BBC News
US discussing options to acquire Greenland, including use of military, White House says
It came as European allies rallied behind Denmark, which is pushing back against Trump's ambitions for the Arctic island.
UK and France to send troops to Ukraine if peace deal agreed
The announcement was made by UK PM Sir Keir Starmer after a meeting of Ukraine's allies in Paris.
Chris Mason: Greenland and Ukraine point to Trump's head-spinning unpredictability
This week has seen two case studies in how Europe is trying to bind the US into its future, writes the BBC's political editor.
Russia sends navy ships to guard oil tanker being pursued by US forces
US officials say that American forces plan to seize the Russian-flagged ship accused of breaking sanctions.
More snow and ice across nearly all of UK as cold snap continues
The Met Office warns about potential injuries from slips and falls as icy conditions continue.
Learner drivers face longer wait for tests as lower drink-drive limit proposed
A minimum learning period of up to six months could be introduced for learner drivers
Assisted dying campaigners request extra time for peers to scrutinise bill
Concern is growing among supporters the bill won't pass parliamentary hurdles in the allotted days.
BBC looks into the relationship between Cuba and Venezuela
The BBC's Cuba correspondent, Will Grant, explains what's the nature of the relationship between Venezuela and Cuba.
Trump's Venezuela raid has created chaos - and that is a risk for China
The US's seizure of Nicolás Maduro carries uncertainty for China, which is is no fan of chaos.
Opposition leader Machado says she should be in charge of Venezuela
President Trump has publicly dismissed the Nobel winner Machado saying she doesn't have local support and respect.
Venezuelan security forces detain journalists from foreign news organisations
Venezuelans describe their fear of speaking out as 14 media workers are detained and police check people's social media.
The Papers: 'Boots on the ground' and 'one for the road'
Plans for British troops in Ukraine and a tightening of drink-driving laws lead Wednesday's papers.
Why I now hug the man who killed my son with a single punch
Joan Scourfield joins forces with Jacob Dunne to highlight the benefits of restorative justice.
What are cold weather payments and who can get them?
Some people in England, Wales and Northern Ireland can get help with heating costs during cold spells.
Award-winning actor 'regains feeling in feet' with new MND drug
Belfast actor Michael Campbell, also known as Michael Patrick, was diagnosed with the terminal disease in February 2023.
Poor decisions in extending prison lease, MPs say
A committee report says "poor commercial decisions" were made when the lease was signed.
Man who tried to save mum and daughter from sea could get posthumous award
Mark Ratcliffe died trying to save Sarah Keeling and her daughter, Grace, at Withernsea, say police.
Aldrich Ames, CIA agent who sold secrets to the Soviets, dies aged 84
The double agent compromised more than 100 operations and betrayed more than 30 agents spying for the West.
No conspiracy over Israeli football fans ban, West Midlands Police say
Senior police officers reiterate banning Israeli fans from the Villa game was "based on safety".
Actress Ashley Tisdale says she left her 'toxic mom group'
The High School Musical actress says she left the group of new mothers after being "brought to tears".
New CCTV released in hunt for absconded murderer
Two absconded prisoners are believed to have been spotted a number of times in recent days.
'Fear in the streets': Venezuelans uncertain about what might happen next
The BBC spoke to Venezuelans after the seizure by US forces of Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro.
Prisoners who absconded on New Year's Day caught
Matthew Armstrong and Daniel Washbourne are arrested on suspicion of escaping lawful custody.
Beach hut owners hit back at council over 'second home' tax plan
Beach hut owners in Mudeford say they will look at the legality of plans to double their council tax.
I would have been selfish not to share twins' muscle disease diagnosis, Jesy Nelson says
The former Little Mix star recently revealed her twin baby daughters have been diagnosed with SMA.
Man jailed for supplying gangs with thousands of Channel small boats
Police described Adem Savas as "without a doubt the most significant supplier" to Channel people smugglers between 2019 and 2024.
