The News - Sunday, 04 January 2026

BBC News

Trump says US will 'run' Venezuela and 'fix oil infrastructure'

The US launched strikes on Venezuela on Saturday in which Maduro and his wife were captured by US forces.

Spies, drones and blowtorches: How the US captured Maduro

An extraordinary mission dubbed "Operation Absolute Resolve" saw elite troops breach the Venezuelan president's fortified compound.

Venezuela could now define Trump's legacy - and America's place in the world

Removing a leader and pledging to rebuild a country represents a major shift in Trump's America First vision, writes Anthony Zurcher.

'A long road ahead': Venezuelans react to Maduro's arrest with hope and worry

Caracas residents worry about what comes after US intervention in their country amid a tense political climate.

Joint UK-French air strike targets IS arms cache in Syria

RAF Typhoon jets joined French aircraft in a strike on an underground Islamic State arms cache in Syria, UK officials say.

Family of UK couple held in Iran take petition to No 10

Lindsay and Craig Foreman were taken into custody a year ago during a world motorcycle tour.

Murderer among two prisoners on run after absconding on New Year's Day

Avon and Somerset Police has urged the public to call 999 immediately if they see them.

How UK plush toy Jellycat conquered China

The plushies bring "emotional value" to Chinese youth navigating economic uncertainty.

The Papers: 'America on the warpath' and 'Trump to run Venezuela'

The US capture of Venezuela's President Nicolás Maduro dominates Sunday's papers.

Will 2026 be the year MPs and peers agree on how to repair Parliament?

Parliamentarians will shortly have to decide if they should leave their building to allow for billions of pounds of maintenance work to take place.

Dreading going back to work? How to ease the post-Christmas return

Career coaches and leaders share practical advice for managing anxiety and overload after the break.

'Deeply shocked': World leaders react to US attack on Venezuela

Leaders from around the world have responded with mixed reactions after a large-scale strike on Venezuela and Maduro's capture by the US.

Why has Trump attacked Venezuela and taken Maduro?

The US has been ramping up pressure on the Venezuelan leader since Trump took office last January.

Two die and sea search for third person called off

One witness saw three people in rough seas in Withernsea, with a woman being swept away on Friday.

How to look after dogs, cats and other pets in cold weather

Pets may need help to stay warm and safe when wintry conditions arrive.

Weather warnings in place as snow and ice blanket parts of UK

Weather warnings are in place for various parts of the UK until Monday, with the heaviest snowfall expected to hit Scotland.

Trump wants Venezuela's oil. Will his plan work?

Donald Trump has said that American oil firms will invest billions to produce oil in Venezuela.

Jeremy Bowen: Trump's action could set precedent for authoritarian powers across globe

Trump seems to believe he makes the rules and others cannot have the same privileges.

Who's in charge of Venezuela and what happens next?

Donald Trump says the US will "run" Venezuela until a "safe" transition after capturing its president and first lady.

'I can't believe it' - Joy and uncertainty in Florida's 'Little Venezuela'

Celebrations have swept across Florida's Doral, even as questions linger over Venezuela's future.

Starmer ready for closer alignment with the EU 'in the national interest'

It is the clearest indication yet the PM wants to pursue a closer relationship with Europe in a broader number of areas.

Starmer tells me he'll survive - but can he keep this new year's resolution?

The prime minister discusses the economy, Europe, Venezuela and his own future in an interview with Laura Kuenssberg.

Jesy Nelson told her twin babies may 'never walk'

The former Little Mix star said her girls have been diagnosed with a rare genetic condition.

Raw emotions as mourners attend Mass for Swiss bar fire victims

There are tears and hugs at a special Mass for the victims of the blaze on New Year’s Eve.

Man who died trying to save people from sea was selfless hero, family say

Mark Ratcliffe's family say he was "so cruelly taken trying to save others".

The 'happy little town' left reeling from sea deaths

Two people are dead and a third is missing after getting into difficulty in the sea at Withernsea.

Junk food advert ban set to come into force

The government hopes a ban on junk food adverts will prompt manufacturers to develop healthier recipes.

Thousands stranded across Europe as Greece airspace disrupted

A fault with radio communications caused air traffic controllers to temporarily suspend arrivals and departures.

Hunt for two prisoners continues as third is charged

Avon and Somerset Police has urged the public to call 999 immediately if the men are spotted.

Wicked composer latest to cancel Kennedy Center gig after Trump name change

Stephen Schwartz says he will not appear at the arts venue as it "has now become an ideological statement".

Binned sausage rolls served to rail passengers

LNER worker Peter Duffy's claims for unfair dismissal are dismissed by a tribunal.

Canal collapse repairs to take most of 2026

New aerial footage shows the extent of the damage on the canal in Shropshire.

UK and France bomb underground IS arms bunker in Syria

RAF Typhoon jets joined French aircraft in a strike on an Islamic State group arms store in Syria, UK officials say.

