The News - Wednesday, 15 October 2025

BBC News

Hamas returns four more bodies of hostages, Israeli military says

Israel warns it will restrict aid convoys into Gaza because of delays returning the remaining bodies.

Bowen: Trump's role in Gaza ceasefire was decisive, but not a roadmap to peace

Trump's Middle East visit was a victory lap - but peace does not emerge just because a president decides it.

Government under pressure to release collapsed China spy case evidence

Both the Tories and Liberal Democrats are calling on the government to publish evidence it submitted in the now-collapsed case.

AI couldn't picture a woman like me - until now

Paralympic swimmer Jess Smith, says representation means being seen as part of the AI world that's being built.

Pictured: Winning entries for Wildlife Photographer of the Year 2025

Photographer Wim van den Heever got the winning shot beside an abandoned diamond mining settlement.

'It gave me my voice back': How group singing is helping new mums with postnatal depression

New research suggests singing can be clinically effective at treating the symptoms and cost effective for the NHS.

I felt trapped, says victim of train sexual offence as reports rise

A BBC investigation finds reports of sexual offences on trains rise by more than a third.

Red Tractor ad banned for misleading environmental claims

The Advertising Standards Authority upheld a complaint by environment charity River Action.

Migrants will need A-level standard English to work in UK

The tougher rules will come in force in January as part of wider plans to cut immigration.

US strikes another vessel off Venezuela coast, killing six

President Trump said the vessel belonged to "narcoterrorists" and that it was "trafficking narcotics." US officials have not provided evidence to this claim.

'It's not over,' says son of hostage whose body remains in Gaza

Rotem Cooper, whose father Amiram's body has not been returned, calls on mediators to put pressure on Hamas to release the remaining bodies.

Which celebrity Traitor are you? Take our quiz to find out

Many of us like to think we could handle the pressure of being a traitor, so choose the tactics you'd deploy.

The Papers: 'Israel cuts aid to Gaza' and 'Reeves blow as prices rise'

Several of the papers on Wednesday lead on a report from the International Monetary Fund.

The Indian woman who stood up to moral policing - and won a pageant

Muskan Sharma, who won the Miss Rishikesh contest, said it made her feel like Miss Universe.

Bangladesh garment factory fire kills at least 16

The dead have been burned beyond recognition and officials have warned that the toll could rise.

ChatGPT will soon allow erotica for verified adults, says OpenAI boss

CEO Sam Altman says upcoming versions of the popular chatbot would enable it to behave in a more human-like way - "but only if you want it".

British social media star 'Big John' detained in Australia over visa

Fisher says his visa is "legit" but that authorities were unhappy he would be working while in the country.

Bitcoin worth $14bn seized in US-UK crackdown on alleged scammers

The UK has also frozen assets linked to the alleged scammers, including a £100m London office building.

UK will be second-fastest-growing G7 economy, IMF says, but faces higher inflation

But the UK is also predicted to suffer the highest rate of inflation in the G7 both this year and next.

Madagascar military says it has seized power as president moves to 'safe place'

The military promises elections within two years, but President Rajoelina insists he is still in charge.

Funeral director admits fraud charges after inquiry into human remains at his premises in Hull

Robert Bush denied 30 counts of preventing lawful burials but admitted fraud charges.

Reeves says she is looking at tax rises ahead of Budget

The chancellor also said she was considering further measures on public spending, in a bid to put the UK's finances on a firmer footing.

Student arrested after chanting about putting Zionists 'in the ground'

Video appears to show Samuel Williams allegedly leading the chant at a pro-Palestinian march in London.

Controversial UK oil field publishes full scale of climate impact

The impact from the Rosebank oil field is estimated at nearly 250 million tonnes of planet warming CO2.

Man who murdered girlfriend in hot tub is jailed for life

Aren Pearson will spend at least 25 years in jail for stabbing Claire Leveque to death in Shetland in 2023.

Asylum hotel a 'feeding ground for unrest', High Court told

Lawyers for a council are trying to stop The Bell Hotel in Epping from housing asylum seekers.

D'Angelo: A musical pioneer who reshaped soul

The singer, who has died aged 51, was credited with creating the album that became the genre's blueprint.

Case dropped for Met officer who shot unarmed man

The misconduct proceedings involving W80 came after years of legal battles over the case.

