The News - Saturday, 24 October 2026

BBC News

France prepares for day of protest a week after nationwide riots

More than 70,000 police officers are to be deployed over fears protesters will defy restrictions on demonstrations.

UK to invest £100m in 'world first' AI Biosecurity Lab

The chancellor will unveil AI spending aimed at shoring up the UK's defences in Wednesday's Budget.

Australian MP's condition improves after alleged car attack

The Independent MP is now in a serious but stable condition, according to the Melbourne hospital.

Met investigates reports of letter detailing claims about Meghan's father

Scotland Yard opens an inquiry after the Duchess of Sussex said she was sent a letter containing "disturbing allegations".

Father who killed Oregon school shooter describes anguish over children he couldn't save

Kaylub Giamanco, has been hailed as a hero for killing a teenager who fatally shot three children and a teacher.

Celebrity Traitors left on a knife edge after a trip to the field of screams

A newly earned special power left one contestant with a big decision to make in Friday's episode.

Why is John Travolta's old luxury jet in a small Australian town?

The BBC goes on board Travolta’s old Boeing 707 which is being reassembled in a small coastal town.

Tory activist in 'contract killing broker' claim had worked for party HQ

Jack Ross was contracted to do social media work for the party until earlier this year, the BBC has been told.

GP says she was forced out of job after raising concerns about gender treatment

The doctor says she faced a brutal investigation after she passed on complaints brought to her by other doctors.

Arrest made after fire at Hitler's Eagle's Nest retreat

Around 200 emergency personnel are deployed to fight the blaze at the Nazi dictator's Alpine residence in Germany.

Are California voters about to impose world's first 'tax on billionaires'?

Voters are about to decide if the mega-rich among them should hand over billions of dollars to pay for improvements to healthcare.

Strictly's new presenters - after frosty reviews have they warmed up?

Josh Widdicombe, Emma Willis and Johannes Radebe have split opinion but are getting into the groove, critics say.

Ruins of Limoges city hall a symbol of France divided by national protests

Younger Limoges residents see the destruction of their town hall as unfortunate collateral damage in a wider movement. For others, the fire was an unacceptable tragedy.

The Papers: 'Meghan warned over father' and 'Don't risk Truss-style budget'

Meghan Markle's responds to allegations over her father and PM warned to not risk 'Truss-style' budget leads Saturday's papers.

Meghan statement offers answers after years of questions about her relationship with father

Today, without exactly using the word, Meghan claimed vindication.

Before you crank up the thermostat, try these tips to keep your house warmer for longer

Make draught excluders from socks, leave your oven door open after cooking and opt for lots of thin layers of clothing to stay warm.

The rise of AI election ads in US midterms campaign

BBC Verify has tracked dozens of AI ads to assess how they are being used by campaigns in the midterms.

How does the UK state pension compare with other countries?

Do British pensioners have it better or worse than those in other countries?

The artist dropping her debut album after a billion streams

Irish DJ Jazzy came up on the Dublin club scene and has worked with industry heavyweights like Calvin Harris.

Woman, 65, becomes second patient to die of Ebola in Kenya

She was a close family member of the first victim, a man who had travelled from the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Watch: Prince William on how he once dreamed of becoming 'DJ Xara'

The Prince of Wales made a surprise appearance on the Graham Norton Show as part of a special edition to mark the Earthshot Prize.

Why should I stockpile and what will I need?

The UK government has warned households to have three days of essential supplies on hand.

Met Police says letter with claims about Meghan's father not shared with other law enforcement

The Met said it passed information to the duchess but did not share it with other law enforcement agencies.

Plan for Northern Olympics to get £7m in Healey's Budget

The full feasibility study will look in detail at how hosting the Games in northern England could work.

Between quick wins and big dreams lies Burnham's biggest test

The prime minister might be dreaming of gold medals in 2040, but he must first navigate the difficult years in between, writes Laura Kuenssberg.

Mum dies after trying to rescue sons swept away at sea in Bahamas

The children were subsequently rescued from the water, police say.

The artist dropping her debut album after a billion streams

Irish DJ Jazzy came up on the Dublin club scene and has worked with industry heavyweights like Calvin Harris.

How the UK state pension compares with other countries

Do British pensioners have it better or worse than those in other countries?

Watch: Fire engulfs Hitler's mountaintop Eagle's Nest retreat

Police in the southern German state of Bavaria have detained a 33-year-old German man following the fire.

Sam Fender calls out ticket prices ahead of tour

The Geordie singer says on Instagram he is "not happy" with the reported ticket prices.

