BBC News
Reeves set to welcome Heathrow expansion as she attempts to boost economic growth
The chancellor's speech will also focus on development between Oxford and Cambridge to create a "Silicon Valley of Europe".
Will electric planes and sustainable fuel make Heathrow's third runway green?
BBC Verify assesses whether Chancellor Rachel Reeves' three key climate claims about the runway add up.
US judge temporarily blocks Trump's freeze on federal grants and loans
The order is in response to a lawsuit that says the freezing of billions of dollars in already approved funding violates the law.
Climate change made LA fires worse, scientists say
Scientists say the fires that engulfed Los Angeles were made 35% more likely due to climate warming.
'We don't just teach - we clothe the kids, feed them and brush their teeth'
A survey of teachers in England suggests lots of schools are having to provide extra help for families.
Wynne Evans leaves Strictly Come Dancing live tour
The singer and broadcaster has apologised for making an "inappropriate and unacceptable" comment.
Bishop of Liverpool denies sex assault allegations
Bishop John Perumbalath is accused of assaulting two women in a Channel 4 News investigation.
Children raped and abused in hotels, police data suggests
Figures shared exclusively with BBC News show 504 reported offences took place in hotels in 2023.
XL bully ban a 'huge burden' on policing, chiefs say
The National Police Chiefs' Council predicts costs of enforcing the ban will have reached £25m by April this year.
Mysterious drones were 'not the enemy', White House says
Mysterious drone sightings had lit up the skies and the internet on the US east coast last year.
'Doomsday Clock' highlighting world threats moves closest to destruction
The symbolic clock is set at 89 seconds to midnight, with nuclear threats, AI misuses and climate change being the key factors.
Swept away: The island family lost to a storm 20 years on
Five members of the same family died trying to escape a storm on South Uist in 2005.
The Papers: 'Europe's Silicon Valley' and Strictly Wynne's apology
The chancellor's plans for growth and the Strictly live tour axing Wynne Evans feature in the papers.
Mogwai's 'upbeat' return after difficult years
The Scottish rock band explain how music helped them through a tough period in their personal lives.
DeepSeek shows AI's centre of power could shift away from US
The app's strong debut has shaken beliefs that the US would remain the unchallenged global AI superpower, writes the BBC's Marc Cieslak.
'Half our house is gone': Palestinians face worst fears in north Gaza
Hundreds of thousands of displaced have returned to the north since Monday, but many have found their homes in ruins.
Australian sect members guilty of causing girl's death
The defendants had denied the diabetic girl her insulin, believing God would save her, a court heard.
Mona Lisa to be moved as part of major Louvre overhaul
France's president says a second museum entrance will be built, while non-EU residents will also pay more to visit.
Colombian air force planes sent to fetch deportees from US
The planes' arrival paves the way for the US to lift visa restrictions imposed after a spat with Colombia.
Migration to push UK population to 72.5m by 2032, ONS figures suggest
Projections suggest the UK population could grow by almost five million over the next decade.
Puberty blocker ban in Wales unlawful - politician
Recent years have seen a significant increase in demand for puberty blockers.
Police force reveals plan to axe all its PCSOs
The force says it has no option but to propose the changes because of "inadequate" funding.
'I was diagnosed with dementia in my 40s'
A group of people with dementia have made a film called Hear Our Voice to tackle common stereotypes.
Swept away: The island family lost to a storm 20 years on
Five members of the same family died trying to escape a storm on South Uist in 2005.
Reeves backs third Heathrow runway as part of push for economic growth
The chancellor announces wide-ranging plans to get the UK's sluggish economy moving.
At a glance: What was in Rachel Reeves's speech?
The chancellor announces measures she says will kickstart growth: what are they?
Lloyds to close 136 branches as people shift to apps
The closures across its brands will be completed by March next year, as more customers go digital.
Student denies drugging and raping 10 women
Zhenhao Zou denies 35 charges, including 11 counts of rape and three counts of voyeurism.
My criticism of Trump was wrong, says incoming US ambassador Mandelson
The UK's choice for ambassador to the US rows back on previous comments describing Trump as "a bully".
Princess Beatrice gives birth to daughter Athena
Princess Beatrice has given birth to her second child, named Athena, the Royal Family has announced.
