The News - Friday, 30 October 2026

BBC News

Crypto giant Binance hit by 'largest hack in history'

The world's biggest crypto exchange said $6.3bn of digital assets had been impacted by the incident.

Australian mushroom murderer loses appeal to overturn convictions

Erin Patterson argued her trial was unfair due to seven grounds but three appeal judges dismissed them all.

Hyrox athlete who soiled herself in race says she put others at risk

In her first interview since the incident, Joanna Wietrzyk told the BBC she takes responsibility for it but did not deserve such a severe backlash.

Democrats have an identity crisis - it won't be an easy fix

Whatever the result of the midterm elections, the party is facing tough questions over what they stand for and who should represent them.

Google value plunges by $500bn as AI fears rattle Wall Street

Google spooked investors so badly that its stock hit a six-month low, after it revealed its AI search summaries were affecting ad revenue.

Bombshell confession in The Traitors as faithfuls finally turn the screw

Could the faithfuls finally come good in Thursday's penultimate episode?

'Continue your journey': Key moments of leaked Spain train crash audio

Recordings between a control centre and the train drivers appear to show one train was given clearance to move even though another train had stalled on the track.

What are the government's options for reducing welfare spending?

BBC Verify examines how much the welfare system costs and the options the government could use to reduce it.

Israeli opposition accuses Netanyahu of trying to 'delegitimise' election

The PM's Likud party has alleged foreign interference and said Arab-led parties "stole" the election after his coalition lost its majority.

Student-backed election winners demand sweeping resignations in Serbia

Days after ousting Aleksandar Vučić's party from power, Student List MPs call for top figures to stand down.

Biggest fibre boost could be scraps in your bin, experts say

Chomping on vegtable skins, seeds and stalks could give us vital fibre, say food scientists.

Sir Patrick Stewart: Actor who moved effortlessly between Star Trek and Shakespeare

The English actor began his career on stage before finding fame as the captain of the USS Enterprise.

We went on holiday with our neighbours and swapped families - it tore us apart

Rachel Stone tells how her parents swapped partners, the chaos it caused and how she came to forgive them.

I didn't know I was lacking in vitamin D until I collapsed at work

Doctors are finding vitamin D deficiency is increasingly widespread in the UK, especially in young people. But the symptoms are difficult to spot and can be missed.

Weekly quiz: What was wrong with the Spotify listing of Dolly Parton's Jolene?

How much attention did you pay to what happened in the world over the past seven days?

The Papers: 'No welfare cuts before election' and 'Police probe Epstein's Balmoral stay'

Healey's budget fallout and fresh police probe into Epstein's stay at Balmoral with ex-Prince Andrew lead Friday's papers.

From workshops to the catwalk - why mended clothes are going mainstream

A new generation is embracing eye-catching patching and visible mends.

Many Cubans voted for Trump - now they're turning on Republican immigration policies

President Trump's fellow Republicans might feel the brunt of frustration among Cubans at the ballot box, writes the BBC's Will Grant.

Three dead after two helicopters collide midair near Oregon airport

The collision involving a Robinson R22 and an Airbus helicopter occurred on Thursday afternoon, with both aircraft crashing in a field adjacent to a highway.

New York police will investigate Cornell sex complaints, governor says

The change was announced amid backlash over the school's handling of gang rape allegations involving a fraternity on campus.

Hundreds of GP practices lose online services after collapse of tech firm

It will cause huge disruption in some parts of England and Wales, say GP leaders.

Jury shown CCTV of Huntingdon train staff using frying pan in defence

A train crew member shows "sheer courage and bravery in seeking to save lives", a court hears.

Met refers itself to police watchdog over letter about Meghan's father

The police force faces scrutiny over its handling of a letter containing allegations about Meghan's father.

King Charles arrives in Guyana as Bahamas visit declared 'diplomatic success'

As the King left the Bahamas his spokesman said the islands had "a special place in the King's heart".

What we know about Binance's $6.3bn hack

Cyber correspondent Joe Tidy explains more about what is suspected to be the biggest hack in history.