Ukraine says Starlink connection 'now stable' after network limits

The slowed Starlink connections had affected the Ukraine's military and drone operations for a week.

The convicted £33m tax fraudster evading justice and living it up in Dubai

Arif Patel "should not be beyond the reach of the justice system," says the PM’s anti-corruption champion.

How Brazil's changing working class is reshaping the presidential race

Calls for change present a challenge to President Lula in the second round of the election on Sunday.

Don't fall for this - how to protect yourself from AI scams

Trading standards officers say AI is "super-charging" existing scams through clones and fake websites.

My dream of being a paramedic helped me save a life at 15

Ethan gives CPR to a 75-year-old man he found collapsed on the street in cardiac arrest.

Watch: Moment fin whale swallows thousands of gallons of water during feeding

Videographer Rhys Morgan captured footage of the worlds second largest whale lunge feeding on his drone.

Bournemouth Echo

Exclusive: Cherries spent half a million to stop UEFA shutting south stand for Europe

The Cherries were forced to spend half a million pounds on the temporary south stand at the Vitality Stadium to get it approved by UEFA or risk having to close the stand for their Europa League games.

Police again thank fans as AC Milan operation a success with no disorder or arrests

DORSET Police again thanked residents and football fans alike as Thursday night’s Europa League match between the Cherries and AC Milan went off without any reports of disorder or arrests related to the game.

When Bournemouth streets roared with carnival magic back in 2006

Bournemouth carnival in August 2006 drew thousands, with Christchurch Cruisers, colourful floats, costumes, and Hospital Radio Bedside fundraising.

9 of the best Bonfire Night fireworks displays in Dorset you need to visit in 2026

Dorset Bonfire Night 2026 fireworks displays will be taking place in Bournemouth, Ringwood, Weymouth, Dorchester and more.

Two-bedroom flat in Poole with views of Poole Harbour listed for £625,000

A luxury penthouse apartment with views of Poole Harbour and Brownsea Island has gone on the market for £625,000

Food hygiene ratings - latest scores revealed for Dorset cafes and restaurants

The scores are in — the latest batch of food hygiene ratings for Dorset restaurants, cafes, takeaways and businesses have been revealed

Major road in Poole to be closed for more than a month for BCP Council works

Yarmouth Road in Poole will close from November 9 to December 18 for BCP Council highway works, with weekday restrictions, parking bans and diversions.

Bournemouth charity turns empty building into accommodation for homeless people

Bournemouth charity Hope HTS is transforming an empty building into supported accommodation for homeless people, with a Fire Walk on November 6 funding it.

Bournemouth road to temporarily close next month for sewer connection works

Hawkwood Road in Bournemouth is due to close to vehicles for sewer connection works from November 2 to November 20.

Bournemouth named one of the top wellness staycation destinations in the UK

Bournemouth named the UK’s second-best wellness staycation destination, praised for sandy beaches, coastal walks and spa hotels in a Together Travel ranking.

Bournemouth leisure centre announces programme of autumn and winter events

Littledown Centre in Bournemouth announces autumn and Christmas events, including Halloween and Christmas discos, markets, quizzes and fireworks for all ages.

Wartime play inspired by real-life stories coming to Poole venue next year

The production, Spitfire Girls, will open at the Lighthouse, Poole, on January 15, and January 16, 2027, before making its London debut at Park Theatre.

One in four UK adults not getting NHS-recommended hours of sleep, study finds

One in four UK adults gets less than the NHS-recommended seven to nine hours’ sleep, Our Future Health data finds, with snoring and napping widespread.

Two men plead not guilty to murdering 18-year-old in Poole machete attack

Two men accused of murdering 18-year-old Kyeron Wheeler in Poole have pleaded not guilty.

More than half of schools have not identified any young carers, charity warns

Dorset charity MYTIME Young Carers warns 56% of schools identified no young carers, despite 89,803 pupils recorded in England’s 2026 school census.

'Councillors are elected to represent residents. So why aren’t they listening?'

Winning an election gives councillors the authority to make decisions on behalf of residents. Allows them to spend our money, manage our public spaces and act in our name.

Children eat free at this Dorset pub during October half-term as part of scheme

Children eat free at Ferndown’s Horns Inn from October 26-29, as Stonegate Group’s Heritage Pubs offer gives two free three-course meals per adult main.

Landlords invited to Dorset forum next month for latest rental sector updates

Dorset landlords can book a free Dorset Council forum on November 19 covering the 2027 rental property register, Renters’ Rights Act and HMRC tax rules.

