The News - Thursday, 31 October 2024

BBC News

This is not a Budget we want to repeat, Reeves tells BBC

The chancellor unveils £40bn in tax rises in her first Budget, with employers set to bear the brunt, but she says it should be a one-off.

Chris Mason: A change-making Budget and a moment of jeopardy

The government's fate will depend on whether it can make things better, says political editor Chris Mason.

Spain battles deadliest flood disaster in decades as death toll rises to 95

Spain is enduring its worst flooding disaster in decades, with at least 95 people dead and dozens more missing.

Watch: Helicopters and diggers used in rescues as flooding causes chaos in Spain

At least 95 people have died and more are missing after torrential rain caused devastating flash floods.

N Korea fires banned missile in longest flight yet

The test shows that Pyongyang is building weapons that "fire farther and higher", Seoul says.

Emma Barnett: As protest ban starts, I spent day at abortion clinic

As a ban on protesting within 150m of abortion clinics is introduced, the BBC speaks to anti-abortion activists.

Rail fares set to rise in England next year

Regulated rail fares in England are set to rise by 4.6%, while most rail cards will rise by £5.

Israel strikes historic Lebanese city of Baalbek after ordering evacuation

Tens of thousands flee as the Israeli military says it struck fuel depots belonging to Hezbollah.

Deadly Israeli strike targeted 'spotter' on Beit Lahia building's roof, official says

Tuesday's Israeli strike left 93 Palestinians dead or missing, local health officials said. The US described it as "horrifying".

Women raped in war-hit Sudan die by suicide, activists say

Several women raped by paramilitary fighters in Gezira state have taken their own lives, activists say.

Several injured in land train incident near holiday park

Emergency services were called to Tregoad Holiday Park, near Looe, on Wednesday evening.

Will mortgage rates fall? Your Budget questions answered

Chancellor Rachel Reeves has announced a raft of changes to taxes and spending in the Budget.

Where is the growth in Reeves' 'Budget for growth'?

Labour's first Budget in 14 years had a lot to say about growth, but forecasts paint a mixed picture.

'Like a tsunami': Spaniards recount horror of deadly floods

Flash floods sparked by torrential rainfall have killed 95 people around Valencia, while dozens are still missing.

Scientists say climate change made Spanish floods worse

Climate change had a role in making the storm that hit Spain more intense and deadly, say scientists

Explained: The weather conditions that brought the floods

Much of the country has been badly hit by heavy rain and hailstorms, triggering rapid flooding across multiple areas.

'Why I spent my university fees on Somali TikTok battles'

Somalis gamble big money during livestream events as ancient clan fights are waged on social media.

The Papers on the Budget: 'Spending power' and 'nightmare on Downing Street'

Reactions to the Budget, which saw large rises in both tax and public spending, lead the papers.

Repairing Scotland's historic 'Harry Potter' bridge

Engineers have been working day and night on the Glenfinnan Viaduct as part of a £3.4m restoration project.

Ros Atkins on... Harris's struggle to distance herself from Biden

The BBC's analysis editor looks at the political tightrope the vice-president has to walk to present a new vision.

Sex, love and immortality: Behind the obsession with vampires

Mark Gatiss, from BBC’s Dracula, and Rolin Jones, from Interview with the Vampire, on why vampires are so popular.

India celebrates Diwali, the festival of lights

A time for feasts, prayers and fireworks, Diwali is one of the most important festivals in India.

We've collected 6,000 bricks - now we need to find them a new home

Two Scots who own the biggest brick collection in the UK are looking for a museum to house all 6,000 of them.

Ohtani-mania sweeps LA as Dodgers battle for World Series title

Ohtani fandom has boosted tourism in Los Angeles and more Japanese-language tours of Dodgers Stadium

Deadliest weather made worse by climate change - scientists

Human-caused climate change made recent extreme weather events more intense and more likely, new analysis finds.

Anna Kendrick gives away fee from true crime hit

The director and actress says she would have felt "gross" profiting from Netflix's Woman of the Hour.