Prince Harry not planning to meet King on UK visit
The King is expected to keep his distance during Harry's court case against the publisher of the Daily Mail.
MPs would vote on using troops in Ukraine, Starmer says
It comes after the UK and France reiterated their commitment to using soldiers to police any peace deal.
Venezuela's interim leader sacks general in charge of Maduro's guard
General Javier Marcano Tábata was the commander of the inner circle of guards tasked with protecting Maduro.
The painful questions for Nato and the EU as Trump threatens Greenland
The White House has said that 'utilising the US military is always an option at the commander-in-chief's disposal'
UK viewers warm up for steamy ice hockey hit Heated Rivalry
The latest word-of-mouth hit arrives in the UK after setting pulses racing across the Atlantic.
Young people say new driving rules are condescending and expensive
Young drivers have spoken to the BBC about how the proposed changes could affect them.
The two sides of Sombr, the singer sparkling through the sadness
The alt-pop star comes third in the BBC Sound of 2026, which showcases the year's top rising stars.
De-icing your car and other tips for freezing temperatures
As temperatures fall across much of the UK, the best ways to keep people and pets warm and dry.
School coach crashes in icy conditions as 18 injured
Two people are taken to hospital following a crash between a school coach and a bus that injured 18.
Man jailed for selling chemicals online to help people kill themselves
Miles Cross admitted selling the fatal chemicals to people he had met on an online forum.
Century-old tumours could reveal why more young people are getting bowel cancer
Bowel cancer in people under the age of 50 is increasing worldwide and scientists are striving to find out why.
Families shocked Swiss ski bar was not inspected for years before deadly fire
The New Year's Eve fire at a bar in Crans-Montana killed 40 people and injured 116.
Jessie Buckley says she was 'brutalised' on TV talent show
The actress came second in the BBC's 2008 search to find an actress to play Nancy in Oliver Twist.
Teen charged with endangering others during Channel crossing
Aman Naseri, 18, denies endangering 46 people during a boat crossing to the UK on 5 January.
Bournemouth Echo
The best and worst primary schools in Dorset for 2025 revealed
The Department for Education (DfE) has released its annual primary school performance tables for 2024/25 for Dorset
In The Dock: Serial thief caught after eight months of targeting town centre stores
The following cases were heard at Poole Magistrates' Court:
Touring West End show set to visit Bournemouth this spring
High demand for a touring West End show has prompted Bournemouth Pavilion to issue additional school tickets.
'It’s a relentless grind': Owners of independent business share joy and challenges
OWNERS of an independent plant shop have thanked customers and community for their continued support, while sharing the challenges of running a small retail business as what they describe as “retail newbies."
Dorset woman named health professional of the year for “life-changing” work
AN OCCUPATIONAL therapist from Dorset has been named Allied Health Professional (AHP) of the Year for her work which has helped reduce prisoner violence and re-offending.
Food waste recycling to be extended to more than 100,000 homes
Food waste recycling will be made available to more than 100,000 households across Bournemouth and Poole will soon join other householders across Bournemouth and Christchurch who are already able to recycle their food waste.
Poole MP leads parliamentary debate to calling for action on poverty
Poole MP Neil Duncan-Jordan led a parliamentary debate urging the government to tackle poverty through an Essentials Guarantee, backed by the Joseph Rowntree Foundation and the Trussell Trust.
MP pushes to ban junk food adverts near schools and youth clubs
AN MP says that banning junk food adverts online is not enough and is pushing for ad removal outside schools, youth clubs and anywhere children spend time.
Revised rubbish and recycling collections in New Forest after bank holidays
RESIDENTS across the New Forest are being reminded of temporary changes to recycling and rubbish collection dates following the Christmas and New Year bank holidays.
Popular motor show set to return for 2026
A POPULAR motor show showcasing classic and super cars in Westbourne is returning for 2026.
Free big band show returning to Wimborne next month
A free jazz concert is returning to Wimborne next month and is expected to draw a "large and appreciative crowd".
