The News - Thursday, 30 October 2025

BBC News

Starmer rules out investigation as Reeves apologises for breaking housing rules

The PM says an investigation is not "necessary" as the chancellor admits "error" when renting out home.

Dozens dead in 'total devastation' left behind by Hurricane Melissa

The hurricane - Jamaica's worst to date - was downgraded from a category five storm on Wednesday.

Thousands on benefits could have energy debt cancelled

Regulator Ofgem plans to cut £500m from the stack of customer debt - but other billpayers will cover the cost.

The dads helping daughters through their periods

A growing number of dads are challenging the unfounded stigma around talking to their children about periods.

How China really spies on the UK

The national security threats China poses today go beyond traditional notions of espionage - in this new world, threats are far more complex

Backstabbing, dirty work and an iconic exit speech in Celebrity Traitors

It was the Alan Carr show again, as the comedian tackled a terrifying bridge in the latest episode of The Celebrity Traitors.

Afghan man charged after dog walker killed in London triple stabbing

A 22-year-old man has been charged after a dog walker was killed and two others injured in a stabbing in Uxbridge.

Trump directs nuclear weapons testing to resume for first time in over 30 years

The testing is necessary to keep pace with weapons programmes in China and Russia, according to Trump.

Dutch centrist liberals neck and neck with populist Wilders in tight election

Rob Jetten's D66 party celebrates but with 90% of votes counted the result is too close to call.

Cruise operator 'failed' woman who was left on island and died, family says

Katherine Rees said her mum, 80, had fallen ill during a hike on a remote Australian island and was told to return to the ship by herself.

Dependants of Gazan students can join them in UK, government says

The decision is a reversal of the original policy which only supported the evacuation of the students themselves.

Watch: Moment Donald Trump and Xi Jinping meet

The US and Chinese leaders shook hands when they met face-to-face for the first time since 2019.

Tit-for-tat tariffs, a shaky truce and turmoil: How we got to the Trump-Xi meeting

US President Donald Trump and Chinese leader Xi Jinping met on Thursday to discuss a trade deal.

Three things you need to know about the Trump-Xi meeting

The two world leaders are set to hold talks in South Korea, after months of escalating trade tension between the US and China.

'I'll never forgive the woman responsible for my wife's paddleboard death'

Four paddleboarders died after descending a weir in Haverfordwest, Pembrokeshire, in October 2021.

The papers: 'Reeves eyes income tax rise' and 'prostate test would save thousands'

The possibility of tax rises at the Budget and a trial of prostate cancer screening lead Thursday's papers.

Who is Rob Jetten, tipped to become youngest Dutch prime minister?

Rob Jetten's electoral success has come as a surprise, but politically, all the stars were aligned for him to achieve it.

Labour MPs still crave a compelling story from Starmer

Frustration is growing about the PM's ability to define the government's message - and sell it to the public.

Spooky spending creeping in weeks before Halloween

Spending on Halloween now tops £1bn and UK shoppers are looking beyond sweet treats and pumpkins

Why the survival of the Gaza ceasefire depends heavily on Trump

Its prospects depend heavily on the continuing engagement of the Trump White House, writes Frank Gardner.

New videos show executions after RSF militia takes key Sudan city

RSF troops executed a number of unarmed people after seizing el-Fasher, videos reviewed by BBC Verify show.

Sudanese RSF militia killed many civilians at hospital, WHO chief and doctors say

WHO chief "appalled and deeply shocked" after doctors say RSF killed "patients, their companions, and anyone else present".

MPs question value for money of Prince Andrew's Royal Lodge lease

Parliamentary committee demands answers about whether the lease arrangements are "achieving the best value for money".

Migrant sex offender given £500 after threat to disrupt deportation

Hadush Kebatu was given the money to avoid a "slower, more expensive process", Downing Street said.

Starmer declines to rule out breaking manifesto tax pledges

The prime minister fails to repeat a promise not to raise income tax rates, VAT or National Insurance next month.

Nvidia hits new milestone as world's first $5tn company

The US chip-maker has rapidly climbed from a niche graphics-chip manufacturer to an AI titan.

