe at around 5pm on December 31, 2024.
CCTV appeal launched following theft of parcel from incense store
A parcel was left outside Endless Incense, a store on Ringwood High Street at around 10pm on December 29.
Oasis tribute concert coming to Ringwood
A tribute band celebrating Oasis will perform at a venue in Ringwood this month.
Spike in business break-ins across Branksome
Police officers have been made aware of several commercial break-ins across Branksome.
Outbuilding blaze tackled by fire brigade
FIREFIGHTERS tackled an outbuilding that was believed to have been set on fire accidentally.
Cold blast brings freezing temperatures to Dorset
The temperature has fallen below freezing, causing frost to form and roads to become icy.
Thousands you might be owed in 2025 - here's eight ways to claim
Check to see where you might be sitting on thousands, to make the new year a little bit happier.
First meteor shower of 2025 to light up UK skies with 50 shooting stars
The Quadrantid meteor shower is expected to peak on Friday – but meteors will remain visible in the sky until January 12
RSPCA issues urgent warning to pet owners ahead of bitterly cold weekend
The RSPCA has revealed its top tips for keeping your dog and cat safe as temperatures drop dramatically across the UK this weekend.
Warning for dog owners as cold temperatures and 'heavy snow' possible
Some of the UK’s favourite dog breeds are at high risk of hypothermia from temperatures below 7°C
Formula 1
Everything you need to know about F1 – Drivers, teams, cars, circuits and more
If you’re new to Formula 1, you may have a few questions about the sport and how our action-packed tour of the world is staged year in, year out. Well, we’ve got you covered. In an all-in-one explainer, we take you through the basics from how the championship was formed to the circuits visited, the drivers behind the wheel and the teams involved up and down the pit lane…
The beginner’s guide to the F1 Drivers’ Championship
Our beginner’s guide provides all you need to know about the Formula 1 Drivers’ Championship, explaining what it is, how it works and why it is the most coveted accolade in motorsport, as well as answering some frequently asked questions.
The beginner’s guide to the F1 Constructors’ Championship
Our beginner’s guide provides all you need to know about the Formula 1 Constructors’ Championship, explaining what it is, how it works and why it’s so important, as well as answering some frequently asked questions.
The beginner’s guide to the F1 calendar
Our beginner’s guide provides all you need to know about this year’s F1 calendar, including when it starts, how many races are on it, and which countries Formula 1 is visiting in 2025. The calendar has come a long way since the sport’s inaugural season in 1950...
Vasseur responds to Hamilton’s 'not fast anymore' concerns ahead of Ferrari arrival
Fred Vasseur has brushed off any concerns over Lewis Hamilton’s form ahead of his arrival at Ferrari, following on from comments made by the seven-time world champion where he labelled himself as “not fast anymore”.
Zhou shares the ‘great honour’ he will take from his time in F1 after Kick Sauber exit
Zhou Guanyu has spoken of his pride at becoming the first Chinese driver to race in Formula 1, while expressing hope that he will be able to add another chapter to that groundbreaking journey going forward.
Hamilton ‘could not be more excited’ as he shares first message as a Ferrari driver
Lewis Hamilton has stated that he “could not be more excited” about the year ahead in his first message as a Ferrari driver, with the seven-time world champion hailing reinvention as “powerful”.
VOTE: Which team has the best driver line-up for 2025?
Vote for which team you believe has the best driver line-up for the upcoming 2025 Formula 1 season
Windows Central
Black Myth: Wukong developers say optimizing for the Xbox Series S "would take years," begging the question if the blockbuster action game will ever come to Xbox
Black Myth: Wukong developers say optimizing for the Xbox Series S "would take years," begging the question if the blockbuster action game will ever come to Xbox
This essential plugin for the Steam Deck does a better job telling you how your games will play than Valve can manage itself
Valve puts compatibility information into the Steam Deck's library, but it's not as good as ProtonDB. So let's integrate that, instead.
DOOM asks, "Are you human?" after years of us asking "Will it play DOOM?"
A new CAPTCHA has you play a short game of DOOM rather than click images or identify squiggly letters.
Is ChatGPT getting a "grown up mode" with fewer guardrails? CEO Sam Altman hints AGI, AI agents, and deep research as part of OpenAI's roadmap for 2025
OpenAI CEO Sam Altman was recently requested by a multitude of ChatGPT users to introduce a grown up mode for the chatbot with fewer guardrails, better AI agents, better reasoning and memory, and a Family plan. Interestingly, he indicated many great forthcoming updates and features weren't mentioned.
Microsoft Edge started 2024 with a 'new' name. The browser starts 2025 asking for beta testers.
Microsoft Edge on iOS is now accepting beta testers. You can sign up to try early versions of the app and provide feedback to Microsoft through Apple TestFlight.
Secret Level asked Microsoft about an awesome Halo and Doom crossover — "Crafting this impassioned letter of my childhood," but Microsoft said: "Nah."
Maybe we were saved from another Halo TV show disaster. Nah, anything would have been better.
Google CEO wants to re-embrace "scrappy" tactics as ChatGPT becomes synonymous with AI, just as Google did with Search
Google CEO Sundar Pichai recently highlighted the company's 2025 plans centered on AI including building and shipping faster, though it might be "scrappy."
Laffgaff
What southern state was the 28th to join the United States?
Texas.
Earth
What did Earth say to the other planets? Wow, you guys have no life.