The News - Tuesday, 29 September 2026

BBC News

Burnham to unveil public body to invest in electricity grid

The prime minister will say he wants to reduce energy costs in his first conference speech as Labour leader.

OpenAI scraps rollout of new model over safety concerns

The firm also issued an update on incidents in which its models accessed Australian government systems.

Five men arrested in RAF Fairford incident released on police bail

Police are exploring whether proxies or individuals working on behalf of a foreign state are involved.

Evicted Spanish pensioner can move back home, lawyer says

The eviction of Maricarmen Abascal, 87, prompted large-scale protests across Spain.

Delays in fitting electronic tags putting victims at risk, report finds

The reports says some criminals are waiting up to five months to be fitted with an electronic tag.

Family of British explorer Sir Ranulph Fiennes say they don't know where he is

It has been alleged that Sir Ranulph has been admitted to a number of care homes under assumed names.

Are Trump's US government funded ads illegal?

President Trump has faced criticism after fronting adverts which were paid for by the US government.

Migrants using longer, more dangerous routes across Channel

The government says it is bearing down on dangerous small boat crossings.

US ban on Canadian alcohol and dairy comes into effect as trade war drags on

It is the latest escalation in the Canada-US trade war after negotiations collapsed in late August, with no word on when talks may resume.

Argentina threatens legal action against UK over Falkland Islands oil exploration

President Javier Milei set a two-week deadline for the Sea Lion oilfield project to be scrapped.

Warning more homes will be uninsurable due to flood risk

Aviva boss Amanda Blanc said England was "for sure" building homes that might be uninsurable at some point in the future.

Unis are offering degrees in content creation for £30,000. But are they worth it?

Content creation degrees aim to help people make money from their social media posts.

Blue Lights: The police drama hitting home in Northern Ireland

As the award winning series returns, it highlights tensions between police and communities in Northern Ireland.

From Amazon retreats to clinical research: The rise of psychedelic therapy

Could hallucinogenic drugs become part of mainstream NHS care to treat depression?

The Papers: 'Labour split on triple lock' and 'Plot's going on, PM?'

A number of the papers preview a speech from Prime Minister Andy Burnham on Tuesday.

Watch: RAF Fairford suspects are bailed, what happens now?

The men were all UK nationals in their 20s who live in London and were arrested under the Explosives Act and on suspicion of preparing a terrorist act.

What a US diesel export ban could mean for you

The threatened proposal aims to protect US consumers from rising costs, but it could trigger major economic waves if it were to happen.

Egyptian officials convicted of kidnapping Cambridge student found dead in 2016

Giulio Regeni's tortured body was found days after he went missing on a research trip to Egypt in 2016, while studying at Cambridge University.

Orange Order parade dispute continues after main players hold talks

A controversial march was due to take place on Sunday morning but was blocked by protesters on the mainly-nationalist Garvaghy Road.

Russian foreign minister questions 'what will become of UK' and future of 'the Celts'

In response, Plaid Cymru said Wales' future was "not for the Kremlin to endorse, oppose or exploit".

UK tries to stop Trump's diesel export ban

John Healey said the government is in talks with the US over Donald Trump's threat to stop exports.

Slipknot fans threaten boycott after Marilyn Manson announced as support act for UK show

The heavy metal band will be joined by the US rock musician during their London show.

Tennessee governor declines to halt execution of state's lone woman on death row

If the execution proceeds, Pike would be the first woman put to death in Tennessee in more than 200 years.

Hurricane Polo unleashes threatening winds as it approaches Mexico

The category-three storm is expected to make landfall of north of Cabo San Lucas, a popular tourist area, on the Mexican peninsula of Baja California Sur.

Watch: How did Burnham's speech go down in the conference hall?

The PM received a standing ovation as he spoke about his late dad while setting out reforms to social care.

Daniel Sandford on what's next in the RAF Fairford investigation

BBC correspondent Daniel Sandford explains where the investigation goes from here.

Body of newborn baby found on shoreline in Wales as police search for mother

The body of the newborn was found near Siliwen Road near the Menai Strait on Sunday.

No 'deliberate' contact to stop car in A66 crash

No stinger was used by police before the fatal A66 crash, an initial investigation reveals.

