BBC News
'Super flu' wave hits hospitals in England with no peak yet
Numbers in hospital rise by more than 50% in a week as NHS faces "worst-case scenario".
US sanctions six more ships after seizing oil tanker off Venezuela
The White House plans to move the tanker to a US port and seize the oil on board, a move Caracas has labelled as an act of "international piracy".
The new breed of 'shoplifting entrepreneurs' fuelling the UK's petty crime problem
With "sharp rises" in shop theft in recent years, the nature of it is changing too - as retail workers in the area dubbed England's shoplifting capital have seen
Inquiry into role of Budget watchdog launched by MPs
It comes after intense scrutiny of the Office for Budget Responsibility in the run-up to the Budget.
Operations and treatments cut back as NHS orders hospitals to save money
Documents seen by BBC show hospitals being ordered to slow down on activity to help balance the books.
King to share personal message on cancer in TV broadcast
King Charles has recorded a message about his experience of cancer for the Stand Up To Cancer campaign.
Councils to get £3bn for thousands more school spaces for Send pupils
The government is promising 50,000 more places for children with special educational needs in schools in England.
Google asks UK experts to find uses for its powerful quantum tech
UK researchers will get a chance to develop applications for the tech giant's quantum processor.
'My dad was killed by a drug-driver. Now I want tougher laws'
Bereaved families demand roadside licence bans after drug driving deaths surge 78% in a decade.
Tricked, abducted and abused: Inside China's schools for 'rebellious' teens
Young people tell the BBC that military-style schools deceive and abuse students they claim to help.
The Papers: 'Worst winter flu crisis' and 'World Cup of greed'
Soaring cases of serious flu and pressure on the NHS dominates Friday's papers.
Doctor wrote off my hair loss and dizziness as 'just being a tired mum'
Iron deficiency is a relatively common problem, especially in women. Here's how to spot the symptons.
Chief of S Korea's high-stakes exam quits over 'insane' English test
Some critics say the questions were unnecessarily complex, while others argue that's their intended purpose.
Watch: Cameras on killer whales record first evidence of joint hunt with dolphins
Researchers say the footage, captured near the North-West Pacific coast, is the first recorded evidence of the two working together.
Elite Coast Guard squad and 'dark fleet' ship - what we know about US seizure of oil tanker
The US seizure of a crude oil ship is the latest in a series of escalations in the Trump administration's pressure campaign on Venezuela.
British backpacker jailed for 4 years over deadly drunken e-scooter crash
The 25-year-old had an alcohol level three times the legal limit when she hit 51-year-old Thanh Phan.
Russia could attack Nato within five years, says alliance chief in stark new warning
Mark Rutte warns allies to start ramping up preparations "for the scale of war our grandparents or great-grandparents endured".
Trump signs order to block states from enforcing own AI rules
California's governor Gavin Newsom issued a strongly-worded statement in response to the executive order.
Interpreter in tears as Ukrainian boy recalls losing mother in Russian strike
Roman Oleksiv,11, was injured in a Russian missile strike on a hospital that also killed his mother
Celebrity Race Across the World winners revealed
The four pairs of contestants had to make their way more than 3,500 miles through Central America.
Women rally behind Catherine Zeta-Jones over age-shaming comments
The Oscar-winning actress faced criticism over her looks at Netflix's Wednesday FYC event.
Hundreds of items taken in 'high value' Bristol Museum archive raid
More than 600 artefacts from the museum's British Empire and Commonwealth collection are taken.
Russia hits back at Europe's plan to loan Ukraine €90bn of Moscow's frozen assets
Russia's central bank says it is suing Belgium's Euroclear in court following an EU bid to use Russian assets to aid Ukraine.
Robert Rhodes plotted and killed his wife - years later, his child's evidence sent him to prison
Robert Rhodes killed his wife Dawn in their Earlswood home, coercing his child into the plans.
Best-selling author Joanna Trollope dies aged 82
The writer was famous for her stories about romance and intrigue in rural middle England.
Taylor Swift shown in tears over meeting Southport attack families
Backstage footage shows the singer in tears after meeting survivors of the attack during her world tour.