Row over bringing back military service splits German government

Plans to re-introduce military service have been thrown into chaos because of an 11th hour disagreement.

'Time to begin healing together': Israeli hostage couple reunited after 738 days

Avinatan Or and Noa Argamani were kidnapped from the Nova music festival on 7 October2023 but held in separate locations.

Watch: Freed detainee finds family alive after thinking they had been killed

Shadi Abu Sido told the BBC an Israeli prison officer said his family had been killed.

Gaza experts work to identify bodies of 90 Palestinians returned by Israel

Under the Gaza ceasefire deal, Israel has agreed to hand over the bodies of 15 Palestinians in return for every dead Israeli hostage.

Trump demands Hamas disarm as group moves to assert control with public execution

BBC Verify analyses footage of Hamas fighters in Gaza, including one of an execution in the centre of Gaza City.

Pictured: Winning entries for Wildlife Photographer of the Year 2025

South African photographer Wim van den Heever takes the main prize for his shot

After the PM's appearance at PMQs, what more do we know about the collapsed China spy case?

The detail of this story is enormously complicated, and it is possible the release of witness statements do not signal the end of the saga.

'It gave me my voice back': How group singing is helping new mums with postnatal depression

New research suggests singing can be clinically effective at treating the symptoms and cost effective for the NHS.

I said goodnight to my mum's ashes for five months, then I found out it wasn't her

Brian Allison says an unexplained mix-up with his mother's ashes tormented his late sister as she battled cancer.

AI couldn't picture a woman like me - until now

Paralympic swimmer Jess Smith, says representation means being seen as part of the AI world that's being built.

'I never used the word retirement' - Daniel Day-Lewis is back on screen after a seven-year break

The three-time Oscar winner appears in the family drama Anemone, his first film since 2017's Phantom Thread.

UK targets Russian oil market in fresh sanctions

The government has also targeted a major Indian energy company and Chinese oil terminals in new sanctions.

Uni cricket club suspended over 'degrading' initiation event

Cardiff Students' Union said it would not tolerate "intimidating or degrading behaviour".

Scottish Conservative leader's acid attacker denied parole

Russell Findlay says the process for deciding on prisoner release needs to be modernised.

Stephen Graham hopes father-son book will 'continue the message of Adolescence'

Graham is asking dads for their experiences raising sons for an upcoming book of letters.

Reports of sexual offences on trains up by a third since 2015

A BBC investigation reveals a 37% increase in reports of sexual offences across England, Scotland and Wales.

Afghan Taliban and Pakistan agree short truce after deadly clashes

The move comes after fresh fighting and reports of Pakistani air strikes in Kandahar and Kabul.

Bournemouth Echo

Coach driver fired after carrying first aid kit and defibrillator on board

Matthew Patis, from Hampshire, is a trained first responder through the GoodSAM platform, and formerly worked as a driver for Daish's Coaches, based in Ringwood.

Man aims to restore 'unity' by bringing back 'iconic' Bournemouth hot air balloon

A man is looking to restore 'togetherness' and 'unity' by bringing back the much-loved hot air balloon to Bournemouth gardens.

Hotel owner denies claims HMO plans are for asylum seekers

TWO Bournemouth hotels have submitted retrospective planning applications seeking permission to convert their premises into HMO's.

Woman, 31, died suddenly with 'unidentified particles' found in bloodstream

A 31-YEAR-OLD died suddenly after suffering sepsis, an inquest heard.

Opening date confirmed for high street chocolatier and 'velvetiser' cafe

Hotel Chocolat has confirmed that it is opening a new shop and velvetiser cafe at number seven at the Furlong Shopping Centre - the site of the former Whistles store after it closed in August.

In The Dock: Woman beat and threatened person with knife

The following cases were heard at Poole Magistrates' Court:

Campers brave the cold for night of rough sleeping in Southbourne

Campers are braving the cold for a night of rough sleeping later this month to raise money and awareness for homelessness.

These 3 Bournemouth pubs are offering free pints throughout October

Three pubs in Bournemouth will be offering free pints in the evenings in October 2025 as part of a scheme from Heineken

Hate crimes in Dorset increase for second straight year

Religious hate crimes increased by nearly five per cent over the last year, national statistics show.

