BBC News
Government publishes key witness statements in collapsed China spy case
The government's deputy national security adviser warned in 2023 that China was carrying out "large scale espionage" activities against the UK.
Thousands in UK sue Johnson & Johnson over talcum powder cancer risks
The claim involves 3,000 people and focuses on internal memos and scientific reports, seen by the BBC.
Hamas returns remains of two more hostages but says more time needed to reach others
The group's armed wing says it has returned the bodies it can reach in Gaza's ruins, but needs specialised equipment and more time to retrieve others.
Giuffre accuses 'entitled' Andrew in posthumous book
Virginia Giuffre, who took her life earlier this year, gives her account of meeting Prince Andrew.
Months after fall of Assad, families of Syria's missing still seeking justice
Some are only now coming forward with accounts of loved ones who disappeared during the civil war and are presumed dead.
The real problem with Britain's asylum hotels - and the woman with a bold idea to solve it
Instead of using private contractors to provide hotel rooms to asylum seekers, could paying councils to buy more properties be the solution?
Celia Imrie's fart steals the show on Celebrity Traitors
The veteran actress blamed nerves for her releasing wind at a tense moment during the game.
Cabinet Office rejects Cummings' China breach claim
Boris Johnson's ex-Downing Street aide says Beijing obtained "vast amounts" of "secret" data.
Reeves urged to make Budget 'bold' or risk future tax rises
The Institute for Fiscal Studies says the chancellor needs to find £22bn to make up a shortfall.
Trump says he authorised CIA in Venezuela as Maduro says 'no to regime change'
Trump would not be drawn on whether the CIA was seeking to topple Maduro.
Trump says Modi has agreed to stop buying Russian oil
The US president says the move is "a big stop", but there has been no confirmation so far from Delhi.
Baroness Mone-linked PPE firm misses deadline to pay £122m
PPE Medpro was ordered to repay damages by 16:00 BST on Wednesday after breaching a Covid-19 contract.
'Worse than starting from scratch': How big is the task of rebuilding Gaza?
BBC Verify investigates the damage done by two years of war, which could take $70bn and decades to repair.
'I can't afford to save both twins': Sudan's war left one mother with an impossible choice
The destruction and hunger that Sudan's war has brought leaves parents with some impossible choices.
The Papers: 'Chinese stole secrets' and 'Andrew, Epstein and me'
The now-collapsed case against two men accused of spying for China is front and centre for a number of the papers.
The Last Dinner Party are feasting on love, death and killer riffs
The rock band discuss the themes that fuelled their critically-acclaimed new album, From The Pyre.
Russia intensifies attacks on Ukraine's trains in 'battle for the railways'
In the last two months, Russia has hugely upped its attacks on Ukraine's trains and rail network.
Is Microsoft's first ever handheld Xbox console worth the wait?
The ROG Xbox Ally works with Game Pass out of the box, meaning gamers start off with hundreds of games.
What we know about White House plans for an 'Arc de Trump'
The Paris-inspired proposed monument in Washington DC is meant to commemorate the US 250th anniversary.
Mercury Prize: Pulp and CMAT favourites to win
Bookmakers say the stars are front-runners for the prize, which is held in Newcastle on Thursday.
Use of Jesus Army's fortune is appalling, says victims' lawyer
It is understood that some people accused of abuse could still be beneficiaries of the group's assets.
China arrested 30 Christians. Some fear it's the start of a bigger crackdown
Activists say the unprecedented round-up could be the beginning of a wider crackdown on China's underground churches.
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.
Dozens in court over alleged support of Palestine Action
About 2,000 people are likely to be charged, meaning 400 trials could need to be held.
Cracked windscreen forces US defence secretary's plane to land in UK
The Pentagon says Hegseth and other military leaders on board, who were travelling back from a Nato meeting, are safe.
Ukraine imposes blackouts in most regions after Russian power grid attacks
This will be the fourth consecutive winter of outages since Russia launched its full-scale invasion in February 2022.