Works are underway to repair a portion of beach
Works are underway to repair a portion of Boscombe Beach.
HMRC pension changes may see one in 10 retire with less, says new research
Pension changes could see one in 10 workers reduce their contributions, risking a reduction in their overall retirement fund, says new research.
Police de-arrest man as 'serious' crash investigation continues
A man has been de-arrested and is assisting police in its investigation after a "serious" crash that left a man, woman and two children with "serious" injuries near Sherborne.
PICTURES: When snow chaos closed schools and left drivers stranded
We're taking a look back at this time 16 years ago when snow caused chaos in Dorset, as the Echo reported on January 7, 2010
More than £52 million secured for better bus services
Note to the editor: new picture added
Crashes and travel disruption across Dorset amid ice warning
There is disruption on roads across Dorset this morning. We will be bringing you the latest as we get it.
PHOTOS: Cherries through the years, 1899 to the 2000s
To celebrate more than 100 years of the Cherries, we're taking a look back at the club's moments in history in pictures.
Bournemouth ice rink application is withdrawn
An application to gain planning permission for an ice rink in Bournemouth has been withdrawn with no decision from the council.
Man in 20s dies after 'hit and run' in early morning crash
A man has died in and another arrested after a "hit and run" in the early hours of Wednesday morning in Poole.
Air ambulance and emergency services descend on East Cliff
Good afternoon - we are bringing you live updates as emergency services are in East Cliff
Changes to a music festival heard by licensing committee
Proposed changes to a music festival aimed at helping Highcliffe to grow has been heard by licensing committee.
Twin Sails Bridge set to reopen in February
Twin Sails Bridge is set to reopen and return to ‘normal operation’ on February 2 after being closed for months.
Wind and rain warning issued as Storm Goretti set to hit BCP
A WIND and rain warning has been issued for Thursday BCP as Storm Goretti is set to hit the UK.
Dancing Jug venues to close until further notice as owner falls 'seriously ill'
All Dancing Jug venues in the area will be closed until further notice following reports of the business owner falling 'seriously ill'.
Beach huts will become 'significant financial burden' if tax discount scrapped
Mudeford Sandbanks Beach Hut Association (MSBHA) say it is disappointed BCP has targeted beach hut owners and is exploring the legal basis for the council tax discount being removed.
Family business named best e-commerce business at national competition
Soft Play In A Box, founded in March 2025 by Gavin and Charlotte Barrett, scooped the Best National E-commerce Business award at the UK Small Business Awards on December 13.
9,000 homes across BCP 'stuck in the planning pipeline'
Around 9,000 homes across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole are currently stuck in the planning pipeline and key sites such as Holes Bay, Winter Gardens and Poole Dolphin Leisure Centre are part of a regeneration report.
Boat fire at boatyard in early hours of the morning
A fire involving a boat broke out in Poole in the early hours of this morning.
Road closed as HGV stuck on hill
Motorists are being urged to avoid Zig Zag Hill after a HGV became stuck
Update on new pre-booking system for Dorset tips
A controversial pre-booking system for tips in Dorset could be rolled out in the spring after delays
Dorset man among favourites to win The Traitors
A Weymouth man who has got off to a strong start in The Traitors is among the favourites to win the show
"Serious" crash overnight closes road in Poole
Wimborne Road in Oakdale has been closed since early this morning after a "serious" crash.
Residents invited to join bracing sea dip to bring community together
Hardy residents are being invited to join a community dip at Southbourne this month.
Charity of the Year support helps hospice continue vital care
Forest Holme in Poole welcomed Philip Arnett, Director at Railston Ltd, with his father Roger, to thank them for their exceptional support last year.
New course to help parents start little ones on solid foods
The ‘Mush & Munch’ Weaning Course, from the Friendly Food Club offers support to parents introducing their baby to solid foods.
Three 'must attend' talks in Wimborne
Residents are being invited to join a series of talks that promises to entertain, inform and inspire telling stories about historic treasures, true crimes and environmental debated.
