BBC News
Trump vows 'very strong action' if Iran executes protesters
Relatives of an arrested protester tell BBC Persian he is due to be executed on Wednesday, as the death toll from demonstrations reportedly exceeds 2,400.
Ministers drop plans for mandatory digital ID to work in UK
There will still be digital checks on those starting a new job, but people will not need to hold a digital ID.
Chris Mason: The climbdowns stack up for Starmer
The government dropping the digital ID scheme's mandatory element is another climbdown for Downing Street, writes the BBC's political editor.
First leukaemia patient to receive pioneering treatment on NHS says it is 'very sci-fi'
Oscar Murphy has an aggressive form of the blood cancer and is the first to get CAR-T therapy in the UK.
Global temperatures dipped in 2025 but more heat records on way, scientists warn
The last three years were Earth's hottest on record, as humanity's carbon emissions continue to heat the planet.
Government sets out plans for north of England rail investment
The scheme will be delivered in phases, starting with upgrades to lines between Leeds, York, Bradford and Sheffield.
Bulger killer Jon Venables set for parole hearing
Jon Venables, 10 when he killed James Bulger in 1993, failed in a previous bid for parole in 2023.
Actor Kiefer Sutherland arrested over alleged assault of ride-share driver
Investigators arrested the actor, star of 24 and Designated Survivor, in Hollywood early on Monday morning.
What message do Greenlanders have for Trump?
The BBC's Europe editor Katya Adler hears from Greenlanders, whose island is embroiled in a geopolitical storm.
Claudette Colvin, US civil rights pioneer, dies at 86
Colvin was arrested for refusing to give up her bus seat to a white person months before the famous case of Rosa Parks.
'Now there's the threat of executions' in Iran
An Iranian security official says 2,000 people have been killed so far after a crackdown on weeks of anti-government protests.
Why you're more like the Traitors than you think and how it could harm you
We often underestimate how often we bend the truth, but doing so can leave us isolated and anxious.
The Papers: Trump tells Iran 'help is on its way' and 'the rail deal'
Donald Trump's message to Iranians protesting against the regime dominates Wednesday's front pages.
Stranger Things documentary-maker shares reason for last-minute finale script
The making-of documentary gives fans an insight into the production process of the hit sci-fi show.
University application deadline is today: How much does a degree cost?
With rising tuition fees and living costs, do higher graduate earnings cover the cost of a degree?
Canada's Mark Carney faces delicate balancing act in China visit
The PM is seeking to deepen trade and repair ties with China after years of tense relations - without compromising national security or provoking the US.
US approves sale of Nvidia's advanced AI chips to China
Nvidia has been caught in a tug-of-war between the US and China as the countries compete for AI dominance.
Three men guilty of harassing BBC journalist over A Very British Cult documentary
All three are members of Lighthouse, a group investigated for a BBC documentary and podcast in 2023
Oil tanker seized by US spotted in Scotland's Moray Firth
The UK government said the Marinera was being supplied with food and water before continuing its journey.
Income tax changes and mansion tax on £1m homes in Scottish Budget
Finance Secretary Shona Robison unveils the government's tax and spending plans for the coming financial year.
Suspended London Pride boss accused of 'frustrating' theft investigation
Lawyers for Pride in London say Christopher Joell-Deshields has failed to hand back company accounts.
Singer Julio Iglesias faces Spanish inquiry into sexual assault allegations
Iglesias, who is 82, has been a household name in Spain since the 1960s and has sold millions of records worldwide.
BTS stand to make $1bn as they announce mammoth comeback tour
It's the K-pop band's first tour since completing compulsory military service in South Korea.
US pulling some personnel from Qatar air base, official tells CBS
Officials say it is a "precautionary measure" and comes as Donald Trump weighs up whether to take action against Iran.
Faisal Islam: Why the Northern Powerhouse Rail plan will really go ahead this time
Faisal Islam says the Labour argues the difference in its plans this time is that the planning has come first.
BBC on site after crane collapses and crushes train in Thailand
Correspondent Jonathan Head says the 'devastating' accident is an enormous setback for Thailand's efforts to modernise its infrastructure.