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.
The unanswered questions after release of China spy evidence
The disclosure sheds more light than ever before on what the two men were accused of, but raises new questions for the prime minister and prosecutors.
Reeves plans 'targeted action' on bills in Budget
The chancellor is planning moves to help households with the cost of living in the Budget.
Netanyahu 'determined' to pressure Hamas to find remaining dead hostages
The Israeli prime minister's comments come after Hamas said it could not access the bodies of 19 hostages in Gaza.
Guide dog charity welcomes largest litter in years
Guide Dogs says the 13 puppies, named "the baker's dozen", could cost £1m to breed, raise and train.
Decision on China mega embassy in London delayed again
The proposed complex would be the biggest embassy in Europe if it goes ahead - but it has generated controversy.
Cardiff could become UK's first city to impose SUV parking premium after council approval
Owners of large cars such as SUVs would be charged more to encourage switching to smaller vehicles.
MI5 operating in new era of terror and state threats, says chief
In an annual speech, Sir Ken McCallum says the security service is operating in "a new era" with terrorism remaining an "ever-present threat".
Omaze house winners to get keys as planning row ends
Councillors give retrospective approval for unauthorised work on the £6m raffle prize.
Manchester Pride headliner 'yet to be paid for performance'
Suppliers also say they have been met with silence when they contact organisers to ask for payment.
French PM survives major test but breathing space will not last long
Sébastien Lecornu survives two confidence votes in parliament and can now focus on passing the 2026 budget.
The real problem with Britain's asylum hotels - and the woman with a bold plan to solve it
Instead of using private contractors to provide hotel rooms to asylum seekers, could paying councils to buy more properties be the solution?
What was alleged against Christopher Cash and Christopher Berry in China spy case?
The two were accused of passing information to an agent who forwarded it to a high-ranking Chinese official.
Watch: BBC follows family forced to move four times in a year and live in hotel for months
Danielle and her three children have moved four times in a year after her landlord wanted to sell their flat.
Major UK rare earths refinery scrapped in favour of US
The project would have given the UK a strategic foothold in the rare earths industry.
BBC rejects Gregg Wallace's harassment damages claim
The former MasterChef presenter is taking legal action against the corporation after he was sacked.
Prominent Palestinian prisoner Marwan Barghouti attacked by guards, family says
The alleged attack on the 66-year-old is said to have left him unconscious. Israel's prison service called the claim "fake".
Kenya police fire shots at crowds gathered to see body of ex-PM Odinga
The crowds were so big that the public viewing was moved from the parliament building to a stadium.
Trump says he authorised CIA in Venezuela as Maduro says 'no to regime change'
Trump would not be drawn on whether the CIA was seeking to topple Maduro.
Oscar Wilde's library card reissued 130 years after being revoked over gay conviction
The celebrated Irish writer had his pass revoked in 1895 after being imprisoned for a gay relationship.
Bournemouth Echo
Inside Poole's famously haunted hotel with bodies buried beneath its larder
Located in Poole’s historic Old Town, The Crown Hotel is a Grade II listed building that maintains a duality few establishments can match.
Bournemouth air balloon and the plans to bring it back
Simone Ippolito, a local entrepreneur and founder of the South Coast Wine Festival, is proposing to bring back Bournemouth's iconic hot air balloon, a plan he believes will restore a sense of togetherness and community pride.
Poole Museum awarded funding to support transformation
Poole Museum has been awarded hundreds of thousands of pounds to stabilising its financial situation and build towards a sustainable future.
BCP Council given double nomination for national awards
BCP Council has been short listed for two prestigious national awards for its work tackling anti-social behaviour.
12-mile planned diversion to last nearly three weeks
A planned 12 mile diversion in Sturminster Newton is due to be in place for nearly three weeks from next Monday.