Watch: US journalist Evan Gershkovich describes being detained by Russian agents

He was arrested in Russia in 2023 and later sentenced to 16 years on espionage charges.

Trump rules out joint US-China venture to develop AI

The US president continues to push back on calls to establish guardrails around artificial intelligence, arguing it will stifle growth.

Anti-migrant activist Daniel Thomas refused bail over alleged boat damage

Daniel Thomas is remanded in custody after appearing at Portsmouth Crown Court.

Nowak killer given leave to appeal against sentence

The Court of Appeal will decide in November whether to reduce or lengthen the 21-year minimum term.

Israeli settlers attack West Bank village and block Palestinian family's return home

Two homes belonging to the al-Tubasi family were set on fire and Israeli security forces were also targeted by settlers.

Five takeaways from Andy Burnham's Labour conference speech

Big policy announcements and emotional moments as the prime minister delivers a speech to Labour's conference.

Burnham to fight next election on pledge to change voting system

The prime minister says he wants other parties to take part in a national commission on electoral reform.

Faisal Islam: Triple lock move is significant, but it's a gamble

I had expected him to try to forge a political consensus on this thorny issue at this stage, but he has gone further than that.

Rayner announces crackdown on 'cowboy' leasehold property agents

The housing secretary used her Labour conference speech to announce protections for leaseholders facing 'injustice'.

Close-up look at Turner's '£50m' Rome painting on show in the city

Turner’s early 19th century painting - Rome, from Mount Aventine - will be on display in the Italian capital for the first time ahead of an auction in London in December.

I paid £30,000 for an 'influencer' degree. Here's why

Content creation degrees aim to help people make money from social media, but are they worth the money?

Taylor Swift dominated the VMAs, but do music videos still matter?

Cinematographer Melissa Cofie says their purpose has evolved with the growth of platforms like TikTok.

What is the triple lock and why are people talking about it?

The triple lock guarantees that the state pension is not overtaken by inflation or wage increases.

How an alleged rape sent an Indian university into turmoil and emptied hostels

Police are trying to verify whether a female student was raped at Lovely Professional University (LPU).

Are Trump's US government funded ads illegal?

President Trump has faced criticism after fronting adverts which were paid for by the US government.

Snooker champion Graeme Dott jailed for seven years for child sex abuse

The 49-year-old was found guilty of two charges of lewd and libidinous behaviour towards a girl and a boy between 1993 and 2010.

Nigerian dances non-stop for seven days in world record bid

Crowds cheered on Ben Dancer as completed his challenge and he has now gone to hospital for a check-up

Argentina threatens legal action against UK over Falkland Islands oil exploration

President Javier Milei set a two-week deadline for the Sea Lion oilfield project to be scrapped.

Celine Dion kicks off Paris Fashion Week with surprise performance

The singer appeared at the end of L'Oreal's annual show as the French fashion bonanza kicked off.

Watch: 'Ship buster' missiles sink old US warship in live fire training off Scotland

The 43-year-old decommissioned frigate was used for target practice off the Outer Hebrides.

Spain announces ban on evictions after protests over 87-year-old woman's removal from flat

The ban is part of a number of proposals that must be approved in parliament within 30 days.

Bournemouth Echo

Brutal trail marathon makes triumphant return after five-year hiatus

The Purbeck Marathon made a triumphant return to Swanage earlier this month.

How clock tower became a hub for Dorset town

Upton’s clock tower in Dorset - the 2000 millennium project that became a war memorial, Christmas venue and vital hub for community life and history.

New scheme to help first-time buyers get on property ladder with a low deposit

A new housing scheme has been announced to help first-time buyers get on the property ladder with a low deposit

Wildlife tower gets planning approval

A WILDLIFE tower has been approved for a farm field corner site close to the cycleway between Newmans Drove and the Station Road car park at Sturminster Newton.

Affordable housing developer hosts event to support future of construction

An affordable housing developer in Dorset has launched a new event to help tackle one of the construction industry’s biggest challenges

Will Young to perform at Bournemouth venue next year to mark 25 years in music

Pop Idol winner Will Young will perform at the Bournemouth International Centre on March 9, 2027 as part of his Evergreen 25th Anniversary Tour

More than 1,600 mobile phone driving offences recorded across Dorset since 2023

More than 1,300 mobile phone driving offences were recorded across Dorset between 2023 and 2025, according to new Freedom of Information request data.