Actor John Alford jailed for sex assaults on teens
The former London's Burning and Grange Hill star is sentenced at St Albans Crown Court.
Sting pays Police bandmates more than £500,000 in royalties
The musician discovered a "historic underpayment" after being sued in London's High Court.
France bans 10 British 'far-right activists' over anti-migrant activity
French officials said actions by members of the Raise the Colours group were likely to cause public disorder.
After U-turn on mandatory digital IDs, how have Labour MPs responded?
Some are beginning to wonder whether it is worth defending government policies, writes Matt Chorley.
White House defends Trump over middle-finger gesture at heckler
The incident occurred while Trump toured a Ford factory in Michigan; the heckler says he has "no regrets".
Trump vows 'very strong action' if Iran executes protesters
Relatives of an arrested protester tell BBC Persian he is due to be executed on Wednesday, as the death toll from demonstrations reportedly exceeds 2,400.
'Sentenced to death within days': Who is Erfan Soltani, Iranian protester reportedly facing execution?
The 26-year-old shop owner was arrested in his home on 8 January in connection with protests in Iran.
Bowen: Authoritarian regimes die gradually then suddenly, but Iran is not there yet
The regime's opponents will hope for more pressure to accelerate the process, writes the BBC's international editor.
Bafta names rising stars who are tipped for film success
Chase Infiniti, Miles Caton and Robert Aramayo are among the nominees for the Bafta Rising Star Award.
No power or water and -19C: Kyiv seeks relief from Russian strikes and cold
Residents of Ukraine's capital talk about their difficulties keeping warm and enduring power outages, as Russian attacks deepen the energy crisis.
Dubai chocolate-inspired dessert takes S Korea by storm
Shops are selling hundreds of cookies within minutes as the frenzy sends prices of ingredients surging.
First leukaemia patient to get new form of treatment on NHS says it is 'very sci-fi'
Oscar Murphy has an aggressive form of the blood cancer and is the first to get CAR-T therapy in the UK.
Judgement reserved in appeal against Kneecap member
The UK government is appealing the September 2025 decision to dismiss the case against Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh.
TGI Fridays closes 16 UK stores, with 456 job losses
The UK restaurant chain's remaining 33 restaurants will stay open after a rescue deal was reached.
Wicked's Ariana Grande and Jonathan Bailey tease theatre reunion
The Hollywood stars look set to reunite on stage after their successful run in the Wicked franchise.
Serial killer Steve Wright in court over 1999 death
The man accused of murdering Victoria Hall, 17, killed five women in 2006, it can be revealed.
China announces record $1tn trade surplus despite Trump tariffs
Beijing reported the largest-ever trade surplus at $1.19tn as China diversified its trade.
Ex-footballer claims rogue surgeon Eljamel ruined his career
Former Scottish Premiership and international player Iain Jenkins was operated on by Eljamel in 1999.
Bournemouth Echo
Dorset adventurer is one of the greatest of all explorers
His achievements are the stuff of legends, cut from the determined grit of river silt, steamy jungle humidity and a strong love of discovery.
Boscombe nightclub reopens with 'community-focused' new owner
Underground Nights in Boscombe has reopened under new management.
Bournemouth Echo readers can subscribe for £3 for three months in this flash sale
Readers who want to subscribe to our news site can enjoy an exclusive offer of £3 for 3 months or save over 50% off an annual subscription during our limited-time promotion.
Dancing jug licensing hearing postponed to later date
A cocktail bar in Bournemouth has it’s licensing hearing moved to a later date.
Bournemouth MP hosts event ahead of government SEND reforms
Bournemouth MP hosts SEND reform event to get feedback on challenges facing the current system.
'Incredibly demanding:' Runner completes 43km-a-day Christmas challenge
AN ULTRA runner completed a challenge over the Christmas period running 43 kilometres a day for five consecutive days.
'This was my church since I was a boy' Veteran fights to keep open historic church
A VETERAN and lifelong churchgoer is fighting to keep open a historic Bournemouth church which he says is the “only viable church” for elderly people in the area.
TikTok 'sensations' donate 'generous' sum of money to support homelessness
TikTok sensations donate £1,000 to Winton Salvation Army to support homelessness.
