BBC News
Doctors start five-day strike as hospitals grapple with flu wave
British Medical Association members start 14th walkout of pay dispute in England at 07:00 on Wednesday.
Timeline: Paul Doyle's journey to causing Liverpool parade horror
The 54-year-old's driving grew increasingly aggressive before he drove into parade crowds.
Trump orders blockade of sanctioned oil tankers in and out of Venezuela
It comes a week after the US seized an oil tanker off the coast of Venezuela, in a move that intensified pressure on its government.
Erasmus scheme to return for UK students
The UK ended its participation in the scheme in 2020 after agreeing a Brexit deal with the EU.
Rob and Michele Reiner's son Nick charged with murder in parents' deaths
Rob Reiner, the Hollywood director, and his wife Michele were both found dead with stab wounds on Sunday.
Timothée Chalamet: Susan Boyle is one of the all-time great Brits
The US actor is tipped for an Oscar nomination for his portrayal of table tennis star Marty Mauser.
Essay cheating at universities an 'open secret'
An essay mill owner says he's made millions, while an ex-lecturer says he quit due to rife cheating.
Weight-loss jab ad banned for targeting new mums
It's one of three social media adverts banned for irresponsibly exploiting body insecurites.
Learner drivers face 24-week wait as backlog continues for two more years
The National Audit Office said there was a backlog of 1.1 million tests since the Covid-19 pandemic.
BBC outside Rabbi Schlanger's funeral as mourners pay tribute
His death was described as an "unspeakable loss" in a service held at the Chabad of Bondi.
Jewish Australians on why Bondi is a 'sanctuary' for them
The BBC spoke to Jewish people at Bondi Beach about why the suburb is significant to their community.
The two sides of Liverpool parade attacker Paul Doyle
For 32 years Paul Doyle lived a blameless life, but in his past were signs of a violent temper.
The Papers: 'UK to rejoin Erasmus' and 'BBC comes out fighting'
The UK set to rejoin the EU student exchange programme and the BBC's response to Donald Trump's defamation lawsuit feature in Wednesday's papers.
US military build-up in Caribbean has shadows of the past - but differences are stark
BBC correspondent Will Grant surveys the similarities and differences between current US-Venezuela tensions and the 1989 invasion of Panama.
New footage reveals heroism of Bondi bystanders
Eleven minutes of video captures the moment Australia's iconic beach turns into a scene of horror.
Curry for Christmas - and other ways to avoid child meltdowns
Four ways to keep the magic without the meltdowns and create stress-free festive fun for children.
How much is the BBC licence fee and how could it change?
The government has launched a consultation on how the BBC should be funded in the future.
Trump expands US travel ban to five more countries
The US will restrict entry of people from Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger, South Sudan and Syria as well as holders of Palestinian Authority passports.
Nicotine pouch rise driven by young men - study
Around 7.5% of 16 to 24-year-old-men are using the small sachets that fit under the top lip, research suggests.
Teenage boy arrested on suspicion of murdering girl, 9
The girl was found dead at a house in Weston-super-Mare on Monday evening.
Latest search for remains of IRA murder victim ends unsuccessfully
Columba McVeigh, from Donaghmore in County Tyrone, was murdered in 1975 when he was 19.
Thousands of dinosaur footprints found on Italian mountain
The footprints date back some 210 million years and show traces of toes and claws.
Foreign interference in UK politics to be investigated after jailing of ex-Welsh Reform leader
Communities secretary says the country must learn lessons from the Nathan Gill bribery case.
Warner Bros to reject $108bn Paramount bid, reports say
Warner Bros will reportedly advise its shareholders to vote against the offer as early as Wednesday.
Abramovich must pay £2.5bn from Chelsea FC sale to Ukraine fund or face court, Starmer says
The Russian oligarch was forced to sell up when he was sanctioned for his ties to the Kremlin - but the money remains frozen in a British bank account.
Duke of Marlborough charged with intentional strangulation
The 70-year-old is accused of attacking the same person in Oxfordshire between 2022 and 2024.
Police forces will make arrests over 'globalise the intifada' chants
The Metropolitan and Greater Manchester forces say they will make arrests over 'globalise the intifada' chants.
Why this month's inflation figure may be good news for you
The rate of inflation, which charts the rising cost of living, has slowed - driven partly by essentials.
Boy, 15, charged with murder of girl, 9, as police name victim
Aria Thorpe's family say the nine-year-old was "bubbly" and loved country music.
