The News - Saturday, 31 October 2026

BBC News

US approves sale of 500 Patriot missiles to Ukraine

The American-made interceptors are the only effective weapon for downing Russia's ballistic missiles.

Burnham 'open' to calls for slavery apology but not reparations

The prime minister says Britain must "face up to the past" for its role in the transatlantic slave trade but reparations are "not the right answer".

Crypto giant Binance attempting to recover $6.3bn stolen in hack linked to North Korea

The cyber-attack, which the company describes as complex, is believed to be the largest ever of its kind.

Why North Korea's 'elite' hackers are the prime suspect in major Binance hack

If the accusations are true, the record-making heist shows how powerful suspected North Korean hackers have become.

Celebrity Traitors comes to a climax in nail-biting final

The second series of the hit show reached its climax on Friday after attracting 15 million viewers.

Police deployed during stand-off over control of top Poland court

The escalation came after the government suspended two senior justices and moved to bring criminal charges against them.

He left 28 years ago, now after 36,000 miles Karl Bushby is almost home

Global walker Karl Bushby is almost within sight of his journey's end after 28 years away.

G20 'family photo' cancelled after protests over presence of Russian minister

UK Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband confronted his Russian counterpart at the meeting and accused his government of killing innocent civilians in Ukraine.

Why MPs keep talking about an early election despite Burnham's denials

The prime minister has categorically ruled out an early general election, but it has not stopped speculation at Westminster.

Global nature talks reach deal but money remains an issue

Countries have been trying to get a global agreement to halt nature decline back on track.

Responsible or panicked? Meet the people around the world already preparing for crisis

Filter straws to a disposable toilet - people in the US, Japan, Sweden and Netherlands on what's in their emergency stashes.

'The necktie is dead': How US midterm candidates are dressing for votes

From Alaska to Texas, candidates with an eye on Congress are using their personal style to stand out.

The Papers: 'Rush to recover stolen $6bn' and 'War on wind farms'

The theft of billions of dollars from Binance, the world's largest cryptocurrency exchange, makes Saturday's front pages.

He questioned Thailand's monarchy dressed as Harry Potter. Now he's in jail for 34 years

Thailand has prosecuted 294 people since 2020 under its lèse majesté law, with sentences going up to 50 years.

Trump's tariffs could shutter this Canadian town - its residents are fighting to save it

A century-old paper mill in Témiscaming, Quebec is indefinitely closed after the US imposed 50% tariffs on its products, putting hundreds out of work.

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

When a wedding fell apart, 11 strangers helped create something unforgettable

Bridget Devaney turned to the internet with a proposal that sounded equal parts hopeful and improbable - come to Ireland and celebrate the wedding that never happened.

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.

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.

They strangled us, says founder of Russian newspaper shut under pressure from authorities

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

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.

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.

'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.

Ukrainian evacuees reunite with family after years trapped in Russia-occupied city

Oleshky residents had been without food, water and electricity, with many resorting to cooking garden weeds to survive.

Emotional reunions with loved ones for Oleshky evacuees

The BBC's Dan Johnson travelled to the northern Ukrainian border with Belarus after evacuated Oleshky residents arrived in buses and ambulances following a temporary ceasefire.

Crypto firm Binance covers 90% of losses after $6.3bn hack

Two analytics firms say they have robust intelligence pointing to a North Korean state-backed group as the likely culprit.

'It's been killing me!' Celebrity Traitors winners relieved the secret is out

The second series of the hit show reached its finale on Friday, attracting a whopping 11.2 million live viewers.

Europe can no longer rely on US to 'bankroll' its defence, Starmer says

Sir Keir warns that "things will not go back to the way they were" as he says the US makes it clear it will no longer "bankroll" its allies.

Why MPs keep talking about an early election despite Burnham's denials

The prime minister has categorically ruled out an early general election, but it has not stopped speculation at Westminster.

More than 5,000 die from Ebola in DR Congo's deadliest outbreak

Government data shows that more than 10,000 people have contracted the rare virus.

UK police cannot 'intervene' over woman killed by father in US, despite 'unlawful' ruling

Jane Coates wrote to Cheshire police urging them to gather evidence into Lucy Harrison's killing.

US approves sale of 500 Patriot missiles to Ukraine

The American-made interceptors are the only effective weapon for downing Russia's ballistic missiles.

Mahmood expected to announce changes to rules around indefinite leave to remain

The home secretary has faced opposition from within the government over plans to impose new rules on migrant workers already in the UK.

Spain train disaster clouds Sánchez chances of re-election

The Spanish PM is hit by a succession of crises just weeks before a snap general election.