BCP MP to delete X following 'increase in misogyny'
A BCP MP said she will no longer use X after an “increase in misogyny” on the platform.
Man reunites with life-saving ambulance crew
A Bournemouth man has been reunited with the South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust (SWASFT) ambulance crew who saved his life after he suffered a sudden cardiac arrest.
Thousands to experience live music for free
Teachers and pupils are busy preparing for the first of eight live concert hall performances as Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra begins its ‘Explore the Orchestra’ tour to Bristol, Exeter, Poole and Portsmouth, from this month.
Bournemouth gym to offer £10 memberships for January
JD Gyms in Bournemouth is offering £10 memberships for January.
Nurse suspended after actions found to put patients and colleagues 'at risk of harm'
Silpa Vijayan, a former nurse at Dorset County Hospital, appeared before the Nursing and Midwifery Council Fitness to Practise Committee which deemed her fitness to practice as a nurse impaired
Police helicopter launched in search for missing man
Police are continuing their searches for a missing man
Cherries' stadium plans progress as enabling works scheme set to be approved
The enabling works for the Cherries’ stadium expansion plans have been recommended to be approved by the BCP Council planning committee.
Plan to transform derelict pub that has stood empty for decades
Plans to transform a derelict town centre pub that has stood empty for at least 20 years have been unveiled
Man 'robbed at knifepoint' in Bournemouth town centre
A man was "robbed at knifepoint" on Sunday morning and a teenage boy has been arrested after an incident in Bournemouth town centre.
Gas leak forces closure of road
A gas leak in Broadstone has forced a partial road closure.
Council urges schools to ban 'harmful and distracting' mobile phones
DORSET COUNCIL has issued new guidance encouraging schools to ban mobile phones and parents not to provide smartphones to under-14s, calling them a 'distraction and a source of harm'.
Poole Port: Police set to carry out training exercises today
DORSET Police says there will be an increased emergency services presence in Poole Port today due to a training exercise.
Man fatally stabbed after fight broke out in Bournemouth Square, court hears
A MAN was fatally stabbed after a fight broke out between two groups of young people in Bournemouth Square, a court has heard.
'We urgently need the public’s help to find him': Family of missing man issue plea
The family of a missing man from Spetisbury are pleading for the help of the public.
Treecycling success for Disability Charity
Diverse Abilities’ Treecycling 2026 has officially wrapped up.
Bournemouth restaurant confirms it has closed its doors
A restaurant chain in Bournemouth town centre has permanently closed its doors.
Dorset Council urges bans on smartphones for under-14s
Dorset Council has issued new guidance encouraging schools to ban mobile phones and parents not to provide smartphones to under-14s, calling them a “distraction and a source of harm”.
Free exhibition celebrating lifeboat crews from the Second World War
The exhibition explores the extraordinary efforts of volunteer crews who continued to save lives at sea during the war.
Amateur dramatics group preparing for upcoming play
An amateur dramatics group is gearing up for its forthcoming production next month.
Dorset homecare provider shortlisted for Community Builder of the Year award
A Dorset homecare provider has been shortlisted for Community Builder of the Year.
Care home to hold dementia support event
A care home in Ferndown is holding an event on how to help someone living with dementia.
Care home marks 20th anniversary year with fundraising drive
Residents and staff at a Dorset care home have begun its 20th anniversary year by handing over nearly £1,800 to a community charity.
New community exhibition to shine light on caregiving and ageing well
A new community exhibition will bring together artworks that explore experiences of caregiving, memory loss and ageing well.
Dorset Council encouraging families to delay smartphones
Dorset Council is backing phone-free school days and encouraging families to delay smartphone ownership until at the age of at least 14, unless there is a specific need.
Dorset Police's mobile police station to visit Christchurch
A mobile police station will visit Christchurch next week.
Aldi store workers in Dorset to get another pay rise this spring
ALDI workers across Dorset are set to get another pay rise this spring.
Limited number of seats released for Russell Howard BIC shows
A limited number of additional seats have been released for Russell Howard’s show in Bournemouth next month.
