A BBC Newscast episode previews Chancellor John Healey’s first Budget, scheduled for Wednesday. Katie Martin, chief of staff to his predecessor for nearly five years, discusses government policy codenames, what she thinks Healey should do and the decision to cut winter fuel payments.
Key Facts
The episode was published on 24 October 2026 and runs for 37 minutes.
Chancellor John Healey is due to deliver his first Budget on Wednesday.
Katie Martin served as chief of staff to Healey’s predecessor for nearly five years.
Martin discusses codenames for government policies and her views on what Healey should do.
The episode addresses what happened with the decision to cut winter fuel payments.
Paddy O’Connell and Laura Kuenssberg presented the episode.
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As colder weather approaches in the UK, experts and families suggest ways to keep homes warmer without using much heating to save money. Tips include wearing layered clothing, using blankets under bedsheets, opening curtains to catch sunlight, and using electric blankets safely.
Key Facts
The UK expects cold weather with strong winds and heavy rain soon.
Energy prices are rising, making home heating more expensive.
Wearing many thin layers keeps body heat better than one thick layer.
Placing a blanket under the mattress can help stop cold air from coming up through beds.
Electric blankets use little electricity and can be a cheap way to stay warm if used safely.
Opening curtains during sunny days can warm rooms naturally, and closing them at night keeps heat inside.
Using soft items like rugs and blankets on doors can help keep heat in rooms.
Lighting a fire in a fireplace can be cheaper than turning on central heating.
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A veterinarian named Dr. Ben Simpson-Vernon shared five common habits dog owners have that can harm their pets. He warned against giving dogs sticks, hard chews like bones, and feeding them raw meat because these can lead to serious health problems for dogs and sometimes even humans.
Key Facts
Throwing sticks for dogs can cause injuries that may block their airway or cause severe bleeding.
Hard chews such as bones or antlers can break dogs’ teeth, causing pain and dental problems.
Dr. Simpson-Vernon suggests using the "fingernail test": if you can't dent the chew with your fingernail, it’s too hard for dogs.
Feeding dogs raw meat can expose both dogs and humans to harmful bacteria like E. coli and Salmonella.
Raw diets pose a higher risk to homes with small children or people with weak immune systems.
The CDC and FDA advise against feeding raw pet food due to potential contamination with germs.
Owners may not realize that bacteria from raw food can spread when dogs lick hands or faces.
Playing fetch can be safe if owners avoid using sticks and choose safer toys.
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Kiryat Shmona in northern Israel has been a strong supporter of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his Likud party. However, after years of conflict with Hezbollah, including rocket attacks and evacuations, some residents are beginning to question Netanyahu’s leadership ahead of the upcoming Israeli election.
Key Facts
Kiryat Shmona is a northern Israeli city that has supported Netanyahu’s Likud party for many years.
The city was evacuated three years ago due to attacks from the Hezbollah group in Lebanon.
Netanyahu led multiple military actions in Lebanon since 2023 aiming to stop Hezbollah attacks.
Over 4,000 people in Lebanon have died during these conflicts, and many towns were damaged or destroyed.
Although the fighting calmed, Hezbollah remains active and attacks continued in early 2024.
About half of Kiryat Shmona’s population has returned after evacuation, but many shops and streets still feel empty.
Some residents feel Netanyahu has not kept his promises to protect the north from Hezbollah.
Support for Netanyahu in Kiryat Shmona might weaken, which could affect the closely contested Israeli election.
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France plans to send 70,000 police officers across the country on Saturday. This is to prepare for large protests against the government expected that weekend.
Key Facts
French police presence will increase to 70,000 officers on Saturday.
The deployment covers multiple regions in France.
The mass protests are planned to oppose the current government.
Authorities aim to maintain order and safety during the protests.
Similar protests have happened recently across France.
The government expects a strong turnout from demonstrators.
Police are preparing for possible conflicts during the demonstrations.
This is part of ongoing political unrest in France.
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Severe thunderstorms, heavy rain, and flash flooding are expected across many parts of Australia over the weekend, particularly affecting Queensland, South Australia, Victoria, New South Wales, and Tasmania. Queensland has already experienced heavy rain and flooding this week, leading to emergency calls and school closures.
Key Facts
Queensland has seen more than twice its usual October rainfall in several areas this week.
Flash flooding in southeast Queensland caused water rescues and forced some schools to close.
The Bureau of Meteorology has issued nine flood warnings for south Queensland.
Severe thunderstorms and heavy rain are forecast for central and eastern Queensland, including Rockhampton and the Sunshine Coast hinterlands.
Storms may also affect parts of Victoria, including Melbourne’s eastern suburbs, and central and eastern South Australia.
Rain is expected to reach Tasmania overnight into Sunday morning.
A cold front will move across New South Wales on Sunday, bringing severe storms to western NSW, northeastern Victoria, Sydney, and Brisbane.
The Queensland fire department conducted over 16 swift-water rescues recently due to flash flooding.
