The News - Wednesday, 31 December 2025

BBC News

Eurostar delays enter second day as passengers stuck onboard for hours overnight

Eurostar says it plans to run all of its services on Wednesday but there may still be delays and cancellations.

Chris Mason: Why 2026 is Keir Starmer's make or break year

With devolved elections coming up, questions over Labour’s direction and internal 'campaigning' already underway according to some insiders, where does this all leave the prime minister?

My son was given world's most expensive gene therapy drug - now he can walk

Five-year-old Edward can walk independently, his mum says, and she hopes he will lead a happy life.

Thieves use drill to steal €30m in German bank heist

Gelsenkirchen Police say thieves used the "quiet" days after Christmas to break into the high street branch.

Made in space? Start-up brings factory in orbit one step closer to reality

A factory in space has been switched on and has reached temperatures of about 1,000C.

Israel to bar 37 aid groups from Gaza

The move was criticised by foreign ministers from from 10 countries including the UK, who said the new rules were "restrictive" and "unacceptable".

Tatiana Schlossberg, granddaughter of John F Kennedy, dies aged 35

She shared her cancer diagnosis in an essay last month, writing that she had less than a year to live.

Female artists (and Oasis) drove UK music sales in 2025

Taylor Swift was the biggest-seller, with Olivia Dean and Sabrina Carpenter also topping the charts.

Machu Picchu head-on train crash leaves one dead and dozens injured

A train driver died and at least 40 people were injured in the crash on the single-track line to Machu Picchu.

Gold and silver see rollercoaster end to blockbuster year

The price of gold soared by more than 60% this year to hit a record high of more than $4,549.

Pensioner 'carried on roof of car' and killed in crash

Kent Police is urging people to contact them if they have information about the crash in Gillingham.

GTA 6 and everything else: What to watch in video games in 2026

Next year could be hugely significant for video games - here are the big things to keep an eye on.

Ronan Keating on his New Year's Eve show, resolutions, and Boyzone reunion

Ronan Keating says he hopes his BBC One concert will help people who are finding things difficult.

The Papers: 'Eurostar chaos' and Anthony Joshua's 'mum at his bedside'

Thousands of people hit by travel chaos and Anthony Joshua recovering from Nigeria car crash lead today's papers.

Saving South Africa's threatened albatross from lethal fishing lines

A task force is trying to save seabirds from getting caught and killed in fishing boat nets.

The 'thorny' issues that threaten to derail a Russia-Ukraine peace deal

Two of the main sticking points involve territory and the fate of Europe's biggest nuclear plant, which is currently occupied by Russia.

Man held after five people attacked in hospital

Five people are treated by paramedics after they were assaulted in a hospital in Merseyside.

British-Egyptian dissident appears to endorse 'smear campaign' claims

Alaa Abd El Fattah has faced backlash over old social media posts where he called for the killing of Zionists.

Mum and children who died in Boxing Day fire named

Fionnghuala Shearman and her daughter Eve and son Ohner died in the house fire on Boxing Day.

Protests spread across Iran for third day after currency hits record low

The Iranian rial hit a record low against the US dollar on Sunday, prompting shopkeepers in Tehran to stage protests, which have quickly spread.

George Clooney, wife Amal and their twins awarded French citizenship

The Hollywood actor and his wife, Amal, purchased their home in the south of France in 2021.

Watch: Underwater chess champions compete for world title

Using weighted pieces and magnetic boards, players of the hybrid sport must complete each move in one breath.

Brazil's Bolsonaro undergoes third medical procedure for hiccups

The former far-right leader's wife said he had more treatment because the hiccups "had not stopped' since the weekend.

UK prepares for New Year celebrations as cold weather warnings issued

The cold snap is expected to have an impact on rail services, roads and ferries as people travel for New Year's events.

Nurse 'lucky to be alive' after crowbar attack at hospital

Nurse Megan Lynch was stood at a vending machine when she was hit over the head with the crowbar.