Pennsylvania officials reject viral claim about illegal voters

Pennsylvania officials reject claim that "illegal voters" were able to apply for mail-in ballots.

Medic assumed drug overdose, Russian spy poisoning inquiry hears

Paramedics found Sergei and Yulia Skrippal in an area known to be frequented by drug abusers.

Hollywood stars grow Wrexham empire with brewery

The football club's star co-owners grow their Wrexham by buying half of the Wrexham Lager brewery.

Trio charged over suspected international PPE fraud

The trio, including a husband and wife, are charged after a National Crime Agency investigation.

Officers watched body-worn footage for 'entertainment'

The footage was accessed largely “without legitimate purpose” at 20 police stations on 248 occasions.

Scotland to receive extra £3.4bn from UK Budget, says chancellor

Rachel Reeves has announced several measures that will directly affect Scotland.

'Racist abuse made my daughter want to leave Wales'

A woman who was racially abused at a bus stop in Caernarfon the experience was terrifying.

Workers are warned Budget tax rises will hit their wages

Economists say tax rises in the Budget will mean employers have less to give as pay rises.

NHS productivity must improve in return for extra money, Streeting says

Health secretary says he expects value for money for taxpayers after £25 billion cash injection.

Private schools vote for legal action over VAT plans

The Independent Schools Council, which represents 1,400 schools, votes to proceed with legal action.

Doctor 'gobsmacked' when spy's daughter woke up, inquiry hears

A doctor who cared for poisoned Yulia Skripal tells an inquiry about her arrival at hospital.

Seven killed in Israel in deadliest Hezbollah rocket strikes in months

They were killed in two areas, in the deadliest series of rocket attacks on Israel in months.

More than 400 people come forward over Al Fayed sexual abuse allegations

Lawyers representing alleged survivors of former Harrods owner Mohamed Al Fayed say they are in contact with 421 people.

Alleged spy says he 'sabotaged operation' to travel to Iran

The former British soldier accused of spying for Iran tells his trial that he deliberately avoided travelling to the country.

Voting ends in Conservative leadership contest

Tory members have been choosing between Kemi Badenoch and Robert Jenrick to replace Rishi Sunak.

Man arrested after £300,000 cheese theft

Fraudsters stole 22 tonnes of high-value cheddar worth more than £300,000 earlier in October.

Six ways the Budget will affect you if you're under 25

Among the policies announced by the chancellor, some will have a direct impact on younger people.

School leaders know fixing problems a marathon, not a sprint

But school leaders do not agree on how quickly the government should be pacing itself.

Warning tax rises could force care homes to close

Social care providers say the sector is in "unprecedented danger" without more funding.

Is there a £22bn ‘black hole’ in the UK’s public finances?

Economists say the state of public finances should not have come as a complete surprise to the new government.

Video clips show trail of destruction after Spanish floods

At least 158 people were killed following flash floods in southern Spain.

The questions being asked over the Southport attack

The complexities of how our prosecutions work can mean there are limits on what the public can know.

Janelle Monae, Pixie Lott and the other stars dressing up for Halloween

Janelle Monae went for a classic 1980s film look, while Pixie Lott dressed as an Aperol Spritz.

Lily Collins: I'd love an Emily in London spin-off

The Emily in Paris star spoke to the BBC after making her West End debut, in Bess Wohl’s Barcelona.

Emma Barnett: I spent day at abortion clinic ahead of protest ban

As a ban on protesting within 150m of abortion clinics is introduced, the BBC speaks to anti-abortion activists.

Ofcom fines GB News £100,000 over impartiality

The media watchdog says the broadcast channel allowed the then-prime minister to go unchallenged.

North Korea fires banned missile in longest flight yet

The test shows that Pyongyang is building weapons that "fire farther and higher", Seoul says.

Sara Sharif was innocent soul, murder accused said

Jurors at the Old Bailey are shown a series of messages between Sara's stepmother and her sisters.

Planned reform to child benefit scrapped

A planned move to a system where claims are based on household income, rather than an individual's, will not go ahead.