Care home panto season celebrates new year
Residents and staff of care homes has been performing their own all-time favourite panto favourite after weeks of preparation.
Donate unwanted Christmas presents and help lonely elderly people
Donate your unwanted Christmas presents and help lonely older people in crisis this winter.
Letter: 'Prime minister needs to show some backbone'
Our spineless PM’s refusal to condemn the US Dictator over his illegal attack on Venezuela, only goes to underline what we have all known for a long time - he is as much Trump’s poodle as Trump is Putin’s.
Poole company releases salary guide for finance sector
A Poole-based recruitment company has launched a guide provides a detailed look at salary trends across finance roles from junior to CFO level.
Rendez-Vous Dance brings dazzling tale of Paris club to the stage
The Monocle, a critically-acclaimed production by Rendez-Vous Dance, will be performed at Pavilion Dance South West in Bournemouth on Friday, February 6.
Martin Lewis shares how to challenge your Council Tax and cut bills every year
Thousands of people are paying too much Council Tax, and Martin Lewis has explained what to do if you think you're in the wrong band.
Drink-drive limit set to be cut as part of new road safety plans
The Government is considering cutting the drink-drive limit in England and Wales following "stalled" road safety progress.
Millions on DWP benefits could cut broadband to £12.50 with Martin Lewis trick
Millions of people who claim DWP benefits could get cheaper broadband, phone and water packages, but most people missing out because they aren't aware of the support available.
All the DWP benefits and grants to help beat the cold weather this winter
The weather is icy cold this week, but there is help at hand with DWP Winter Fuel Payments, Warm Home Discount, £150 energy bill reduction and Cold Weather Payments.
Government
Property (Registration and Valuation) Bill
A Bill to make provision about requirements relating to the registration and valuation of domestic and non-domestic property; to make provision about exemptions from such requirements; and for connected purposes.
Local Government and Elections Bill
A Bill to make provision about the creation of certain combined county authorities and about the election of mayors of those authorities; to restrict the exercise of the power to change the years in which local elections are held in England; and for connected purposes.
Universal Credit (British Citizens) Bill
A Bill to restrict eligibility to claim Universal Credit to British citizens; and for connected purposes.
Formula 1
Audi complete first fire-up of 2026 F1 car
Audi have confirmed that they have successfully fired up their 2026 F1 car for the first time, marking a milestone moment as the manufacturer prepares for their debut following their takeover of the former Kick Sauber outfit.
Who are the 2026 F1 teams?
Here are the 11 teams that will be lining up on the F1 grid in 2026.
Windows Central
Lenovo's new mini PC is so small we thought it was a speakerphone — AI smarts, Wi-Fi sensing, and Windows Hello are just the start
Lenovo just introduced a new Yoga Mini i PC at CES 2026, equipped with Intel's latest Core Ultra Series 3 chips. It's incredibly small, yet it packs in a ton of nifty features.
Lenovo makes its first major gaming innovation in years — Rollable OLED ultrawide screen tech is coming to Legion laptops
Lenovo has moved its rollable screen tech from ThinkBook to Legion, and those who wish their laptop had an ultrawide display will certainly want to check this one out.
Lenovo's new ultralight laptop blew us away — just 975 grams with a gorgeous Yoga aesthetic
Laptops keep getting thinner and lighter, but Lenovo is pushing that notion to the extreme with its new Slim 7i Ultra Aura Edition PC just announced at CES 2026.
Lenovo's new Yoga AIO appears to float on lights — Is this the ultimate Copilot+ PC for creators?
Lenovo just introduced the new Yoga AIO i Aura Edition with a specialized design that I've never seen before. With a 32-inch 4K OLED display and plenty of power, this should be a great choice for creators.
New SteamOS Legion Go 2 finally solves the biggest gripe with Lenovo's flagship handheld gaming PC — but also removes support for one of my favorite features
Three months after the release of the Windows Legion Go 2, Levovo has announced that its flagship handheld gaming PC is getting a SteamOS variant. It's a premium portable gaming device, that comes with a premium cost.