Polar bear mother adopts cub in rarely documented case
It's only the 13th known case of adoption out of the 4,600 bears studied for nearly five decades in the northern Canadian area.
Naveed Akram charged with 15 counts of murder over Bondi shooting
Naveed Akram, 24, faces 59 charges in total following the attack at Sydney's Bondi Beach on Sunday.
Warner Bros favours Netflix offer over $108bn Paramount bid
Warner Brothers says the offer for its film and streaming businesses is inferior to Netflix's.
Timothée Chalamet on table tennis, his twenties and his love of... Susan Boyle
The US actor is tipped for an Oscar nomination for his portrayal of table tennis star Marty Mauser.
'My opponents get angry when they lose': Girl, 9, wants to become world's best chess player
The nine-year-old is hoping to become the best chess player in the world in her age category.
Fallout and the secret of the perfect video game adaptation
Masterminds behind the classic video game series tell us how they created a successful TV show.
What are the 'ghost ships' Venezuela is using to evade oil sanctions?
A tanker seized by the US is believed to be part of a "ghost fleet" used by Venezuela to evade oil sanctions.
Ho ho no! Four ways to stop kids' Christmas meltdowns
Four ways to keep the magic without the meltdowns and create stress-free festive fun for children.
Caesarean sections overtake natural vaginal births for the first time
Experts say there is a complex picture behind why more babies are being delivered through surgery.
Nato spending pledge is Trump's biggest foreign policy success, Rutte tells BBC
The Nato chief said it was thanks to Donald Trump that the alliance is "stronger than it ever was".
Man arrested over husband and wife's 1993 unsolved murders
Harry and Megan Tooze were found dead with gunshot wounds at their farm more than 30 years ago.
Miss Finland's viral 'slanted-eyes' photo stirs racism firestorm
Ex- Miss Universe contestant Sarah Dzafce has drawn backlash in East Asia and in her own country.
Left-wing candidate beats Starmer ally to lead UK's biggest union
Andrea Egan, who was expelled from Labour three years ago, replaces Unison's current general secretary Christina McAnea.
Man, 87, waits seven hours for ambulance on garden centre floor
James Craig waited hours for medical help after he broke his leg and hurt his hip in a fall.
Six Canadian MPs denied entry by Israel to occupied West Bank
Israeli authorities say they denied the Canadian lawmakers entry for "security reasons", which one of the MPs called "completely unacceptable".
Bournemouth Echo
Inside Mudeford Quay - a place full of history, romance and sometimes even danger
A much-loved spot for starry-eyed tourists and hardened locals alike, the Quay is a feast for the senses.
Farmers and public urged to get involved in nationwide bird count
Take part in the 2026 Big Farmland Bird Count from 6–22 February. Help GWCT and NFU track UK farmland bird species in decline and support biodiversity.
Steam engine enters new chapter after decade-long makeover
Restored steam engine 30075 debuts at Shillingstone Station, North Dorset Railway, after 10-year restoration. Heritage railway, Project 62, Santa train.
TV chef visits Poole primary to help with cooking lessons
TV chef Philippa Davis visited Longspee Primary Academy in Poole, leading a festive cooking session to inspire pupils and boost their culinary skills.
Local dragon boat team supports Salvation Army ahead of Christmas
Bourne Water Dragons, the UK’s first all-cancer survivor dragon boat team, donate hampers to Salvation Army Winton’s Christmas Present Appeal, aiding local families.
NFDC update on outdoor food waste caddies and completion
Households in phase three will begin receiving their bins in March 2026, with collections under the new service due to start in early May.
'Unsettling' abuse of highway workers sparked campaign
Dorset Council launches campaign to stop abuse of highway workers, pledging safety and support while investing £115m in local road improvements.
New dental clinic opens offering implants under one roof
Complete Smiles opens in Bournemouth, offering dental grants up to £5,000, interest-free finance plans, implants, and restorative dentistry. Free consultations.
Bournemouth Airport ranked among UK's most reliable airports
Bournemouth Airport named one of the UK’s most reliable airports, with just 0.1% flight cancellations in 2023, joint top with Glasgow Prestwick.
Burlesque workshop at care home makes residents feel 'glamorous'
Residents at Sway Place care home in Hampshire enjoy burlesque and circus workshops with Places of Wonder, boosting creativity, wellbeing and social interaction.
