BBC News
Threat assessment of China led to spy case collapse, says CPS
The dropping of charges against two men last month prompted criticism from some ministers and MPs.
High security a fact of life for UK Jewish community living in fear of attack
Leaders in the UK's tight-knit Jewish population are asking what more can be done to keep their institutions safe.
UK won't relax visa rules for India, Starmer says
The PM says there are no plans to open up more visa routes ahead of a visit to India to tout a trade deal.
Dog attacks are still rising - even after the XL bully ban
With close to 32,000 dog attacks recorded in England and Wales last year, is there a better solution?
How Stacey Solomon decluttered our homes back from the brink
Three families share the realisations that enabled them to declutter and transform their homes and lives.
Two arrested over cyber-attack on nursery chain
Hackers were said to have stolen the photographs, names and addresses of about 8,000 children.
Badenoch to set out new rule to cut borrowing and taxes
In a conference speech, the Tory leader will say the Conservatives are the only party "with a plan to get our economy back on track".
UK deaths of 1,611 homeless people in 2024 is record high
Most are linked to suicide or drugs, with spice and nitazines increasingly deadly.
US special envoy and Trump's son-in-law to join Gaza peace talks in Egypt
The arrival of Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner comes as a second day of talks ended without tangible results, a Palestinian official tells the BBC.
Ban the sale of catapults to under 18s, campaigners tell BBC
Campaigners call for tighter rules on possession of catapults.
Thousands join biggest-ever UK environmental lawsuit over river pollution
Livestock and water companies are accused of “extensive” pollution in the Wye, Lugg and Usk rivers.
Dazzling supermoon illuminates skylines around the world
From Paris to Taipei, this week's supermoon, also known as the Harvest and Hunter's moons, was captured in photos.
The Papers: 'China given a free pass' and 'Kemi: trust me'
Accusations that a China spying case collapsed because the government refused to declare Beijing a "threat" lead Wednesday papers.
Romesh Ranganathan on overexposure and feeling 'intimidated' by Sheridan Smith
The comic says he understands why people feel they see a lot of him, but jokes: "I do say no to stuff."
'I sleep with a gas mask on' - Life next to Portland protest angering Trump
As Trump threatens military action, residents in Portland tell the BBC about life amid the protests.
Time may be running out for Master of clocks Macron. What next for France?
After eight years in office, Emmanuel Macron's position as president is coming under increasing pressure as France's political crisis escalates.
Five takeaways from US Attorney General Pam Bondi's tense, partisan Senate hearing
Nerves were raw in a hearing that covered much ground, and saw Trump's attorney general go on the attack.
What we know about the hostages still in Gaza
Two years after the 7 October attacks, dozens of hostages remain in Hamas captivity. BBC Verify has been examining what we know about them.
Charlie Mackesy reveals much of his new book was lost when iPad was stolen
The writer of The Boy, The Mole, The Fox and the Horse says his iPad full of ideas was taken from his car.
Chad cuts ties with wildlife charity linked to Prince Harry
The government says the charity African Parks displayed an arrogant and disrespectful attitude.
EU steel tariff hike threatens 'biggest ever crisis' for UK industry
The EU is the destination for 78% of steel products made in the UK for overseas markets.
Dolly Parton's sister asks fans to pray for country singer
The message comes a week after the 79-year-old musician postponed gigs due to health issues.
Scientist's off-grid hike interrupted by news of Nobel Prize win
Dr Fred Ramsdell was "living his best life" offline when the Nobel committee tried to contact him.
Robin Williams' daughter pleads for people to stop sending AI videos of her dad
The filmmaker said it is not what her dad, who died in 2014, would have wanted.
Gold surges past $4,000 an ounce as uncertainty fuels rally
Analysts point to delays in the reporting of economic data due to the US government shutdown as one reason for the rise.
Conservatives would scrap stamp duty on main homes, Badenoch says
The Tory leader says the move would help millions buy a home, in her annual conference speech.
Chris Mason: Badenoch hopes to grab attention with policy blitz
The Tory leader's conference speech included a new pledge to scrap stamp duty on the purchase of main homes.
Synagogue attacker pledged allegiance to 'Islamic State' in 999 call
Police confirm the attacker made the call after he crashed his car into a brick wall.
