The News - Wednesday, 30 September 2026

BBC News

Move to rejoin EU among options for UK, says Burnham

The prime minister tells the BBC the current Brexit settlement has caused "more harm than good".

Chris Mason: Burnham delivers deeply political speech with a personal core

The key thing to understand about Andy Burnham's speech is these were the words and the delivery of both a new prime minister and a grieving son, the BBC's political editor writes.

Household energy bills forecast to see biggest rise in four years

A typical household faces an annual gas and electricity bill of £1,999 from January, based on a key forecast.

One of the five men arrested near RAF Fairford called 999 himself

He made the call almost an hour before a farmer also called police after seeing men in balaclavas.

How did the RAF Fairford incident go from 'suspected bomb plot' to police bail?

Detectives are entering a vital stage of the investigation, with a number of options still open, the BBC's Daniel Sandford writes.

'Mum sent them £140,000': How to spot the signs a loved one is being scammed

Helen discovered her mum was in the grip of a romance scam - here's how she found out and broke her free.

Village team triumphs in FA Cup row replay

The controversial replay follows the FA ruling a referee had made a mistake in the initial match.

Chinese AI tool told researchers how to make bioweapons

Mindgard said it discovered in July that Kimi models K2.6 and K3 Swarm could evade developer's safety limits.

Ukraine's prized steel industry left in ruins by Russian missile campaign

Ukraine's remaining steelworks, a vital part of its economy, have all but ground to a halt because of relentless attacks.

Huel ad banned for suggesting its products could replace all conventional food

The advertising watchdog said that viewers could assume from the ad that replacing all normal food with Huel was "nutritionally appropriate".

Antisemitism on the rise at universities, charity warns

The Community Security Trust says reported incidents are "substantially higher" than before the war in Gaza began.

Could changing the pension triple lock pay for Burnham's big social care plan?

Burnham said he wants to change the pensions triple lock from 2030 to pay for his social care reform, but analysts have questioned whether it will raise enough money.

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.

'I like proving people wrong': The women taking up DIY and plumbing

Female DIY experts and tradeswomen talk about their experiences of a traditionally male-dominated domain.

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.

Hidden habits that make your social anxiety worse - and how to break them

Social anxiety is more common than many think. Here's what you need to know about the condition.

The Papers: 'Burnham's triple shock' and 'City face expulsion'

Every front page on Wednesday is dominated by Prime Minister Andy Burnham's speech at the Labour Party conference.

How AI is creating a UK super-museum and revealing our planet's history

More than 70 million specimens from 100 UK collections will be put into an online digital museum

'Backpack' declared Alaska's Fat Bear Week winner

"Backpack" defeated a bear known only as "910" in the final round of the annual competition.

Student: Uni strikes 'not what we signed up for'

The University of Nottingham said it was "disappointed" by the timing of industrial action.

Venezuelan man shot by ICE in Texas is charged with assault

Wilber Rafael Garces-Perez is accused of striking an agent with his car's side-view mirror while driving away.

Three teenagers die after car enters River Wear

The bodies of two teenage boys and a teenage girl have been recovered from the water, police say.

Six Flags shuts down X2 rollercoaster after more than 100 allege brain injuries

Hundreds of riders were allegedly injured on X2, which has seats that spin 360 degrees.

US Supreme Court denies Christa Pike's last-ditch bid to halt execution

The Tennessee inmate has been awaiting execution since she was sentenced to death in 1996 for the murder of a teenage classmate.

'We've just taken control': Passengers describe what happened on flight

Passengers on the Flydubai flight bound for Israel filmed the moments following the stabbing.

UK believes Iran involved in RAF Fairford incident, PM says

The prime minister's comments come days after the suspects were released on the 'strictest possible bail conditions'.

China funding UK research and sending it to Beijing's spies, MI5 warns

British universities are being urged to sever ties with China General Technology Research Institute which is linked to the Chinese Ministry of State Security (MSS).

Execution of US murderer Christa Pike halted shortly before it was due to happen

Pike was convicted and sentenced to death in 1996 for the murder of Colleen Slemmer.

Teens who died in car that entered river named

Jackson Duke, Luke Etheridge and Zara Shaw died when the car they were in ended up in the Wear.

We fear for our lives after being told our abusive exes will be freed from jail early

Three victims of domestic abuse tell the BBC why they feel let down by the early prisoner release scheme.

Sussexes condemn 'reckless intrusion' after photographer spotted near Archie and Lilibet's school

One of two men seen outside the UK school attended by the children is understood to be an international press photographer.

Oasis take legal action to stop sale of unheard tapes

The auction house said it was "very disappointed" the lot could no longer be sold.