Wimborne Runners take part in national movement to ‘Lift the Curfew’

Wimborne Runners join This Girl Can’s Let’s Lift the Curfew campaign, tackling women’s safety fears and encouraging outdoor activity after dark in Dorset.

Dog owner bitten protecting puppy from out-of-control dogs in Bournemouth park

A Bournemouth dog owner was bitten while shielding his tiny puppy from two dogs at Winton Recreation Ground.

Modern tap dance production to be performed at Bournemouth venue next month

Stories: The Tap Dance Sensation comes to Bournemouth Pavilion on November 7, blending tap and urban jazz in RB Dance Company’s Icarus-inspired show.

Man jailed for driving without licence or insurance - In the Dock

The following cases were heard at Poole Magistrates' Court:

Former Adventure Wonderland redevelopment recommended for refusal

Plans to redevelop a former family theme park are recommended for refusal over biodiversity net gain failures and airport parking concerns

Clifftop roof terrace at controversial flats recommended for approval

A bid to build a private roof terrace on a clifftop Bournemouth apartment development has been recommended for approval despite dozens of objections

60 objections to Mudeford Sandbank kiosk steps and ramp planning bid

A retrospective planning bid to keep new timber steps and an access ramp at a seafront kiosk faces a council committee after sparking 60 objections

Residents ‘scared for their lives’ after tree brought down in storm

Storm Austen tree falls onto a van at Mallard Close after residents warn the council for years about dangerous trees threatening homes and lives.

Brothers launch fundraiser after £20,000 bike theft

Poole brothers Bert and Harvey Dunne launch a GoFundMe after £20,000 of bikes were stolen from their garage on September 19; Dorset Police report no arrests.

'Out of touch with reality' BCP Council leader slammed over 'town is thriving' claim

Bournemouth residents and shopkeepers react after council leader Millie Earl claimed the town centre is "thriving" on ITV Meridian News, branding her "out of touch with reality."

Poole lifeboat community mourns beloved volunteer and long-standing Echo reader, 90

Poole lifeboat stalwart Mary Clark has died aged 90. The cherished RNLI supporter’s life will be celebrated at St James’ Church, Poole, on November 6.

Storm Austen causes tree to block road as pigs gather

High winds from Storm Austen caused an oak tree to fall, blocking a road in Burley in the New Forest for several hours.

Dad lied to police about crash which killed dog after being threatened by drug dealer

Holbury man Daniel Mapes admitted lying that a Ford Puma had been stolen after drug dealer Scott Smith’s police chase left a dog fatally injured.

Speed limits slashed on major New Forest road

Speed limits are being slashed from as high as 60mph to 40mph along a major road in the New Forest

Storm Boelo warning issued for Bournemouth as up to 60mm of rain expected

A weather warning has been issued for Bournemouth and the surrounding areas due to heavy rain in association with Storm Boelo.

Val Thorens - A family ski break that keeps teens happy

VAL Thorens delivers reliable snow, vast terrain and enough variety to keep both a skier and a snowboarder in the same family fully occupied.

WATCH Storm Austen leaves fallen trees blocking paths in Bournemouth's Lower Gardens

After Storm Austen swept through Dorset, the damage was clear in Bournemouth’s Lower Gardens on a drizzly Saturday morning.

TV legend says he’s ‘too old’ for iconic ITV role but admits he would love to return

Les Dennis, 73, says he is unlikely to host Family Fortunes again after 15 years, suggesting Jason Manford could lead the ITV show if it returns to ITV.

'Unexploded bomb' that prompted emergency response revealed as gas canister

A suspected piece of ordnance that prompted a large emergency response had been identified as a gas canister.

Two arrests as police crackdown on drug dealing in Boscombe gardens

Two arrests were made during a police crackdown on drug dealing in Boscombe.

Buses to replace trains over the weekend due to engineering works

Buses are set to replace trains setting off from Bournemouth this weekend due to engineering work near Southampton.

Chest infection or cold? Boots pharmacist shares key signs and when to see a GP

Boots pharmacist shares chest infection symptoms, recovery advice and warning signs.

Who was the sixth housemate evicted from Big Brother 2026 last night?

Harry has become the sixth housemate evicted from Big Brother 2026, as the ITV series faces Ofcom complaints over Omar’s behaviour towards Rhianna.

Prince William reveals the 2 very different jobs he wanted instead of royal life

Prince William has spoken about childhood dreams of becoming a policeman or DJ, meeting Taylor Swift, and loving The Celebrity Traitors on The Graham Norton Show.