Inside one battle-scarred Gaza building, displaced families tell the story of the war
The Skeik building, in a quiet road in western Gaza City, has seen many families pass through it since the war began.
What you need to know ahead of Celebrity Traitors
Alan Carr, Charlotte Church and Niko Omilanaare among the stars who will be sitting at the round table.
Stephen Lawrence killer not safe to be released from prison, court hears
A prison psychologist tells David Norris's parole hearing he should be moved to a lower security, closed prison.
Chemistry Nobel goes to work on new materials that could help planet
The winners of the prestigious science prize were announced by the Nobel committee in Sweden.
McCanns tell jury alleged stalkers caused 'distress'
Kate and Gerry McCann give evidence at Leicester Crown Court from behind a privacy screen.
ChatGPT image snares suspect in deadly Los Angeles fire
Investigators say evidence collected from the 29-year-old's devices showed an AI image of a burning city.
It was a normal Saturday night in my pub - then Justin Bieber waltzed in
The Canadian singer filmed an impromptu music video on a surprise visit to a Dundee pub at the weekend.
Dog attacks are still rising - even after the XL bully ban
With close to 32,000 dog attacks recorded in England and Wales last year, is there a better solution?
How Stacey Solomon decluttered our homes back from the brink
Three families share the realisations that enabled them to declutter and transform their homes and lives.
TikTok or bust? Tories try to work out how to win younger voters
MPs and activists recognise the party faces a crisis unless it can win the support of younger people.
High security a fact of life for UK Jewish community living in fear of attack
Leaders in the UK's tight-knit Jewish population are asking what more can be done to keep their institutions safe.
Social media content restricted in Afghanistan, Taliban sources confirm
It comes just over a week after a two-day total internet shutdown across the country ended.
Lenny Henry calls for reparations for black British people
The comedian's new book supports the case for the UK to give £18 trillion in compensatory payments.
Remote Welsh island with population of three people searching for new tenant family
Island trust seeks adventurous family or couple to join three other permanent residents on Ynys Enlli.
Government could crack down on pro-Palestinian protest chants, PM says
The government needs to "go further" in its review into protest laws, Sir Keir Starmer says.
Big Brother contestant removed over 'unacceptable language'
George Gilbert, 23, had already been given warnings by Big Brother earlier in the series.
Bournemouth Echo
How a new railway line transformed this town's fortunes - then left it crippled
Before the roar of the steam engine arrived, the movement of goods and people was a slow, expensive ordeal, relying either on badly constructed roads
In The Dock: Man stole almost £50 of nail clippers
The following cases were heard at Poole Magistrates' Court:
'It's a dream come true': Viral business to open bookstore this weekend
The Mysterious Bookcase, a viral book business, is set to open its first store in Westbourne this weekend.
Christmas is cancelled - DPD drivers protest against wage cut 'heartache'
DOZENS of DPD drivers from across county gathered to protest in response to changes to the payments they receive for delivering parcels.
Major UK retailer announces closure of Hampshire store
A DEPARTMENT chain store has launched a 50 per cent off closing down sale as after announcing closure.
Plans to demolish part of a hotel in Highcliffe thrown out by council
Plans to demolish part of a hotel in Highcliffe have been refused by BCP Council.
New Forest twins grow world record breaking pumpkin
A pair of twins from Lymington "squashed" the competition after breaking the record for the world's largest pumpkin.
Bournemouth entrepreneur secures £200k investment on Dragons Den
A BOURNEMOUTH entrepreneur has secured a £200,000 investment on the BBC TV programme Dragons’ Den after pitching a product to banish smell of stink shoes.
Delays expected after A31 partially blocked following accident
The A31 Ringwood Road is partially blocked in both directions following an accident at Boundary Lane, on the roundabout.
Restaurant calls for support to help save public seating
The Beach House in Mudeford is asking for the public's help to help save the seating out the front of the site.
Patient taken to hospital after air ambulance attends incident
A patient was conveyed to hospital after air ambulance attended an incident in Swanage.
4,000 sign petition calling for parish and town councils bid to be stopped
A petition with nearly 4000 signatures is set to be heard at a full council meeting.