Greggs to shut four factories and cut 740 jobs

The company says it needs to "keep evolving alongside changing customer expectations".

Singer Lola Young says vaping has made breathing feel like a 'chore'

The Messy singer says her lungs feel "battery powered" due to the effects of vaping.

What we know about stabbing on Flydubai flight to Israel

The captain and first officer were injured, and one pilot has been arrested, officials say.

Timeline of RAF Fairford incident and the investigation so far

From a late-night call about suspicious vehicles, to five men being arrested and then bailed - here is how the incident has unfolded.

Hidden habits that make your social anxiety worse and how to break them

Social anxiety is more common than many think. Here's what you need to know about the condition.

'Mum sent them £140,000': How to spot the signs a loved one is being scammed

Helen discovered her mum was in the grip of a romance scam - here's how she found out and broke her free.

Residents fear new rules could mean dangerous cladding is left on blocks of flats

The government says it hopes the changes will speed up the process of removing cladding.

Endometriosis trial gives hope to millions of women in pain like me

A £2.3m study will look at whether a personalised pain management plan can improve the quality of life of women who have the debilitating condition.

Met hands Grenfell fire investigation file to CPS

The force is seeking charges against 54 individuals and 20 companies over the 2017 tower block fire that killed 72 people.

Burnham 'really concerned' if Man City owners sell up after rule breaches

The prime minister compares the allegations against Man City to the plight of his own club Everton.

Meet 'Backpack', the chunky bear who won Fat Bear Week

The brown bear, described by one supporter as having both the "chonk and the badonk", will shortly enter hibernation, which can last up to six months.

Grooming gangs inquiry expanded to Birmingham and Wales

Targeted investigations will be carried out as part of a national inquiry into child sexual abuse.

Last UK and US troops leave Iraq as anti-Islamic State mission ends

The withdrawal of coalition forces, under a deal agreed two years ago, was a key demand of the Iraqi government.

WhatsApp introduces optional parental controls for teenagers

The social messaging app will let parents decide on privacy settings for their child's account.

Burnham 'really concerned' if Man City owners sell up after rule breaches

The prime minister compares the allegations against Manchester City to the plight of his own club Everton.

Bournemouth Echo

Vikki Slade reselected as Mid Dorset and North Poole Liberal Democrat candidate

Vikki Slade MP has been resoundingly reselected for the Liberal Democrats in Mid Dorset and North Poole at the next general election.

Community pub in Bournemouth temporarily closes to undergo £300k refurbishment

The Kings Arms in Bournemouth temporarily closed on September 28, and reopen on October 21, as a Grandstand sports pub.

Synth-pop legends to perform at Bournemouth venue next year as part of new tour

Erasure, made up of Andy Bell and Vince Clarke, will perform at the Bournemouth International Centre (BIC) on April 26, 2027, as part of Radio!! Radio!! tour.

Bournemouth dog trainer receives recognition at regional awards night

Bournemouth-based Kirsty Everard received the Dog Trainer of the Year award at the South West Regional Animal Star Awards, held on Saturday, September 26.

Wimborne Pride to host its autumn party at Museum of East Dorset this weekend

Wimborne Pride is set to host its autumn party at the Museum of East Dorset Team Room and Gardens on Sunday, October 4.

£500 charitable donation helps bring people together with new pizza oven

Access Dorset, a community organisation, purchased the new pizza oven and coffee machine with a £500 donation from the Barchester Charitable Foundation.

Dorset celebrant to take on wing walk for 70th birthday this weekend for charity

Swanage celebrant Lyn Fegan will take to the skies on October 2 to mark her 70th birthday while raising funds for The Brain Tumour Charity

Community event in support of breast cancer charity to be held in Ringwood

Glow for Good will take place at Greyfriars Community Centre in Ringwood on Sunday, October 18, from 10.30am to 3.30pm.

Dorset's adult social care provider saving taxpayers more than £1 million a year

Care Dorset has saved more than £4.1 million since launch in October 2022, and is delivering the savings for taxpayers while maintaining high standards of care.

Poole school celebrates its support staff on National Teaching Assistants' Day

Longspee Primary Academy in Poole marked National Teaching Assistants' Day on September 25 with an event organised by assistant vice principal Joe Wathan

Dorset care provider's community fund donates £1,000 to Canford Cliffs church

Care South, a residential and care-at-home provider, donated £1,000 through its Community Fund to The Church of the Transfiguration in Canford Cliffs.

Wimborne-based firm stops charging families to report a death from October 1

Wimborne-based Legacy Trail has removed fees for notifying companies of a death and will also identify utility and telecom accounts at no cost.