Popular model show coming to Dorset's Tank Museum
The South West Model Show comes to the Tank Museum next month.
National Trust looking for Brownsea Island volunteers
The National Trust is hosting an event for people interested in volunteering on Brownsea Island.
New property opens to help neurodiverse young adults live independently
The home is intended for individuals who are eligible under the Care Act and offers both in-person and tech-enabled care.
Residents asked to vaccinate before seasonal offer ends
Residents are asked to come forward for their Covid and flu vaccines before the winter offer comes to an end.
Hot water bottle warning as recall issued due to 'serious fire risk'
The UK Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS) issued the alert for the hot water bottle, which was listed on TikTok Shop
Government
Emergency and life-saving skills (schools) Bill
A Bill to require the teaching in schools of skills relating to emergency situations, including life-saving skills; and for connected purposes.
Formula 1
6 of the most memorable car launches in recent F1 history
F1 will soon head into another launch season – and not only that, but an all-new era of regulations. As we patiently wait for teams to pull the covers off their 2026 designs, it seems like the perfect moment to revisit some of the boldest and most memorable reveals from years gone by...
Bottas’ best moments from his 2025 ‘gap year’
From Aussie adventures and viral Mercedes moments to sailing speed, show runs and surprise racing, Valtteri Bottas turned his 2025 year away from the F1 grid into a full calendar of unforgettable side quests.
Ross Brawn reveals his favourite car designs
Formula 1 will enter an all-new era in 2026, with overhauled regulations – affecting both chassis and power units – coming into play. Before the latest cars break cover, F1.com sat down with design legend Ross Brawn to revisit some of the most memorable creations from his time in F1 and motorsport as a whole, which spanned various rulesets.
All you need to know about F1’s new power units
Twelve years is a good run for a set of engine regulations. Having made their debut in 2014, F1’s first genuine generation of hybrid power units took the sport to new levels. They were the most reliable and most economical F1 engines of all time – but also powered the fastest F1 cars of all time. They were arguably the most closely-matched F1 engines of all time, with each manufacturer scoring wins in double-figures… but all things come to pass. A new generation of power units takes over for 2026.
Verstappen names his most difficult season in F1
Max Verstappen has singled out the start of the 2018 season as his most difficult campaign so far in Formula 1, though the Dutchman conceded that he is also grateful to have learned from the mistakes he made in the past.
10 quiz questions on Formula 1 car launches
The F1 teams are about to begin unveiling their challengers for the 2026 season. Before the covers come off the new cars, we've cooked up a quick-fire quiz on some launches from F1's past...
Alpine retain Gademan for second F1 ACADEMY campaign
Alpine have announced that Nina Gademan will once again represent the French team in F1 ACADEMY, with the Dutch racer joining MP Motorsport for the 2026 season.
Windows Central
The Helldivers 2 stealth Warbond we've all been begging for is finally coming, and it looks amazing — Redacted Regiment will be a literal game changer
At long last, Helldivers 2 is adding a stealth-themed Warbond to the game with Redacted Regiment, featuring silenced weapons, stealth armor, and more.
Larry Major Nelson Hryb laid off by Unity — 18 month stint ends as Unity still finds itself in trouble
Larry Major Nelson Hryb has been laid off by Unity after an 18 month stint as Director of Community and Advocacy, as the company continues to face layoffs and reputational challenges.
Lead dev of one of 2025's best games goes on a wild ramble about pricing, but hold up, let him cook — it actually makes perfect sense, and he's right
The co-creator of the hit co-op climbing game PEAK has a theory about how players think about the prices of games, and used it to choose the title's price.
Help shape the future of Windows Central with our audience survey
Your input will guide future coverage, features, and community initiatives.
"If a messaging app is going to use over 400MB of RAM ... I'd at least like to be able to use all of its features" — WhatsApp has forced a bloated web app on Windows, while keeping its new capabilities mobile‑first and out of reach for PC users
The new WhatsApp for Windows consumes more RAM than its native predecessor, yet new features like Member Tags and Text Stickers remain mobile-exclusive for now.