Teenage cricketer dies in Melbourne after being hit by ball

The 17-year-old was rushed to hospital on Tuesday and placed on life support but died on Thursday.

England's most deprived areas named - see how yours is affected

Jaywick, a seaside town in Essex, has been named the most deprived area for a fourth time in a row.

Man dies and three injured in helicopter crash

Emergency services were called to Ings Lane in Bentley at about 10:15 GMT, police say.

Xi and Trump find temporary truce at meeting as China plays longer game

Talks have helped to steady a rocky relationship between the world's top two economies - but the rivalry persists.

William and Kate win legal battle over ski holiday pictures

The images of the royal couple and their children had appeared in a French magazine in April.

Health officials worried as flu season comes five weeks early

UK Health Security Agency urges people to get vaccinated with cases on the rise.

Reports of mass killings in Sudan have echoes of its dark past

Some are warning of a genocide unfolding in Darfur - violence that is linked to killings there 20 years ago.

Alleged McCann stalker cries and tells court 'I just want to know who I am'

Julia Wandelt, 24, breaks down in tears and says she should not be in the witness box.

Israel receives coffins Hamas says contain two Gaza hostages' bodies

The government says the bodies were transferred by the Red Cross to Israeli forces in Gaza, who will take them to experts for identification.

Lily Allen to tour new break-up album in UK theatres

The singer will perform her new album West End Girl in its entirety when she tours in March 2026.

Backstabbing, dirty work and an iconic exit speech in Celebrity Traitors

It was the Alan Carr show again, as the comedian tackled a terrifying bridge in the latest episode of The Celebrity Traitors.

How China really spies on the UK

The national security threats China poses today go beyond traditional notions of espionage - in this new world, threats are far more complex

The witches of Dumbarton - tortured, executed and falsely accused

More than two dozen people in the town were accused and tortured in the belief that they were doing Satan's bidding.

I'll never forgive the woman responsible for my wife's paddleboard death

Nicola Wheatley was one of four paddleboarders killed after descending a weir in Haverfordwest, Pembrokeshire, in October 2021.

Virgin cleared to challenge Eurostar on Channel Tunnel route

Virgin Trains plans to start rival passenger rail services through the tunnel from 2030.

Dutch centrist liberals neck and neck with populist Wilders in tight election

Rob Jetten's D66 party celebrates but with most of the votes counted the result is too close to call.

Watchdog slams O2 over unexpected price rise

The media regulator said it was disappointed O2 raised prices more than was advertised when customers took out contracts.

Afghan man in court after man dies in knife attack

Safi Dawood is charged with murder and two counts of attempted murder over the Uxbridge incident.

Thousands on benefits could have energy debt cancelled

Regulator Ofgem plans to cut £500m from the stack of customer debt - but other billpayers will cover the cost.

Five new suspects arrested over Louvre jewellery theft

They were arrested on Wednesday night in the Paris region, Paris' public prosecutor said.

'Poor' insulation that left houses mouldy needs wider investigation, government told

Botched insulation damaged many homes and left a legacy of health problems for residents.

Bournemouth Echo

“It’s just a vile thing to do”: Masked robbers smashed into crafts shop

Masked robbers “smashed stock for the sake of it” and stole from small businesses and charity boxes during a break-in at a craft centre in Lytchett Minster.

Pensioner admits pushing man, 80, to the ground after road rage argument

Jonathan Hoar admitted pushing an 80-year-old man to the ground after an argument broke out in Ringwood

The ancient pub with phantom footsteps and secret smuggler's tunnel

The Angel Inn in Lymington, a historic fixture on the High Street, where many ghostly apparitions have been witnessed.

In The Dock: Men assaulted police officers among the cases

The following cases were heard at Poole Magistrates' Court:

Thousands raised by Southbourne sleep out

A SLEEP out held on Southbourne’s Promenade has raised thousands of pound in vital funds as well as crucial awareness for the UK’s leading youth homelessness charity.