Russia fines Google more money than there is in entire world

The mind-boggling figure has been levied due to the company restricting Russian state media on YouTube.

How the US election could impact the Middle East

Harris or Trump? The BBC's Lucy Williamson in Jerusalem assesses who Israelis and Palestinians want to win.

Air pollution death settlement is not a win, says mum

Ella Adoo-Kissi-Debrah, who lived near London's South Circular Road, had a fatal asthma attack in 2013.

Doctor 'gobsmacked' when spy's daughter woke up

A doctor who cared for poisoned Yulia Skripal tells an inquiry about her arrival at hospital.

Unsafe to move patients from closing surgery, GPs say

More than 2000 patients will be dispersed among 13 practices in the Magherafelt area.

Labour budget sets the scene for 2026 Holyrood election

The devolved Scottish government will have had an extra £3.4bn to spend - including more money than SNP ministers anticipated for public building projects.

Man jailed for sexual assault on stranger in her home

Benjamin Guiver, who "brutally" sexually assaulted a woman in her own home, is jailed for 20 years.

Bournemouth Echo

Gas works to bring 34 weeks of disruption for motorists

Motorists are being braced for nearly 34 weeks of roadworks along a stretch of road in Ashley Heath.

Major plans for new Lidl could be rejected despite mass support

Purbeck's first ever Lidl could be rejected by councillors after planning officials expressed concern over green belt development.

Council leaders slam 'toxic chaotic and reckless' former administration

THREE Towns Alliance leaders have hit back at Conservative claims that “people are fed up” with the current BCP Council administration.

'I'm so proud': Independent store owner reports 300 per cent increase in sales

AN independent boutique has celebrated six successful months and a 300 per cent increase in sales.

Budget could have 'unintended consequences', Dorset business leaders warn

Dorset's business leaders seem unenthused by Labour’s autumn budget.

In The Dock: 41-year-old man sexually assaulted woman

The following cases were heard at Poole Magistrates' Court:

New Pandora to open in the town centre today

A NEW Pandora store is opening in Bournemouth town centre.

Seaside pub has plans to revamp outside seating area

A SEASIDE pub has plans to revamp its outside seating area.

Ghostly tales: These are some of the most haunted places in Dorset (supposedly)

Looking for things that go bump in the night or want to make contact with the other side?

Are you brave enough to drink in these Dorset pubs

You get spirits in every bar – but some have the spine-tingling kind!

'Challenging' 900 cases backlog for breach of planning rules

Dorset Council is dealing with 900 enforcement cases for breach of planning rules – four hundred of them more than two years old, 80 more than five years old.

Popular pub provides Christmas tree for town's festivities

A POPULAR pub in Christchurch has been named as an official sponsor in the town’s festivities.

Driver caught doing more than 100mph on bypass

A person has been caught exceeding  speeds of 100mph on a busy bypass

Alt-indie duo to bring UK tour to Bournemouth

AN ALT-indie duo from North London are set to perform in Bournemouth next month. Blue Violet will bring their UK tour Echobelly to Bournemouth’s Old Fire Station on Friday, November 29.

Truck fire closes busy Poole road

FIREFIGHTERS were called to tackle a truck fire in Poole.

Two children arrested for assault and robbery

Two children have been arrested after a boy was punched and kicked and robbed of his phone.

Dorset couple 'lucky to be alive' after almost being swept away in Spain floods

She and her husband Steve were travelling to their home in Elche, near Alicante when the couple were suddenly hit by ‘extremely heavy rain’.

PICTURES: The Halloween garden of horrors that will spook you

“Trick or treating with a difference”.

Firefighters extinguish large bin lorry fire in Swanage

DWFRS were alerted to reports of a large vehicle fire in Kings Road West at around 8am this morning.

Mysterious celebrity street signs appear in Dorset

Some residents may have spotted that some street signs have been changed to spell out the names of iconic celebrities.

Dog allegedly attacked by another dog while on morning walk

Now, the report is being sent to the dog warden for investigation.

Elderly woman arrested after car seen driving the wrong way on motorway

The car continued to drive on the wrong side of the road onto the A31 travelling through the New Forest, before leaving the dual carriageway.