Driver guilty of hitting cyclist and dragging him to death under car

Simon Richardson is convicted of murdering head teacher Michael Mullins and will be sentenced on Monday.

Ceasefire allows evacuation from devastated Russian-occupied Oleshky

But several hundred people are understood to have decided to stay in the frontline town, despite the lack of gas, electricity and running water.

Police Scotland carrying out 'active inquiries' into Andrew and Epstein Balmoral visits

The force said it had received information and stressed its inquiries were at "an early stage".

US inmate Christa Pike says she woke up 'confused and in pain' after failed execution

It is Pike's first public statement since she survived an execution attempt by lethal injection in September.

Russell Brand accusers 'haunted' for years by alleged crimes, court hears

The women involved in the case had "nothing to gain" apart from "some closure", the prosecutor says.

Prominent Russian newspaper shuts down under pressure from authorities

Novaya Gazeta has been one of the most high-profile independent news outlets in Russia over the last three decades.

Watch: Iconic moments from the career of Sir Patrick Stewart, who has died aged 86

The renowned British actor died after "a brief and poignant journey" with Alzheimer's disease and Lewy Body Dementia, his spokesperson says.

US tech stocks see sharp falls over AI cost fears

Shares in Intel continue to fall while the tech-heavy Nasdaq opens at its lowest level in more than two months.

Police watchdog to investigate Met over letter about Meghan's father

The police force faces probe over its handling of a letter containing allegations about Meghan's father.

Spain transport minister says he won't resign over high-speed rail disaster

Óscar Puente has been facing calls to resign after two high-speed trains collided earlier in the week, killing at least 69 people.

Sir Ian McKellen leads tributes to 'beloved actor' Sir Patrick Stewart after his death at 86

The actor died in Los Angeles following a "a brief and poignant journey" with Alzheimer's Disease and Lewy Body Dementia.

From watching Star Trek to knighthood - Sir Patrick Stewart on the BBC

The actor was a familiar face across the BBC over the years, appearing on programmes like The Graham Norton Show and HARDTalk.

The acting legend defined by Yorkshire who 'loved it to the end'

Tributes have been paid to the legendary Star Trek actor Sir Patrick Stewart, who was born in Mirfield.

Democrats in the US have an identity crisis - it won't be an easy fix

Whatever the result of the midterm elections, the party is facing tough questions over what they stand for and who should represent them.

How a passenger's confession helped convict her cousin of murder

Simon Richardson hit cyclist Michael Mullins with his car and dragged him along for over a mile.

Who could be behind the Binance hack and what we know so far

Binance has been hit by what could be the biggest crypto hack ever - here's what we know so far

We went on holiday with our neighbours and swapped families - it tore us apart

Rachel Stone tells how her parents swapped partners, the chaos it caused and how she came to forgive them.

What's at stake for Trump in the US midterms?

Anthony Zurcher explains how the results of the midterm elections could reshape the rest of Trump's presidency.

I didn't know I was lacking in vitamin D until I collapsed at work

Doctors are finding vitamin D deficiency is increasingly widespread in the UK, especially in young people. But the symptoms are difficult to spot and can be missed.

Syrians struggle with soaring prices as crisis challenges post-Assad recovery

End of subsidies and rising prices drive discontent, testing support for Ahmed al-Sharaa's government.

Canada stops using 'avalanche dogs' for rescues in Rocky Mountains, stirring outrage

A 55-year-old dog rescue programme that has found missing hikers and children in the Canadian wilderness was axed as part of government budget cuts.

'No nation left behind' says Burnham after meeting first ministers in Glasgow

The meeting involved representatives from the UK's four nations to discuss devolving more powers to regions and cities.

Ex-football chief admits offences linked to woman's drugging and rape by husband

Karl Lindsay resigned from non-league Taunton Town Football Club in Somerset before he was charged.

'I made the wrong decision,' Hyrox athlete who soiled herself in race tells BBC

Speaking exclusively to the BBC, Joanna Wietrzyk says her determination to win the Hyrox race in September had clouded her judgement.

Pope Leo XIV becomes first pontiff to vote in a US election

The Chicago-born pontiff, who has a tense relationship with Trump, mailed in a ballot for the midterm elections that will decide control of the US Congress.