Love Island winner bailed hours after dog attack jail sentence
Jack Fincham - whose black cane corso bit a runner in 2022 - is granted bail pending his appeal.
Garmin users say smartwatches have stopped working
Its Fenix 8 smartwatches, which retail for just under £1,000, are some of the devices to have issues.
Thirty killed in crowd crush at India's Kumbh Mela festival
Pilgrims rushing to take part in ritual bathing trampled over people on the banks of the Ganges.
Scientists trial patch to mend failing hearts
The technology could give patients with advanced heart failure new hope, based on early trial results.
Selfish drivers doing 164mph must stop, police say
At least 24,000 drivers were detected speeding at over 100mph in five years, police data shows.
Reeves's growth strategy comes under scrutiny from her own side
The chancellor has made clear she wants to see economic growth, but the response from Labour MPs will be key in how its delivered.
How will the UK's growth plans affect me?
Rachel Reeves wants to push ahead with building and reform planning, but what does that mean for you?
Faisal Islam: Reeves's plans will boost UK but it will take a long time
The key question is whether the fruits of long term growth will come through everywhere else quickly enough
Will electric planes and sustainable fuel make a third runway green?
BBC Verify assesses whether Chancellor Rachel Reeves' three key climate claims about the runway add up.
Idris Elba on stabbing crisis: 'Not all kitchen knives need a point on them'
The actor, who has made a BBC documentary, says early intervention would guide kids away from knife crime.
What is Kumbh Mela and why is this Hindu festival important?
The festival draws millions of Hindu pilgrims and spiritual seekers from India and across the globe.
'We don't just teach - we clothe the kids, feed them and brush their teeth'
A survey of teachers in England suggests lots of schools are having to provide extra help for families.
Roman Abramovich could owe UK £1bn over tax dodge that helped bankroll Chelsea FC
Scheme to avoid tax on offshore billions may have been botched because money was managed from the UK, BBC learns.
In pictures: Welcoming the Lunar New Year
Fireworks, music, lanterns, and dragon dancing filled streets across Asia to celebrate the Year of the Snake.
Swept away: The island family lost to a storm 20 years on
Five members of the same family died trying to escape a storm on South Uist in 2005.
'I was diagnosed with dementia in my 40s'
A group of people with dementia have made a film called Hear Our Voice to tackle common stereotypes.
Asteroid contains building blocks of life, say scientists
Bennu contains minerals and thousands of organic molecules, including the chemical components that make up DNA.
Charity stops using Captain Sir Tom Moore's name
The Bedfordshire based charity is now known as The 1189808 Foundation.
Lidl plans first in-store pub after winning court battle
A High Court rejects a legal challenge to the plans, which would see a tap room installed in Lidl's Dundonald store.
OpenAI says Chinese rivals using its work for their AI apps
ChatGPT maker says it will need extra protection from US government, following emergence of Chinese rival, DeepSeek.
Israel's looming Unrwa ban a catastrophe, UN Palestinian refugee agency warns
The UN says critical aid deliveries into Gaza will be undermined when the ban starts on Thursday.
Cardiff uni job cuts 'threaten supply of nurses'
Some lecturers at Cardiff University have begun getting letters advising them their post is at risk.
WH Smith High Street sales fall amid talks to sell stores
High street sales dropped 6% in the 21 weeks to January 25, the retailer said.
Bournemouth Echo
High street parking spaces could be removed from roads
PARKING spaces along two high street roads could be removed under new proposals by BCP Council.
Bid to reduce speed limit by 20mph on 'dangerous' road
BCP Council is asking for residents’ feedback on proposals to reduce the speed limit of Parley Lane.
Car featured on Downton Abbey and Mr Selfridge for sale
An upcoming classic vehicle auction in Dorset is to feature two vehicles that have starred on TV and the silver screen.
New council chief executive job advertised for £200k - with help paying mortgage
AN advert for a new chief executive of a council has been advertised – and the successful candidate could earn up to £200,000.
Lidl to 'review feedback' after failed plans for new Bournemouth store
Lidl said it will “review feedback” following the refusal of its application to build a new store in Bournemouth.
Woman "shocked" and "violated" after window smashed and items stolen from car
A car window was smashed and belongings were stolen from a vehicle in Poole.