Trump signs order to block US states from enforcing own AI rules
California's governor Gavin Newsom issued a strongly-worded statement in response to the executive order.
Creative industries 'incredibly worried' about OpenAI-Disney deal
The $1bn deal will let fans generate videos and images of more than 200 Disney characters on ChatGPT and Sora.
Germany accuses Russia of air traffic control cyber-attack
The Russian ambassador is summoned over a cyber-attack on air traffic control and attempted electoral interference.
Disguises, freezing waves, and a special forces veteran: Inside mission to sneak Nobel winner out of Venezuela
The man who led the operation says María Corina Machado crossed “very rough seas” in “pitch-black darkness”.
Five charts that show how flu outbreak is different this winter
NHS England says it's facing a "worst-case scenario" after flu hospital cases jump 55% in a week.
Watch: Clair Obscur sweeps The Game Awards with nine wins
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 has been named game of the year at this year's Game Awards.
What's happening with the assisted dying bill?
It's more than a year since MPs first backed the proposed legislation but it still needs to be approved by peers.
Stanley Baxter: Scottish comedian with a gift for sketches, mimicry and song
The actor and impressionist, known for comic parodies and his love of dressing up, was one of the biggest stars of the 1970s and 1980s.
Sudan militia fighter linked by BBC Verify to massacre sanctioned in UK
The UK accuses Al-Fateh Abdullah Idris, also known as Abu Lulu, of committing acts of violence against civilians.
Weekly quiz: Which countries said they would boycott Eurovision?
How much attention did you pay to what happened in the world over the past seven days?
Venue apologises after alleged antisemitic imagery shown at Primal Scream gig
A London music venue says it is "appalled" by alleged antisemitic images shown on stage at a gig.
Funeral directors guilty of neglecting bodies
Richard Elkin and Hayley Bell kept 46 bodies in an uncooled mortuary in Gosport.
Adult content creator Bonnie Blue to be deported from Bali
The adult film actress was cleared of breaking the country's strict anti-pornography laws.
Prince William shares a Christmas pint with Welsh Guards
The future king said he was proud to be their colonel and thanked them for their service.
'It's ruined my life': Flat-owner says building work by freeholder has left her homeless
A botched roof extension caused the ceiling to collapse at Kate Morris’s top-floor flat.
King to share personal message on cancer in TV broadcast
King Charles has recorded a message about his experience of cancer for the Stand Up To Cancer campaign.
Nationwide fined £44m for 'ineffective' crime controls
The building society failed to monitor its customers' activity effectively between 2016 and 2021, the regulator says.
Bournemouth Echo
Blandford remain top with win over Salisbury
With two games left in 2025, Blandford were under pressure to maintain top spot in what was becoming a three-way title race.
Maritime tragedy claimed 36 lives off the Dorset coast
The ship had entered the English Channel in appalling weather conditions and the storms had driven her so far off course/
Pioneering women's rugby coach speaks at Pride of Lions event
Bournemouth Rugby’s Pride of Lions network recently welcomed pioneering women’s rugby coach, Mark Francis as guest speaker for a lunch event held at South Deep in Parkstone.
Apprentice fell 11ft through roof and employer slapped with fines
AN APPRENTICE fell 11ft through a roof and was temporarily unable to walk – now two businesses have been fined for breaching health and safety regulations.
Hospital shake-up aims to cut waits and deliver more care in community, says UHD
A shake-up across Dorset’s hospitals aims to cut waiting times and deliver more care in the community, says University Hospitals Dorset (UHD).
Hundreds raised during 12-hour superhero spinathon
Over 100 cyclists joined a superhero-themed spinathon at West Hants Club, Bournemouth, raising £5,000 for Dorset Mind. Supported by AFC Bournemouth Ladies and Colten Care.
'Worlds apart' after losing six stone by eating fish and chips
Karen Watts, previously living with obesity and fibromyalgia, is now "worlds apart" after shedding 6 stone 1.5lbs with the help of Slimming World.
Santa Fire Sleigh is on its way to spread festive cheer
Santa’s Fire Sleigh returns to Poole! Local firefighters tour Waterloo Estate, raising funds for the Fire Fighters Charity and spreading festive cheer.