Gruffalo illustrator considering legal action against AI firms

Axel Scheffler believes firms breach copyright by reproducing his work in AI-generated Gruffalo images.

Bournemouth Echo

10 photos that take you straight back to Boscombe in the 1980s

Explore 1980s Boscombe, Bournemouth, from Sovereign Centre construction and Christchurch Road shops to the 1988 Christmas Day sea swim.

Remembering Charlie the boozy, DIY-loving parrot that captured our hearts

Poole electrician Peter Palladino formed a remarkable bond with Charlie the green-cheeked conure.

Forgotten 1966 photos capture Dorset amid major change

Photographs from 1966 in Dorset and Hampshire, including Bournemouth Arcade, Brockenhurst and Poole’s Bournemouth Gasworks grandstand.

Child has future 'pulled from underneath him' after sudden school closure

A mother says her teenage son has had his future “pulled from underneath him” after the sudden closure of his school left families scrambling to find alternative places.

Bournemouth Football club pitch decision deferred over floodlight concerns

A decision on plans to replace a grass football pitch in Bournemouth with an artificial surface has been deferred after councillors raised concerns about the proposed floodlights and their effect on neighbouring homes.

Give your Halloween pumpkins an afterlife this year with these unique recipies

Don’t let your pumpkin go to waste this Halloween.

Plans to demolish Bournemouth hotel and build 55 flats refused

Plans to demolish a family-run Bournemouth hotel and replace it with a five-storey block containing 55 flats have been refused

Councillors refuse revised Southbourne Crossroad roof terrace

Revised plans for a roof terrace at the former Southbourne Crossroads car park have been refused after councillors concluded that concerns about noise, privacy and neighbouring living conditions had not been resolved

Fairmile service station expansion approved despite traffic concerns

Plans to expand Fairmile Service Station and introduce a food-to-go outlet have been approved by councillors, despite concerns about deliveries and additional traffic.

Award-winning project tackling loneliness expands to connect with younger generation

An award-winning community project is helping people of all ages overcome loneliness through friendship, creativity and real-world connection.

Bournemouth banking apprentice teaching robotics to hundreds of kids

A 21-year-old banking apprentice is working to share her love of robotics with young girls in Bournemouth.

Food kiosk in Mudeford Sandbank unanimously approved

A food kiosk associated with the Beach House Café at Mudeford Sandbank has been unanimously approved by councillors

Star Trek and X-Men actor Sir Patrick Stewart dies aged 86, statement confirms

Sir Patrick Stewart, best known for appearing and leading in the X-Men film series and the Star Trek franchise, has died aged 86.

Harry and Meghan leave UK after King Charles considered stripping titles

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are leaving the UK after it was claimed that King Charles considered stripping their titles.

‘Come and see for yourself’ BCP council leader challenged to walk through town centre

Opposition councillors have challenged BCP Council leader Millie Earl to walk through Bournemouth town centre with them after her claims about the number of new businesses were debunked.

BCP council leader claimed 40 new firms opened in Bournemouth – but we found just 27

A claim by BCP Council leader Millie Earl that 40 businesses have opened in Bournemouth town centre in the past year has been debunked after checks found only 27 of the council’s listed openings took place during that period.

Balaclava-clad youths in break-in bid at closed private school

Police were called to a closed down private school in Dorset after six youths wearing balaclavas tried to break in

Weather forecast for Bournemouth over the upcoming weekend

Met Office forecasts sunny weather for Bournemouth this weekend, with highs of 16°C. Stay updated on Bournemouth weather, temperatures, and wind gusts.

More than 100 residents object to plans for 170 homes in the New Forest

Plans for 170 homes in the New Forest have attracted more than 100 objections, with residents raising concerns over flooding and road safety.

Popular Christchurch restaurant set to reopen to the public under new ownership

The Somerford in Christchurch, formerly The Somerford Beefeater, is set to reopen soon under Common Table Group with all-day dining and Rodeo Coffee.