Queen praises Hunt family for their bravery after triple murders

Her Majesty shares her own experience of assault in a discussion with John and Amy Hunt about violence against women.

EU's top diplomat rejects Russian claims of Ukrainian attack on government sites

It comes as Russia releases video which it claims shows a downed Ukrainian drone launched at one of Putin's residences.

Passenger describes 'chaos' after head-on Machu Picchu train collision

Tourist Niels Honkoop says shattered glass littered the carriage floor and injured people were lying in the aisles.

Finnish police seize ship suspected of sabotaging undersea cable

Police arrested 14 crew members on the ship sailing from the St Petersburg to the Israeli port of Haifa.

Bottled water from Waitrose recalled over risk it contains glass

The food safety watchdog said people should return affected Deeside water bottles to stores.

New Year's Eve trains disrupted by cable theft

The disruption is now likely to last until the end of New Year's Eve, according to National Rail.

Mali and Burkina Faso impose travel ban on US citizens in tit-for-tat move

The two states say they are taking reciprocal measures after the US announced full-entry restrictions on their citizens.

Jurassic Coast rockfall captured on video

A witness called it "a miracle" no-one was hurt when part of the cliff fell on to the beach.

Watch: Stunning celestial events that lit up the skies in 2025

From meteor showers to supermoons, here are some of the sights that wowed stargazers this year.

Diane Keaton, Pope Francis and Ozzy Osbourne... famous faces who left us in 2025

Pope Francis, Ozzy Osbourne and Diane Keaton are among those who died this year.

My son was given world's most expensive gene therapy drug - now he can walk

Five-year-old Edward can walk independently, his mum says, and she hopes he will lead a happy life.

Why 2026 is Keir Starmer's make or break year

With devolved elections coming up, questions over Labour’s direction and internal 'campaigning' already under way according to some insiders, where does this all leave the prime minister?

In pictures: New Year welcomed around the world

From spectacular firework displays to chilly sea dips, nations celebrate the start of 2026.

Wuthering Heights and other stand out films

We look ahead to 20 notable films to watch for in 2026, from Oscar hopefuls to potential blockbusters.

Hotly anticipated books to see you through the year

Fictional gems, debut thillers, cracking biographies and everything in between.

Some of the best TV in years is to come

We look ahead to 18 notable shows and events to look out for in 2026, from drama to sport.

The style trends set for the high street

These are some of the biggest trends you can expect to see hitting stores in the new year.

Heated Rivalry author says TV success led to help with her Parkinson's

Rachel Reid says the publicity from the hit TV adaptation led a Parkinson's specialist to get in touch.

Eurostar services return to normal after major Channel Tunnel disruption

The high-speed rail firm urged passengers to check before they travel as last-minute delays and cancellations are still possible.

Gold and silver see rollercoaster end to blockbuster year

The price of gold soared by more than 60% this year to hit a record high of more than $4,549.

Sydney sends message of peace for New Year's after Bondi terror attack

The words peace and unity were projected onto the Sydney Harbour Bridge as thousands gathered to watch the annual fireworks.

Tatiana Schlossberg, granddaughter of John F Kennedy, dies aged 35

She shared her cancer diagnosis in an essay last month, writing that she had less than a year to live.

Bournemouth Echo

Remembering long lost Dorset pub that was popular in the 1980s

Remembering the Fisherman's Arms pub in Chickerell

The village with a long history stretching back 4,000 years

The story goes back from before the naming of Middle English or Old English – into the ritual geography of the Bronze Age. 

Bournemouth's oldest house destroyed in a blaze of flames

In the long, hot summer of 1922, an unwritten chapter of local history went up in smoke as Bournemouth's oldest, and most historic, house was destroyed in a blaze of flames.

Fireworks display exclusion zone in Poole Harbour on New Year's Eve

A fireworks display exclusion zone will be put in place in Poole Harbour.