After 28 years and 36,000 miles, Karl Bushby is almost home

Global walker Karl Bushby is almost within sight of his journey's end after 28 years away.

When a wedding fell apart, 11 strangers helped create something unforgettable

Bridget Devaney turned to the internet with a proposal that sounded equal parts hopeful and improbable - come to Ireland and celebrate the wedding that never happened.

'They don't bother me at all': The man who chooses to sleep with bedbugs for science

Dr Richard Naylor has about 50,000 bedbugs at his laboratory in the Forest of Dean.

Tiny zebra-striped bee sighting a 'huge surprise'

A zebra-striped bee is seen in Somerset for the first time, offering hope in restored saltmarshes.

Author's camping trip inspired Hollywood film Wicker

Author Ursula Wills says the story was inspired by a camping trip in Cornwall 20 years ago.

The Californian whose pumpkin patch dream took root in Scotland

American Cameron Laird introduced pumpkin-picking to her husband John's farm 28 years ago.

Bournemouth Echo

The lost 100-room Bournemouth hotel that redefined seaside glamour

Explore Southbourne’s South Cliff Hotel: opened in 1881, this grand Victorian resort near Bournemouth was demolished in 1988; its annex in 2010.

Dorset's first Black Friday sparked pre-dawn queues and retail chaos in 2014

Black Friday frenzy hit Dorset in November 2014, as shoppers queued before dawn at Bournemouth, Poole and Christchurch stores for cut-price TVs and kitchen appliances.

BCP Council accused of deceiving public after FOI reveals no Government funding talks

BCP Council has been accused of deceiving the public over its funding crisis after an investigation revealed it had not formally met the government to request financial support.

Kings Park play area re-opens after major refurbishment

Children and young people can once again enjoy Kings Park's play area following its £185,000 refurbishment.

Love Grace Appeal seeks community support to reach more women

A campaign that has delivered more than 1,000 handbags to women affected by domestic abuse, homelessness and hardship across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole is now seeking community support to help it grow. 

Dorset pub reopens after £300,000 makeover with new beer garden screens

A £300,000 pub refurbishment promises front-row seats to every goal, try and knockout.

Family dog’s unusual behaviour leads to baby’s life-saving diagnosis

A baby's life was saved after his racing heartbeat was detected by the family dog.

New DWP bank checks begin for people claiming three benefits

New bank checks targeting people claiming three benefits have begun as part of a major Department for Work and Pensions crackdown on fraud and error.

WATCH shocking footage of Bournemouth stabbing as three remain under investigation

Three men remain under investigation following a Bournemouth town centre stabbing that left two people injured, while another suspect has been cleared in court.

WATCH - Residents evacuated in dramatic early hours car 'bomb' scare

Residents on Sherwood Avenue in Poole were evacuated in their pajamas at midnight after a bomb disposal robot and experts tackled a suspicious vehicle. Read the full eyewitness story.

RECAP - Car catches fire in early hours 'bomb' drama in residential road

The bomb disposal team was called to Sherwood Avenue in Poole in the early hours of Saturday morning, October 31. We will be bringing you updates as we get them.

Poole rower achieves success at World Rowing Beach Sprint Championships

Lexi Gill, alongside teammate Emma Nicholson, secured gold in the Under 19’s Double Skull event at the World Rowing Beach Sprint Championships in China.

Mudeford Phoenix GLFC players raise £1,695 in half marathon for new team kit

Mudeford Phoenix GLFC players and manager raise £1,695 in the Bournemouth Half Marathon on October 11 to fund a new third kit for the Dorset ladies’ team.

Six-bedroom Victorian country house in Dorset listed for £2.5 million

Six-bedroom Victorian country house Little Mead in Witchampton, Dorset, is on the market for £2.5m, with four acres of grounds and period features.

Two arrested after shoplifting suspects found hiding in field

Two suspects arrested after shoplifting near Gillingham, Dorset, were found hiding in a field. Police also seized a car with incorrect number plates.

More than 2,000 revellers pack three Bournemouth venues in one night

More than 2,000 revellers packed just three venues in a single evening.

Police issue image of man sought after racially aggravated assault at shop

Images have been issued of a man police want to identify after a racially aggravated assault at a Poole shop.

Man charged after £11,500 worth of bikes allegedly stolen from Poole gym

Man charged after bikes worth £11,500 were allegedly stolen in Poole. Police found wire cutters and suspected Class B drugs during the arrest.

BCP Council branded ‘zombie’ and 'asleep at the wheel' by Labour group leader

BCP Labour Group leader Patrick Canavan has branded the council a “zombie” administration asleep at the wheel.

