The News - Friday, 02 January 2026

BBC News

Around 40 dead in Swiss ski resort bar fire, police say

A further 115 are injured, some severely, in a fire at Le Constellation bar in Crans-Montana ski resort, officials say.

'I hid from a wall of heat': Eyewitnesses describe escape from Swiss bar inferno

One young man told the BBC he went into the bar to look for his little brother, who he thought was inside.

Chickenpox vaccines for young children start across UK

For the first time, children will be offered vaccination on the NHS against the common infection which, in rare cases, can be very serious.

Travel disruption expected as ice and snow grip UK

The worst of the weather is expected to hit Scotland, with weather warnings in place until Sunday.

The great debate about whether the NHS should use magic mushrooms to treat mental health

Many clinical trials to test the use of psychedelic medicines for conditions such as depression have been underway since 2022 - with surprising results

Deadly clashes between protesters and security forces as Iran unrest grows

Videos on social media showed cars set on fire during running battles as protests entered their fifth day.

The Traitors returns with new 'secret traitor' in major shake-up

Not even the viewers know who host Claudia Winkleman has assigned as the fourth "secret traitor".

Crypto users forced to share account details with tax officials

The move is designed to ensure people pay all relevant tax on buying and selling crypto.

China's BYD set to overtake Tesla as world's top EV seller

It would mark the first time the Chinese firm has outpaced its American rival for annual sales.

Trump says health is 'perfect' amid ageing concerns

In an interview about his health, Trump talked about using hand makeup, getting by on little sleep and taking lots of aspirin.

'You're invisible, you don't exist' - life without a birth certificate

Millions around the world are living in the shadows as stateless people as they lack official papers.

EastEnders actor 'grateful' to avoid driving ban for speeding

Colin Salmon was shown leniency by the court because he cares for his seriously ill wife and daughter.

Why you don't need electrolytes for everyday exercise

Drinks with electrolytes can be expensive but most people are spending money they don't need to.

The Papers: 'Horror on the dancefloor' and 'Traitors twist'

The fire at a Swiss ski resort bar which has killed dozens dominates Friday's front pages.

Weekly quiz: Which Spice Girl got an invite to Adam Peaty and Holly Ramsay's wedding?

How much attention did you pay to what happened in the world over the past seven days?

What is chickenpox and who can get an NHS vaccine?

The standard NHS childhood vaccination programme will include chickenpox from 2 January 2026.

Social media fuelled Mamdani's rise. Can he keep the momentum as New York mayor?

To succeed in office he will need to keep his supporters engaged with day-to-day governing, experts say.

How the 'postcode lottery' of parenting really impacts young children

BBC Radio 4's Today will follow six parents for five years, chronicling the ups and downs of looking after a young child in modern Britain.

Maduro says Venezuela open to US talks on drug trafficking

In an interview with state TV, the Venezuelan president also evaded a question about an attack in his country claimed by the US.

Japan PM joins fight for more female toilets in parliament

Japan's parliament building was built in 1936, a decade before women was given the right to vote.

UK to 'robustly defend' stripping Begum of citizenship in European court, source says

The ECHR questions whether it was considered if Shamima Begum was a victim of grooming and trafficking.

Young Italian golfer feared dead and 100 in critical condition - what we know so far

Authorities say 40 people died in the blaze in the resort of Crans-Montana.

Anthony Joshua's driver charged over Nigeria crash that killed two

The former heavyweight champion was a passenger in the crash, which killed two of his team members on Monday.

Trump warns US will intervene if Iran kills protesters

The US president says "we will come to their rescue" after days of demonstrations and clashes.

FTSE 100 hits 10,000 mark for first time

A rally on the first trading day of the new year has taken London's main share index through the milestone.

Record year for wind and solar power - but is it enough to stay on track for 2030 targets?

Wind, solar and other renewables hit a new high last year but the government is still some way off its clean power target.

Politicians have given away too much power to deliver pledges, says PM's ex-aide

Paul Ovenden, who left Downing Street in September, says the British state has been "emasculating itself".

Elon Musk's Grok AI alters images of women to digitally remove their clothes

The BBC has seen several examples of it undressing women and putting them in sexual situations without their consent.

Call for circumcision safeguards after baby death

A coroner calls for regulation of male circumcisions after six-month-old Mohamed Abdisamad died.

Hospital flu cases drop as NHS on cold weather alert

NHS bosses say the fall is welcome, but expect freezing temperatures to increase pressure on the health service.