Swanage road to temporarily close for more than two months for gas mains works

Swanage’s Rabling Road will close from October 5 to December 11 for gas mains works by Scotia Gas Networks. Diversions and parking bans in place.

Bournemouth ranked among the highest uni towns in England for STI rates

In a recent study of university towns, Bournemouth placed 20th out of 60, with 408.1 new STI cases per 100,000 people in 2025.

More than 5,000 people share their views on Dorset's proposed dog control rules

More than 5,000 people have shared their views on Dorset's proposed dog related Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO).

Church applies to BCP Council for permission to build five detached properties

A planning application has been submitted to BCP Council to construct five detached properties

£1,999 Dorset Community Foundation grant helps Dorset artist grow her business

Pia Elliot, 26, from Wareham, received £1,999 from the SWEF Enterprise Fund from Dorset Community Foundation, which supports young entrepreneurs aged 18 to 30.

Care home resident celebrates 104th birthday with family, friends and white wine

A 104-year-old woman has celebrated her birthday with family, friends, and her cherished daily glass of white wine

Dorset MP Simon Hoare joins calls for tighter regulation of the funeral sector

Simon Hoare MP has backed the Funeral Officiant Authority’s campaign to introduce standards for funeral celebrants and ministers across the UK

Council invites residents to shape plans for Lymington recreation ground

New Forest District Council are inviting residents to help shape plans for the future of Bath Road recreation ground in Lymington. 

First-year students warned not to ignore serious symptoms during freshers’ week

First-year students are being warned not to ignore serious symptoms during freshers’ week

Ceramic group invites Dorset residents to their most ambitious project to date

Edible Conversations will run until October 8 at the Fine Foundation Gallery in Durlston Country Park and is the latest project from Poole-based 15 Days in Clay

Bournemouth University and University Hospitals Dorset win prestigious NHS award

Bournemouth University and University Hospitals Dorset won the Research Team Impact Prize from the NIHR for their CHAIN (Cycling Against Hip Pain) programme

BH Live at Queen's Park celebrates one year of EGYM helping people get active

EGYM, introduced by BH Live Active at its Queen’s Park centre in Bournemouth, launched in September 2025

Free workshop for people affected by lymphoma to be held in Poole next week

On Tuesday, October 6, Lymphoma Action will hold an in-person Live Your Life workshop at the RNLI College in Poole for anyone in the town affected by lymphoma.

Dorset care home residents and staff 'go for gold' on Macmillan Coffee Morning

All 21 Colten Care homes across Dorset, Hampshire, Wiltshire, and West Sussex took part in the Macmillan Coffee Morning.

Bournemouth business mentor shortlisted for national Best Coach award

Bournemouth business mentor Erin Thomas Wong has been named a finalist in the Best Coach category of the national Best Businesswomen Awards 2026.

Law firm becomes first legal partner to support social mobility in South West

Foot Anstey has joined the Colyton Foundation’s Your Future Story programme, which supports young people from under-resourced backgrounds

Love Local awards shine spotlight on Dorset's top food and farming heroes

Dorset farmers, food producers and hospitality businesses were honoured at the Love Local, Trust Local Awards as more than 180 guests gathered to celebrate local food.

Registration for 'largest visual arts event in Dorset' to open in November

Registration for Dorset Art Weeks 2027 opens on November 2, and artists and makers have until December 9, to register their venue and sign up for the event.

Charity launches £400,000 appeal to upgrade life-saving defibrillators

The South Western Ambulance Charity is aiming to raise £400,000 to upgrade 288 defibrillators used by Community First Responders (CFRs) across the South West.

Dorset's beach huts are the most expensive in the UK as storm risks grow

Dorset has the UK's most expensive beach huts, with some worth up to £485,000, as owners are warned of growing storm damage, theft and insurance risks.

Haven Hotel demolition plans refused but developer Richard Carr vows to resubmit

An application seeking permission to demolish a hotel in Sandbanks has been refused by BCP Council.

Christchurch business presented with King’s Award for Enterprise

An electric fire manufacturer has won this year’s King’s Award for Enterprise for international trade.