Why number 13 still haunts homebuyers this Halloween

House Number 13 remains one of the most feared addresses in the property market, with buyers still influenced by age-old superstitions surrounding luck, moving day traditions and even the number 666.

Bereaved families to receive full asbestos compensation in long-awaited change

Bereaved families will now receive full compensation following the death of a loved one from asbestos-related diseases.

£5,000 reward offered after hotel worker's dream motorbike stolen

A hotel worker has been left feeling "victimised" after his dream motorbike was stolen from the car park of a five-star New Forest hotel.

Dorset walk that passes famous 'venerable' landmark named the county's best

A walk that goes through the Cerne Valley in Dorset has been named the best in the county by The Telegraph

Bournemouth company applies for premises licence at former FatFace building

Labid Property applies for a premises licence for alcohol, DJs and live music until 3am at 71-73 Old Christchurch Road; objections close November 16.

Bournemouth spa named by experts as one of the best autumn getaways in the UK

Bournemouth's Rise Spa at Hilton Bournemouth named among UK's best autumn getaways, with pool, thermal suite and seasonal 1 Night Autumn Escape package.

Bournemouth road closures and parking restrictions announced for highway works

Bournemouth road closures and parking restrictions affect Castle Lane West and Broadway Lane from November 11 to November 16 for BCP Council highway works.

Pokesdown church creates striking tribute with display of handmade giant poppies

St James’ Church in Pokesdown, Dorset, unveils handmade giant red, white and purple poppies honouring war dead ahead of its November 8 Remembrance Service.

Ten-bedroom HMO plans in Poole refused over living conditions

Plans to turn a Poole house into a ten-bedroom HMO have been refused after concerns were raised about conditions for future residents and neighbours.

Family-friendly Halloween rave returns to Bournemouth for fourth year

A family-friendly rave is set to return just in time for Halloween, promising an afternoon of spooky fun for all ages.

Baroque music concert to fill historic Wimborne Minster with sound next weekend

Bournemouth Bach Choir performs Handel and Bach with Bournemouth Sinfonia at Wimborne Minster on November 7, featuring soprano Deirdre Ashton.

Care home team in Dorset walks 30 miles to raise £492 for dementia charities

A 30-mile memory walk in Dorset has raised nearly £500 in support of dementia care and awareness.

Dorset based infant school praised for helping pupils and staff flourish

A school has been praised for putting wellbeing and Christian values at the heart of everything it does.

Bournemouth hotel plans include 13 holiday units and eight HMO rooms

A Bournemouth hotel is seeking permission for already converted holiday lets and HMO  accommodation

Bournemouth plans for three flats and seven-bedroom HMO refused

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

Bournemouth bungalow bid following expiry of earlier permission

A two-bedroom bungalow is proposed behind a house in a residential cul-de-sac in Bournemouth

Christchurch charity launches fundraising appeal to support rough sleepers

Christchurch Support Kabin launches fundraising appeal for showers and laundry facilities at The Kabin, helping rough sleepers and people facing homelessness.

Asda, Aldi, Tesco, and Sainsbury's shoppers warned amid fresh recalls

Retailers including Asda, Sainsbury's, Tesco and Aldi have issued recall notices this week alongside alerts from national safety watchdogs.

Virgin Media users warned to act now with major service to shut down this weekend

The Virgin Media Store is shutting down on Sunday (November 1), with all customers told to transfer existing libraries to Rakuten TV.

'Let’s make Bournemouth a greater place to do business'

In its 110 year history , Bournemouth Chamber of Trade and Commerce has supported Bournemouth Business.

Four-person HMO proposed above a shop in Bournemouth

A proposal to turn a four-bedroom maisonette into a HMO has been submitted

Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal pays special visit to children's charity

The Princess Royal visits Honeypot Children’s Charity in the New Forest on October 28, meeting young carers and volunteers to mark its 30th anniversary.

Sister founded business nationally recognised for building a 'thriving' community

Two sisters have been nationally recognised for turning their lifelong passion into a family business.

Are you owed £8,000? HMRC is sending out 311,000 new letters to people due money

Thousands of people - mostly mums - are due money back from historic State Pension errors, as HMRC has sent out 311,000 letters to people who could be missing out.

Legal expert reveals your rights if trick-or-treaters disturb you on Halloween

A legal expert has revealed your rights if you are disturbed by trick-or-treaters on Halloween or if anyone causes damage to your property during the holiday.

Formula 1

Verstappen and Lawson get grid drops after ‘clumsy’ clash

Red Bull’s Max Verstappen and Racing Bulls’ Liam Lawson have been given grid penalties by the stewards following their “unacceptable” and “clumsy” incident during second practice in Mexico.