Man found dead in room after concern for welfare raised

An inquest has opened into the death of a man from London.

The murders that shocked a town for 40 years

The stage for this drama was a quiet house on Poole’s High Street, where, one January morning, the bodies of two women were discovered. 

More than 140 years of Beales - the company behind the high street icon

The story of Beales is more than just a retail history; it's a tale deeply interwoven with the evolution of Bournemouth itself.

Mental health charity announces return of popular event

Dorset Mind's 'Big Walk' returns to raise Awareness and vital support for mental health in Dorset.

Woman dies after displaying stroke-like symptoms

An inquest was opened after a woman from Swanage died following stroke-like symptoms.

Homes and businesses left without internet after car crashes into pole

Residents have been left without Wi-Fi in Beaminster after a car crashed into a telegraph pole and caught fire

Family say brother who died on barge would still be alive if given proper care

THE sisters of an Albanian man who took his own life on the "hostile" Bibby Stockholm have said their brother “would still be alive” if he had been given “proper mental health assessment and treatment”

Organisers 'deeply saddened' as two found dead in campervan at cider festival

The organisers of a New Forest cider festival have said they were "deeply saddened" to learn of the "tragic deaths" of two people in a campervan.

Couple found dead in campervan at festival named as tributes pour in

Tributes have been made to a married couple who were found dead in a campervan after attending a cider festival in the New Forest

RECAP: Concern for 'woman on roof' with police, ambulance and fire service called

POLICE have blocked Richmond Hill following a concern for welfare of a woman on a roof in Bournemouth town centre.

Beatrix Potter 50p coin up for sale for more than £10,000

A 2017 Beatrix Potter Jeremy Fisher 50p coin featuring Queen Elizabeth II is listed on eBay for over £10,000 by a Bournemouth seller. Collectible UK coin.

Emergency services descend on Richmond Hill after reports of 'woman on roof'

Emergency services cordoned off a road in Bournemouth town centre after a concern for welfare was raised.

What we know about BCP town and parish councils so far as plans approved

BCP Council has approved controversial plans for new town councils.

Public quayside near Twin Sails among latest plans submitted for BCP area

BCP Council has received 70 planning applications in the past week, from new houses to alterations to listed buildings.

Everything we know as two found dead in campervan at cider festival

Two people were found dead inside a parked campervan at a cider festival in the New Forest last weekend, the organisers of the event have confirmed.

Out-of-date school building to be demolished

An out of date pre-school building at Blandford St Mary Primary School is to be demolished.

Dorset man to represent Team GB in competitive wood-chopping

A man from Dorset will be competing in the biggest annual event in competitive wood-chopping

Dorset Council facing multi-million pound overspend

A £7.7million overspend is likely at the end of the financial year for Dorset Council – but could be more.

Coroner seeking public's help after man found dead in Bournemouth

The coroner for Dorset is seeking the assistance of the public to find the next of kin of a man who died in Bournemouth.

New party founded by Jeremy Corbyn set to launch New Forest branch

A new political party formed by former Labour leader Jeremy Corbin is set to launch a branch in Hampshire

Overnight arson spree sees multiple garages set on fire

Multiple garages were set on fire during an overnight arson spree.

Beware of 'costly' consequences during Free Wills Month

Individuals opting for free will choices this month might risk facing costly repercussions in the future.

The common road marking most drivers don't know that could land them £70 fine

This comes as new research suggests that around 95 per cent of drivers may fail their theory test if they were forced to retake it.

Can I be fined for driving 1mph over the speed limit? All you need to know

Speeding is not only dangerous but also against the law, but can you be fined for driving 1mph over the speed limit?

A collection of empty crisp packets sells for £1,000 - brands to look out for

A collection of empty crisp bags made a pretty packet at auction - selling for an eye-watering £1,000 on eBay.

Controversial new town councils approved after four-hour debate

Controversial plans to establish three new town councils in Bournemouth, Broadstone and Poole have passed the final stage of approval.

Pedestrian rushed to hospital after collision with bus

A PEDESTRIAN was rushed to hospital after a collision involving a bus in Bournemouth town centre.

Traffic and travel: Delays in Poole after accident

Delays in Poole after reported accident- updates on traffic and travel to follow.