Trio of free events in BCP to help older people find support

Older people in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole will be able to access support, advice and health and wellbeing support at a trio of community events next month

Drink drivers banned from the roads - In the Dock

The following cases were heard at Poole Magistrates' Court:

Plans to demolish bar and restaurant at Cobbs Quay Marina part of wider redevelopment

A plan to transform a waterside hospitality venue in Poole has been put forward

Police officer who died after being hit by train was facing a police misconduct probe

A Dorset police officer who died after being struck by a train had been suspended from duty amid a gross misconduct investigation.

Two men jailed for more than ten years following burglary spree

Two men have been jailed after a burglary and theft spree that left a trail of stolen property and distress across the New Forest.

Bournemouth University graduate dies after falling 100ft down waterfall on holiday

Bournemouth University graduate was visiting a waterfall near the tourist town of Ella in Sri Lanka with a friend on Thursday, September 24, when the accident happened.

Warning issued over huge 1,000-home development set for New Forest

A councillor has warned that "rock-solid answers" will be needed over plans for up to 1,000 homes between Marchwood and Eling.

Plans unveiled to celebrate town's 800-year history with new statue

A bronze pig could soon take pride of place in Ringwood town centre as part of celebrations marking a major milestone

Jet2 launches 'once-in-a-lifetime' Iceland trip at Bournemouth Airport for 2028

Jet2 brings back ‘once-in-a-lifetime’ Iceland trip from Bournemouth Airport from February 10 to February 14, 2028

Mudeford RNLI rescues swimmer trapped against rocks on a groyne

A swimmer was rescued by the RNLI after becoming trapped against rocks on a groyne in an evening emergency

New Forest Walking Festival to return in October

A popular walking festival is set to return, offering guided walks and outdoor activities for all ages.

Christmas light switch-on event date announced by Christchurch town council

Christchurch Town Council has announced details of this year’s Christmas light display.

Pushchair and toys highlight 'lost years' of family court delays in Bournemouth

A pushchair and children’s toys lined the pavement outside a courthouse in a powerful reminder of the childhood moments lost due to delays in family court decisions.

Girl tells court she ‘felt pressured’ during alleged abuse by man facing 11 charges

A girl who alleges she was raped said she “felt pressured” because she feared her abuser “would hurt me”, a court heard.

Care South shines a spotlight on its stars of 2026 at special awards ceremony

Residential and care at home provider and registered charity, Care South, has shone a spotlight on the outstanding people behind its care services at its 17th annual Stars Awards.

Part of town centre road to reopen in early 2027 after 'major improvement work'

Part of a major town centre road currently undergoing improvement work is expected to reopen in early 2027.

Poole by-election called after liberal democrat councillor quits BCP Council

A by-election is set to take place in November in Poole to replace a resigned Liberal Democrat councillor.

Man suffers life-changing injuries after falling onto Bournemouth railway tracks

A man injured after falling onto railway tracks at Bournemouth station remains in hospital with life-changing injuries.

Police force introduce pioneering people screening drug detection dogs

Police have introduced specially trained dogs to help detect drugs linked to spiking in the night-time economy.

Man in 80s dies a week after crash on A31

A man has died following a crash in Ferndown.

'We're all incredibly saddened' Police federation speaks after officer Alex Ayre dies

The Dorset Police Federation has issued an official statement following the death of 24-year-old officer PC Alex Ayre.

Rod Stewart tribute concert to raise funds for village hall

A special Rod Stewart tribute concert is set to raise funds for air conditioning at a village hall.

Bournemouth man, 65, to stand trial over alleged sexual communication with girl

A 65-year-old man accused of trying to engage in sexual communication with a child will stand trial.

EcoBoost scheme returns to help New Forest businesses go green

A £40,000 investment is powering a green push for business.

Fire breaks out at Poole flats

A large fire has broken out at a block of flats in Poole—said by witnesses to be the same residential location involved in an ongoing murder investigation.

Formula 1

Bahrain Grand Prix betting guide and latest odds

Our experts bring you all the important betting information you need before making your predictions as the rescheduled Bahrain Grand Prix heads to Sepang.

Where does Russell’s Baku win rank in the closest F1 finishes?

Which races have been won by an even tighter margin than George Russell's 0.196s victory over Max Verstappen in Azerbaijan?