Fundraiser launched after gym learns premises are to be demolished
A ‘community gym’ in Poole has appealed for funding to acquire a new home after learning its current facility is set to be demolished.
In The Dock: Men banned from Bournemouth after assault in town centre
The following cases were heard at Poole Magistrates' Court:
Main road closed in both directions due to a concern for welfare incident
Drivers are reporting long delays following a concern for welfare incident on the A338 Christchurch.
Road blocked following reports of crash outside school
Herbert Avenue in Poole is blocked following reports of a two vehicle crash.
RECAP: Heavy traffic after two-car crash outside Bournemouth school
A road in Bournemouth is partially blocked after a crash took place between two cars, updates to follow.
RECAP: 'Man with knife' enters property and assaults occupant
A cordon is in place following an aggravated burglary involving a man with a knife at a property in West Howe
Major new Tesco supermarket planned for town
TESCO and Starbucks are among the retailers likely to come to Littlemoor, Weymouth in a massive expansion of the area.
RECAP: Fallen shipping container blocks road near A338
Heavy delays due to a shipping container blocking the road near the A338
Transfer plans for land at Kings Park to AFC Bournemouth approved
Transfer plans for land at Kings Park to AFC Bournemouth have been approved by full council on October 14.
Councillors slam “disgraceful and disappointing” town councils decision
Opposition councillors say the decision to approve three new town councils in Broadstone, Bournemouth, and Poole is “disgraceful and disappointing”.
'Too soon' to confirm future of cider festival after deaths, say organisers
New Forest Cider has said it is "too soon" to know if next year's cider festival will go ahead after two people were found dead in a campervan.
B&M plans to open new Bournemouth store in early 2026
A new B&M store could open in early 2026 as the budget retailer plans to takeover a former Wilko unit in Bournemouth.
Bank cards and phone stolen from home in early hours burglary
A home in Poole was burgled before a thief used stolen bank cards at a nearby garage.
Popular curry house wins at national awards ceremony
The owner of a popular New Forest eatery has vowed to open more outlets after seeing it win a top award
Poole café 'ceases trading' but gaming room to remain open
A gaming room in Poole remains open after a social media post said it had "ceased trading" earlier this week.
'Gentle soul' among 6 Cats Protection pets looking for loving new homes
A number of cats in Dorset from the Cats Protection charity are looking to find new homes in the county
Man caught with ‘zombie’ machete and samurai sword fined just £120
A man who was caught with six knives including a ‘zombie’ machete and a samurai sword has been fined just £120, court documents show.
'Smelly and strange' fungus rarely seen in UK pictured sprouting
A "smelly" and "strange" fungus rarely seen in the UK has been pictured sprouting in the New Forest by a Daily Echo Camera Club member.
'Stunning landscapes' continue to attract major film and TV productions
Dorset's spectacular coastline, historic towns and rural charm continues to attract major film and television productions
FIRST LOOK: Lush’s new hair salon ready to open on quayside
TAKE a first look at Lush’s new hair salon which is set to open on Poole Quay.
Twin Sails bridge repairs set for December ahead of £6m investment
REPAIRS to Twin Sails bridge are set for December ahead of a £6million investment into a ‘long-term solution’.
Occupant allegedly assaulted as helicopter called in to hunt knife attack culprit
A man reportedly entered a home with a knife and assaulted someone on Wednesday evening at an address in Bournemouth.
Thousands sue Johnson & Johnson in UK over alleged talcum powder cancer risks
Johnson & Johnson and its consumer health arm, Kenvue, are being sued in the UK over possible cancer risks from their talcum powder
'Do not eat': Marks & Spencer is urgently recalling popular M&S food product
Marks & Spencer is recalling its popular M&S Milk Chocolate Honeycomb because it may contain nuts which are not mentioned on the label.
'We're sorry': Tesco apologises to shoppers as 'do not eat' warning issued
The Food Standards Agency (FSA) has told customers not to eat the product and urged them to return it to Tesco for a refund.