'Heart-warming' children's book tells story of son after his dad's leg amputation

AN AUTHOR from Poole has launched his first children’s book inspired by his son’s emotions and experiences during a difficult period in their lives.

'Too complicated' to track legal guns after boy's death sparks concerns, say police

POLICE leaders said it would be “too complicated” to track the movement of legal firearms following a teenager’s death, but that it would review gun regulations.

Global brand carver brings pumpkin art to Bournemouth coffee trailer

A coffee trailer has been transformed into a 'pumpkin carving gallery' by its owner, who's worked with brands such as L'Oréal, Carlsberg and PayPal.

'These shoes tell the stories of children who want to learn, play and be included'

SHOES will be displayed outside BCP council civic centre to represent SEND children “failed by the education system” as part of a national movement organised by SEND charity.

'It’s about freedom': Village residents meet with MoreBus after service cancelled

Residents of Throop met with representatives from MoreBus, BCP Council and MP Tom Hayes to discuss the recently discontinued bus village service.

'Loving, caring and hardworking' teen died after incident near station

An inquest was held into the death of a teen from Bournemouth after he fell from a bridge near a train station.

80-year-old to donate 100th pint of blood on Halloween dressed as Dracula's Bride

AN 80-year-old woman is preparing to donate her 100th pint of blood this Halloween dressed as Dracula’s bride.

Charity brings children and university students together for story writing workshops

A CHARITY offering free story writing workshops for school children across the BCP area brings together children and university students to collaborate on creative writing projects.

Pharmacy closed 'indefinitely' due to 'longstanding non-payment of rent'

A PHARMACY has "closed indefinitely" due to a "longstanding non-payment of rent", it has been confirmed.

Council clarifies only one side of Christchurch Bypass will close at a time

THE Council have moved to clarify that only one side of the Christchurch Bypass will be closed at a time.

Dual carriageway closed due to crash involving car and motorbike

A dual carriageway in Poole has been closed following a two-vehicle collision.

Man who has dedicated 16 years to protecting New Forest wins award

Brian Matthews wins the Outstanding Contribution Award at the Wilder Awards 2025 for over 16 years of New Forest conservation with Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust.

Tribute in memory of beloved entertainer and fundraiser

A tribute is set to take place in memory of a man who spread joy to so many people

Woman charged after footballer loses leg in M27 crash

A woman has been charged after footballer Jordan Chiedozie lost his leg in a serious crash on the M27 in February

6 pets at RSPCA Dorset who are searching for loving new homes

A number of pets at Dorset RSPCA branches in Ashley Heath and Dorchester are looking to find loving new homes.

Cherries player is banned from driving after speeding twice in three months

A Cherries player has been banned from driving for six months after he was caught speeding twice in three months.

Teenager arrested after car crashes into woman's home in the early hours

A teenager has been arrested after they smashed into the wall of a residential property in Tuckton in the early hours Thursday morning.

Images of a man released in connection with shoplifting incidents

IMAGES have been released of a man in connection with two separate shoplifting incidents.

Award-laden folkie back at Lighthouse after three years away

Ever-reliable, diminutive and award-laden folkie Martin Simpson was in fine form on his return to Lighthouse after three years.

The 3 times it's legal for drivers to use their main beam headlights on UK roads

You might wonder when it is safe and legal to use main beam headlights when driving - here's what the Highway Code, RAC and AA say about it.

All the DWP benefits eligible for the £150 Warm Home Discount as letters arrive

Millions of people will get a letter this week giving a £150 discount off their energy bills this winter, but which DWP benefit claimants are eligible?

UK households could save up to £90 off energy bills with 2-second trick

As temperatures plummet, it's important to stay warm in homes.

'Dial 999 immediately': Hunt underway to locate man wanted on prison recall

A Search is underway to locate a man wanted on prison recall.

Critically endangered spider found for first time in 40 years in the UK

A critically endangered spider has been rediscovered on the Isle of Wight.

Vehicles recovered following near Tower Park

Emergency services attended to a three vehicle crash near Tower Park on Wednesday evening.