Charity shares its "miracles" recovery stories about Bournemouth pets
PDSA shares Bournemouth pet miracle stories as charity treats over 430,000 UK animals yearly, highlighting lifesaving care for cats and dogs and urgent fundraising.
Christmas trees collected and recycled to raise money for charity
Oakhaven Hospice offers Christmas tree collection and recycling in SO41, SO42, SO45 & BH25 postcodes, raising funds for hospice care. Book online, £15 suggested.
Dementia care home residents help feed families in need
Residents and staff from Colten Care’s The Aldbury in Poole donated food and toiletries to Poole Food Bank and supporting local families in need this Christmas.
Adorable couple at care home celebrate 70 years of married life
Ferndown Manor residents Patricia and Brian Furnnell celebrate 70 years of marriage, marking their platinum wedding anniversary with family and a royal card.
Community fridge saves more than one tonne of food in first year
Sherborne’s community fridge, backed by Sherborne Town Council, saved over one tonne of food in its first year, cutting food waste and helping local residents.
Uber offers Christmas Day deal to NHS nurses and frontline staff
Uber is offering NHS nurses and frontline health workers £10 off two Uber rides and a £10 Uber Eats voucher on Christmas Day 2025. NHS discounts UK.
Bournemouth video game studio secures £600,000 in funding
Bournemouth’s Ace High Sports secures £600,000 funding to develop innovative sports-themed video card games, with support from the British Business Bank.
Lighthouse Poole reports record ticket sales at ten-year high
Lighthouse Poole arts centre celebrates a decade-high 2024-25 ticket sales, record cinema attendance, new visitor growth and strong Dorset artist support.
South Coast's largest ice skating rink returns for the winter
Tickets for skating sessions are on sale, including individual, accessible and family rates, with group concessions and private rink hire for exclusive use available.
More family hubs to open as £2.3m DfE funding secured
Dorset Council secures £2.3m DfE funding to expand Best Start Family Hubs, boosting support for families, SEND, and early years services across the county.
Packed festival programme for Town of Culture announced
Wimborne BID unveils 2026 festival programme with five major events, including the Folk, Literary, and Food Festivals, as part of Town of Culture year.
Lighthouse launches jam-packed April programme
Discover Poole's Lighthouse April events: comedy with Pierre Novellie and Harry Enfield, family science shows, live theatre, music recitals, and opera.
Exclusive Christmas shop opens on high street for a limited time
Lush opens a Christmas pop-up shop on Poole High Street with free festive activities, skincare advice, and exclusive handmade gifts until 20 December.
Highest council recycling rate 'ever' recorded says council
New Forest District Council reports record 43 per cent recycling rate thanks to new waste and recycling service, with early data showing positive impact for residents.
Extra power cut support announced for people with lung conditions
People with lung conditions to get extra support during power cuts under a new SSEN and Asthma + Lung UK partnership. Free Priority Services available.
Support available during the festive period for those struggling
The Retreats, offering assistance from registered mental health practitioners, operate in Bournemouth and Dorchester from 4.30pm to 11.30pm daily.
Petition handed into Downing Street calling for tea to be 'fairer'
Clipper Teas, Fairtrade Foundation and MPs deliver Brew It Fair petition to Downing Street, urging UK government action on fair tea trade and farmers’ rights.
Wessex Water to fund £11m enforcement package following failures
Wessex Water to fund £11m enforcement package after Ofwat investigation into sewage failures, aiming to reduce spills and improve wastewater management.
Letter: 'What is it with ambitious wannabe politicians'
What is it with ambitious wannabe politicians throwing their toys out of the pram as regards the cancelling of mayoral elections?
Construction company fined £100k after worker crushed in Sandbanks
A CONSTRUCTION company has been fined £100,000 after a worker was crushed by concrete in Sandbanks.
Primary school headteacher calls for restrictions on children using social media
A BOURNEMOUTH primary school is supporting and endorsing Australia’s ban of social media platforms for children under the age of 16 calling it a ‘commendable step.’
Man called for ‘slaughter' and burning of migrant hotels in racist tweets
A MAN called for “slaughter in the streets” and the burning of migrant hotels in a series of racist social media posts, a court heard.
Christmas at risk as Evri's delivery crisis deepens
FOR WEEKS, residents across Bournemouth, Poole and Christchurch have been reporting missing, damaged and undelivered parcels, with some saying they have lost hundreds of pounds as deliveries fail to reach their doors during the busiest shopping period of the...