Bournemouth charity appoints new chief executive in major leadership transition

Bournemouth Blind Society has appointed Gemma McKnight as CEO, following the retirement of Philip Tarrant and the departure of chair Madeleine Avis.

Dorset primary school praised for its 'ambitious education' in Ofsted report

St George’s CE Primary School and Pre-School in Langton Matravers received the expected standard in all areas under the new Ofsted framework.

Poole-based firm visits Bournemouth school for National Manufacturing Day

Yunex Traffic visited Bournemouth School for Girls as part of National Manufacturing Day 2026, giving students the chance to engage with professionals

Bournemouth home show featured a £5,500 scrap-metal alien

The Bournemouth International Centre hosted a major home exhibition in late summer 2004, with thousands of visitors.

'Enough is enough': Community group 'relieved' after Carr's hotel application refused

A group that has opposed a developer's plans surrounding a Sandbanks hotel have said that they are 'delighted' that the most recent application was refused.

Woman turns weight loss journey into successful business after being made redundant

A woman has turned her weight loss journey into a healthy eating meal prep business after being made redundant and ‘starting again’ in her 30s.

Manufacturer behind Abbey Road Studios’ seating joins Made in Britain

A seating manufacturer has joined the Made in Britain campaign to support its customers’ growing focus on supply chain transparency.

Dorset PC's tragic death sparks calls to reform police misconduct investigations

The death of Dorset police constable Alex Ayre has reignited concerns over the impact of misconduct investigations on officers' mental health, prompting calls for urgent reform.

‘It’s okay to talk’: Women's team champion men’s mental health with partnership

A women's football team is helping raise awareness of men’s mental health with a new partnership.

Swanage Carnival raises £41,100 for 23 charities and good causes

Swanage Carnival raises £41,100 for 23 charities and good causes across Purbeck and Dorset after a week-long celebration, with donations handed over September 25.

Olly Murs announced as headliner for festival' s landmark anniversary celebrations

Olly Murs will headline the 20th anniversary of SandPolo in 2027.

Family issues update after toddler's horrific E.Coli battle

Latest update on 3-year-old Ivy Foster as family faces 2 months of hospital admissions after drug-resistant E. coli infection

Wheelchair user stabbed at Bournemouth shopping centre

Wheelchair user Richard Crump is in hospital after suffering a suspected knife wound at Castlepoint shopping centre in Bournemouth. Dorset Police investigate.

Bournemouth backed as potential new home for National Motor Museum

Bournemouth has been backed as a potential new home of the National Motor Museum under a proposal agreed by the town council.

Shock as Brittany ferries discontinues service from Poole earlier than expected

On September 30, Brittany Ferries announced that it would be discontinuing its direct Poole-Cherbourg service three weeks earlier than planned.

Now it's £32 MILLION! BCP Council overspend rises by £5m in just two months

BCP Council's projected overspend for this financial year has grown by an additional £5 million in the last two months, bringing the total to £32 million.

25-year-old man missing since Friday now located by police

A 25-year-old man who was last seen on Friday afternoon has been reported missing in Bournemouth.

Woman spat on through car window during road incident

A woman was spat on through her car window by a man during a road incident in Shaftesbury.

How the cookie crumbled for Bournemouth's Danni on Great British Bake Off

Great British Bake Off: Bournemouth's Danni leaves Channel 4's series 17 in Week 2 with iced gems technical challenge being their favourite.

BCP Council losing £100k a year due to residents placing rubbish in wrong bins

BCP Council is losing up to £100k a year from items placed in the wrong rubbish bin, prompting a campaign to get residents recycling more.

Reform-led Bournemouth Town Council ‘cannot rule out increase in council tax’

Reform-led Bournemouth Town Council has yet to rule out if it will freeze its portion of council tax next year with councillors referring the matter to a committee for further consideration.

Parking to be suspended on two Bournemouth roads for nearly a month

Parking will be suspended on two roads in Bournemouth for nearly a month to allow for gas works to be carried out.

Floating vegetation prompts Environment Agency response in Poole Harbour

Floating vegetation has been spotted in Poole Harbour, prompting a response from the Environment Agency.

Vessel found taking on water after striking rocks at sea

A damaged vessel had to be escorted to safety after striking rocks at sea.

Man, 41, arrested after fight leaves him with head injury

A man has been arrested after a fight in Poole left him with a head injury.

Man jailed for three years after breaking partner’s nose in drug-fuelled attack

A violent domestic abuser who punched a vulnerable woman in the face and broke her nose after accusing her of sleeping with his son has been jailed for three years.