Wessex Water wins recognition for Inclusive Service
Wessex Water earns BSI Kitemark for Inclusive Service, recognising outstanding support for vulnerable customers, accessibility, and community outreach.
Dorset named as UK's fourth most popular place to move to
Dorset ranks as the UK’s fourth most popular relocation spot, attracting 4,750 newcomers in 2024, according to Bird & Co and ONS migration data.
Beloved otter and 'leading figure' in conservation efforts dies at Wildlife Park
A beloved otter which was a "leading figure" in conservation efforts for giant otters in the UK.
South West builders trade their builder's tea for new brews
Dorset builders swap traditional builder’s tea for green, Earl Grey and herbal brews, according to David Wilson Redrow South West construction site survey.
Festive event with live folk band to raise funds for war victims
Christian Aid’s Christmas Appeal in Dorset raises funds for families displaced by conflict in the DRC, with festive events like Wimborne’s Christmas Eve lunch.
Rare butterfly thriving in Dorset after conservation success
Marsh fritillary butterfly numbers soar in Dorset thanks to Butterfly Conservation and local volunteers, with record counts reported at Lydlinch Common.
How residents could have their water bills cut for free
Bournemouth Water offers free water-saving devices under its 'Come Rain or Shine' campaign to help customers cut water usage and reduce bills year-round.
Changes to school transport for SEND kids approved
BCP Council approves SEND school transport overhaul, aiming for tailored, efficient services to support independence, reduce costs and improve journey times.
Bournemouth East MP praises Labour's strategy for homeless reduction
Labour unveils £3.5bn plan to halve rough sleeping, end unlawful B&Bs for families, and boost homelessness prevention in Bournemouth and the South West.
Free walks to show people how the coastline might change
Join free coastal walks in Swanage with Future Coast North Swanage to learn about cliff erosion, coastal management, and Cliff Behaviour Units. Dates in 2026.
Major works to improve safety near park to begin next month
Dorset Council to upgrade Creekmoor to Upton Country Park route with safer crossings, widened footways, and improved cycleways from January 12. A35 works included.
Top Dorset business ranks among the best for its work
Ferndown’s Affinity Group ranks 97th in Accountancy Age Top 50+50 UK Accountancy Firms 2025, recognising growth, client service, and local talent.
PCC David Sidwick: 'Have your say on Dorset’s policing budget'
My annual precept survey is now open, and once again I’m asking residents across Dorset for their views on the policing element of next year’s council tax.
Fatboy Slim to headline Camp Bestival Lulworth in 2026
"I think the genius of Camp Bestival is the multigenerational raving: it’s kind of for kids but it’s kind of for adults too."
Winner announced for art exhibition linked to national campaign
Soroptimist International Bournemouth announces 2025 art competition winners from Arts University Bournemouth, highlighting gender-based violence during 16 Days of Activism.
Storage company lends helping hand to park charity
"It is something generations of people have enjoyed and we are very pleased to play a small part in keeping it open."
Call for curbs around schools of all junk food ads
MP is calling to give council powers to restrict junk food advertising near schools and other places where young people spend considerable periods of time.
New 'RIB' bought for smooth sailing with improved river access
Buckler’s Hard Yacht Harbour unveils new Highfield RIB ‘Snipe’ for Beaulieu River patrols after £2m redevelopment, offering marina offices and new facilities.
'Complete shock' for Dorset brand after national award win
Dorset’s The Strange Apothecary wins Dream Team at Flamingo Business Awards 2024 for holistic wellbeing services, plant-based remedies, and community support.
Christmas fundraiser for Cancer Research UK set to take place
Join the Boscombe Christmas fundraiser for Cancer Research UK at Chaplin’s on 20 December. Enjoy live music, family activities, and festive fun for charity.
'Creative chaos' art studio to open in Bournemouth
SplatLab, a new Bournemouth art studio, offers paint-splat sessions, street-art workshops, and creative wellbeing experiences for all ages. Book online now.
Primary school hailed for helping slash bills by £8.5K a year
Minister for Education Josh MacAlister visits St Joseph’s Catholic Primary in Poole to praise GB Energy solar panels, saving £8,500 yearly and boosting sustainability.
