BBC News
Government unveils plan to cut NHS waiting list backlog
The government pledged to cut the list of patients waiting more than 18 weeks for treatment in England by nearly half a million over the next year.
Child sexual abuse inquiry chair urges government to act
A campaign group led by Prof Alexis Jay also warns against "politicising" sexual violence.
RuPaul's Drag Race UK star The Vivienne dies aged 32
James Lee Williams, better known as drag queen The Vivienne, died aged 32 over the weekend.
Chris Mason: Musk looms large over UK politics as MPs return for 2025
Another year in Westminster has gotten off to an explosive start after the tech billionaire's intervention.
Hamas lists 34 hostages it may free under ceasefire
The list is released as new Israeli air strikes kill dozens in Gaza over the weekend.
Channel migrants: The real reason so many are fleeing Vietnam
More Vietnamese attempted small-boat crossings in early 2024 than any other nationality - what makes them risk this dangerous journey?
Confidence of firms hit by tax fears, says business group
Companies are facing a "pressure cooker" of rising costs and taxes, the British Chambers of Commerce says.
Indie band English Teacher kick off BBC's Sound of 2025
The Mercury Prize-winning band start the countdown of the BBC's annual list of music's rising stars.
Golden Globes: The red carpet in pictures
Hollywood stars brought style as well as The Substance to the event in Los Angeles on Sunday.
'Musk turns on Farage' and 'big freeze hits Britain'
Elon Musk's calls for Nigel Farage to be replaced as Reform UK leader, and weather disruption leads the papers.
How The Vivienne became a breakout star of British drag
The Vivienne, who has died aged 32, was unapologetically unique and hilariously straight-talking.
Works on 'road from hell' to end after 23 years
It has taken 23 years and cost almost £2bn, but the major road will be finished later in 2025.
'Welsh, fat and working-class is my superpower'
Over the past few years Megan Winstone has taken photographs for Vogue, Kerrang! and Dr. Martens.
Saving a species: The slow return of the Iberian lynx
After edging close to extinction, there are now some 2,000 Iberian lynxes in Spain and Portugal.
Trump's eyeing Greenland - but other Arctic investment is frozen
While Trump eyes Greenland, Norway and Russia have put the brakes on their polar region investments.
Welby to formally leave Archbishop role with Church facing seismic questions
Welby resigned after a damning report into a prolific child abuser associated with the Church of England.
Musk says Farage 'doesn't have what it takes' to be Reform UK leader
Nigel Farage claims Musk's call is due to a disagreement over support for far-right activist Tommy Robinson.
Woman had eight organs removed in cancer treatment
Horsham's Fay Louise planned her own funeral after doctors found a tumour in her appendix in 2023.
New Orleans attacker wore Meta smart glasses - what else do we know?
Investigators are also looking into the attacker's back-to-back travel to Egypt and Canada in 2023.
Watch: The moment Trudeau announces he will step down
Trudeau says he intends to resign as party leader and as prime minister after the party selects its next leader.
Starmer attacks those 'spreading lies' on grooming gangs as he hits back at Musk
The prime minister said a debate on social media involving the tech billionaire had "crossed a line", resulting in threats against MPs.
Ex-prison officer jailed over sex with inmate
Linda De Sousa Abreu, 30, had pleaded guilty to misconduct in public office in July.
RuPaul says his heart is broken after The Vivienne's death
The Vivienne, who was 32 and won the first series of RuPaul's Drag Race UK, died over the weekend.
Six-month-old girl dies after car park crash
Sophia Kelemen died in hospital on Friday, a day after the crash in a multi-storey car park.
Man jailed over social posts after Southport attack
Andrew McIntyre admits setting up a social media channel identified as a "catalyst" for violent disorder.
'Second chance at life' after UK's first liver transplant for advanced bowel cancer
Bianca Perea, a 32-year-old trainee lawyer, is now "cancer-free" after a pioneering liver transplant.
The latest forecast covering the UK
Darren Bett looks at the latest weather around the country.
Channel migrants: The real reason so many are fleeing Vietnam for the UK
More Vietnamese attempted small-boat crossings in early 2024 than any other nationality - what makes them risk this dangerous journey?
Zendaya engagement rumours and other Golden Globe highlights
A round-up of some of the backstage highlights and viral moments from the Los Angeles ceremony.
Starmer's NHS waiting list plan - will it work?
Lack of staff and money could make it difficult for government to achieve its aims.
Man charged with aiding Daniel Khalife after escape
Imran Chowdury, 25, from east London has been charged with assisting Khalife, the Met Police says.
Harris to certify Trump's US election win, four years after Capitol riot
Monday's session in Congress comes on the anniversary of violence by Trump supporters on 6 January 2021.
Rugby player charged with rape flees country
A former Bradford Bulls rugby player charged with rape has fled to Papua New Guinea, a court hears.
Ukraine renews attack on Russia's Kursk region
It comes as Ukraine's president says only the US can provide security guarantees leading to an end to the war.