The Candid Divorce Lawyer column: How do we tell our children we are separating?

How do we tell our children we are separating?

Family released on bail after prosecution offers no evidence in bomb case

Three members of a Christchurch family accused in a weapons and explosives case have been released on unconditional bail and are back home.

Police dogs track down fleeing driver in woodland after chase

Police dogs tracked down a suspected high-risk road user after he fled into woodland following a chase.

Woman 'terrified' after man enters locked hotel room while she was asleep

A woman said she woke up "terrified" after someone entered her hotel room while she was sleeping.

Council reports vandalism after twenty-three ditches dug at Upton Library

Twenty-three ditches were dug by bikes and e-bikes at Upton Library, damaging flowerbeds and creating trip hazards, the council said.

Concerns raised as more than 100 pay-and-display machines removed in BCP area

A parking trial that saw 149 pay-and-display machines taken out of service across the BCP area is facing questions over how it was communicated to residents after a series of Freedom of Information requests revealed inconsistent council responses.

Review: Moulin Rouge! The Musical, Mayflower Theatre

Moulin Rouge! The Musical dazzles at Southampton’s Mayflower Theatre, bringing Baz Luhrmann’s romance to life in a spectacular stage show until October 24.

Greggs plans to close four factories with 740 jobs at risk in major shake-up

Greggs plans to close four manufacturing sites with around 740 jobs expected to be lost as part of a £60m overhaul of its food production operations.

Thousands more disabled people can now get a railcard - check if you're eligible

From today (September 30), thousands more disabled people can benefit from discounts using a railcard.

M&S announces major change coming to 100 stores across the UK next spring

M&S has announced a partnership with a huge beauty brand that will be launching in 100 stores around the UK next spring.

Thousands of ghost number plates detected on UK roads as drivers evade cameras

Thousands of drivers are hiding behind illegal ghost plates, a BBC Panorama investigation has found.

UK drivers face £1,000 fines if they don't alert DVLA of this one change

The rule applies to your driving licence, vehicle log book, vehicle tax, and private number plate documents.

'Coupon king' reveals hack to get Nando's burger for £3 less

A money-saving tip has sparked debate online after claiming to shave more than £3 off the price of a Nando’s chicken burger.

Tesco apologises as supermarket shoppers offered full refund after safety recall

Tesco shoppers have been told to stop using a product after safety concerns sparked a recall across UK supermarkets.

The rare Royal Mint 2p coin worth £1,000 that is 'rising in value'

The coins date back to 1983 and are rising in value due to a rare mistake in the wording on the coins.

Sainsbury's and Argos issue recall warnings to UK shoppers over 'chemical risk'

These products were available from selected Sainsbury’s stores, the Tu website, and the Argos website.

New Government railway station pledge aiming to improve passenger safety

A Government-proposed change to railway stations is aiming to improve passenger safety. The plans would see the gap between trains and platforms reduced.

James Todd & Co comments on the 850,000+ businesses subject to MTD 

Chartered accountants and business advisors, James Todd & Co, examine impacts of MTD for income tax on organisations without professional support

Formula 1

What time is the 2026 Bahrain GP and how can I watch it?

Here are all the timings – along with all the additional information you need – for the 16th Grand Prix weekend of the 2026 season, the Bahrain Grand Prix at the Sepang International Circuit in Malaysia.

Why a return to Sepang is a 'golden ticket' for F1 drivers

F1 is set to return to Malaysia's Sepang International Circuit for the first time in nine years, with the track stepping in to host the Bahrain Grand Prix.

5 storylines we're excited about ahead of the Bahrain GP

Chris Medland runs through the biggest talking points as F1 heads to Malaysia for Round 16 of the 2026 season.

The 5 drivers most likely to win the Bahrain GP

We look at the betting market to predict the five most likely drivers to win the rearranged race taking place in Malaysia.

Our early Bet Builder picks for the Bahrain Grand Prix

We have picked a four-leg early Bet Builder, including podium, top six and points selections.

Top 10 most memorable F1 moments at Sepang

Formula 1 returns to the Sepang Circuit this weekend, almost 10 years after the Malaysian track last played host to a Grand Prix.

Match the grid for your chance to win the ultimate F1 experience

Get race ready for your chance to win the ultimate F1 experience. Think you've got the speed, focus and memory to take on the grid?

Why there’s still hope for Russell in the 2026 title race

George Russell cut Kimi Antonelli’s championship lead from 81 points to 66 at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, bringing him back into the title race conversation after he had ruled himself out of it. Can the Briton build on that swing at the Bahrain Grand Prix and beyond, and become a genuine contender once more? F1.com runs through the factors working in his favour…

TREMAYNE: Why I hope Ocon’s F1 story isn’t over yet

"I always had the impression that, were he to have found himself in a wholly competitive car on a regular basis, he would have flourished into a consistent front-runner."