Homelessness funding boost to benefit 1,500 households
BCP Council secures £313k MHCLG funding to support homelessness prevention in Bournemouth, Christchurch & Poole, aiding at-risk households and landlords.
Archdeacon of Bournemouth leaving for Bishop of Grimsby position
The Archdeacon of Bournemouth will be the next Bishop of Grimsby, Downing Street has announced.
Dorset museum offers families a 'festive feast during the Blitz'
Experience a wartime Christmas at Dorset’s Tank Museum in Bovington. Enjoy 1940s festive activities, Elf Trail, talks and family fun from 20 Dec–4 Jan.
Museum opens new exhibition in transformed gallery
Poole Museum unveils 'Sound of the Sea', an immersive digital exhibition by Marpi Studio. Explore interactive underwater worlds in The Fine Gallery, Poole.
Dorset Police horse riding volunteer team wins top award
RURAL mounted volunteers from Dorset have won another award being crown Police Support Volunteer Team of the Year.
Pupils write festive stories for care home and hospital
PUPILS at Hillside First School in Verwood have been busy writing Christmas stories to help bring some festive cheer to others in the community.
High Street business announces closure in Bournemouth
SPECSSAVER has announced that its Bournemouth town centre branch will close permanently later this year.
BIC arsonist pleads guilty to setting fire to conference centre
A man accused of intentionally setting the Bournemouth International Centre on fire has pleaded guilty in court.
Community rallies to save beloved horse with serious medical condition
A COMMUNITY has rallied together to help save a beloved horse which has played a life-changing role in supporting military personnel, disabled riders, children, and families in Dorset
Vitality named as Cherries next shirt sponsor replacing controversial BJ88
The Cherries have announced that Vitality will be taking the place of controversial betting sponsor BJ88 on the front of their shirt from next season.
WATCH: 45-minute pursuit as man plays 'chicken' across counties
A FORTY-FIVE-minute pursuit by police while a man played ‘chicken ‘driving across three counties video by police has been released.
'Deep sadness' as wildlife park's 'matriarch' giant otter dies aged 18
THE oldest giant otter at a New Forest wildlife park has died at the age of 18.
Councillors back strip club renewal application
Weymouth Town Council has given the green light to a strip club's request to renew its sexual establishment application
Shock at plans for major cutbacks at nature reserves
Serious concerns have been raised after planned cutbacks at two much-loved beauty spots in Weymouth
Rescue helicopter deployed after medical incident at Quay
A rescue helicopter was deployed to Mudeford Quay after reports of a person had become unwell on a day fishing vessel returning to shore.
Two more arrests made over elderly Broadstone woman's death
Two further arrests have been made and three people have been released following the death of an elderly woman in Poole.
Learner driver and supervising passenger arrested while on the road
Learner driver and supervising passenger arrested in Poole for drug driving after both test positive for cocaine and cannabis, say Dorset Police.
Door of van was bent after attempted break-in
A DOOR of a van was left bent and damaged after an attempted break-in.
Safe and till stolen after two males forced door to enter shop
A SAFE and till were stolen after two males forced a door to enter a business in Hamworthy.
BCP's new pleasure boat policy agreed by licensing committee
BCP Council licensing committee has agreed its first Pleasure Boat and Boatperson policy which will go into public consultation in 2026.
Bodycam captures drug-driver barely able to speak during arrest
A drug-driver has been captured on police bodycam - so out of it he struggled to speak during the arrest.
Plans for recycling and collection changes in BCP to be discussed
Cabinet is set to discuss reducing waste, increasing recycling and changes to collection services as part of Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole (BCP) Councils 2026 – 2036 draft waste strategy.
‘Much-loved’ woman one of two people killed in fatal crash
A ‘MUCH-LOVED’ woman, who was one of two people to be killed in a crash, has been named by her family in a heart-warming tribute.
Failed asylum seeker convicted of raping woman after she secretly recorded attack
A failed asylum seeker has been found guilty of raping a woman in her own home after his crying victim made a secret recording of the attack.
Taxi damaged after it was shot with 'air weapon'
A taxi was shot by an "air weapon" on Thursday evening in Somerford.