Biden bans offshore drilling across vast area of US
The ban covering most of America's coastline comes two weeks before Donald Trump's inauguration ceremony.
Hamas lists 34 hostages it may free under ceasefire
The list is released as new Israeli air strikes kill dozens in Gaza over the weekend.
Bournemouth Echo
LISTED: The best primary schools in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole
The best performing primary schools in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole have been revealed.
Sushi restaurant becomes only place in Dorset to offer a premium fish
A Westbourne sushi restaurant has announced plans to become the only place offering the "purest tuna in the world".
Man jailed after arsenal of firearms discovered in storage units
A man has been jailed for more than five years after several firearms were found in storage containers in Dorset.
Dorset residents warned to brace for snow, ice and cold temperatures
A weather warning for snow in Dorset has been issued for this week.
Elderly woman rescued from house fire
An elderly woman was rescued from a house fire after her tumble dryer burst into flames.
Woman 'stabbed' in 'nasty' high street attack
A woman was ‘stabbed’ in “nasty” a high street attack.
Hunt for two 'suspicious' men after car 'maliciously' set on fire
Two men who were acting “suspiciously” are wanted by police as they investigate a suspected arson attack.
Woman 'punched in face' during a fight involving a group of men
A woman was ‘punched in face’ during a brawl involving a group of men.
Man arrested after car crashed in hedges along A31
A man was arrested following a crash in which a car careered off the road and into some bushes.
Homes at risk amid four flood warnings for Dorset
FLOOD warnings have been issued by the Environment Agency for four different areas of Dorset.
'A vehicle is a weapon when in the wrong hands'
THE POLICE and crime commissioner is calling for manslaughter charges to be brought against drink and drug drivers who kill people on the roads.
Woman with Heinz soup bag wanted after shoplifting
Police officers would like to speak to a woman who was carrying a Heinz tomato soup carrier bag about a shoplifting.
Roadworks happening across the BCP Council area this week
The following roadworks are being carried out within the BCP Council area by the council and various utility companies this week:
Snow predicted for Dorset this week, forecasters say
SNOW could fall in Dorset later this week, county-based forecasters have said.
Parking machines in Bournemouth town centre no longer working
Parking machines across Bournemouth town centre are now out of use.
Parcel returned after CCTV image appeal
A man has been identified from a CCTV appeal issued by the police while they investigate a shoplifting.
Rare celestial phenomenon captured by Dorset photographer
A Dorset resident captured a stunning picture of the crescent moon alongside the planet Venus at Purbeck.
Hospital trust warns peak of the flu season is yet to come
University Hospitals Dorset has revealed insight into its capacity over the festive season and how it will combat the flu outbreak.
Pink sapphire ring set to fetch thousands at auction
The ring was valued at one of Charterhouse's specialist valuation days held at their Sherborne Salerooms.
MP says Sunseeker staff have 'definitely lost jobs' amid ongoing dispute
POOLE MP Neil Duncan-Jordan has said Sunseeker workers have “definitely lost their jobs” amid ongoing job disputes.
Vandals smash car windscreen and flee when caught by owner
VANDALS smashed the rear windscreen of a car and fled the scene when disturbed by the owner.
Person rescued from beach after falling on rocks and breaking ankle
A PERSON was rescued from the beach by emergency services after falling on rocks and breaking their ankle.
Pier café to temporarily close for maintenance
A PIER café is set to temporarily close for two weeks due to maintenance.
Annual Muddy Dog Dash fundraiser to return for 2025
THE ANNUAL Muddy Dog Dash fundraiser is set to return to Upton Country Park for 2025.
Police appeal after car keyed on New Years Eve
POLICE are appealing for information after a car was keyed in Poole on New Years Eve.
New mobile cleaning business launched in BCP
A NEW mobile cleaning business has been launched, offering services across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole.
'We need to address interconnected global challenges'
Eric Hayman's letter (31st December) is right to be concerned about population increases and how that will impact us all.
DWP letter to every pensioner that could see you £4,000 better off
The Department for Work and Pensions is writing a letter to every pensioner in the country, offering up to £4,000 more help.
DVLA banned number plates revealed as new '25' plates set to hit the road
The new DVLA ‘25’ vehicle number plates are hitting the roads on March 1, but you won't be seeing these banned number plates on the road any time soon
New bid to build three-bed bungalow in back garden of home
ANOTHER attempt is being made to build a three-bed bungalow home in the rear garden of a Dorchester home.
'Cyclists should have insurance and licence plates'
WE'VE SEEN many stories from the cycling community regarding their wishes to control the roads to have lower speed limits despite having their own purpose built safety lanes away from traffic. But isn't time cyclists took a look at themselves before telling others how things should be? Why do we need lower speed limits on roads with cyclepaths that keep cyclists away from traffic? Should we impose speed limits on cyclepaths?