Dorset MP demands Ofcom review for failing to regulate GB News and Royal Mail

Dorset MP Vikki Slade calls for a formal review of Ofcom’s powers, citing GB News regulation, Royal Mail complaints and concerns over online safety duties.

Drainage maintenance works planned at busy Dorset roundabout next month

Dorset Council will carry out drainage works at Bakers Arms Roundabout from November 1 to November 30 to reduce flood risk, with lane closures and delays.

Newly remodelled five-bedroom house near Wimborne listed for £1.5 million

Remodelled five-bedroom Blackwood House in Colehill, Dorset, is on the market with Savills for over £1.5m, featuring luxury interiors and landscaped gardens.

Poole holiday park wants to refurbish bar and grill into Wetherspoons franchise

Dorset's Rockley Park seeks to turn its Mash & Barrel into a JD Wetherspoon, with longer Sunday opening, alcohol and entertainment hours. Views by November 11.

Update after RAF aircraft declared emergency over New Forest

RAF update after A400M Atlas declares emergency over New Forest on October 26. Hydraulic issue reported, landing at Bournemouth Airport following flight from Boscombe Down.

Van crashes into wall, causing traffic disruption on main route

A van caused disruption on Sherborne’s A30 at Kitt Hill after crashing into a wall and snapping its front axle.

Woman and three men from Dorset to be sentenced over 500kg cocaine smuggling bid

Sentencing of 11 offenders over a 500kg cocaine at-sea smuggling bid starting today

Two days of rail disruption as engineering work closes lines this weekend

Rail passengers face two days of disruption as engineering work closes lines.

A Mayor for Wessex? Fine. But what does it mean for BCP?

We’ve had some big news for Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole.

Two-week countdown begins as Bournemouth Christmas market takes shape

Bournemouth is already preparing for the return of its festive programme, with work now underway to transform the town centre into a winter wonderland.

Rick Stein, 79, announces career move away from his restaurants

Rick Stein brings a lifetime of kitchen know-how to Dorset with new cookery course

Final weekend for Sandbanks Ferry before major refit and seven-week closure

A major refit will take the Sandbanks Ferry out of service for seven weeks starting this weekend.

PICTURES: When Patrick Stewart hosted a fashion show in Bournemouth

From the bridge of the Starship Enterprise to a Bournemouth hotel, Sir Patrick Stewart brought his star power to a fundraising fashion show in 2006.

Rare oceanic pufferfish washes up on Dorset beach after storms

An unusual sea creature has washed up on a Dorset beach following stormy weather.

Ryanair confirms luggage rule change impacting thousands of travellers

Ryanair has announced it will be reducing the amount of time passengers will have to drop off their checked luggage at the airport.

Fake beauty products found to contain mercury, lead, nicotine and methanol

Counterfeit beauty products seized by Trading Standards contained mercury, lead and methanol, prompting warnings over dangerous fake cosmetics across the UK.

When is the final episode of the Celebrity Traitors on? All you need to know

The second series of the Celebrity Traitors is ending soon so here is everything you need to know about the final episode.

Major change heading to more than 230 Aldi stores as part of huge investment

Aldi will invest £17.5m in installing solar panels at 230 more UK stores between 2027 and 2031.

Plans to split Bournemouth HMO into flats and shared accommodation refused

Plans to convert a Bournemouth property into three flats alongside a seven-bedroom house in multiple occupation have been refused.

Plans to demolish two homes on Upton and build new flats rejected

PLANS to demolish two homes on Dorchester Road, Upton and build new flats and other properties have been rejected over concerns about scale, height and density.

Fresh review of council shake-up welcomed by campaigners

A decision on the future of local government across Hampshire is being reviewed again as months of uncertainty continue.

Dog uncovers WWII airman’s lost tags at New Forest airfield after 80 years

A routine dog walk has uncovered a powerful wartime story from beneath the soil of the New Forest.

What's on in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole cinemas this weekend

The release of a psychological thriller with Robert Pattinson, a romantic fantasy comedy-drama and a British drama are among films in BCP cinemas this weekend.