Scissor Sisters announce Bournemouth date as part of huge arena tour

Pop outfit Scissor Sisters will bring their long-awaited reunion to Bournemouth.

Man who 'silently prayed' outside abortion clinic to fight conviction

A man who breached a public spaces protection order by praying for his unborn son outside an abortion clinic will appeal against his conviction.

Man attacked by unknown men at pub

A MAN was assaulted by two unknown men at a pub in Bournemouth.

Van seized for illegally dumping waste

A white Vauxhall Vivaro van was seized in Higher Shaftesbury Road, Blandford by Dorset Council's Environmental Enforcement Team.

Firefighters come to the rescue of dog in difficulty

The four legged friend was soon caught free and reunited with its owners.

6 pets from RSPCA Dorset who are looking for loving new homes

The RSPCA Ashley Heath Animal Centre in Ringwood, Dorset has many pets, such as cats and dogs, looking for new homes

Popular Christmas carols event to return for 18th year

Wimborne's popular Carols in the Cornmarket will return for its 18th year.

Popular TV show looking for people to take part from Dorset

A popular TV series is seeking people from Dorset to feature in the show.

How to get fake blood out of your clothes and carpets this Halloween - it's easy

This is how you can remove fake blood from your clothes and carpets as well as how to remove pumpkin stains, according to Better Homes & Gardens.

Formula 1

POWER RANKINGS: Which drivers made all the right moves in Mexico City?

Carlos Sainz delivered a masterclass in Mexico City by charging to a pole position and race victory double for Ferrari. But which other drivers impressed our judges across the weekend? Scroll down to check out the latest Power Rankings leaderboard.

Alonso to miss media day in Sao Paulo after receiving medical treatment

Aston Martin have confirmed that Fernando Alonso will miss his media day activities ahead of the Sao Paulo Grand Prix, with his arrival delayed after receiving further medical treatment for an intestinal infection that he had suffered with prior to racing in Mexico.

‘It’s not something I should have done’ – Lawson apologises for Perez clash in Mexico but adds ‘I’m not here to make friends’

Liam Lawson has admitted that there are things he “could have done better” at the Mexico City Grand Prix and will learn from going forward, following a clash with home hero Sergio Perez, but also stressed that “I’m here to win” rather than make friends.

Bottas admits he ‘can’t do more’ with Kick Sauber’s car to ‘showcase’ why he deserves a seat in 2025

Valtteri Bottas believes that he “did the job” last time out in Mexico in terms of proving to Kick Sauber why he deserves to retain his seat in 2025, with the Finn admitting that he “can’t do more” with the car to showcase his abilities.

LIVE COVERAGE: Follow all the build-up ahead of the Sao Paulo Grand Prix weekend

Live coverage of all the build-up ahead of the 2024 Sao Paulo Grand Prix weekend in Brazil.

EXCLUSIVE: Montoya on Verstappen vs Norris, more title race ‘fireworks’ and F1’s ‘million-dollar question’

Juan Pablo Montoya was one of Formula 1’s star drivers in the noughties, collecting seven race wins and 30 podium finishes across stints at Williams and McLaren. Now, he is a keen observer on his regular visits to the paddock, where he catches up with old friends and casts an eagle eye over the current crop of talent. At the Mexico City Grand Prix, F1.com spoke with the Colombian to quiz him on the sport’s current standout storylines…

What is the weather forecast for the 2024 Sao Paulo Grand Prix?

Formula 1 heads from Mexico City to Sao Paulo for the final stop of the penultimate triple header sequence of the 2024 season – and here’s the weather forecast for the weekend ahead.

NEED TO KNOW: The most important facts, stats and trivia ahead of the 2024 Sao Paulo Grand Prix

The F1 paddock heads to Brazil for the Sao Paulo Grand Prix as the final stop in a triple header sequence. Ahead of the event at the Autodromo Jose Carlos Pace, Need to Know is your all-in-one guide with stats, trivia, insight and much more. You can also see how fans have voted using our F1 Play predictor game.