Wellness written in the stars: Astrology spa day launched in New Forest

Careys Manor Hotel & SenSpa in Brockenhurst has unveiled its brand new Star Treatment Spa Day blending luxurious treatments with the magic of astrology

Council proposes lowering speed limit on Oakley Lane

BCP Council proposes reducing Oakley Lane’s speed limit to 30mph. Residents invited to comment on the change before 10 October 2025. Public views welcomed.

Footpath closing for more than a week for gas works

Christchurch footpath E63/22 closed 20–31 October for SGN gas works, says Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council. Diversion in place; full emergency services access maintained; property access "depending on site safety".

Dorset Council extends deadlines for two major consultations

Dorset Council extends deadlines for local plan and transport plan consultations to 20 & 31 October after high public interest and online survey issues.

Several roads in Bournemouth set to close for months

Several roads in Bournemouth to close from October 2025 for gas mains replacement. Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council announces traffic restrictions, diversions and no parking.

'Ideal' eight-bedroom Bournemouth house to be auctioned

Eight-bedroom HMO in Bournemouth plus Poole’s Moose Hall with development potential set for Clive Emson Auctioneers’ online property auction, October 30.

Contract signed to rebuild church destroyed by fire

All Saints Church Mudeford signs rebuild contract with Randell Construction after 2022 fire. Community fundraising continues for improvements and furnishings.

Youngsters to design pumpkins for chance to win a hamper

Aldi launches pumpkin design competition for children aged 5-14. Enter by 23 Oct 2025 for a chance to win a Halloween hamper. Details inside.

New charity truck pull event to be added to Run Bournemouth

Sophie’s Mile – Bournemouth Charity Truck Pull debuts at Run Bournemouth 2026, raising funds for Target Ovarian Cancer and honouring Sophie’s legacy.

Company appoints new director to accelerate growth

Green IP appoints Jamie Hughes as director of business development to help accelerate growth across the enterprise, hospitality, and automotive markets.

Remembrance Sunday parade and service to take place

New Milton Act of Remembrance 2025: Parade, wreath-laying, and memorial service on Sunday, 9 November. Public invited by New Milton Town Council.

Public footpath could be rerouted at Canford School

BCP Council proposes diverting public footpath 29 which crosses the Canford School grounds in Poole, to boost school safety. View the order and map and submit objections by 30 October.

Hospital staff abseil down church spire to raise more than £5,000

Seventeen fundraisers abseiled St Peter's Church spire, raising £5,157 for the BEACH Appeal at Royal Bournemouth Hospital to enhance patient care in Dorset.

Music and history night set to take place at Wimborne Minster

Enjoy an evening of music and Wimborne Minster history on 22 November. Tickets £10. Proceeds support the Minster Makes Music appeal for young people.

Festival raising money for cancer charity to return to Bournemouth

FazzaFest 2025 returns to Bournemouth on 18 October at The Bear's Bar & Venue on Holdenhurst Road, showcasing local talent on two different stages. Proceeds support Cancer Research UK. Event details here.

Author to publish second volume of Bob Dylan trilogy

Chris Gregory's "Minstrel Boy" explores Bob Dylan’s artistic evolution (1967–1990). Second in the "Picasso of Song" trilogy, out October 2025.

Small seabird's population recovers after extreme decline

Over 39 little tern chicks fledged at Chesil Beach this summer, signalling recovery for the smallest and most threatened seabird in the UK thanks to conservation efforts.

Residents can apply for garden waste collection service

Residents in Bournemouth, Christchurch, and Poole can apply for the 2026 garden waste collection service. Apply online from 14 Oct 2025. £71 per bin.

New 24-hour gym to open in old Wilko store in December

Snap Fitness opens new 24-hour gym in Winton in December, featuring a 24-hour Reformer Pilates studio, the first of its kind across the Snap Fitness network, cardio and strength equipment, an infrared sauna, recovery area, and two group exercise studios.

Government

Registration of Births, Deaths and Marriages (Welsh Language Provision) Bill

A Bill to require that any birth, death or marriage certificate issued in Wales be issued bilingually in English and Welsh; to make provision for the issuance in England of birth certificates bilingually in English and Welsh where either parent named on the certificate is a Welsh speaker; to make provision for the issuance in England of death certificates bilingually in English and Welsh where the deceased person lived in Wales or was a Welsh speaker; and for connected purposes.