Care home residents from Dorset enjoy VIP football experience at AFC Bournemouth

Dorset care home residents enjoy walking football tournament at AFC Bournemouth’s Performance Centre, joining Care South homes for a day of goals and fun.

Restaurant group with Poole site wins major sustainable seafood accolade

Dorset restaurant group Rockfish wins MSC UK Foodservice Champion award on October 29 for sustainable seafood across 12 sites, including Poole.

Oceanarium Bournemouth achieves national mark of excellence for its animal care

Oceanarium Bournemouth earns BIAZA accreditation for animal welfare, conservation, education and research, joining top UK and Irish zoos and aquariums.

New Bournemouth Hospital building among the latest planning applications in BCP

BCP Council planning applications include Royal Bournemouth Hospital landscaping changes, home extensions, and a Purewell storage building.

Luxury wine tour operator appoints Bournemouth-based digital marketing partner

Bournemouth agency Adido is helping luxury wine tour operator SmoothRed improve analytics and PPC advertising to drive growth and increase bookings.

Micro-artist who engraved The Lord’s Prayer on a pin to speak in Wimborne

Micro-artist Graham Short, famed for engraving The Lord’s Prayer on a pinhead, will discuss his work at Wimborne u3a on November 20.

Latest single from Poole-based band to be available from tomorrow

The Whitley Lake Band from Poole release melodic rock single Ghosts of Whitley Lake on October 31, inspired by a moonlit, misty evening walk in Dorset.

Popular 13-piece Latin jazz band to perform at Poole venue next month

Orchestra Mambo International brings Latin jazz, mambo and salsa to Lighthouse Poole on November 20, with tracks from debut album Apúntalo and more.

Dorset author to launch award-winning sci-fi novel with county-wide tour

Arts University Bournemouth lecturer Kevan Manwaring launches Black Box, a Europa-set science fiction novel, with Dorset bookshop events on November 6 and 9.

Dorset housebuilder raises more than £100,000 at annual charity dinner

Barratt David Wilson Homes’ Dorset charity gala raises over £100,000 for Amelia’s Rainbow and Rowans Hospice, supporting ill children and hospice patients.

Wimborne museum announces Christmas events including Santa Paws and SEND grotto

Museum of East Dorset announces Christmas events in Wimborne, including Santa Paws, sensory and SEND grottos, plus festive breakfasts throughout December.

New drum and bass night to launch at Bournemouth venue next month

Anxious Rhythms launches on November 21 at Canvas on Poole Hill, bringing together Bournemouth DnB talent with guest DJ ihopeiexist from Berlin.

Formula 1

All the stories that got the Mexico City paddock talking

Lawrence Barretto rounds up the big talking points to emerge during media day at the Mexico City Grand Prix.

Why Tsolov has complicated Racing Bulls’ 2027 plans

Nikola Tsolov’s FP1 appearance in Mexico has intensified the battle for a Racing Bulls seat in 2027.

Norris defends McLaren's progress ahead of Mexico City GP

Lando Norris has defended McLaren's 2026 development progress ahead of the Mexico City Grand Prix, and believes that "we've had a pretty good year" after a tough start to the campaign.

‘I don’t care’ about the Drivers’ Championship – Verstappen

Red Bull’s Max Verstappen has outlined his priorities for the remaining races of the 2026 season.

Hamilton outlines Ferrari's objectives for Mexico and beyond

Lewis Hamilton believes ahead of the Mexico City Grand Prix this weekend that the "next five races are like test races", as the Briton pushes Ferrari to build a car capable of challenging for next year's titles.

Leclerc assesses Ferrari's chances in Mexico City Grand Prix

Charles Leclerc believes Ferrari have the potential to win this weekend's Mexico City Grand Prix, but that "we've got to be perfect" in order to beat the likes of Mercedes and Red Bull.

Russell opens up on relationship with Antonelli this season

George Russell has reflected on how he and team mate Kimi Antonelli get along amid their contrasting 2026 seasons.

AS IT HAPPENED: Build-up to the Mexico City Grand Prix

Live coverage of all the build-up ahead of the 2026 Mexico City Grand Prix weekend.