BETTING GUIDE: Who are the favourites as F1 heads to Sao Paulo for another Sprint weekend?

As the final stop of a triple header sequence, the F1 paddock heads to Brazil for the Sao Paulo Grand Prix. The Autodromo Jose Carlos Pace has delivered many exciting moments over the years – and there is double the action in store this weekend as the Sprint returns for its penultimate appearance of the season. Can Ferrari continue their winning form, or will McLaren or Red Bull be able to break the Scuderia’s victory streak?

SAO PAULO GRAND PRIX – Read the all-new digital race programme here

Check out the digital race programme for this weekend's Formula 1 Lenovo Sao Paulo Grand Prix 2024 in Brazil.

Windows Central

Xbox FY25 Q1 gaming revenue is up 43% year-over-year, again thanks to Activision Blizzard — and Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 just set a franchise record

Microsoft gaming revenue is up with strong results mostly due to Activision Blizzard.

OpenAI will make you pay to search your ChatGPT history, but only for a while

ChatGPT now includes a search feature that lets you look through your chat history and continue any previous interaction with the AI-powered chatbot. The feature will be available to all users soon, but it is currently restricted to paid subscribers.

Intel could potentially be on Apple's acquisition portfolio amid financial struggles, emancipating itself from an overreliance on TSMC for chips — but Samsung could have better standing

A new report suggests Intel could be on Apple's acquisition alley to bolster its AI advances and free it from an overreliance on TSMC for chips.

Dragon Age: The Veilguard — How to upgrade weapons, armor, and gear

Here's how you can upgrade your gear in Dragon Age: The Veilguard in order to take on different threats.

Microsoft is making you pay to use Windows 10 securely after 2025. Here's how much it'll cost you

Microsoft has confirmed pricing for its extended support updates program for consumers looking to stay on Windows 10 beyond its end of support deadline next year.

Dragon Age: The Veilguard best class — Mage, Rogue, Warrior, Specializations, and which to choose

BioWare's new ARPG Dragon Age: The Veilguard has three classes to choose from, with each also sporting a trio of Specialization subclasses. Not sure which one of these is the best fit for you? This guide will help you make a decision.

Dragon Age: The Veilguard best faction — For every class, Rook backstories, and bonuses

You can pick from one of six factions when making your Dragon Age: The Veilguard character, but which one should you pick? Here's what we think.

NVIDIA's prediction of coding's death manifests at Google: "More than a quarter of all new code at Google is generated by AI, then reviewed and accepted by engineers"

Google generates more than a quarter of its new code using AI, then reviewed and accepted by engineers.

Can I play Dragon Age: The Veilguard on Steam Deck, ROG Ally, and other gaming handhelds? — Best settings to use

I played Dragon Age: The Veilguard on Steam Deck and ROG Ally and figured out the best settings for these PC gaming handhelds.

The best gaming chair just got better, apparently, somehow increasing durability, comfort, and support in one fell swoop

Secretlab has taken the wraps off the Titan EVO NanoGen Edition, which combines two brand-new materials to improve durability, comfort, and support.

Microsoft's Bing is "laser focused" on providing information about the US Election to help you make an informed decision

A new Bing experience will provide comprehensive election information leading up to and throughout election day. The search engine will also show you details on how to vote and election rules in your area.

Who needs Google Chrome when Microsoft Edge can copy the latest features?

Microsoft Edge will soon let you move the address bar to the bottom of the browser. Microsoft is also testing several improvements to its desktop and mobile browsers among Insiders.

'Monster Hunter Wilds' open beta test on Xbox and Steam PC: How to download early, beta launch times in your region, and more

Monster Hunter Wilds' beta test will soon go live on Xbox and PC platforms. If you wish to get in on this beta, here's what you need to know on how to access it.

Laffgaff

Peripheral Vision

I keep seeing printers, scanners and webcams out of the corner of my eye. It's my peripheral vision.

Itsfoss

FOSS Weekly #24.44: Fedora 41 Release, Russia in Linux Kernel, System Monitoring and More

Boo!