What the teams said – Friday in Mexico City

The drivers and teams report back on all the action from Friday practice at the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez ahead of the 2026 Mexico City Grand Prix.

How 10 F1 rookies got on during FP1 in Mexico City

Ten rookies took to the track during first practice in Mexico City, but who impressed and who endured a more challenging session?

Are Ferrari the favourites after Friday practice in Mexico City?

Lawrence Barretto delves into the biggest lessons from Friday's running at the Mexico City Grand Prix.

Piastri on why McLaren’s Mexico prospects are ‘very difficult to know’

Oscar Piastri has given his take on how McLaren fared on Friday at the Mexico City Grand Prix.

Hamilton reflects on ‘really unfortunate’ Mexico FP2 stoppage

Lewis Hamilton has explained how an issue hampered his running during second practice at the Mexico City Grand Prix.

Verstappen reacts to Lawson FP2 incident in Mexico

Max Verstappen has claimed the incident with Liam Lawson during Free Practice 2 ahead of the Mexico City Grand Prix was "not very smart behaviour".

Competitive order ‘can go any way’ in Mexico City – Russell

George Russell has offered his thoughts on the pecking order after the opening day of action at the Mexico City Grand Prix.

Komatsu blasts Bearman salary demand rumours as 'nonsense'

Rumours suggesting Ollie Bearman's demand for a larger salary is the reason a new contract with Haas has been delayed are "absolute nonsense", according to Ayao Komatsu.

Leclerc tops eventful FP2 from Norris at Mexico City GP

Charles Leclerc set the pace for Ferrari in both practice sessions on Friday at the Mexico City Grand Prix.

Hirakawa to replace Ocon at Haas for Mexico City Grand Prix

Haas have announced Ryo Hirakawa will replace Esteban Ocon for the remainder of the Grand Prix weekend in Mexico City.

Best Qualifying bets before the Mexico City GP

Our expert betting writers share their top picks for Qualifying at the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez in Mexico City.

Mekies predicts ‘one-off’ Mexico order in wind tunnel update

Laurent Mekies believes the unique challenges of the Mexico City Grand Prix could shake up the competitive order, whilst also revealing when the team’s new wind tunnel is expected to arrive.

Alonso cautiously upbeat after strong Friday in Mexico

Fernando Alonso admits Aston Martin's Friday performance in Mexico City has beaten expectations, with the AMR26 coping well with the challenges of altitude.

Windows Central

OpenAI sociopath Sam Altman says it's "terrible" that your PC, Xbox, etc. have RAM that could be used for his AI

Altman once again makes himself look like a generational knob in this latest quip, where he doubles down on his aspiration to deprive you of ownership.

This free app makes moving the Windows 11 taskbar feel like Windows 10 again

Microsoft finally brought back the option to move the taskbar in Windows 11, but you still need a third-party app to drag the taskbar into different positions.

So this is how liberty dies... with Surface wallpapers

One of Microsoft's newest Surface Laptop Ultra wallpapers has Star Wars fans seeing the Galactic Senate instead of a grid of screws.

Skip the Halloween party: Xbox just made WUCHANG and Dead by Daylight free to play this weekend

WUCHANG: Fallen Feathers, Dead by Daylight, Spirittea, Darkwood, and Everspace 2 are free to play for this weekend's line-up of Xbox Free Play Days titles, one of which doesn't require an Xbox Game Pass sub in order to play.

XBOX made generational leaps with each console — So, what happens next?

As XBOX approaches its 25th anniversary, Windows Central is looking back at the generational performance leaps that defined its iconic consoles.

EA reportedly killed Mass Effect and BioWare to bet on Star Wars Battlefront 3 instead

Time has passed since EA shut down the legendary RPG studio BioWare, and people are speculating about the reasons why the publisher did it. Bloomberg offers its own take in a report claiming EA closed down BioWare and cancelled the next Mass Effect game to invest in Star Wars: Battlefront 3.

Final Fantasy XIV: Evercold is delayed, shows off a new player Job, and more

Square Enix has released the full trailer for Final Fantasy XIV: Evercold, while also revealing a new release date, a new player job called Zephyr, and more.

Laffgaff

What is the state capital city of Louisiana?

Baton Rouge.

Pirate Exercise

What do pirates do for exercise? Planks!

Itsfoss

Denmark’s Collabora Pilot Was Never The Microsoft Replacement it Was Made Out to Be

Collabora says a ministry merger paused the test, while the ministry says it was interrupted when the election was called.