Dorset road named one of the 'weirdest' in UK
Marshall Motor Group, a UK motor retailer, has analysed UK drivers’ experiences shared across Reddit and driving forums to find Britain's weird and wonderful roads that baffle motorists.
Nursery 'naturally disappointed' after Ofsted finds it 'requires improvement'
A NURSERY has said it has "responded swiftly" to inspection feedback after it was told it "requires improvement".
Town council's estimated to cost nearly a million pounds: MP launches petition
A petition signed by more than 850 people has been launched in opposition to BCP Council’s plans to create new town councils, including one for Bournemouth.
Conservative pledge to end Stamp Duty welcomed by industry experts
Property insiders have welcomed Kemi Badenoch promise to abolish stamp duty if the Conservatives win the next election, as she closed the party conference.
Call 999 if you've seen this missing man - concerns for welfare growing
Dorset Police received a report at around 11.20am on Wednesday, October 8 2025 raising concern for the welfare of 47-year-old James.
Pub owners accused of going 'woke' after changing historic name
THE owners of an historic pub called The Silent Woman have been accused of going 'woke' after changing its century-old name which was inspired by Thomas Hardy.
'Serious conversations' needed after pony found decapitated
A HORSE found decapitated, with its head discovered 100 metres up the road, has prompted campaigners to call for “serious conversations.”
HMRC makes Child Benefit payment change for thousands of parents
HMRC changes to Child Benefit mean that parents who earn over £60,000 year can now have their high-income child benefit charge paid through PAYE.
Huge spider thought to be extinct appearing in UK homes, RSPB confirms
The Fen Raft Spider is the UK's largest spider and is reportedly making a huge comeback, the RSPB confirmed.
Drivers told to report shoppers at Asda, Tesco, Lidl and more over car park rule
Drivers are being urged to report fellow motorists who may break car park rules at Tesco, Asda, Sainsbury’s and other major UK supermarkets.
Rare Royal Mint 50p coin sells for almost 500 times face value - how to spot
The coin is one of 210,000 issued by the Royal Mint in 2009 to mark the 250th anniversary of Kew Gardens
REVIEW: Blood Brothers, Lighthouse, Poole
The ‘sold-out’ signs were up long before this top notch West End musical opened at Lighthouse on Tuesday.
Man exposed himself in broad daylight in the town centre
A MAN exposed himself in broad daylight in the town centre.
US bank firm to invest up to £350million in Bournemouth 'campus and community'
A UNITED STATES bank firm is set to invest up to £350 million in modernising and expanding its Bournemouth campus.
Puppy treasure trail across town to raise money for charity
Join the Wimborne Puppy Treasure Trail on 25 October! Hunt for toy guide dog puppies, win prizes, and support Guide Dogs.
Care home resident goes swimming for first time in 30 years
This scheme encourages residents to share past hobbies and passions they can no longer pursue without assistance.
Majority support mandatory eye tests for drivers over 70
The Startline Used Car Tracker is a monthly survey that questioned 300 consumers and 61 dealers this time.
Bournemouth group to hear talk from regional co-ordinator
Bournemouth William Temple Association hosts MAF talk on humanitarian aviation by Tim Cosby, Marsham Court Hotel, 3 Nov. Next event: Bishop of Salisbury.
Dog fights for his life after contracting rare disease
Zulu, a black Labrador from near Salisbury, survived a rare, severe tetanus case treated at SCVS Ringwood—and has now fathered puppies.
Signed Ed Sheeran vinyl to be auctioned to raise charity funds
Charity auction to feature signed Ed Sheeran vinyl, signed AFC Bournemouth shirt. Event supports Waggy Tails Rescue and Plants & Minds.
Optician hosts charity coffee morning to introduce new team
Scrivens Opticians in Blandford Forum hosted a charity coffee morning with Mayor Hugo Mieville, raising funds for Alzheimer's Society and introducing their new team.
Experts share checklist to help Dorset residents prepare for winter
Dorset residents urged to follow OFTEC heating tips to cut winter energy bills and avoid breakdowns amid UK cost concerns. Find advice and local help.