Dell just resurrected the XPS brand — and its rebranding failure just saved you $500 on a new laptop
The XPS brand is back, leaving the Dell 14 and 16 Premium in branding limbo. Grab the 2025 flagships for up to $500 off while Dell clears the "zombie" stock.
Here's why you won't see HP gaming laptops anymore — thankfully, this change makes a whole lot of sense
There are no HP OMEN gaming laptops at CES 2026, but the reason for that is different from what you might think. The HP OMEN line of gaming hardware is now under a new name, but the change makes sense.
Splitgate 2 dev responds to player count concerns as Steam charts show low numbers after 'Arena Reloaded' relaunch — "They don't show the full picture"
Splitgate 2 — now Splitgate: Arena Reloaded — has struggled after its December relaunch. Now, the devs have responded to talk about its low player count.
Finally, a handheld gaming PC with some color — MSI reveals the Glacier Blue Edition of the Claw 8 AI+, but good luck finding one
MSI revealed a new Glacier Blue Edition of its Claw 8 AI+ handheld gaming PC. It's super cool looking, especially among a sea of black and white handhelds. The problem will be getting your hands on it.
PSA: If Fallout Season 2 has you playing New Vegas, these mods are a must — I'll never play without them again
If Season 2 of Fallout has you playing New Vegas, then you should absolutely be using the Viva New Vegas modding guide. Here's why.
Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 Season 01 Reloaded preload goes live on Battle.net and, like me, clearly ate too much over the holidays
Season 01 Reloaded for Black Ops 7 and Warzone goes live on January 8, and the preload seems to have gone live already on Battle.net. And it definitely had one too many mince pies over the holidays.
This fan-favorite action game is finally getting a physical release on Xbox, PS5 — here's the release date for preorders of its limited run
Tango Gameworks' beloved rhythm-action game Hi-Fi Rush is finally getting physical copies this year, three years after the title originally came out.
5 MORE great ID@Xbox titles — perfect for your holiday Xbox Gift Card
A Game About Digging a Hole, Fort Solis, ROUTINE, Thank Goodness You're Here! and Wylde Flowers draw our attention as standout titles released via ID@Xbox in January 2026.
ASUS unveils refreshed ZenBook S14 and ZenBook S16 with Intel Panther Lake and AMD Gorgon Point chips — delivering improved performance and battery life
The ASUS ZenBook S14 and ZenBook S16 have been refreshed for 2026, now rocking the latest silicon from Intel and AMD, an updated lid design, and improved performance and battery life.
CES 2026: Our favorite dual-screen laptop just got even better — NVIDIA RTX GPU for gamers and creators
During CES 2026, ASUS not only announced its refresh for the Zenbook Duo, but also revealed a brand new Zephyrus Duo with an NVIDIA RTX graphics card. Here's how they compare.
ASUS introduces the Zenbook A16, a newly expanded 16‑inch option that joins the lineup — and it's the fastest Qualcomm laptop ever
At CES 2026, ASUS refreshed the awesome Zenbook A14 — and announced a new, ultra-light 16-inch version powered by Qualcomm's most powerful laptop chips yet.
You won't see Acer Nitro Blaze handheld gaming PCs at CES 2026 — I asked why, and this is what a PR representative told me
Acer previously revealed three handheld gaming PCs, but none of them are at CES 2026. Here's what an Acer PR representative told me when I asked about these devices.
Fortnite and Call of Duty dominated 2025 on Xbox and PlayStation — and show once again why Steam player counts don't always tell the story
Call of Duty and Minecraft, two of Microsoft's biggest franchises, rank top five most played of 2025 on both Xbox and PlayStation.
Microsoft reportedly eyeing massive January layoffs — but the "AI obsession" shows no signs of slowing
Microsoft could cut thousands of jobs in January as ongoing AI investment and strict cost targets drive more changes at the company.