South East MPs slam Evri over “dumped” parcels
Four members of Parliament across the South East have criticised Evri for what they describe as repeated failures to deliver parcels safely, with reports of items being “dumped” in public spaces across the region.
Licensing changes to pub part of wider improvements
Changes to a sports bar in Bournemouth form part of wider improvement plans for the venue.
23 crashes with livestock in New Forest over just one month
MORE than 20 vehicles crashed into livestock in the New Forest in November.
Another fly-tip reported in New Forest after fines issued by council
TWO people have been issued with fixed penalty notices following a large fly-tip.
Times for Christmas Tractor Run coming through Dorset on Sunday
Here is the final route for the WillDoes Christmas Tractor Run that will pass through Dorset on Sunday, December 14
Massive offshore development could bring thousands of jobs to Dorset
A feasibility study to develop on offshore wind port facility in Dorset has been given the go-ahead.
Formula 1
Tsunoda's best moments in F1 as he departs the grid
Yuki Tsunoda might be only a reserve Red Bull driver in 2026, but the Japanese driver has still developed a strong fan base in his five years in the sport – let’s take a look at his career so far.
F1, the FIA and 11 teams sign 2026 Concorde Agreement
The ninth Concorde Agreement has now been signed by Formula 1, the FIA and the 11 Formula 1 teams.
Piastri 'will be a world champion' in future – Norris
Lando Norris believes that Oscar Piastri "will be a world champion" one day, having denied his McLaren team mate this year's title in the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
VOTE: Choose your favourite race of the 2025 season
With the 2025 Formula 1 season now in the past, we're asking you to choose your favourite race of the year. Get voting below!
Windows Central
Total War: Warhammer 40K announced at the Game Awards 2025 — and it's coming to Xbox and PS5 alongside PC
Creative Assembly showed up to the Game Awards 2025 to reveal Total War: Warhammer 40K.
Hogwarts Legacy is totally free on the Epic Games Store for a limited time, but you may have trouble getting it
During The Game Awards 2025, it was confirmed that Hogwarts Legacy is the newest free game on the Epic Games Store, at least for a limited time (so go redeem).
Crystal Dynamics announces two Tomb Raider games at the Game Awards 2025 — and the first one is coming in 2026
Crystal Dynamics appeared at the Game Awards 2025 to announce two different Tomb Raider games.
Diablo 4 just dropped a triple shock — Paladin is one of TWO new classes AND the Horadric Cube returns with the Lord of Hatred expansion in April 2026
Diablo 4 shocks fans with Paladin now playable and expansion date reveal
Remedy announces Control Resonant at the Game Awards 2025 — and it's launching on Xbox and PC in 2026
Remedy Entertainment showed up to the Game Awards 2025 to announce Control Resonant, which is set to launch in 2026.
Baldur's Gate 3 developer Larian Studios reveals new Divinity game at the Game Awards 2025 — and it's the team's biggest game ever
Larian Studios officially revealed a new Divinity game during the Game Awards 2025, with a gruesome teaser trailer showing a horrifying outbreak.
We're actually getting a new Star Wars game set in the Old Republic, and it's helmed by the original KotOR and Mass Effect director
During The Game Awards 2025, we got our first teaser for Star Wars: Fate of the Old Republic, a brand-new action-RPG coming to PC and consoles... eventually.
Everything announced at The Game Awards 2025 — Xbox, gaming handhelds, PC, and more
The Game Awards 2025 featured tons of new game announcements, reveals, world premieres, and more for Xbox, PC, and handhelds. Here's an overview of everything announced.
Capcom's enigmatic Pragmata finally has a release date, and you'll be able to play a demo soon
Pragmata has been on players' radar for a long time, now, but Capcom has finally announced a proper release date at The Game Awards 2025, along with other news.
South of Midnight to launch on PlayStation and Nintendo Switch 2 next year
The announcement came just before the start of The Game Awards via Compulsion Games' social media.
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 wins Game of the Year at The Game Awards 2025 — whee whoo whee whoo
Here are all the winners from the Game Awards 2025, from the biggest blockbusters to smaller indie games.