Martin Lewis urges homeowners to find this switch and avoid £9k bill this winter
Martin Lewis has warned Brits to find their stopcocks in their homes to avoid a £9,000 bill this winter if the pipes freeze.
Martin Lewis highlights HMRC 'tax hole' where earning more means you take home less
Martin Lewis has posted a new update on the HMRC 'tax hole' where earning more means you take home less. In a new update, he says: "Okay, this is quirky and it's geeky, but there is a hole in the tax system, which actually means at one point, you are better off earning less interest on your savings rather than more.
Tesco issues warning urging shoppers to return recalled item over safety risk
The magazine, named after popular children's cartoon character Peppa Pig, was on sale in Tesco in September
Winter Fuel Payment scam warning from DWP as text message fraud soars
Pensioners are being warned to look out for Winter Fuel Payment text message scams following a surge in opportunistic criminal fraud
No rise in HMOs and no asylum hotels planned, say MP and council
JESSICA Toale has urged residents to be mindful of ‘speculation’ following concerns about hotel conversions to HMO’s being linked to asylum seekers.
Seven new homes planned for Wimborne area
A mix of residential developments and conversions have been requested in and around the Wimborne area.
Alterations to pub and church among latest planning news
A range of rural developments, heritage restoration, and domestic improvements are being proposed in planning applications in the north Dorset area.
New Forest car parks will be closed for pony round ups this week
Two pony drifts will impact drivers across the New Forest this week.
'We need a by-election as soon as possible'
It is wholly unacceptable for two councillors, who were elected as Conservatives to BCP Council, to switch to Reform without triggering an immediate by-election.
Food hygiene expert debunks six myths surrounding hand washing
Food hygiene expert Dr Richard Anderson debunks hand washing myths for Global Handwashing Day, stressing NHS 20-second rule, glove risks, and dryer hygiene.
Damp expert shares what to look for when buying a bungalow
A specialist in damp has advised prospective buyers to watch out for signs of problems caused by condensation.
Housebuilder sponsors town carnival for second year in a row
It concluded on Saturday, October 4 with a children's carnival procession and a grand illuminated procession.
New housing development named after historic landowner
Montgomerie Rise, a new affordable housing scheme in Barton-on-Sea by AJC Group & VIVID, named by local pupils. 27 affordable homes ready by 2026.
Openreach starts building new broadband network in town
Openreach begins full fibre broadband rollout in Swanage, bringing ultrafast, reliable internet to homes and businesses with gigabit-capable connectivity.
Bournemouth East to see biggest increase in surface-water flood risk
Bournemouth East faces UK's largest rise in surface-water flood risk by 2050, warns Aviva. Climate change, outdated drainage, heavy rainfall, and low-lying land blamed.
MP visits charity that supports nearly 3,800 people annually
He offered his support to the charity, particularly in strengthening partnerships and sharing important data in Parliament.
Lighthouse appoints first 'community connector' for arts venue
Lighthouse appoints Jenny Fawcett-Gray as its first community connector.
Buses to replace trains for nearly a week
Buses will be replacing trains at Bournemouth and Poole stations for nearly a week in November.
Grand book fair to be held at Museum of East Dorset
Discover the Grand Book Fair at the Museum of East Dorset, Wimborne Minster, on 14-15 November. Free entry, wide selection of donated books & jigsaws.
Spooky tales and gory storytelling at Dorset National Trust sites
Discover fun October half-term activities for families at National Trust sites in Dorset, including trails, crafts, storytelling, and wildlife adventures.
Jet2.com and Jet2holidays to fly from Bournemouth in 2027
Jet2.com and Jet2holidays launch Summer 2027 flights and holidays from Bournemouth Airport, offering 16 destinations and over 300,000 seats now on sale.
Former police station sold for more than £3m, but new HQ cost £14.5m
A former Dorset Police station was sold for over £3 million but the force’s new headquarters cost £14.5 million, a Freedom of Information request reveals.