Facts, stats and trivia ahead of the 2026 Bahrain GP

As F1 heads to Sepang for the Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia, Need to Know is your all-in-one guide with statistics, driving pointers, strategy tips and more.

All you need to know about the Sepang International Circuit

Get up to speed with all the key Sepang International Circuit statistics, driving pointers, facts and more.

Hadjar explains what makes Verstappen such a tough driver

Isack Hadjar's sophomore season in Formula 1 has been something of a rollercoaster having been brought into Red Bull alongside Max Verstappen, occupying a spot which many have failed to keep over the years.

What is the weather forecast for the Bahrain Grand Prix?

The weather forecast is in ahead of the Bahrain Grand Prix, which will be held at Malaysia's Sepang International Circuit.

What tyres will the teams have for the Bahrain Grand Prix?

Pirelli have confirmed the tyre compounds that will be in use for the Bahrain Grand Prix weekend in Malaysia.

Windows Central

Xbox’s Mythic Achievements launch for Insiders, adding ultra‑rare goals and better stats

Microsoft has announced that it is rolling out the long-requested Xbox Mythic Achievements today for Xbox Insider users on consoles and PC. Here's an explanation of how Mythic Achievements will work and how to keep track of them.

Windows 11 version 26H2 is now generally available

The next version of Windows 11 is now generally available. Here's what's now and how you can get it.

Goat Simulator 3's new expansion takes on GTA 6 launch date

Goat Simulator 3 dares to challenge GTA 6 with its new theme park DLC, Ticket to Dizzyworld, launching November 19.

REVIEW: FlexiSpot's basic 'C3' chair is somehow the best I've ever used

Sometimes basic is better, and no chair I've reviewed exemplifies this like FlexiSpot's C3 ergonomic office chair, which is big on comfort and value.

Dark clouds appear over 'Xbox Cloud Gaming' as it retires apps on some TVs

Microsoft just emailed users of older Samsung TVs that the Xbox Cloud Gaming app is going to be killed off soon, but didn't really explain why.

Hands-on: Panasonic’s TOUGHBOOKs are becoming the AI nerve center for frontline operations

In hands‑on testing, Panasonic’s latest TOUGHBOOKs show a clear shift toward AI‑driven field operations, offering upgraded durability, smarter modularity, and the computing muscle needed to support police, military, and emergency teams in real‑world missions.

Windows 11 version 27H2: Everything we know so far

With Windows 11 version 26H1 and 26H2 built on different Windows codebases, Microsoft is planning to bring everyone back onto the same platform release with version 27H2 in 2027.

Is Henry Cavill really ditching his gaming PC for a Googlebook?

Google wants you to think PC builder Henry Cavill loves Googlebooks. The actor will even make a video game using a Googlebook as part of a partnership.

Shure’s latest MV6 Gen 2 microphone blends broadcast‑level sound with gamer‑friendly design

Review: The Shure MV6 Gen 2 is a sleek, creator‑focused USB gaming mic that delivers warm, broadcast‑quality vocals with minimal setup, pairing Shure’s pro‑audio pedigree with gamer‑friendly controls and software to offer studio‑level clarity without the complexity of an XLR rig.

The next version of Windows drops support the Snapdragon 850

Windows 11 version 26H2 is the last officially supported version of Windows for the Snapdragon 850 SoC.

Xbox's 'Disc-to-Digital' feature is now available for all: Here's how it works

After a month of testing by Xbox Insiders, Microsoft has released its much-anticipated Xbox Disc-to-Digital feature for all players to use on Xbox Series X|S, allowing them to claim digital licenses for games and even play delisted games on modern consoles.

Microsoft adds native Linux container support directly to Windows 11

Setting up Linux environments on Windows 11 often requires third-party tools, but native WSL container streamlines the process.

Laffgaff

In which Shakespeare play do Rosencrantz and Guildenstern appear?

Hamlet.

Locked In

I accidentally got locked in the hall of mirrors. It gave me time to reflect.

Itsfoss

The Netherlands Picked NixOS. France Was Already Using It

France’s digital agency has been using NixOS on internal workstations for months through Sécurix, its open-source, security-hardened configuration.

Local AI Weekly #4: The Fine Print of Running AI Locally

There is a local desktop AI assistant for KDE Plasma.

Microsoft Has Made WSL Containers Available to Everyone

Previously in public preview, it now offers new commands, Consommé networking, and Intune registry controls.