Google's parent company Alphabet hits $4 trillion — Google’s AI deal with Apple pays off
Alphabet has reached a $4 trillion valuation after Apple selected Google’s Gemini to power parts of Siri, alongside strong cloud growth and continued strength in advertising revenue.
Battlefield 6 delays its Season 2 release date for "extra time" to address feedback as its player count falls — it's making the right call, and I'm glad
After reviewing all the feedback from Season 1, Battlefield 6 developer Battlefield Studios is delaying the launch of Season 2 for a month.
Zorin OS 18 has reached 2 million downloads, with 1M+ Windows defections fueling one of Linux’s biggest growth stories in 2026
Zorin OS 18 has passed 2 million downloads in under three months, with around 75% coming from Windows users as Windows 10 reaches end of life and hardware limits push more people toward Linux.
Valve's Steam Deck suffers the same problem as the Xbox Ally, and the solution might be a modern manufacturing impossibility — Sony nailed it 16 years ago
Handhelds are a modern marvel, but they're getting way too big. Is the PSP Go an example of what we should have done, or is that space filled by smartphones?
Best Buy's Winter Sale is the antidote to rising PC prices — Hundreds of deals are available, but I found the 13 best Windows laptop discounts
DRAM and NAND shortages, fueled by the AI buildout, are threatening to drive laptop prices through the roof in 2026. Best Buy's Winter Sale might be one of the last times to get a great Windows laptop without overspending.
Microsoft Copilot vulnerability allowed attackers to quietly steal your personal data with a single click — this is the Copilot "Reprompt" exploit
Varonis Threat Labs has published a report detailing a now-patched security exploit that it discovered in Microsoft Copilot, which allowed an attacker to silently steal data from users just by clicking a link.
What is Wi-Fi 8? Here's everything you need to know about the next generation of wireless internet.
The evolution of wireless internet continues with Wi-Fi 8, but it might not be the upgrade you were expecting compared to Wi-Fi 7. Here's everything you need to know.
"What happened to my Start menu?" — why Windows 11 users are waking up to a desktop they don't recognize
Confused by your PC's new look? The Windows 11 Start menu just got a major redesign. Here is why your apps moved and what you can actually customize.
Elon Musk says going to medical school will be pointless in 3 years: "Everyone will have access to medical care that is better than what the president receives right now."
Elon Musk recently indicated that medical care might soon be augmented with artificial intelligence, further claiming that attending medical school will be pointless in three years.
GOG's new owner brands Windows as poor quality while he ponders Linux support — "I'm not surprised that people gravitate outside of the Windows ecosystem."
GOG’s new owner, Michał Kiciński, has criticised Windows as poor-quality software, as the DRM-free PC game store begins exploring stronger Linux support for the future.
Microsoft isn't deleting your Windows 11 files, but OneDrive's sync system is causing confusion and frustration: "I think they should have to go to jail for this."
Microsoft hasn't deleted your files from your local folders; they have just been relocated and synced to OneDrive because the backup feature was enabled by default when upgrading to Windows 11, version 25H2.
Microsoft claims "Community First" AI data center infrastructure — also known as maximum corpo-washing
Microsoft has begun to realize the backlash to its AI infrastructure push is serious enough to create an entire "Community First" data center plan.
One of the best Xbox Play Anywhere games just got its notorious save bug fixed for Xbox Ally and Xbox PC
We complained and moaned, and Xbox listened. Kojima Productions, Xbox, and 505 Games collaborate on a strange bug preventing save files from working correctly for Death Stranding on Xbox PC / Xbox Ally.
The first Windows 11 OS update for 2026 is now rolling out with important fixes — including one that impacts battery life on PCs with an NPU
The first Windows 11 OS update for 2026 is now rolling out with important fixes — including one that impacts battery life on PCs with an NPU
Laffgaff
In what 2002 film did rapper Eminem make his acting debut?
8 Mile.
Sewing Thread
RIP to a friend of mine. His wife sent him out to get some sewing thread but he ended up in the bar all day. Gone but not for cotton.
Itsfoss
Linux Mint 22.3 "Zena" is Officially Available Now! Introduces Two New Apps
A fresh menu, troubleshooting tools, and other improvements arrive in this point release.