New wildlife site created in new bid to protect nature
Dorset Council secures 100-hectare habitat bank at The Ferals, Tarrant Keyneston, supporting biodiversity gain, wildlife protection and new housing.
Residents enjoy music performances at summer events
New Milton Town Council hosted free live music events with local bands this summer. Mayor Alvin Reid praised community turnout. Feedback now sought.
Homes to be built in green belt after appeal granted
Sixteen new homes approved in Dorset green belt after Planning Inspectorate overturns council refusal, securing Morden Mill and Farmhouse heritage assets.
Bournemouth apprentice named runner-up in national competition
Bournemouth apprentice Romilly Oliver named senior runner-up at PDA Apprentice Paperhanger of the Year 2025.
Government
Police and Crime Commissioners (Accountability and Review) Bill
A Bill to make provision about the accountability of police and crime commissioners; to make provision about the measurement of police and crime commissioners’ performance; to make provision about the setting of priorities for police and crime commissioners; to require the Secretary of State to commission a review of the operation and functions of police and crime commissioners, including consideration of options for their abolition and replacement; and for connected purposes.
Formula 1
OFFICIAL RACE PROGRAMME - 2025 United States Grand Prix
Check out the digital race programme for this weekend's Formula 1 MSC Cruises United States Grand Prix 2025.
Who are the favourites as F1 arrives in Austin?
Formula 1 heads to Austin’s Circuit of The Americas as the United States Grand Prix hosts Round 19 of the championship, but what do the odds say about who might come out on top? Read on to find out...
The most important facts & stats ahead of Austin
Formula 1 arrives at Austin’s Circuit of The Americas this weekend for Round 19 on the 2025 calendar, the United States Grand Prix.
5 teams reveal special United States GP liveries
Williams, Racing Bulls, Haas, McLaren and Aston Martin are all set to run special liveries at the Circuit of The Americas in Austin.
Windows Central
Battlefield 6 naval warfare is on the way according to a datamine report, and I'm pumped — but when will it be added to the game?
A new report on files datamined from Battlefield 6 suggests that naval warfare is currently in development for the game.
12 features coming during first half of October on Windows 11 Insiders
During the first half of October 2025, Microsoft released several Insider builds for Windows 11 version 25H2 and 24H2 with various visual changes and improvements, including improvements to the dark color mode, changes for the AI agent in Settings, the addition of Administrator Protection, and more.
ASUS ROG Xbox Ally X and Xbox Ally review roundup — Here's what critics are saying about Microsoft's new partner gaming handhelds
Reviews for the ASUS Xbox ROG Ally X and Xbox Ally handhelds are pouring in, with plenty of praise, as well as some criticisms.
Ambrosia Sky is one of the most unique science-fiction games I've played — and you'll be able to play part of it soon
Ambrosia Sky is the one of most unique science-fiction games I've played in years, and the game's first act is launching soon.
Xbox Ally gets game compatibility indicators — and OG Ally owners get a nice Armoury Crate update too
ASUS and Microsoft have rolled out updates improving both the Xbox Ally and original ROG Ally, with the Xbox app adding handheld compatibility indicators and Armoury Crate SE 2.1.10 delivering key quality-of-life upgrades like a revamped Command Center, battery care tools, and controller mapping support.
Best Xbox Ally and Xbox Ally X accessories in 2025 — The most essential accessories I personally use
The Xbox Ally and Xbox Ally X are great PC gaming handhelds, but they're even better with some friends in tow. And by friends, I mean accessories. Here are the ones I recommend most.
One of my favorite accessories now has an Xbox Ally version — it's Xbox Certified and gives the handheld a kickstand
I already own a few dBrand Killswitch cases for Steam Deck and ROG Ally. They're excellent, which is why I'm stoked that the company is releasing one for the upcoming Xbox Ally gaming handheld PC.