BCP's 10 cheapest places to buy a house revealed - with lowest costing £171, 000
The CHEAPEST places to buy properties in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole (BCP) has been revealed.
MP Jessica Toale hits back at OnBuy owner’s town centre criticism
Bournemouth West MP Jessica Toale has responded to criticism of Bournemouth town centre from OnBuy owner Cas Paton.
Controversial flat plans given the green light despite public backlash
Residents say the council planning committee ignored their views and gave the green light to a heavily objected block of flats.
Volunteers maintaining community's green spaces in Springbourne
A GROUP of people in Springbourne is volunteering to enhance and preserve green space areas.
Woman died after being found unresponsive by her neighbour
A WOMAN died after being found unresponsive by a neighbour in her home, a court heard.
Human remains found in search for missing man from East Dorset
Human remains believed to belong to a missing man from Dorset have been found in Sussex.
Four high street banks to close in another major blow
Four more Dorset high streets will lose their banks as Lloyds Banking Group announces huge cuts nationwide.
End-of-life charity service axed as funding withdrawn
A leading end-of-life charity’s hospice at-home service for dying people in Dorset is set to close.
Ofsted reports 'transformed' children's services in BCP
CHILDREN's services in BCP have 'transformed' according to its recent Ofsted report.
Residents urged to evacuate overnight due to rising flood levels
Yesterday, residents at Iford Bridge Home Park were advised to evacuate as a precautionary measure due to rising flood levels.
Council to axe up to 300 jobs to cut £12.5m from wage bill
Dorset Council is planning to cut £12.5 million from its wage bill – losing between 250 and 300 jobs.
Nautical themed cocktail bar 'permanently closed'
Cardinals Bar, a Nordic and maritime theme bar is understood to have closed down.
Man spotted walking around Bournemouth streets with baseball bat
A baseball bat was confiscated from a person walking the streets in Bournemouth.
BCP residents warned over phishing scam going round
Residents in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole have been warned about phishing emails being sent to them.
Poole maternity unit's imminent closure 'really sad'
The imminent closure of St Mary’s maternity ward at Poole Hospital will be “really sad”, a University Hospitals Dorset chief has said.
Drivers slapped with fine for driving 51mph
Drivers have been slapped with fines after being caught speeding at 51mph.
29 homes in Christchurch on the market for a 'considerably lower price'
A major new development is set to be unveiled in Christchurch, with 29 new homes becoming available on the market soon.
ArrDee announced as second headliner for Bournemouth 7s
British rap sensation ArrDee will join Ella Henderson for a weekend of music, sport, and celebration.
Fraudsters target residents with chocolate box scam at door
Scammers are targeting Dorset residents by knocking on doors with a box of presents, the police have said.
MP votes for bill to crack down on water bosses who pollute
He was among a handful of MPs to sit on the bill committee, scrutinising the legislation clause by clause.
Trains delayed following signalling issue at Parkstone
Due to a signalling problem at Parkstone Dorset trains have to run at reduced speed on the line towards Bournemouth.
Bournemouth holiday firm breaks records for Christmas 2025
A Bournemouth-based coach holiday group said it had record booking for 2025 Christmas breaks.
Call for more volunteers to enhance precious green space
VOLUNTEERS have been leading the charge to preserve and enhance one of the few green spaces in the East Cliff and Springbourne area.
Council officers accused of 'watering down' formal call for FuturePlaces probe
OFFICERS at BCP Council have been accused of “watering down” a formal call for an investigation into FuturePlaces.
Woman tried to use 91-year-old's bank card
A woman who attempted to use a stolen bank card at a jewellers has been jailed for defrauding elderly victims.
'Motorists are the major winners but we should try and reduce traffic'
THE MAJOR winners in cycling and walking safety improvements are motorists.
Care home unveils mermaid tail sculpture to support local charity
The mermaid tail sculpture was designed and painted over several weeks by residents and staff, including 79-year-old Penny Rees.
Dorset swimmer dubbed 'human fish' features in new documentary
The swim was to highlight the issue of plastic pollution in our oceans, which led Oly to start his charity Project Planet Earth.
Brewer divides more than £30,000 in grants between lucky recipients
Among the beneficiaries, Routes to Roots received £3,000 to continue providing home-cooked lunches at its drop-in sessions in Poole.