Free fishing licence offer to get people to "unwind and recharge"
The Environment Agency is offering free one-day fishing licences this winter to existing licence holders who register on the Take a Friend Fishing website. Register to introduce friends to angling and boost health and wellbeing.
Smokers are twice as likely to lose their vision, experts warn
"Smoking introduces toxic chemicals into the body that can directly affect the ocular surface and the delicate tissues in the eye.
Council launches plan to protect Dorset's greenspaces
BCP Council endorses Dorset’s Local Nature Recovery Strategy to protect greenspaces, boost wildlife, and restore habitats in Bournemouth, Christchurch & Poole.
AFC Bournemouth extends partnership with Connect It
Laban Giles, managing director of Connect It, said: "This is the second year we’ve worked with AFC Bournemouth, and we’re very proud to be associated with the club.
Adult care company reduces sickness leave by 1.5 days
An adult social care company has reduced its sickness leave by 1.5 days this year.
MP urges ministers to act before 'another season of suffering'
Poole MP Neil Duncan-Jordan urges Government and Rural Affairs Minister Angela Eagle to deliver a watertight ban on trail hunting and close fox hunting loopholes.
University sets up free health checks as part of pop-up event
Health Sciences University offers free NHS health checks, physio, dietetics, and support at Boscombe Arts Depot pop-up, open 6–11 October.
Major retirement living provider scraps all exit fees
This is intended to give prospective buyers a chance to see how Churchill Living is making retirement living more transparent and straightforward.
Campaign launched to protect and restore Dorset's rivers
Dorset Wildlife Trust launches Water for Wildlife campaign to restore Dorset’s rivers and wetlands, tackling pollution, habitat loss and supporting local wildlife.
'Bald Chef Nick' inspires pupils during Dyslexia Awareness Week
"My book is designed to be easy to read, with single sentences, a large font and lots of graphics because that makes it accessible for me and other people who struggle.
Two hundred villagers celebrate two halls' 140 years of service
Historic talks, films and reminiscences from locals were also part of the festivities, along with an array of patisserie.
Tesco colleagues raise more than £27,000 in charity walk
Tesco staff in Dorset raised over £27,000 for Cancer Research UK with a 12-mile Jurassic Coast walk and in-store fundraisers.
UKHSA urges South West Diwali celebrators to get vaccinations
"Getting vaccinated helps keep you and your loved ones healthy for this important festival."
Free face-to-face clinics coming to Poole next month
Free dementia clinics in Poole: Dementia UK offers face-to-face support and advice at Nationwide, High Street, 18–20 Nov. Book via Dementia UK website.
Dorset initiative launched to help independent businesses thrive
A business initiative has been launched in Dorset to help independent businesses thrive on the high street.
Bournemouth University graduate wins British Podcast Award
Bournemouth University graduate Becca Pountney wins Best British Business Podcast at the British Podcast Awards for 'Wedding Pros Who are Ready to Grow'.
World-renowned artist to launch exhibition in Bournemouth
International artist Xue Wang brings her acclaimed surrealist oil paintings to Bournemouth’s Westover Gallery, 25 Oct–7 Nov. Free UK exhibition entry.
Formula 1
PALMER: Was Norris’ Singapore Lap 1 move on Piastri unfair?
Former Renault F1 driver Jolyon Palmer analyses whether Oscar Piastri's complaints in the Singapore Grand Prix were justified, and whether McLaren should have intervened to keep things fair between their two drivers.
Volcan de mi Tierra named Official Tequila of Formula 1
The distinguished luxury tequila brand Volcan de mi Tierra has become Official Tequila of Formula 1 as part of LVMH’s landmark 10-year agreement with F1.
Hadjar endures ‘very, very long race’ after power problem in Singapore
The Singapore Grand prix did not go to plan for Racing Bulls, who had both cars finish outside the points despite at times showing enough pace to mix with the top teams in practice and Qualifying. Isack Hadjar was forced to nurse an engine issue on his way to a P11 finish, while Liam Lawson finished down in 15th.
Alpine are ‘nowhere near where we should be’ says Gasly
Pierre Gasly was frank in his assessment of how the Singapore Grand Prix went for Alpine, with the Frenchman coming home near the back of the pack in 19th place. With Franco Colapinto only 16th, this was the fifth race weekend in a row Alpine have not managed to score with either car.
