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.

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.