Parents encouraged to get children vaccinated in the new year

Parents are being encouraged to vaccinate their children in 2026.

Daily Echo Senior Champion award 2026: how to nominate

In every community there are older residents who quietly hold everything together – organising local projects, supporting neighbours, fundraising for good causes or simply being there when someone needs a friendly face and a listening ear.

Kayaker’s icy scene takes gold in club’s striking photography contest

The results of the annual Poole Harbour Canoe Club/ Wimborne Paddles[port annual photo competition are in.

'Inspiring' film to be screened at Bournemouth town centre venue

A special film screening will take place at Bournemouth’s Patch venue later this month.

Man jailed for racially abusing police officer

A man has been jailed for nearly three months after he was racially abusive to a police officer.

'Village of the Jammed' blames HGVs for 'fresh hell' of roadworks

A so-called Village of the Jammed faces the 'fresh hell' of12 months of roadworks to repair damage blamed on the controversial move to direct HGVs through it.Dorset Council will spend £8m of taxpayers' money in strengthening an ancient embankment alongside the C13 at...

Shops and businesses that opened and closed in BCP this year

A number of business opened and closed across the area in the last 12 months

More than 200 electric vehicles seized in police crackdown this year

Almost 100 e-bikes and 130 e-scooters have been seized this year as part of the force’s mission to tackle anti-social behaviour (ASB).

Fire chief says summer among 'most challenging' periods for service

The summer of 2025 was “one of the most challenging for wildfires”, the fire service has said.

9 superstitions you might follow as we head into the New Year

Many countries and cultures have superstitions that they follow at the start of a new year - do you do any of these?

Will there be any fireworks display to bring in the new year in BCP?

Fireworks will not be organised by BCP Council to bring in the new year, it has been confirmed.

Flights diverted to Bournemouth and cancelled at Southampton Airport due to fog

Passengers travelling to and from Southampton Airport are facing disruption due to foggy conditions.

More than 13,000 fly-tippings recorded but enforcement low across Hampshire

More than 13,000 fly-tipping incidents were recorded across Hampshire last year yet enforcement action was taken in only a fraction of cases.

Car flips onto its roof in New Forest crash

A car has flipped onto its roof after a crash on a New Forest road this morning

Rescue operation for casualty on railway tracks in early hours

Emergency services were called to a Dorset railway line in the early hours to rescue a person from the tracks

Car dealership in Poole hit by thieves

A CAR dealership in Poole was broken into and a car battery stolen the day after Boxing Day.

Images of men released following theft from Tesco Express

IMAGES have been released of men in connection with a reported shoplifting incident from Tesco express.

WATCH: Firefighters tackle van blaze after suspected arson

FIREFIGHTERS captured the moment they tackled a van on fire in Ringwood.

Amber cold health alert issued as cold weather bites

A cold health alert has been stepped up to amber as the cold spell bites.

B&Q reopens after fire in roof

A B&Q store in Poole has reopened after cables caught on fire in the roof.

Bin collection updates for over the New Year

Dorset Council has announced its rubbish collection timetable for over the New Year period

Emergency services called to investigate person in water

EMERGENCY services launched a late-night search after reports that a person may have entered the water near Poole Old Lifting Bridge.

Snow could fall in Dorset this week, forecaster says

Snow could fall in parts of Dorset this week according to a local forecaster, as a cold snap hits the region.

Man charged with two Dorset burglaries

A MAN has been arrested and charged with two offences of burglary after reported break-in at the Morrisons store and pharmacy.

Rising number of vulnerable hedgehogs rescued during winter months

A wildlife rescue centre has reported a surge in vulnerable hedgehogs being brought into its care during the winter months.

Five babies born on Christmas Day in Bournemouth hospitals

Five babies were born in Bournemouth hospitals on Christmas Day, bringing festive joy to families in the county.