James Vowles on podium pride and Williams’ winning potential
With 16 Drivers’ and Teams’ World Championships combined, Williams are the third most successful team in Formula 1 history – behind Ferrari and McLaren. But they haven’t won a title since 1997, and it has been 13 years since they last took a race victory, so Team Principal James Vowles is on a mission to bring the glory days back to the Grove-based outfit.
Amelia Dimoldenberg and F1 launch new original series
Producer, writer and host Amelia Dimoldenberg’s Dimz Inc., alongside F1, is launching a brand-new YouTube original four-part weekly series titled ‘Passenger Princess’, premiering on October 15.
10 quiz questions on the Singapore GP and the latest F1 news
Were you paying attention to the on-track action at the Marina Bay Circuit over the weekend?
'Not our day, not our race' – Hulkenberg on Sauber's Singapore GP
Both Kick Sauber drivers had contact with other cars in the Singapore Grand Prix and neither Nico Hulkenberg nor Gabriel Bortoleto managed to score points – though Hulkenberg isn't convinced they had to pace to trouble the top 10 even if they'd had a clean race.
Windows Central
Is Battlefield 6 on Xbox Game Pass? Here's the scoop — I wouldn't be surprised if it beats Call of Duty as this year's biggest multiplayer FPS
Will Battlefield 6 — the bombastic, chaotic large-scale shooter poised to dominate the FPS genre — be on Xbox Game Pass? Here's what we know.
From marathon gaming nights to quick matches, the Razer Wolverine V3 never lets us down, which is why it's our favorite upgrade
For a short time, Amazon is holding an unique discount for the Razer Wolverine V3 Tournament Edition controller, taking its price down by over $38 so its now become affordable to purchase for hardcore Xbox and PC gamers.
Dive into a clean adventure: PowerWash Simulator 2 releases for Xbox and more this month
PowerWash Simulator 2 now has a release date. Players will be able to clean on October 23 when it launches, and it's also coming to Xbox Game Pass Ultimate.
We’ve tested plenty of AI laptops — the Surface Laptop 7 nails design, speed, and value. Here's why.
Amazon is providing us with a special 25% discount for the lucrative Microsoft Surface Laptop 7 that will save you hundreds of dollars for this short Amazon Prime Day event.
Why we’d pick the Harpe Ace over the ASUS ROG Spatha X for our next gaming mouse
Multiple ASUS ROG PC gaming accessories are on sale for Prime Day. We've highlighted a deal we recommend and also provided warnings for one we don't.
Act fast! Seagate 4TB Xbox Expansion Card now $120, one of its lowest prices I've seen
The Seagate Storage Expansion Card, one of the largest Solid State Drives for Xbox consoles with over 4TB of data space, has gotten a special limited-time Amazon Prime Day 24% discount that will last for a short while.
Why this budget Xbox Storage Expansion Card is winning over gamers
Amazon has gotten a special deal for WD_Black's 1TB Expansion Card for Xbox consoles, making its price 20% cheaper for a limited time thanks to Amazon Prime Day.
Why the Asus Zenbook A14 is the laptop everyone’s talking about
The ASUS Zenbook A14 is one of the lightest, slimmest AI PCs we've ever reviewed, and it's a perfect replacement for your aging Windows 10 device. The fact that it just dropped to $579 makes it an immediate and easy recommendation.
Microsoft is hitting the brakes on its Xbox Game Pass Ultimate price hike — but only for a few countries
Following the controversial price hike to Xbox Game Pass Ultimate last week, Microsoft is delaying it in select countries.
Why the Razer DeathAdder V2 X Hyperspeed is winning over comfort‑focused gamers
Razer’s DeathAdder V2 X HyperSpeed is now just $44.99 on Amazon, offering wireless performance, long battery life, and signature ergonomic comfort at a great price.
Here are all of the Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 Dark Ops challenges and the rewards you can get
Dark Ops challenges aren't listed in Black Ops 7's Calling Cards menu, as, like previous games, they're secretive. But here's a list of every known Dark Ops so far and how to get it.