Schools to start reopening after Nigeria mass abduction

Schools in "safe and secure areas" will be allowed to reopen after 250 children were taken in November.

Spies, drones and blowtorches: How the US captured Maduro

An extraordinary mission dubbed "Operation Absolute Resolve" saw elite troops breach the Venezuelan president's fortified compound.

Venezuela could now define Trump's legacy - and America's place in the world

Removing a leader and pledging to rebuild a country represents a major shift in Trump's America First vision, writes Anthony Zurcher.

'A long road ahead': Venezuelans react to Maduro's arrest with hope and worry

Caracas residents worry about what comes after US intervention in their country amid a tense political climate.

'Deeply shocked': World leaders react to US attack on Venezuela

There has been a mixed reaction to a large-scale strike on Venezuela and Maduro's capture by the US.

Harry Potter cafe reopens four years after devastating fire

Author JK Rowling was a regular while writing her first novels in The Elephant House in Edinburgh.

Is the move to Australia as glossy as it appears on Instagram?

The pull to Australia has never been stronger, but is the move what it appears to be on Instagram?

Warm Christmas for puppies and mum found hiding in tree

Five puppies and their mother are safe and warm in specialist foster care after a cold start to life.

'I can finally breathe easy despite rare condition'

Natalie Rekowski says she felt like a "new woman" after having surgery in Nottingham.

Bournemouth Echo

Dorset Wildlife Trust offers half-price memberships in January

Dorset Wildlife Trust (DWT) is offering half price memberships throughout January to bring in the new year.

Council secures £64,000 to expand tree and hedge planting

BCP Council has secured £64,000 to expand tree and hedge planting across the area marking a major step forward in its long‑term plans to create greener, healthier neighbourhoods.

Learning trust reflects on year with 'pride' despite previous staff 'challenges'

Twynham Learning Trust has described 2025 as a 'year to remember',

Potential changes to Cliff Top Music Festival to be considered by council's committee

Changes to make the Cliff Top Music Festival in Christchurch to be considered by licensing committee.

Charity calls for donations of unwanted Christmas gifts after the festive season

A national palliative care and bereavement charity is calling on people across the community for support by donating any unwanted Christmas presents.

Funeral director opens new branch in Bournemouth

A funeral director in Dorset is opening its seventh funeral home in the county.

'Inspirational' and 'dedicated' volunteer steps down from role at 97

An inspirational man known for his dedication has retired from volunteering at Stanpit Marsh visitor centre at the age of 97.

'Please call 999': Police search for missing woman

Police are asking for the public's help to locate a missing woman in her 40s, who was last seen leaving her home in New Milton.

Police search for men after clothes stolen from store

Police have launched a search for two men after clothes were stolen from a store in New Milton.

Air ambulance called to 'serious' crash involving pedestrian

An air ambulance was called to Christchurch following a crash that left a pedestrian with 'serious' injuries.

'Light snow possible': Weather warning issued for Dorset

The Met Office has issued a yellow weather warning for snow and ice for Dorset.

Glamping site featuring bus and boat bids to continue operating

The continued operation of a glamping site which features an adapted bus and boat for accommodation is requested among the latest planning proposals in the Sherborne area.

Roadworks taking place across the BCP area this week

The following roadworks are being carried out within the BCP Council area by the council and various utility companies this week:

The Grade II-listed Dorset pub in a 'quaint' village nestled by edge of a stream

The Fox Inn can be found in the Dorset village of Corscombe and has been praised as a "beautiful" pub nestled by the edge of a stream

Planning in the pipeline for rural development and home extensions

A MIX of  rural development and home improvements have been requested in the north Dorset area – the planning proposals currently being considered by Dorset Council.

Morrisons is slashing prices on 2500 items from today in January sale

Morrisons shoppers can benefit from freshly cut prices on over 2,500 products, in stores nationwide and online.

Drivers warned of these 7 motoring rules changes for 2026 - don't get caught out

Motoring experts at car leasing deals comparison site LeaseLoco have outlined 7 changes that have or could come into place and affect UK drivers.

Popular chain to launch January sale with 99p pints at 600 pubs - full price list

Wetherspoons pubs will be offering discounted alcoholic and non-alcohol drinks at 600 of its pubs with some food also cheaper than usual in its January sale.

Formula 1

‘I'm used to being thrown in the deep end’ – Lindblad

Arvid Lindblad joins the F1 grid in 2026 as the season's sole rookie, stepping up to drive for Racing Bulls alongside Liam Lawson.

All the key pre-season dates for F1 2026

Here are all the important dates you need to know ahead of the 2026 season.

Laffgaff

What does the Mohs scale measure?

A mineral's scratch hardness

Kids Teeth

I tried to get my kids to brush their teeth by telling them a toothpaste joke. But it fluoride over their heads.

Itsfoss

What Is Liquorix Kernel? Should You Use It?

In this jargon buster, we explain what is Liquorix kernel, why it is popular among Linux gamers and if there are any real benefits of using it on your regular Linux desktop.