Hospices and Palliative Care Bill

A Bill to place a duty on the Secretary of State to ensure the availability of hospice services for all people at the end of life; to require the Secretary of State to report annually to Parliament on the adequacy of funding for children’s and adult hospice services, including an assessment of whether any funding increases are necessary to maintain such services; to require the Secretary of State to publish a five year plan for hospice funding; to make provision about the availability of specialist palliative care in emergency care services in hospitals; to make provision about supporting patients receiving palliative care in the community in certain circumstances; to require the Secretary of State to prepare and publish a workforce plan for hospice services; to require palliative care advice to be available through non-emergency NHS advice services; and for connected purposes.

Young Carers (Educational and Employment Support) Bill

A Bill to require schools to maintain a record of pupils with caring responsibilities; to make provision about support in schools for pupils with caring responsibilities, including requiring schools to designate a member of staff as having responsibility for supporting young carers; to require schools to provide specified academic and other support to pupils with caring responsibilities, including support in relation to public examinations and provision of counselling; to make provision about support for future employment for pupils with caring responsibilities, including through mentoring and a programme of skills development; and for connected purposes.

Formula 1

Russell stars in first episode of ‘Passenger Princess’

George Russell is used to racing F1 cars at tracks all over the world, but how would he fare as a driving instructor? We can now find out thanks to the launch of Passenger Princess.

What's the best F1 Fantasy line-up for the US GP?

Austin’s Circuit of The Americas is a fan favourite - fast, flowing, and full of action. Which drivers and teams are primed to master Texas and deliver for your F1 Fantasy lineup?

Why drivers love the US GP in Texas

Discover why F1 drivers love racing at Austin’s Circuit of The Americas. From its iconic replica circuit sectors to the electric atmosphere that defines the weekend, COTA has become one of the most beloved stops on the calendar.

Allan McNish on his F1 journey and winning ‘the Audi way’

Former F1 driver Allan McNish is the guest on the latest episode of Beyond The Grid.

Are Russell and Antonelli Mercedes' long-term future?

With Mercedes confirming George Russell and Kimi Antonelli for 2026, Lawrence Barretto explains whether the squad's line-up is set for the long term.

Russell and Antonelli confirmed as 2026 Mercedes line-up

George Russell has agreed a new contract with Mercedes, as the Silver Arrows confirmed the Briton and Kimi Antonelli would remain as their line-up for 2026.

What time is the 2025 United States Grand Prix?

Formula 1 heads to the Circuit of The Americas in Austin this weekend for the 2025 United States Grand Prix – and here are the global start times for Sunday’s race.

What is the weather forecast for the United States Grand Prix?

Formula 1 heads to Austin and the Circuit of The Americas this weekend for the 2025 United States Grand Prix – but what kind of weather conditions will the drivers and teams face?

Pirelli explain jump in compounds for Austin and Mexico

Pirelli Director of Motorsport Mario Isola has explained the thinking behind the manufacturer’s split tyre compound choices for the next two rounds of the season in the United States and Mexico, with the move aimed at mixing up race strategies.

How to stream the 2025 United States Grand Prix on F1 TV

Formula 1 heads to the Circuit of The Americas in Austin for the United States Grand Prix – and here’s all the information you need to follow the action live on F1 TV.

Windows Central

Microsoft teases "something big" is being announced for Windows this week

Microsoft has teased that a big announcement about Windows is happening on Thursday, and has hinted that the news will be related to how people use and interact with the OS.

One of the best UHS-II microSDs for Xbox Ally is off 23% — never worry about loading screens again with its fast transfer speeds

The powerful Lexar Professional Gold MicroSD (256GB edition) is enjoying a 23% discount on Amazon, giving Xbox players an opportunity to upgrade the upcoming Xbox Ally's performance ahead of launch, as well as other devices.

Don't buy the Xbox Ally, buy this discounted handheld instead — It's excellent for Xbox Cloud Gaming at half the price

Amazon is currently hosting a rare discount for the Logitech G Cloud as an affordable alternative to the upcoming Xbox Ally, especially for folks who enjoy Cloud Gaming.

Is it time to try Game Assist in Windows 11? — Bug fixes, settings, and enhanced guides for more titles, including Battlefield 6, are here

Microsoft has revealed Edge Game Assist's October update details, which include 23 new games for the Enhanced guide list, bug fixes, and new settings.