Forget huge desktops or laptops, this mini PC is the one you should be buying for AI or gaming — and its price is too good to ignore
The GMKtec Evo-X2 has come down in price quite significantly from its launch mark, and with 64GB of RAM and a desktop-class GPU inside, this is a true workstation PC, even if it doesn't look like it.
Razer’s Seiren V3 Chroma microphone adds style and sound for creators
Razer’s Seiren V3 Chroma is a stylish, plug-and-play USB microphone offering clear audio, premium build quality, and vibrant RGB lighting. Now down to $99 on Amazon, it’s a solid pick for gamers and creators who want great sound and eye-catching design without the complexity of pro gear.
Lenovo’s Legion Go S handheld brings console‑style gaming and PC power into a sleek, portable design
Lenovo's entry-level gaming handheld is currently $50 off for Prime Day, making it more affordable than some other current-gen handhelds.
This new Windows 11 Copilot+ PC offers AI power and modern design at a price that makes upgrading from Windows 10 a no‑brainer
This could be one of the best deals we've seen on a Copilot+ PC this Amazon Prime Day. Snag a 40% discount on this Acer Aspire 14 while stocks last!
You can get a flagship Surface Laptop 7 for the same price as Microsoft's midrange alternative — that's a $200 discount only for Prime Day
The Surface Laptop 7 with its 120hz 13.8-inch touchscreen, Snapdragon X Plus, and Windows Hello face unlock is currently the same price as Microsoft's smaller, cheaper, Surface Laptop 13-inch without all that flagship stuff.
Unhappy with your Xbox controller? GameSir has a superior budget-friendly one with Hall-Effect — It was so good, we gave it a near-perfect score
GameSir's lauded G7 SE Wired Controller for Xbox and PC has landed a generous 28% discount for Amazon Prime Day on Amazon.
NVIDIA and AMD GPU prices keep dropping — why it makes sense to upgrade now for less
Amazon certainly isn't the only place to shop for tech this week, and these GPU deals from Best Buy, Walmart, and Newegg are proof. If you want to upgrade, these are your best options.
We’ve crunched the numbers — this Xbox Game Pass discount is the smartest way to save
Microsoft has increased the subscription fee for Xbox Game Pass Ultimate to controversial levels. So Amazon is taking advantage during Amazon Prime Day to sell discounted game time cards for Xbox Game Pass Ultimate.
"It's a PC problem; your Macs are secure": Apple takes a lethal jab at Microsoft — subtly referencing the CrowdStrike debacle that plunged millions of Windows PCs into hours of blue-screen chaos
While it's clear Microsoft wasn't responsible for the buggy CrowdStrike update that left over 8.5 million Windows PCs with BSoDs for hours, Apple is still capitalizing on the situation with a new ad to persuade users to switch over to its ecosystem.
One of Atlus' best Xbox JRPGs is now under $16 for its 1st anniversary — this game could spark a franchise greater than Persona, and I'm here to tell you why it's awesome
Metaphor: ReFantazio, the newest JRPG IP from the creators of the Persona and Shin Megami Tensei franchises, has dropped to its lowest price yet for Amazon Prime Day.
The best RTX 5070 Ti gaming laptop deal of the year ends today — why you'd be crazy not to consider this one
Amazon's Prime Big Deal Days doesn't always have the best savings, and HP's $600 OMEN MAX 16 discount is proof of that. If you want an RTX 5070 Ti to set you up nicely for the future, this is a great way to go. Be warned: the sale ends today.
I just bought two 5K monitors for less than $600 each thanks to this amazing Prime Day deal — which will only last 24 more hours!
If you've always wanted a 5K monitor, but found they're just too expensive to invest in, today's your lucky day. You can get a brand new 5K monitor right now for just $569 for TODAY only!
This Xbox controller, Fire TV Stick 4K, and Game Pass Ultimate bundle is a great way to try cloud gaming — here's why you should get it to play hundreds of games
The Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Xbox Game Pass Ultimate bundle is the perfect way to try out Xbox Cloud Gaming, and it's on sale right now.
Laffgaff
Phileas Fogg is the protagonist in what 1872 Jules Verne novel?
Around the World in Eighty Days.
New Cafe
I'm not sure about my trendy new local cafe. It fills me with uncertain tea.