Minecraft devs admit that, if the Creeper didn't already exist, they probably wouldn't add it
In a new video, some of Minecraft's developers discuss the balancing act with adding new features, and how they probably wouldn't add the Creeper today.
This masterclass medieval RPG is enjoying massive Xbox and PC sales — With discounts reaching up to nearly 46% off
Various retailers are selling the Xbox and PC versions of Kingdom Come: Deliverance II, one of the most critically acclaimed open-world RPGs in recent memory, with huge discounts ranging from 30% to 46%.
"Literally nobody asked for this" — Battlefield 6 just made a huge change to its Conquest mode that nobody wanted, and I'm utterly baffled
Battlefield 6's Conquest match time limit has been causing issues, so the developers have addressed it — but not in a way that anyone was expecting, or wanted.
Jealous of the new Xbox Ally? — Here are 6 ways to give your original ROG Ally a glow-up
The Xbox Ally has arrived, but the original ASUS ROG Ally is still a fantastic PC gaming handheld, especially with these upgrades and tips for improving it.
Firefox gets a new security feature that Edge has had for years — here’s how it works, who gets access, and how it compares
Mozilla is testing a new Firefox VPN that protects any data sent out from the browser. It's a lot like Edge Secure Network, but it currently lacks data limits and is invite-only. Here's what you need to know.
Microsoft integrates Copilot with the Taskbar on Windows 11 — the search box is now an AI chat box
Copilot will soon be instantly accessible right from the Taskbar on Windows 11 PCs, replacing the classic Windows Search box with AI and Copilot Vision.
Reddit co-founder says "much of the internet is dead” while Sam Altman warns AI and bots will destroy the web within 3 years
Reddit's co-founder Alexis Ohanian recently indicated that much of the internet today is dead due to the rise of bots and quasi-AI.
PowerToys now lets Windows 11 auto‑switch light and dark modes — as Microsoft works on a consistent dark mode across the OS
Microsoft recently shipped a new update for PowerToys, adding the Light Switch utility, which lets you switch between light and dark modes automatically in Windows 11.
Microsoft dubs Windows 11 PCs "the computer you can talk to” as it launches new agentic AI voice input mode that lets your PC do things for you
Windows 11 is getting an agentic AI assistant that lets you ask Copilot to control apps and files for you. It's also making it easier to access Copilot from the Taskbar and with your voice.
12 Essential Windows 11 tweaks to supercharge your ASUS ROG Xbox Ally gaming handheld
Apply these 12 essential Windows 11 tweaks to get the most out of your ASUS ROG Xbox Ally. From power modes and GPU settings to refresh rate and AMD performance features, learn how to optimize your handheld for a better gaming experience.
Snipe headshots in competitive PC games with ease using one of Razer's best budget gaming mice — made better by a BIG discount
The Razer Viper V3 HyperSpeed is being sold for a charitable 37% on Amazon, giving PC players on a tight budget a low-cost chance to upgrade their gaming set-up with a high-quality mouse packed with great battery life and a 1,000Hz polling rate.
If you can't get enough of indie games, this upcoming ID@Xbox event is for you
Microsoft's ID@Xbox program provides support for indie developers and publishers bringing more games to the Xbox platform. A new showcase of exclusive indie trailers and gameplay has been announced for October 28.
DOOM: The Dark Ages gets a gaming handheld-focused update — bringing Steam Deck verification and better Xbox Ally X performance
Update 2.2 for DOOM: The Dark Ages is now available, bringing better performance across gaming handhelds like the Steam Deck and Xbox Ally X.
Laffgaff
Who was the only Mercury 7 astronaut to walk on the moon?
Alan Shepard.
Scrabble Loser
A friend of mine just lost a game of Scrabble. It didn't look good from the word go.
Itsfoss
FOSS Weekly #25.42: Hyprland Controversy, German State with Open Source, New Flatpak App Center and a Lot More Linux Stuff
Lots happening in open source world. Some good, some not so good.