Lenovo Legion Go 2 Windows 11 vs SteamOS: Which operating system is better for this handheld gaming PC?
Starting in 2026, the Legion Go 2 can ship with either SteamOS or Windows 11, but which one should you buy?
How to set up parental controls for Xbox Ally and other Windows-based devices for safer gaming
A complete walkthrough for setting up parental controls on the Xbox Ally, Ally X, and other Windows handheld devices using Family Safety and Xbox Family Settings.
Xbox in 2026 — What to expect from Team Green this year, and beyond
It's an interesting, and somewhat pivotal year for Xbox in 2026. After a somewhat unprecedented year of negative headlines, Xbox has an opportunity to turn it around this year. But will they? And more importantly ... can they?
Lenovo Legion Go 2 (SteamOS) vs Steam Deck: Which is the better Linux gaming handheld?
Starting June 2026, a new Legion Go 2 — Powered by SteamOS handheld gaming PC will be available for purchase. I've taken time to compare it against the Steam Deck to see what all of the differences are.
Total War tackling Warhammer 40,000 while coming to Xbox and PlayStation can be the breakout this series deserves — and I'll remain cautiously excited
Total War: Warhammer 40K is a massive upcoming strategy game, and it could take the franchise to new heights if Creative Assembly pulls it off.
Windows 11 version 26H1 will launch exclusively on Snapdragon X2 devices this spring
The first PCs with version 26H1 will begin shipping in the spring period, but you'll only find it on PCs powered by Qualcomm's new Snapdragon X2 platform.
I thought TMR was only for controllers until I saw this CHERRY keyboard
Seeing TMR turn up in a gaming keyboard at CES 2026 is kinda nifty. CHERRY XTRFY is bringing the latest magnetic tech to its keyboards promising higher precision and ultra-fast wireless performance.
Lenovo Legion Go 2 (SteamOS) vs Xbox Ally X: Which is the best handheld gaming PC?
The new SteamOS Legion Go 2 offers a very different playing experience from the Xbox Ally X, but which one should you actually buy? Here's how they compare.
This custom hardline watercooling concept PC looks amazing — here's what you can actually buy today
At CES 2026, iBUYPOWER unveiled the Trace X Custom Loop Concept PC, a prebuilt with hardline watercooling designed to make custom loops more accessible.
AMD's Ryzen 9 9900X desktop CPU offered better value at launch than Intel — and now the 12-core beast is even cheaper
Amazon has procured an exclusive discount bargain for the AMD Ryzen 9900X, one of the best value CPUs on the market for content creators and hardcore PC gamers alike.
Former Chief AI Scientist calls Meta's Alexandr Wang "young and inexperienced" — "You certainly don't tell a researcher like me what to do."
Yann LeCun recently revealed details leading up to his abrupt exit from Meta, citing manipulated Llama 4 model benchmark test results, a strained relationship with Mark Zuckerberg, and more.
Xbox Gear Shop finally gives an update after being closed for five months — something special for Xbox's 25th anniversary?
Nearly half a year ago, the Xbox Gear Shop closed down amidst massive budget cuts, project cancellations, and layoffs at Microsoft. However, the online store has recently updated with a new message saying that it's coming back soon.
As RAM prices skyrocket and Windows 11 flounders, Linux gains native NVIDIA GeForce NOW support — turning the cloud into a sanctuary for priced-out gamers
Hardware costs are rising and Windows 11 is struggling. NVIDIA's native Linux app offers a cloud-based escape for gamers priced out of upgrades.
Laffgaff
The art of engraving on wood or of printing from woodblocks is known as what?
Xylography.
Exercise Attempt
Attempted to exercise this morning. Didn't work out.
Itsfoss
Fedora 44 Will Be the First Distro to Adopt KDE's Plasma Login Manager
The move replaces SDDM but means giving up on custom login themes.
Debian's Data Protection Team is No More, Maybe You Can Help?
With no one left to handle data protection requests, the project is looking for new volunteers.