Bournemouth International Centre set to host popular expo
It is expected to attract exhibitors, market vendors, collectors and attendees for two days of attractions and roleplay fun.
Town council invests £75,000 in new play area
The play area has been designed with inclusivity in mind, featuring sensory panels, disability-friendly swings and other equipment.
Funeral directors receives more than 1k positive Trustpilot reviews
A funeral directors has received more than 1,000 positive Trustpilot reviews.
Poole-based company celebrates 30 years in business
The company supports sectors including publishing, education, manufacturing, training and electronics.
‘Truly magical’ charity event raises more than £80,000
The evening, hosted by compère Paul Kinvig, began with a champagne reception and gala dinner.
Beaulieu invites visitors to 'live history' this half-term
Visitors can collect 'living history character cards' from staff dressed in historical costumes, who will share the significance of their trade.
Valentine's competition to win £1,000 VIP experience for couple
To enter, people must nominate their partner and share their story of how they met in no more than 250 words.
Tech firms join forces to 'revolutionise' hospitality with AI
Holidaymaker and HeyGuest have formed a strategic partnership to enhance how hospitality businesses connect with their guests.
New Drench Outlet store opens in Poole town centre
The store covers 9,000 square feet and will feature a showroom space where the online bathroom brand will display its range of products.
Princess Beatrice announces premature birth of daughter and reveals name
Princess Beatrice has given birth to a daughter named Athena and is said to be doing well.
Government
Ministry for Poverty Prevention Bill [HL]
A Bill to make provision for establishing a new government Ministry, the Ministry for Poverty Prevention; to make provision for the objectives and powers of that Ministry; to make provision that the Ministry can only be abolished or combined with another department by an Act of Parliament; to make provision for reporting requirements on the Ministry’s work; to make provision for a power to create binding poverty reduction targets; to make provision for a reporting system for all government spending in relation to poverty; and for connected purposes.
Women’s State Pension Age (Ombudsman Report and Compensation Scheme) Bill
A Bill to require the Secretary of State to publish measures to address the findings of the Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman in its report entitled “Women’s State Pension age: our findings on injustice and associated issues”; to require the Secretary of State to publish proposals for a compensation scheme for women born between 6 April 1950 and 5 April 1960 inclusive who have been affected by increases in the state pension age; and for connected purposes.
Formula 1
Hamilton completes latest Ferrari run in Barcelona with more track time planned
Seven-time World Champion Lewis Hamilton got his second taste of Ferrari Formula 1 machinery when he completed an afternoon of running in a 2023-spec Prancing Horse at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya.
‘I’ve always had this in me‘ – F1 ACADEMY Champion Abbi Pulling on her breakthrough season and the next challenge ahead
For Abbi Pulling, taking the 2024 F1 ACADEMY title was more than just an achievement or a trophy — it was a lifeline.
Antonelli passes driving test weeks before making F1 debut with Mercedes
Kimi Antonelli is just weeks away from making his Formula 1 debut – but in the meantime the teenager has celebrated another milestone moment by passing his driving test.
Hamilton crashes during second F1 test for Ferrari in Barcelona
Lewis Hamilton has crashed his Ferrari on day two of the Italian team’s private test at Spain’s Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya.
F1 LAUNCHES: When will teams be presenting their new cars for the 2025 season?
As the start of the 2025 F1 campaign gets ever closer, it’s that time of year where traditionally the teams get ready to unveil their new cars. We’re talking about launch season, which will look a little different this year as a very special event joins the schedule…
QUIZ: Can you identify the official name on the FIA entry list for each Formula 1 team?
We might know the teams as Ferrari, McLaren or Red Bull, but do you know what each team is registered as on the official FIA Formula 1 World Championship entry list?
Windows Central
Monster Hunter Wilds' latest gameplay preview reveals the name of its scariest, most mysterious monster revealed thus far
Monster Hunter Wilds just showed off new gameplay footage of the Oilwell Basin locale and Nu Udra, one of the scariest additions to the game's monster roster.
Helldivers 2's new Spacetime Fluctuation Indicator is freaking everyone out about the Illuminate — and we know a "larger scheme" looms
Helldivers 2 players are freaking out over the appearance of a new Spacetime Fluctuation Indicator that foreshadows a big event with the Illuminate.
Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 and Warzone causing blue screen errors on PC since Season 2 launched — is the anticheat to blame?
Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 and Warzone Season 2 is here, but so is a pretty nasty bug that's causing PCs to blue screen.
'MLB The Show 25' is skipping Game Pass for the first time since coming to Xbox
After four years of coming to Game Pass, Sony decides Xbox players will need to pay separately.
Baldur's Gate 3 Patch 8 brings Xbox Series S split-screen support — and you can check it out early
Split-screen support is finally coming to Baldur's Gate 3 on Xbox Series S, and you can test it right now.
Must-see discount: Acer Swift 14 with Snapdragon X Elite at an all-time low
The Acer Swift 14 AI with a Snapdragon X Elite processor is currently $400 off. That discount brings the price of the laptop below the cost of the model with a weaker Snapdragon X Plus chip.
Xbox CEO Phil Spencer says Xbox Series X|S and PlayStation 5 are too similar — "I want us to innovate and make hardware the differentiator."
In a new interview, Xbox lead Phil Spencer discussed the Xbox Series S, and why Microsoft thinks hardware innovation will be the thing that makes you buy the next Xbox.
'WWE 2K25' receives a mountain of new gameplay info including new match types, over 300 WWE Superstars, new game modes, and more
2K has announced a monumental amount of new gameplay information for WWE 2K25 from what game modes and match types it will have, who will join its roster of over 300 playable Superstars, and what the new 'The Island' mode will be like.
The Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon somehow got thinner, lighter, and smarter, but familiar problems remain
The Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon (Gen 13) is thinner and lighter than its predecessor without compromising on anything, but new Intel chips don't fix all the weaknesses.
One of my favorite Windows 11 apps now runs on ARM natively
Auto Dark Mode allows you to set and customize themes on Windows 11 depending on the time of day. The app now runs on ARM devices natively.
NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5080 review: The new high-end GPU for rational gamers delivers FPS wizardry with DLSS 4
NVIDIA's redesigned RTX 5080 Founders Edition is the new king of the hill for PC gamers as the sensible enthusiast GPU if you can find it at its intended price.
A new analysis claims that Microsoft's Xbox has become the top games publisher in the world
An analytics firm has handed Microsoft the games publishing crown. With almost half a billion in spending, Microsoft's multiplatform strategy is paying off for Xbox, at least according to this analysis.
Destiny 2: Heresy brings back an iconic location alongside a Star Wars crossover for players to grab
Destiny 2: Heresy is unleashing a Star Wars crossover event, as well as bringing back the iconic Dreadnaught of the Taken King.
Windows 11 Insiders get first look at this new way to connect an iPhone and a PC
A new Windows 11 feature allows iPhone users to see information from their phone within the Windows 11 Start menu. Windows Insiders can test the functionality now and also try the option to share files between a phone and PC through the Start menu.
7 must-know facts about the Legion Go S and Legion Go 2 gaming handhelds
During an official Q&A, Lenovo answered questions about the company's upcoming gaming handhelds, and we learned a lot.
Dino Crisis 1 and Dino Crisis 2 have been re-released right now on PC, DRM-free, as part of GOG's ongoing efforts to preserve games of the past
In its ongoing mission to preserve classic games, GOG has announced that it has just re-released Capcom's fan-favorite Dino Crisis and Dino Crisis 2 on PC.
How to pin and track Camo and Calling Card challenges in Call of Duty: Black Ops 6
A new feature in Black Ops 6 allows you to track your various challenges easily. Here's how.
How to disable cross play in Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 and Warzone Ranked Play on console
Cross play has become a sore spot due to rampant cheating, leading Activision and Treyarch to concede to player demands and introduce segregated cross play options between console and PC. Here is how to disable cross play on Xbox.
Everything coming to Multiplayer in Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 Season 2— Patch notes, new maps, Operator bundles, and more
Gear up, Rogue Team. It's time to hunt or be hunted in Season 2 as Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 introduces new maps, modes, weapons, and bundles.
Laffgaff
The Mysterious Affair at Styles was the first novel to feature which detective?
Hercule Poirot.
Rear Wiper
My new car has a button for everything. There is even one that says, "rear wiper". I'm still afraid to try that one.