Man in 40s found dead at Bournemouth home
An inquest has opened into the death of a man who was found unresponsive at his home in Bournemouth.
Event held to discuss improving accessibility of local bus services
Residents with additional needs and disability group representatives met up with Bournemouth East MP, BCP Council and Morebus to discuss improving the accessibility of local bus services at an event on December 12.
Kids using 'bank of mum and dad' making substantial moves up the UK property ladder
A fifth of homeowners in the UK should be reportedly thankful for 'the bank of mum and dad'.
Arrest made after Cocker Spaniel allegedly stolen
A MAN has been arrested after a Cockier Spaniel was allegedly stolen from its kennel before later being found by police.
Dog missing for more than a week rescued and reunited with owners
A dog which has been missing for more than a week has been rescued and reunited with its owners
New Forest council issues warning over Christmas bin collection changes
Residents across the New Forest are being urged to check waste and recycling collection dates over the Christmas and New Year.
Appeal submitted against rejected bid for barn conversion in the New Forest
An appeal has been lodged after New Forest District Council rejected KONA's Sway Road barn conversion plans in Pennington.
Drivers urged to report near misses and crashes to council
DRIVERS are being urged to report near misses and small collisions to the council to improve safety.
Series of vehicle crimes and attempted burglary in Hamworthy
POLICE are appealing for witnesses after a series of vehicle crimes and an attempted burglary were reported across the Hamworthy area over several days.
Sixth person arrested for murder and burglary after elderly woman found dead
A SIXTH person has been arrested under suspicion of murder and burglary after an elderly woman was found dead in her home in Poole.
Tesco to reopen after month-long closure
A TESCO store in Bournemouth is set to reopen this week after being closed for more than a month.
Man sexually assaulted vulnerable lone woman after she was separated from friend
A MAN sexually assaulted a vulnerable lone woman in Christchurch after she was separated from her friend.
Paedophile found dead in cell after officers mistakenly thought they saw him move
An Isle of Wight paedophile was found dead in his Dorset prison cell less than an hour after a routine morning check.
Poet who found comfort in the sun died after cliff fall, inquest heard
A celebrated Scots poet who 'worshipped the sun' fell from a seaside cliff after being diagnosed with a skin condition which meant he could no longer sunbathe, an inquest heard.
Coastal areas to close to public as weather warning issued
Some coastal areas, alongside footpaths and beach access, will be closed due to the upcoming 'unsettled' weather.
Balaclava-wearing men snatch bike from teen in 'frightening' experience
Police are hunting a group of masked men after they stole a teen's bike in Poole.
Government
Vacant Commercial Properties (Temporary Use) Bill
A Bill to enable local authorities to allocate for temporary use by charities, community organisations and small businesses any vacant commercial properties during the period of their vacancy; to provide for certain obligations on landlords of commercial property in connection with such allocations; and for connected purposes.
Formula 1
GALLERY: Check out renders of the innovative 2026 car
Formula 1 has detailed an overhaul of the technical regulations for the 2026 season, heralding a new era for the sport that will showcase both racing and real-world innovation like never before.
EXPLAINED: The key terms for F1’s new-for-2026 rules
New rules – complete with new terminology – are coming for 2026. But don’t fret – we’ve got you covered for all the jargon you’re going to be hearing throughout the season.
Everything you need to know about F1's new rules for 2026
Formula 1 prides itself on being at the forefront of innovation – and the relentless pursuit of breaking new ground continues next year when the championship’s rules will be revamped in the biggest shake up the sport has seen for more than a decade.
The best of 2025, from Norris’ evolution to Brad Pitt’s ‘need for speed’
In an end-of-year special, Beyond The Grid host Tom Clarkson picks out his highlights from 2025.
Brown insists McLaren ‘won’t change the way we race’
McLaren CEO Zak Brown has confirmed that the team won’t give in to criticism around their focus on fairness between their two drivers – known as ‘papaya rules’ – as he reflected on their 2025 performance.
Marko ‘believed in me when others didn’t’ – Lindblad
Arvid Lindblad, who will make his F1 debut in 2026 with Racing Bulls, has praised Red Bull’s Motorsport Advisor Helmut Marko for supporting him through his junior career ahead of his retirement from the team.