'I am appalled by the cage of birds in Bournemouth town centre'
HAVING walked through Bournemouth gardens today, I was appalled to find a cage of birds.
PICTURES: Bournemouth town centre from above
AERIAL photographs captured by the Echo show a different perspective of Bournemouth town centre. We can all point out how much it has changed from the ground, but new images taken reveal a greater depth. Most prominent in the area is Lansdowne, which from above you could argue is almost like a mini, scaled-down version of New York City. The images also show the Triangle from above, a concrete hub of pubs, bars and restaurants. Cranes also line the sky for various construction projects, including the redevelopment of the Bournemouth and Poole College building as well as a Fortitudo project for student housing in Hinton Road, behind Westover Road. But perhaps most impressive of all is the obvious closeness of the sea to some of the town centre’s best-known areas, put into perspective from above.
Pet groomers announces exciting expansion to site in Poole
A pet grooming salon has announced plans to move to a unit in Poole, with hopes to open a training centre.
What countries do you need 6 months validity on your passport to travel to?
The Philippines and Canada are just some of the countries you need six months validity on your passport if you plan on travelling to them
Great British Bake Off icon Mary Berry shares the proper way to store eggs
Former Great British Bake Off star Mary Berry has shared the proper way to store your eggs before cooking.
Newsquest announces £2.5 million support for Teenage Cancer Trust
Newsquest will join forces with Teenage Cancer Trust to help deliver the charity’s mission of ensuring no young person faces cancer alone.
Formula 1
From world champions to super-subs – How Ferrari’s other British drivers fared as Hamilton makes his move
When the 2025 season gets under way, Lewis Hamilton will add his name to the exclusive list of British drivers who have raced for Ferrari over the years. But how did his predecessors fare? From champions of the world to Grand Prix winners and one-off substitutes, we look back at their respective records…
Stella explains whether McLaren will change approach if Norris and Piastri fight each other for the title in 2025
Andrea Stella has outlined how McLaren will approach the situation should both Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri find themselves fighting for the championship in 2025, with the team boss hopeful that this could be an “opportunity” rather than a “problem”.
REVEALED: The best driver line-up for the 2025 season as voted for by you
Your best driver pairing for the 2025 F1 season has been revealed...
TAG Heuer returns to Formula 1 as Official Timekeeper from 2025 season
Formula 1 has announced that luxury watch brand TAG Heuer will return to the sport as its Official Timekeeper in 2025, as the championship celebrates its 75th anniversary and the start of a 10-year partnership with LVMH.
Windows Central
Microsoft debuts new 'Rewards with Xbox' program, boosting the ways you can earn Microsoft Rewards pointsviagaming
Microsoft has revealed that it has updated its 'Rewards with Xbox' program to include more ways of earning Microsoft Points and making it available for PC Game Pass.
Overclockable AI CPUs? Intel's new flagship mobile chips offer a massive boost over previous generations.
Intel unveiled a bunch of new mobile and desktop processors from the Core Ultra 2 Series at CES 2025, including some monster HX-series hardware that can be overclocked. Yes, it even has an NPU inside for AI work.
Microsoft doubles down on Windows 11 — calls for major Copilot+ PC upgrade cycle in 2025
Microsoft is gearing up for a big Windows upgrade year, as Windows 10 reaches end of life in just 10 short months.
AMD Ryzen Z2 Series specs leak, alongside the Steam Deck 2? ASUS ROG Ally, Lenovo Legion Go, and apparently Valve itself are on board. (UPDATE)
The AMD Ryzen Z2 series has leaked early, after months of speculation. How does it stack up in practice? We likely won't know until ASUS, Lenovo, and ... Valve (?) release their new devices.
Samsung and LG TVs are set to get Microsoft Copilot AI, but it's going to just be a link to the website again
Microsoft Copilot is coming to your TV. Or at least, the web app is. Dual press releases from LG and Samsung detail how the firms are leaning into the AI hype.
Vitalik Buterin proposes a "global soft pause button" to cut AI computing power by 90-99% for 1-2 years — giving ample time to prepare for potential existential doom
Vitalik Buterin, Ethereum co-founder proposes a "global soft pause button" on global hardware to prevent AI from causing existential doom.
Microsoft doubles down on its AI efforts with a massive $80 billion investment in data centers — amid insider concerns most Copilot AI tools are seemingly "gimmicky"
Microsoft is set to double down on its generative artificial intelligence efforts in 2025 following the company's Vice Chair and President, Brad Smith's recent announcement of the tech giant's plans to invest up to $80 billion in building data centers.
Laffgaff
Which horror novel is subtitled ‘Or the Modern Prometheus’?
Frankenstein.
Faulty Watch
My wife's watch has stopped working but I haven't told her yet. It's never the right time.
Itsfoss
Autostart AppImage Applications in Linux
Want to run an AppImage application automatically at boot time? You could do that with a little effort. Here's step by step process to accomplish it.