Gogglebox viewers make same comment on Andy Burnham cameo as he refuses to apologise

Andy Burnham’s appearance on Gogglebox for SU2C has sparked debate among Channel 4 viewers, with the Prime Minister defending his cameo.

Vinted users raise concerns over AI-generated photos as listings spark buying fears

Vinted users question a rise in AI-generated listing photos as the second-hand app confirms rules to sellers.

Formula 1

Hadjar rues ‘undriveable’ Red Bull in Austin

Isack Hadjar has explained why set-up changes left his Red Bull struggling for grip during second practice for the United States Grand Prix.

What the teams said – Friday in the United States

The drivers and teams report back on all the action from Friday practice at the Circuit of The Americas ahead of the United States Grand Prix.

Can Ferrari stay ahead as a four-team fight takes shape?

Lawrence Barretto assesses the field after the first day of running at the Circuit of The Americas in Austin, Texas.

Leclerc warns against ‘high expectations’ at US GP

After impressing in Free Practice, Charles Leclerc has shared why Ferrari will find it tough to maintain top spot for the rest of the United States Grand Prix weekend.

Why Norris found it 'very difficult' to maximise the McLaren

Lando Norris' was left to rue the MCL40's handling on the first day of running in Austin despite signs of pace.

Antonelli explains ‘steps forward’ with Mercedes’ upgrades

Kimi Antonelli is confident that Mercedes have begun to get the most out of their recent upgrade package at the Circuit of The Americas.

Newey assesses Honda progress amid ‘buzz’ at Aston Martin

Adrian Newey has offered an encouraging assessment of Aston Martin’s progress behind the scenes, while admitting Honda are “a little bit behind” where he hoped they would be.

Leclerc sets the pace in FP2 at the United States GP

Charles Leclerc topped the timesheets in the second hour of practice at the United States Grand Prix.

AS IT HAPPENED: Second practice in the United States

Live coverage of the second Formula 1 practice session ahead of the 2026 United States Grand Prix in Austin.

Lindblad, Colapinto and Bortoleto to take penalties for US GP

Arvid Lindblad, Franco Colapinto and Gabriel Bortoleto have all received grid penalties for various PU changes at the United States Grand Prix.

Freddie Hunt on his father James’ ‘incredible’ 1976 title

Freddie Hunt, son of the 1976 World Champion James Hunt, explains his father’s incredible legacy.

Sainz 'not expecting miracles' after Williams struggle in US

It was a slow start for Williams at the Circuit of The Americas as Carlos Sainz and Alex Albon struggled to keep their cars on track.

Best Qualifying bets before the United States GP

Our expert betting writers share their top picks for Qualifying at the Circuit of the Americas in Texas.

Palmowski closes in on title with Opening Race victory

Alisha Palmowski put one hand on the 2026 F1 ACADEMY title as she secured her fifth win of the campaign.

Windows Central

A cleaner, faster File Explorer context menu is rolling out to Windows 11 Insiders

Microsoft is testing a cleaner File Explorer context menu that focuses on commonly used actions and reduces clutter.

ASUS’s ProArt P16 RTX Spark sets a new bar for creator laptops

The ASUS ProArt P16 combines NVIDIA's powerful RTX Spark platform with up to 128GB of unified memory, outstanding OLED displays, superb thermals, and a remarkably thin 3.9-pound chassis. It's an extraordinary Windows workstation, but most people shouldn't buy one.

Why I ultimately chose Xbox after decades of playing on every platform

Xbox's 25th anniversary is here, and it's been a wild ride filled with insane highs and worrisome lows. To celebrate, it's time I told my personal story of how I went from playing every console under the sun to becoming a devoted fan of the Xbox platform.

AI is making cyber attacks too easy. Here's what you can do about it.

This week's PHP crisis should be a wake-up call for anyone thinking AI won't pose unprecedented security risks. I explain in simple terms what happened, why it matters for the future, and what you can do to keep yourself safe as a regular Windows user.

Laffgaff

The intensity of a chili pepper’s spiciness is quantified using what specific scale of measurement?

Scoville Heat Unit.

Crop Circles

My local farmer has been using a vehicle to make crop circles that are perfectly round. I think he has a protractor.

Itsfoss

These Projects are Keeping X11 Dream Alive on Linux

The list covers desktops, X servers, and a Wayland-hosted X11 layer. Basically, projects that are resisting a Waylan-only Linux future.

RAID Calculator

Calculate usable capacity, fault tolerance, and storage efficiency for any RAID or ZFS layout. Also see if there are any risks associated with your rebuilds.