Watch: Footage shows partygoer trying to put out flames

The video shows a man trying to extinguish the flames while music can be heard playing in the background and some people film the fire on their phones.

'Living a nightmare': Families of teens missing after ski resort fire desperate for news

Families are appealing for information about children as young as 15 who are thought to have been at the bar.

Survivor describes how she lost sight of friend while fleeing blaze

Dozens of people have died in the fire and more than 100 left injured.

The debate about whether the NHS should use magic mushrooms to treat depression

Many clinical trials to test the use of psychedelic medicines for conditions such as depression have been underway since 2022 - with surprising results

Yemen clashes bring Saudi- and UAE-backed forces into confrontation

The powerful Gulf allies back rival sides in an escalating conflict which threatens to divide Yemen.

I swapped my personal trainer for AI - and it's working

Could AI be changing the fitness industry by offering a cheaper alternative to personal trainers?

From Doctor Who to X-Men - archive pictures show stars before they were famous

The Royal Conservatoire of Scotland has unearthed images of Scotland's most famous acting talent in their student days.

I broke my neck filming Harry Potter but I don't regret being a stunt double

Harry Potter stuntman David Holmes describes living in a wheelchair and his hopes for the future.

China's BYD overtakes Tesla as world's top EV seller

It marks the first time the Chinese firm has outpaced its American rival for annual sales.

Zelensky names spy chief to head presidential office

Kyrylo Budanov has led the Hur military intelligence, which has claimed a number of highly-effective strikes against Russia.

Men remanded after pensioner killed in hit-and-run

Retired dental surgeon Tom Wallace was hit in Gillingham on Monday and carried on top of the car.

US slashes proposed tariffs on Italian pasta imports

The plan to impose steep tariffs on 13 producers could have seen major price rises for US consumers.

Anthony Joshua's driver charged over Nigeria crash that killed two

The former heavyweight champion was a passenger in the crash, which killed two of his team members on Monday.

'Paul was fun' - Remembering snooker's lost great 20 years on

Paul Hunter, one of the sport's most beloved icons, remains unforgotten following his death in 2006.

Bournemouth Echo

Wonderful scenes of a glorious day as village enjoyed day of fun

Looking back at a day of celebrations, the Daily Echo remembers a glorious day in Brockenhurst on July 28, 2000 as the village was in full swing with colour and party fever.

Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole brace for snow as weather warning extended

SNOW is set to hit Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole as the Met Office issues a yellow weather warning.

How Swanage Railway became an award-winning heritage railway attraction

We reveal how Swanage Railway reinvented itself as an award-winning heritage railway attraction

Dorset chippies that won awards in 2025

These Dorset fish and chip shops won awards in 20205 - have you eaten a chippie tea from any of them?

Deli celebrates brie-lliant year as hundreds of kilos of cheese sold over Christmas

A DELI is celebrating a brie-lliant year as it sold hundreds of kilos of cheese over the festive period.

Teen arrested after after reportedly breaking into cars on New Year's Eve

A TEENAGE boy has been arrested after he allegedly broke into multiple cars on New Year's Eve.

Poker-playing gardener to bring 'bouncy Duracell bunny' energy to hit TV show

A POKER-playing gardener from Weymouth says he'll bring a vibe that makes him look like a 'bouncy Duracell bunny,' as he embarks on the latest episode of the BBC's hit TV show the Traitors

Cherries' Semenyo baptised on Bournemouth beach

Antoine Semenyo has shared a video of his baptism on Bournemouth beach.

Police warn visitors to New Forest after rise in break-ins

Police are warning visitors to the New Forest to remove valuables from parked cars following a rise in break-ins over the past 10 days.

Themed boats, sombreros and a scarecrow feature in Poole bathtub race

Poole's annual bathtub race returned on New Year’s Day as thousands gathered kick off 2026 with a bit of whacky fun.

Investigations continue following serious crash

A police investigation is continuing almost nine months after a teenager was hit by a van near the Jubilee Clock in Weymouth.

In The Dock: Woman in court for dangerous German Shepherd attacking person

The following cases were heard at Poole Magistrates' Court:

Driver caused serious injury to elderly pedestrian on crossing

A DRIVER caused serious injury to an elderly pedestrian after a collision at a crossing in Lansdowne.

Emergency services called to injured woman at Hengistbury Head

The coastguard was called to reports of an injured woman at Hengistbury Head on New Year's Eve.