Chrome leak reveals Gemini’s next move — agentic browsing is closer than you think

Google is testing a new Gemini AI feature in Chrome that will browse for you, much like Microsoft's Copilot in Edge. While this "agentic browsing" could automate tedious online tasks, it relies on your personal data, raising privacy concerns.

Windows 10 is officially dead

Microsoft has confirmed that support for Windows 10 has now come to an end. It has released one final mainstream OS update, but millions of users are still running the now abandoned OS.

The first signs of an Xbox cloud save sync indicator materialize — but it doesn't work very well

The Xbox Ally range has highlighted continued software gaps in Microsoft's gaming ecosystem.

There's no better way to upgrade your gaming PC with a tight budget — AMD's Ryzen 7 7800X3D has dropped to its lowest price at Amazon

AMD's Ryzen 7 7800X3D was the best gaming CPU around before the 9800X3D launched a few years later, but the older chip remains just as good as ever. It's now down to $319 at Amazon, matching the lowest price ever.

Our top contender for Game of the Year is getting a free update in the future — So let's celebrate with this 44% discount

Loaded has a special October offer for the Steam version of Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, taking the price of one of 2025's most incredible games down by over 44%.

Best Xbox Ally microSD cards 2025: Large capacity, UHS-I & UHS-II compatibility, fast read speeds, and more

The Xbox Ally is here, and it features a microSD card slot with UHS-II support. So we have rounded up the best microSDs to help you take advantage of so you can install as much space as possible for your Xbox Ally.

How to change VRAM on the Xbox Ally (and why you absolutely should)

For those jumping into the wonderful world of the Xbox Ally and PC gaming handhelds, there's one setting you should absolutely change out of the box.

How to enter BIOS on Xbox Ally and Xbox Ally X handhelds — Turn off startup noise and animation, adjust fans, customize performance, and more

Entering the Xbox Ally BIOS is a somewhat tricky process, but once you're in, you can customize the handheld gaming PC so it runs the way you like it. Here's the best way to enter the BIOS.

The more affordable Xbox Ally is a modest handheld that works as expected — but the Steam Deck casts a long shadow over it

I played dozens of hours of games on the Xbox Ally and also ran the handheld through several benchmark tests. It's a modest device whose biggest competitor is the Steam Deck. But is it worth buying? Our review.

I tested the Xbox Ally X for dozens of hours, and it's almost everything you want in a handheld — future updates could make it the full package

We spent dozens of hours playing games and testing the performance on the Xbox Ally X. It's an impressive device worth paying attention to. Our review.

Get into the spirit of Halloween with Cronos: The New Dawn — Blooper Team's best original horror title is now 31% off

Loaded is offering a 31% discount for Bloober Team's biggest AAA horror title, Cronos: The New Dawn, on PC to get players into the spirit of Halloween half a month early.

Helldivers 2 is delaying any further new content for now — here’s why that’s a good thing

Arrowhead is putting new Helldivers 2 content on hold to fix ongoing performance issues after the Into the Unjust update, with Game Director Mikael Eriksson confirming the studio is prioritizing stability and optimization across all platforms — a move that could benefit devices like the Steam Deck, Xbox Ally, and Ally X.

Windows 10 protesters demand free security updates through 2030 to ward off forced obsolescence — Microsoft's ESU is just a 12-month "snooze button"

Campaigners and protesters lobbied outside Microsoft's Brussels office after the company pulled support for Windows 10, calling its ESU program a "snooze button". Instead, they want Microsoft to continue providing free, automatic Windows 10 security updates until 2030.

"The only sane Windows left": Microsoft faces backlash after ending Windows 10 support — "Now we're all getting Windows 11'd to death"

Microsoft officially ended support for Windows 10 on October 14, 2025. Users are encouraged to upgrade to Windows 11 or enroll in the ESU program for an additional year of security updates.

SteelSeries unleashes a wave of awesome new Xbox and PC headsets in time for the holiday season

A new generation of Arctics Nova headphones for Xbox and PC have been unveiled by SteelSeries.

Laffgaff

The TV show The Facts of Life was a spin off from which other show?

Diff'rent Strokes.

Cowboy Shirts

The worst job I ever had was ironing cowboy shirts. Howdy pressing.