The encouraging signs hidden within McLaren's Baku upgrade

Mark Hughes and Giorgio Piola analyse McLaren's major Baku upgrade package and explain why the team emerged encouraged despite an imperfect debut.

F1 Business Summit adds new Las Vegas speakers

The F1 Business Summit returns on 19 November at Caesars Palace, with Haas Team Principal Ayao Komatsu, Gordon Ramsay and Russell Wilson among the speakers.

Why Alonso has re-signed with Aston Martin

Fernando Alonso's love affair with Formula 1 will continue as the Spaniard has opted to stick around for at least another year with Aston Martin.

Aston Martin keep Alonso and Stroll for 2027

Fernando Alonso says 'racing is my life' as he and Lance Stroll extend their Aston Martin contracts, leaving four seats to fill on the 2027 grid.

BARRETTO: Why Ferrari have moved to shield Vasseur

Ferrari confirm they have faith in Team Principal Fred Vasseur after Christian Horner named the Scuderia his 'dream' destination.

Binotto wants Slater in an F1 seat in the near future

Audi CEO Mattia Binotto has made no secret of his plans for Freddie Slater, stating in Azerbaijan that he wants the youngster “into an F1 seat” in the near future.

How Hadjar cleverly handled his comeback to claim a podium in Baku

IndyCar race winner and F1 TV analyst James Hinchcliffe explains what was so impressive about Hadjar's racing return in Azerbaijan after three Grands Prix on the sidelines.

MS Dynamics

Work IQ: Business and workplace intelligence in the flow of work

Work IQ now grounds Microsoft Copilot and agents in your core business data from Microsoft Dynamics 365 and Microsoft Power Platform.

The post Work IQ: Business and workplace intelligence in the flow of work appeared first on Microsoft Dynamics 365 Blog.

Windows Central

Heroes of the Storm gets its first new hero in six years

Blizzard is adding Xal’atath to Heroes of the Storm, giving the MOBA its first new hero in almost six years alongside Twitch Drops and a major new update.

Modern Warfare 4 isn't going to waste your 2XP tokens in the lobby

It took entirely too long, but Activision has announced that starting in Modern Warfare 4, you won't burn through your 2XP tokens while you're sat in the lobby.

Microsoft Teams is losing its Copilot chat list shortcut next month

Microsoft Teams will remove the Copilot shortcut from its chat list next month to steer users toward the full-featured app bar.

Minecraft Dungeons 2 review round-up: Here's what critics are saying

Minecraft Dungeons 2 launches tomorrow, and reviews for the game have been released faster than a chicken jockey. Here's what the critics have to say about this anticipated sequel to Minecraft Dungeons and how it compares to its predecessor.

Copilot reviewers speak out on grading AI-generated explicit content

Contractors reviewing Microsoft Copilot prompts report being flooded with sexually explicit images and potentially illegal user requests.

The Copilot+ PC brand is dead: How to remap your Copilot key

Microsoft is stepping back from the Copilot+ PC name, leaving many with an unused key that you can easily remap.

Xbox doesn't even need GTA 6 for November — it has something even better

The unexpected virality of World of Warcraft: Forever couldn't have come at a better time for Xbox, given that it will go directly head-to-head with the PlayStation-oriented GTA 6 this November.

Dell's '14S' laptop is great for everyday work, and now at a smarter price

Best Buy is offering a 44% discount on the Dell 14S, a laptop that's designed to be a more affordable alternative to Dell's XPS series but with similar high-quality levels of performance, resolution, and battery life.

Xbox disc-to-digital adds SEGA games and automatic licenses

Xbox’s disc-to-digital feature is continuing to expand in testing, with SEGA games beginning to appear alongside new automatic digital entitlements and streamlined notifications.

Laffgaff

In astronomy, what is the official name of the North Star?

Polaris.

Smart Light Switch

I bought one of those "smart" light switches, but it was too clever for me. So I replaced it with a dimmer switch.

Itsfoss

openSUSE Leap is The Immutable Distro Now, Leap Micro is Out

Starting with Leap 16.1, the separate immutable flavor will cease to exist.

Firefox in a New Skin! Nova Redesign Has Become The Default

Six months after the mockups leaked, the Firefox 157 release is the one that got it done.