Facts, stats and trivia ahead of the Mexico City Grand Prix

As F1 heads to the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez for the Mexico City Grand Prix, Need to Know is your all-in-one guide with statistics, driving pointers, strategy tips and more.

7 memorable FP1 debuts from future F1 stars

Mexico City will see Nikola Tsolov and Freddie Slater make their FP1 debuts in Formula, over the years plenty of future F1 stars have made their mark in Friday practice before them. F1.com looks back at some familiar names who made FP1 performances.

Which rookies are getting FP1 outings in Mexico?

10 full-time drivers will make way for junior, test and reserve drivers during FP1 at the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez.

Win tickets to see McLaren Racing Live at the O2

Midfield fight on a ‘knife’s edge’ as Audi target Haas

Nico Hulkenberg believes Audi must be “flawless” to capitalise on opportunities in the tightly contested midfield battle this weekend in Mexico, while team mate Gabriel Bortoleto remains confident the team can close the gap to Haas in the teams' standings.

The greatest pranks in Formula 1 history

Discover the funniest Formula 1 pranks involving Ayrton Senna, Michael Schumacher, Max Verstappen, Kimi Antonelli and more.

Sauber veteran Zehnder to leave Audi at end of 2026

Veteran Swiss engineer and long-time Sauber Team Manager Beat Zehnder will leave the Formula 1 team now known as Audi at the end of the year.

Bearman offers update on F1 future ahead of Mexico City GP

Ollie Bearman has confirmed ahead of this weekend's Mexico City Grand Prix that "it's very clear I want to continue with Haas" in 2027, although no official announcement has yet been made.

Hadjar identifies the ‘weakness’ Red Bull still suffer from

Isack Hadjar has looked ahead to the Mexico City Grand Prix, pinpointing an area that Red Bull need to work on in order to fight for victory again.

Why Sergio Perez means so much to Mexico

Sergio Perez will line up for his 300th Formula 1 race when he takes to the track at home in Mexico City. Fans, murals and memes show what he means to the country.

Windows Central

World of Warcraft on Xbox? Blizzard name-drops Project Helix while talking about WoW’s future beyond PC

GamesRadar+ recently conducted an interview with Blizzard Entertainment to talk about World of Warcraft: Forever

Edge's Reading Mode became an unlikely ad blocker when my plugins couldn't keep up

Reading Mode is a standard feature in Microsoft's Edge browser on desktop PCs, and it's also available on smartphones, where I've been using it to skip ads.

Trying a €70,000 Porsche racing simulator spoiled my own sim racing setup for good

Somehow I was allowed to try out a ridiculously expensive Porsche sim racing rig at a recent event. It's a glowing endorsement of how far this technology has come in recent years.

Microsoft Edge is first to get Windows 11's new app launch speed boost

Microsoft's browser is the first to support Windows 11's accelerated app launches, which can significantly reduce launch times.

Warhammer 40K: Battlesector is getting Xbox Play Anywhere, cross-platform multiplayer, and a massive free update

Warhammer 40,000: Battlesector, a turn-based tactical game set in the grim dark universe of WH40K, has announced a ton of new features coming soon over the winter seasons, including Xbox Play Anywhere, a new campaign, and more.

Steam Deck gets an Xbox Series X|S dashboard UI with this community-made plugin

A new Steam Deck plugin called Decky Xbox Dashboard brings the Xbox Series interface to Valve's handheld, complete with familiar navigation, game pages, and more.

Metro Redux earns a Next-Gen update on Xbox with Play Anywhere support

Microsoft has announced that the Metro Redux bundle containing the first two entries of the Metro series has received a next-gen update, adding 4K resolution and 120 FPS modes. Additionally, this bundle now has Xbox Play Anywhere support.

MotoGP fans can soon go sim racing with Moza's new authentic handlebars

Sim racing is mostly focused on four wheels, but motorcycles are starting to get more attention. Moza's official MotoGP handlebars will let you go virtual bike racing without the need for a dedicated rig.

Laffgaff

The United Arab Emirates is a federation made up of how many emirates?

Seven.

New Record Store

There will be no returns allowed at my new record store! All sales are vinyl!