Fears for people on beach as cliff collapses

Concern for people on a west Dorset beach in the vicinity of a rock fall sparked an emergency response from the coastguard

Man arrested after two women were injured at Bournemouth bar

A man has been arrested in connection with an incident where two women were injured at a bar in Bournemouth.

Thousands of 'dodgy' Fire Stick users receive new warning via email or text

More than 1,000 people across the UK have been contacted via email or text, warning them to stop using illegal TV streaming services.

15.9 million Parking Charge Notices issued this year - here’s how to appeal

Around 44,000 private parking tickets were issued every day in 2025, or 15.9 million annually. An expert shares how to successfully appeal unfair tickets.

Thousands of 'dodgy' Fire Stick users receive new warning via email or text

More than 1,000 people across the UK have been contacted via email or text, warning them to stop using illegal TV streaming services.

The rare Royal Mint 50p coin selling for more than 400 times its face value

The rare Royal Mint 50p coin has sold for more than £200 on eBay, and there are thousands more out there that could be worth a small fortune

Drivers urged to follow rule 237 of Highway Code or invalidate your car insurance

Insurance experts have revealed the common mistakes that drivers make on the roads in winter that can invalidate their insurance.

Formula 1

The key moments of an unforgettable 2025 season

Anticipation was high ahead of the 2025 F1 season – but the campaign that followed more than matched up to those expectations. A title fight that went down right to wire, more than one surprise podium and numerous dramatic battles kept us entertained on track, while plenty of huge stories unfolded off it, from shock personnel changes through to driver market changes. Join us as we take a look back at all of the key moments from an unforgettable year…

THE BIG QUIZ OF 2025: 20 questions on the 2025 Formula 1 season

Hit play on our quiz to see how much you can remember about the thrilling 2025 Formula 1 season...

McLaren’s best and worst moments from 2025

After wrapping up the 2025 Teams’ Championship with several races to spare, McLaren had even more reason to celebrate at the season finale as Lando Norris became World Champion for the first time. Team mate Oscar Piastri, meanwhile, had to settle for third following a close intra-team battle through the campaign. Here is the title-winning squad’s end of year report…

Windows Central

Rising hardware costs, publisher incentives, and platform strategy shifts all point to 2026 becoming the year cloud gaming takes over — whether players want it or not

RAM prices are so high that 2026 being a year cloud gaming finally breaks out into the big time might not be a crazy idea.

3 Windows 11 and Microsoft features you'll love in 2026 — and 1 you'll hate

As 2025 wraps up, we look ahead at the Windows 11 and Microsoft features arriving in 2026.

Dispatch is one of my favorite superhero stories in years — between the great characters, humor, and romance, I'm already hungry for a Season 2

AdHoc Studio's Dispatch is one of the best narrative-focused games in years, cutting through superhero malaise to deliver a funny, hopeful story.

2025 has been a disaster for Windows 11 as frustrating bugs and intrusive features continue to erode trust in Microsoft’s flagship OS — something desperately needs to change

From broken updates to forced features, Windows 11’s 2025 problems show a platform in crisis — and users deserve better.

Laffgaff

Which U.S. president was assassinated in 1963?

John F. Kennedy.

New Mousemat

I got a new mousemat today. I hope he uses it and stops leaving little footprints everywhere.

Itsfoss

Open Source New Year Almanac: What Does 2026 Hold for You? 🗓️

Step into 2026 with your personalized open source forecast!

Match the Resolution: New Year Intentions Meet Linux Commands 🎯

New Year, new you, new Linux commands?

New Year Countdown Quiz for Linux Users 🎆

Happy New Year's Eve, Linux enthusiasts! 🎉

These are the Linux Apps I Couldn't Live Without in 2025

These open source gems have helped me refine my workflow.

Hyprland Becomes More Attractive with Crash Recovery and Safe Mode Features

New crash recovery wrapper and welcome screen arrive, though windowrules require manual migration.