'Flickering lights' and 'mini' power cuts on New Year's Day

The new year started off dimly for some residents are widespread reports of "mini" power cuts and flickering lights in home across BCP and the county.

Three arrested after man punched and kicked in town centre assault

Three men in their 20s have been arrested after an individual sustained injuries after being 'punched and kicked' by a group in Bournemouth.

Amber cold weather alert is extended for Dorset

An amber cold health alert has been extended into next week.

Plans to enhance the football pitch and play equipment underway

Plans to enhance the football pitch and play equipment at Seafield Garden in Southbourne is underway after fundraising from volunteer group.

Dorset residents reportedly 'suffering' with digital wellbeing

Research shows that Dorset residents are suffering with their digital wellbeing

Thief, 22, targeted the same shop seven times in a month

A prolific thief who targeted the same convenience store seven times in the same month has been sentenced by a court

Nearly 30 police calls in Bournemouth town centre over New Year's Eve and Day

Police responded to nearly 30 calls on New Year's Eve and New Year's Day in Bournemouth town centre.

Eight babies born at Bournemouth hospitals on New Year's Day

MORE than half a dozen babies were born in Bournemouth hospitals on New Year's Day.

January Wolf Moon this weekend is final supermoon for 10 months - how to see it

The Wolf Moon will be visible on the evenings from January 2 to January 4 and is the fourth and final supermoon in a row.

'Do not eat': Waitrose, Tesco, Poundland, Lidl & more UK supermarkets issue recalls

Items sold at Waitrose, Tesco, Lidl, Marks and Spencer, B&M and Poundland and more UK supermarkets have been recalled with “do not eat” warnings in place.

Chickenpox vaccine set to be rolled out on the NHS for the first time

The NHS will offer a combined MMRV vaccine for chickenpox, measles, mumps and rubella to UK children, following JCVI advice.

Formula 1

‘We have a lot of hopes’ – Vasseur on Ferrari's 2026

Ferrari Team Principal Fred Vassuer discusses the decision to switch focus early on 2026 and the new challenge ahead.

Antonelli picks standout moments from rookie season

Kimi Antonelli has been reflecting back on what he felt were the standout moments of his rookie campaign in F1, with the Mercedes driver suggesting that he “grew up a lot as a person” throughout the season.

7 things to be excited for in the 2026 F1 season

2026 has arrived, and it won't be long until Formula 1 is back in action with the first collective shakedown of the new cars taking place at the end of January. After an epic 2025 that saw a three-way title fight go down to the final round, what does the next season have in store? There are plenty of reasons to already be looking forward to 2026.

Windows Central

2025 was the year of handheld PC gaming, but it won't get bigger until manufacturers fix some of these awful naming conventions

Handheld gaming is my new daily driver, but the industry is at a crossroads. To survive 2026, PC handhelds need to stop acting like PCs and start acting like consoles.

Gaming can be great for your brain, but your current habits might be doing more harm than good — here’s what science actually recommends

Video games are no longer being dismissed outright, but experts say the benefits depend heavily on how, what, and how often you play.

Satya Nadella’s latest vision for AI was likely written by AI — at least according to Copilot

Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella’s latest blog post is heavy on AI jargon but light on substance. I asked Copilot if the text was made with AI.

Game prices rose higher in 2025, but is AAA losing out to budget titles? I tried "voting with my wallet" — and I don't regret it

Is the $80 game a dead end? While 2025 saw big publishers hiking prices, I and many other gamers moved in the other direction.

Windows 11 surges among PC gamers on Steam as Linux stalls — the open-source OS mildly loses momentum after a brief uptick

Steam’s December 2025 survey shows Windows 11 accelerating sharply, while Linux’s recent growth stalls, marking a noticeable shift after several months of gradual Linux gains.

Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella really wants you to stop calling AI "slop" in 2026 — "We are beginning to distinguish between spectacle and substance."

In closing comments of 2025, Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella shared an update on the state of things going into 2026 — and it's all about ... AI. Sigh.

Start 2026 right with discounted Xbox storage cards — some even cheaper than they ever were during Christmas sales

2026 has arrived, yet Amazon's discount for the Seagate Xbox Storage Expansion Cards is still active beyond Christmas. So, if you need extra space for this year's biggest titles, now's the time to get one.

Laffgaff

In what method of singing does the singer alternate between natural voice and falsetto?

Yodelling.

Vampire Gambling

Why do vampires hate gambling? They can't handle the stakes.