Man fighting for life following serious motorcycle crash

A man has been hospitalised with life-threatening injuries following a serious crash on Wednesday evening in Poole.

Train station bridge work to close Dorset road

Station Road in Wool will be temporarily closed because of bridge work at Wool Train Station

Children's care facility set to be approved despite nearly 30 objections

A proposal to change a property into a childrens care facility is set to be approved despite nearly 30 objectives.

Man assaulted by group left with 'black eyes and significant facial swelling'

A MAN aged in his 40s was assaulted by a group of four men during a robbery incident in Bournemouth.

Dorset Chamber’s most popular event of the year returns

Dorset Chamber’s most popular event of the year returns on Thursday, December 4 from 12pm to 4pm at the Marriott Hotel in Bournemouth.

Plans to demolish buildings and build 44 new apartments

A proposal for 44 new apartments in Poole is set to be approved at the next planning committee meeting.

Flagship department store set to gain roof terrace as part of major upgrade

Plans to give a flagship department store in the New Forest its biggest upgrade in 80 years have been approved

Exhibition about Indian Army in Bournemouth praised by MP

Discover 'Recovering by the Sea' at Russell-Cotes, Bournemouth—an exhibition on Indian Army soldiers’ First World War experiences, praised by Tom Hayes MP.

Pet owners warned about dressing pets in Halloween costumes

Purely Pets warns pet owners that Halloween costumes and decorations can pose health risks, including choking, stress, and overheating.

Several roads in Bournemouth to close due to gas works

Bournemouth roads including Chessel Avenue face closures from 13 October for SGN gas mains works, says BCP Council. Diversions and parking restrictions apply.

Trains to and from London Waterloo to be disrupted over Christmas

London Waterloo train services disrupted Christmas 2025 as Network Rail upgrades tracks near Queenstown Road. Check revised timetables and station closures.

Dorset residents urged to 'check now' if they qualify for pension credit

Dorset Council urges residents to check pension credit eligibility. Claim up to £75/week plus extra support like winter fuel payment.

BCP Council plan to create four new community hubs

These hubs would transform libraries into multi-use spaces, making them a focal point for local residents.

Stage adaptation of hit novel to come to Poole next year

The Talented Mr. Ripley stage adaptation comes to Poole’s Lighthouse in March 2025 as part of its UK and international tour, starring Ed McVey. Tickets on sale now.

Halloween warning after TikTok video shows owners scaring dogs

Vet Dr Anna Foreman warns pet owners that scaring pets with Halloween decorations can trigger "lifetime" anxiety and injuries, and that costumes can cause distress or injury. Keep animals safe indoors.

Road to be temporarily closed for remembrance parade

Church Road, Ferndown will be closed on Sunday, 9 November for a remembrance parade. Dorset Council authorises closures from 2.30pm to 2.50pm and 4pm to 4.20pm.

Exhibition with over 70 artworks to explore impact of war

Discover "Artist as Witness: The Impact of War" at Russell-Cotes Bournemouth, featuring 70+ works by Laura Knight, Paul Nash & more. 25 Oct 2025–8 Mar 2026.

'What's the obsession with filming everything?'

I agree totally with your readers who have echoed their annoyance over people standing up at concerts.

Local newspapers join forces against government proposals

Local newspapers unite to oppose government plans to scrap the legal requirement for alcohol licensing notices in local papers. Have your say in the reform consultation.

'There is nothing more terrifying': Fire warning ahead of Halloween

Home fire safety manager Sarah Moore said: "We don’t want to stop people enjoying Halloween, but we do want them to celebrate safely.

Museum to reopen after more than £10m transformation

After a more than £10million redevelopment, Poole Museum reopens 5 November with new maritime galleries, flexible exhibition spaces, inclusive design, and free entry. Book tickets online.

Bournemouth Christmas Market to feature stall run by young people

SWRAC students with SEND will run the Best of Bournemouth hut at Bournemouth’s Alpine Market, selling handmade festive gifts from 13–22 November.