QUIZ: 10 questions on the new World Champion Lando Norris
Test your knowledge of the new World Champion and his title-winning season in our quick-fire quiz.
Windows Central
This huge Call of Duty deal on Black Ops 7 is a great last-minute Christmas gift — Xbox's new massive FPS makes a great holiday stocking stuffer
Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 stands tall as one of 2025's biggest new games, and is on sale for a big discount. It's a great last-minute Christmas gift for gamers.
Final Fantasy 7 producer Yoshinori Kitase shares his top 3 Xbox games right now — as FF7 free demo hits Xbox Series X|S and Xbox PC
Final Fantasy VII is finally coming to Xbox in a few weeks. To celebrate, Square Enix shared a video with us detailing some of the producer's favorite Xbox games.
Mozilla says Firefox will evolve into an AI browser, and nobody is happy about it — "I've never seen a company so astoundingly out of touch"
Mozilla's new CEO has confirmed that Firefox will evolve into an AI browser over the next three years, and the internet is not happy about it.
Larian Studios' next Divinity game will be a turn-based RPG — and the studio is using generative AI for ideation
In an interview, Larian Studios confirmed that the recently-revealed Divinity is a turn-based RPG, and the team is experimenting with generative AI workflows.
As Fallout Season 2 debuts, Todd Howard addresses a New Vegas misconception that Bethesda hates the RPG — "Huge respect for the folks at Obsidian"
Does Bethesda hate Obsidian's Fallout: New Vegas? Many seem to think so, though Todd Howard has now addressed the misconception himself to deny that assumption.
We have a new update on Xbox's The Elder Scrolls 6 from Todd Howard and Bethesda devs — "It’s progressing really well. The majority of the studio’s on VI"
Todd Howard and other Bethesda devs have given an update on The Elder Scrolls 6 development, saying "it's progressing really well" even though it's still "a long ways off."
Activision fires back at Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 rumors — "Don't believe everything you read on the Internet"
In an unexpected move, Infinity Ward, the Activision studio responsible for the 2026 Call of Duty release, has fired back against the latest round of rumors.
Don't delete your Xbox games to make room for the 2026 lineup — Seagate's cards now come with a Christmas discount that fixes the AAA storage crunch
Christmas has come early for Xbox players as retailers have acquired discount deals on the Seagate Storage Expansion Card for Xbox Series X|S to upgrade their storage space for 2026's upcoming Xbox titles.
OpenAI is in "fluid" talks to raise $10 billion from Amazon — a move that could significantly reduce its long-term reliance on Microsoft’s infrastructure
OpenAI is reportedly in early discussions with Amazon on a potential deal that could push its valuation well beyond $500 billion. Reports also suggest that the AI firm may adopt Amazon's Trainium chips for its AI advances.
“No stock!” shouts Samsung — as it reportedly doubles the price of DDR5 RAM for suppliers
Samsung reportedly doubled DDR5 contract prices, which will lead to higher costs for consumers shopping for RAM.
Want five months of Xbox Game Pass Ultimate for less than $100? — This Christmas promo bypasses the price hike
Newegg is offering a special discount for Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, which has reduced its price by 15%. This discount also stacks up to five times, so you can get five months ' access for less than $100.
I reviewed this laptop monitor extender, and it genuinely boosted my workflow — it’s on sale now and ships in time for Christmas
Want to be more productive when working on your laptop? This monitor extender accessory provides two additional 15.6-inch screens, and it's currently on sale ahead of Christmas.
OpenAI just made ChatGPT images 4x faster and easier on the eyes — now CEO Sam Altman faces the GPU crunch
OpenAI has unveiled ChatGPT Images with new capabilities, which Sam Altman described as “something fun.” The update promises greater precision, enhanced creativity, and is said to be four times faster.
Xbox Wireless Controller hits lowest-ever price — a perfect last-second gift for player two
This Xbox Wireless Controller deal drops the gamepad to its best price ever.
Laffgaff
What are the young of dragonflies and damselflies called?
Nymphs (or naiads).
Used Car
Today, I bought an old used car that was made in Prague. The Czech engine light keeps coming on.
Itsfoss
Easier Than Nano! Fresh is a Fresh New Rust-based Terminal Editor for Linux
Rust-based editor combines fast performance with GUI-style shortcuts that just work.
Your Raspberry Pi Can Be a Real Desktop (If You Pick the Right OS)
Here are the operating system choices when you want to use Raspberry Pi in a desktop setup.