"Your experience and your feedback matter." Battlefield 6 promises fixes for its borked Winter Offensive update are "on the way" — here's when patches are coming
Battlefield 6's new Winter Offensive update brought several nasty bugs and issues to the game, but the devs say fixes are coming soon.
Dislike the look of Windows 11? The Microsoft Store is your unlikely savior.
Windows 11 users frustrated with its look now have an easier way to customize it, thanks to a new Themes section in the Microsoft Store.
Helldivers 2's huge Killzone crossover is back for more with a new Legendary Warbond and extra content — and you might get it all for free
The Helldivers 2 x Killzone crossover from last year is returning with a new Legendary Warbond and fresh content, and some will get it for free.
The game system that outsold Xbox over Black Friday now has a special early Christmas discount — And it's cheaper than the Nintendo Switch 2
We've found an early Christmas discount for the Nex Playground, a budget-friendly, Kinect-like gaming system that recently made a name for itself by achieving higher sales figures than Xbox Series X|S and PlayStation during 2025's Black Friday.
Helldivers 2 dev Arrowhead reveals it's got a roguelite mode that "changes the game fundamentally" prototyped — I'm dying to know what it looks like
A roguelite mode for Helldivers 2 would be incredibly interesting to see, and as it turns out, developer Arrowhead has one in the prototype phase.
The Xbox Year in Review is still MIA, but don't worry, TrueAchievements is here to save the day
2025 is about to draw to a close, so it's time to look back on what your Xbox journey has been this year with TrueAchievements' My YearOn Xbox web app, as Microsoft doesn't have an official way to track a player's end-of-year stats as of yet.
Blizzard announces new Diablo IV merch in celebration of Diablo IV: Lord of Hatred's reveal at The Game Awards — here's what they're selling
Hot off the heels of Diablo IV: Lord of Hatred's cinematic reveal at the 2025 Game Awards, Blizzard has revealed a line-up of new merchandise to commemorate it, from apparel to figures.
The latest victim of AI-driven RAM price hikes — the cost of building your own laptop
Framework’s DIY laptops now cost more due to a 50% jump in DDR5 prices, showing how AI datacenters continue to squeeze consumer RAM supply.
The cost of RAM has never been higher, making it a bleak time for PC building — Here's how to work around the price gouging while holiday shopping
RAM prices are completely out of control, making it tough to upgrade a PC. Whether you're hoping to buy for yourself or for your favorite PC gamer, I have some advice to help you avoid overpaying.
Gemini 3 launch had less of an impact on ChatGPT than CEO Sam Altman feared — OpenAI eyes January exit from "code red"
OpenAI finally launched its GPT-5.2 model after CEO Sam Altman declared code red following Google's successful Gemini 3 launch. The model ships with advanced capabilities across coding, text, image, and video.
AYANEO's latest gaming handheld is a spiritual successor to one of my favorite smartphones of all time
AYANEO makes some pretty wild portable gaming devices, and in 2026 it's going to be making its first phone. 15 years on, we're finally getting a spiritual successor to the Sony Xperia Play.
Gift Tip: Want to get a handheld gaming PC this holiday? — Last year's ROG Ally is cheaper than Xbox Ally X and still plays AAA games
There's no denying that the Xbox Ally X is expensive. If you still want a solid gaming handheld but don't want to pay that much for one, the original ROG Ally is the device to consider, not the Xbox Ally.
Disney's $1 billion investment in OpenAI brings Mickey Mouse to Sora AI's doorstep — will it redefine Hollywood's future?
The Walt Disney Company announced that it is investing $1 billion in OpenAI in a new three-year licensing agreement, which will allow Sora to create user-prompted social videos from its copyrighted content.
Laffgaff
What do the initials HB stand for on a pencil?
Hard black.
Hiccups
I was hoping they'd find a cure to my hiccups but I'm not holding my breath.
Itsfoss
Pop!_OS 24.04 LTS Review: Is This the Linux Distro of the Year 2025?
After years of development, System76's Rust-based desktop delivers.
Cinnamon 6.6 Release Sets the Tone for the Next Linux Mint Release
The update also introduces notification badges and theme categorization.
Is System Administration Still a Good Career Choice in 2026?
Insights from an Interview with Hirdaypal Singh Lamba, Salesforce Consultant.