Halloween street party set to draw thousands to Canford Cliffs

Thousands expected at Canford Cliffs Halloween street party as LuxeFlorae hosts free family event with trick-or-treating, haunted house and live entertainment.

New exhibition showcasing work of 37 local artists opens

Discover 'Unseen' at The Old School House, Boscombe—an art exhibition featuring 37 local artists, curated by Millie Lake, open until 12 December.

Poole Hill northbound to be closed under council order

Poole Hill northbound will close for demolition works from 20 Oct–22 Nov 2025. Bournemouth, Christchurch, and Poole Council gave the order. The public can view the order at one.network.

Loose Women launch new campaign to help stop domestic abuse

Loose Women launches Facing It Together campaign in Parliament to raise domestic abuse awareness, with support from MPs.

Firm sets out new vision as it nears 70 years in business

Ward Goodman unveils refreshed vision, focusing on financial planning and wealth management, and business advisory services.

'Colourful murals on seafront are wonderful'

In this era of sometimes downbeat news, and with the occasional propensity to be grumpy about things which aren’t being done, can I reflect a ray of brightness and positivity about just two examples of what has been produced in and around the Boscombe seafront area.

Charity supporting 'incredible' young carers has new Dorset base

MYTIME Young Carers has a new Broadstone base in Dorset to support young carers nationwide. Charity aims to empower young people aged 5-25 across the UK.

MP criticises water company after environmental rating halves

Poole MP Neil Duncan-Jordan blasts Wessex Water after Environment Agency downgrades its environmental rating due to pollution incidents in 2024.

Formula 1

Piastri becomes Amelia Dimoldenberg’s next coach in ‘Passenger Princess’

The next F1 driver to help Amelia Dimoldenberg learn to drive in her ‘Passenger Princess’ series is Oscar Piastri.

POLL: Vote for your greatest race from F1's 75 years

The 2011 Canadian Grand Prix is revealed as F1.com's greatest race from the sport's 75 years of history, but do you agree?

When Button dramatically won F1’s longest race

After 24 worthy contenders, the coveted No. 1 spot goes to the 2011 Canadian Grand Prix, where torrential rain, a Safety Car record and Jenson Button’s brilliant charge all played their part. Mike Seymour remembers that eventful day with some help from those involved...

Button confirms end of professional racing career

Jenson Button has confirmed that the upcoming 8 Hours of Bahrain will mark the last race of his professional career, with the 2009 F1 World Champion deciding not to compete in another season of the World Endurance Championship.

Mercedes had to consider key factor in Russell’s deal

Toto Wolff has given an insight into one of the details that Mercedes had to “readjust” and “recalibrate” when working on George Russell’s contract renewal, a deal that was announced just before the United States Grand Prix.

Windows Central

Grammarly kills its perfectly good name to become ‘Superhuman’ — because nothing says originality like sounding exactly like every other AI startup

Grammarly rebrands as Superhuman, adopting the name of the AI email app it recently acquired.

Xbox FY26 Q1 earnings: Game Pass lifts revenue as console sales plunge nearly 30%

The latest financial results from Microsoft are in, with Xbox FY26 Q1 gaming content and services revenue up 1%, beating expectations.

Microsoft's AI boss Mustafa Suleyman says "we will never build a sex robot" — as OpenAI relaxes erotica restrictions for verified ChatGPT users

Microsoft AI CEO Mustafa Suleyman recently revealed the company's firm stance against erotica and the development of sex robots.

Call me a heretic, but I've enjoyed this retro-inspired shooter way more than Space Marine 2 — Here's why it's my favorite Warhammer 40,000 action game

Warhammer 40,000: Boltgun, an underrated FPS from 2023 that pays loving (and bloody) homage to the Warhammer 40,000 universe and classic boomer shooters, is now on sale to get fans excited for its upcoming sequel.

It's not just you, The Outer Worlds 2 isn't working for many right now — here's why

The Outer Worlds 2 standard edition is available now, but many players are unable to access it due to an Azure outage.

Pro players are using these Xbox and PS5 settings in Battlefield 6 Redsec — level up your controller, graphics, and audio

This Battlefield 6 and Redsec console settings guide breaks down every adjustment that actually improves your performance.

Major Microsoft Azure outage takes Office 365, Teams, and Xbox services offline

Microsoft's widely used Azure cloud computing platform is experiencing an outage, leading to Office 365, Teams, Xbox, and more going down.

I've been waiting for this Flight Sim joystick for months, and it's finally launching this weekend — could the "Foxtrot" be perfect?

Honeycomb Aeronautical's "Foxtrot Aviation Stick" is about to launch, and it's my most anticipated joystick for Microsoft Flight Simulator by far.

Windows 11 is gaining a simplified naming scheme for updates going forward

Going forward, updates that appear in Windows Update will utilize a simplified naming scheme designed to make it clearer to end users what is actually being downloaded.

Borderlands 4 creator says gaming has no Citizen Kane — and maybe no masterpieces at all

Randy Pitchford is once again stirring discussion after claiming that gaming has yet to see its “Citizen Kane” moment. Speaking in a Shacknews interview about Borderlands 4, the developer reflected on the massive scale of AAA games before suggesting the industry hasn’t yet produced a single defining masterpiece.

Here's why you SHOULDN'T shoot at downed enemies in Battlefield 6 Redsec — if you do, you're missing out on a crucial tactic

Like all battle royales, when you eliminate someone in Battlefield 6 Redsec you have to go back and finish the job. But if you don't laser them from afar you can give yourself an unfair advantage.

Google says your Gmail wasn’t hacked — but maybe check anyway, as the internet’s not buying it after 183M accounts were allegedly breached

It’s not a Gmail breach, it’s just a remix of every other one — according to Google, which denies reports, but 16 million fresh credentials still surfaced.

AMD kills Windows 10 support in its latest Adrenalin update — Battlefield 6 picks up bug fixes and optimizations

AMD's latest Adrenalin Edition 25.10.2 software update has cut support for Windows 10 and some older RDNA GPUs. Here's what you need to know.

Microsoft pulls the plug on Windows 11 23H2 — here’s what you need to do before November 11

Users still running the now two-year old release of Windows 11 will be left unsupported as of November 11, so be sure to upgrade to version 24H2 or 25H2 soon!

Resident Evil: Requiem pre-orders are live — with special editions, Switch 2 gear, and a Fortnite collab (yes, really)

Capcom has announced that pre-orders for Resident Evil Requiem are now live. Additionally, Capcom has also shared details on its special editions, special Nintendo Switch 2 peripherals, and a collaboration with Fortnite to mark the series' debut on Epic Games Store.

YouTube removes Windows 11 Microsoft account bypass video citing a community guideline violation with potential to cause serious physical harm or death — "I don't think Microsoft had anything to do with it."

YouTube took down a Windows 11 video demonstrating how to install Windows 11 using only a local account, indicating that it violates community guidelines and policies and that it could lead to serious physical harm or even death.

A mouse that fits in your pocket and lasts 950 hours? Razer’s Orochi V2 is just $39

We have discovered a sizeable 43% discount for the Razer Orochi V2, a handy mouse built for gaming, work, or casual internet browsing without weighing down on your travel luggage.

Future updates will make Minecraft a LOT easier to mod — Mojang Studios is removing code obfuscation entirely

Mojang Studios has announced that it's removing obfuscation from Minecraft: Java Edition's code, which will make it much easier for developers to mod the game.

Laffgaff

What is the capital of Puerto Rico?

San Juan.

Paintball Exam

Just got my paintball exam results. I passed with flying colors.

Itsfoss

FOSS Weekly #25.44: KDE Plasma 6.5 and Fedora 43 Released, Ghostty Terminal, Nextcloud Over Microsoft and Productivity App for Linux

Fedora 43 is here and so is KDE Plasma 6.5 with a bunch of new, modern features.

Here's How You Can Customize Linux Desktop for Halloween [Dot Files Included]

Forget pumpkin carving. This year, I carved out a haunted Hyprland setup straight from the underworld of Arch Linux 👻