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Rapper Macklemore started a new tour called the "Free Palestine" tour. This is his first performance since he was removed from Ed Sheeran’s supporting acts because of his comments supporting Palestine.
Key Facts
Macklemore began a tour named the "Free Palestine" tour.
He returned to performing live after controversy over his pro-Palestinian statements.
Macklemore was dropped from Ed Sheeran’s tour due to these comments.
He said, "being human is not complicated" during his tour kickoff.
The tour and his statements relate to the ongoing Israel-Palestine conflict.
His remarks have drawn public and media attention.
The situation highlights how artists can face consequences for political views in their work.
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Several states, including Colorado and Utah, are experiencing heavy flooding and strong winds due to severe weather. This situation is affecting multiple areas and causing safety concerns.
Key Facts
Colorado and Utah are facing heavy flooding.
Multiple states are dealing with severe weather conditions.
The weather includes both flooding and strong, gusty winds.
Authorities are monitoring the situation closely.
Flooding can cause dangerous travel and property damage.
Gusty winds may lead to falling trees and power outages.
Emergency services are active in affected areas.
Weather updates are being provided to keep residents informed.
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U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Mike Waltz said in an interview that the war involving Iran could continue for another year. This reflects ongoing concerns about the conflict's duration and impact.
Key Facts
Mike Waltz is the U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations.
He spoke to the Financial Times about the war with Iran.
Waltz said the conflict could last another year.
The statement was made in a recent interview.
The situation in Iran is part of a wider, ongoing conflict.
There was no detailed explanation of the conflict’s causes or progress in the article.
The prediction highlights ongoing uncertainty about how long the war will continue.
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Strictly Come Dancing has a new team of three hosts: Emma Willis, Johannes Radebe, and Josh Widdicombe. Critics gave mixed reviews when the series started, but some say the presenters are slowly becoming more comfortable in their roles.
Key Facts
The original two hosts, Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman, were replaced by three presenters.
Emma Willis is an experienced TV host, Johannes Radebe is a former professional dancer, and Josh Widdicombe is a comedian new to prime-time TV.
The hosting change caused some confusion and mixed reactions from viewers and critics.
Some critics felt Josh Widdicombe’s style as a comedian clashed with the role of a presenter.
Over time, Widdicombe has grown more confident, and some fans are starting to like him.
Emma Willis and Josh Widdicombe host the live shows together, while Radebe handles celebrity interviews.
Critics suggest the presenters rely too much on scripts and need to be more natural on air.
The hosting team is adapting but has not yet fully settled into the new format.
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Typhoon Champi hit Taiwan, causing one death and injuring at least 350 people. The storm caused power outages, forced evacuations, and damaged buildings, then moved toward China and Japan, disrupting flights and threatening more severe weather.
Key Facts
One person died and at least 350 were injured in Taiwan due to Typhoon Champi.
Over 4,300 people were evacuated from their homes in Taiwan.
The storm knocked down trees, closed shops and schools, and cut power to thousands of homes.
Typhoon Champi was once a super typhoon with winds near 300 km/h (186 mph) but has weakened since.
It is expected to bring up to 900 mm (35 inches) of rain, mainly hitting northeastern Taiwan hard.
The storm is moving toward Okinawa, Japan, where 8,400 homes lost power, and then toward China’s eastern coast and mainland Japan.
The current Pacific typhoon season is stronger than usual because of a powerful El Nino weather cycle.
The World Meteorological Organization warned this El Nino could be the strongest in over 40 years, with effects lasting into 2027.
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A historic city hall in Limoges, France, was set on fire during recent protests, causing widespread damage to an iconic 19th-century building. The protests began over poor conditions in high schools but have grown into large demonstrations about the cost of living and political frustrations before upcoming presidential elections.
Key Facts
Limoges city hall’s wooden clock tower caught fire and its spire collapsed during protests.
Two men, aged 34 and 66, were arrested and are said to be connected to radical-left groups.
The mayor of Limoges calls the damage a national tragedy and blames the hard left supported by rioters.
Protests began over high school conditions and expanded to broader anger about poverty and economic challenges.
The French government has banned demonstrations in some cities and increased police presence to stop further violence.
Overnight curfews and limits on gatherings were put in place in Limoges to prevent more rioting.
The country faces a large fiscal deficit and political candidates are campaigning ahead of elections in six months.
Some protesters believe the social problems are bigger than damage to buildings, showing divided opinions on the unrest.
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Serbia is holding a close parliamentary election where the Student List, a new opposition group formed from anti-corruption protests, is challenging the long-standing leader Aleksandar Vučić. The Student List features candidates chosen by university students and includes no experienced politicians, aiming to change the country’s politics and values.
Key Facts
Aleksandar Vučić has been Serbia’s main leader since 2012, serving as deputy prime minister, prime minister, and president.
Vučić resigned as president to run for prime minister again in these snap elections.
The Student List was created from nearly two years of student-led protests after a deadly roof collapse in Novi Sad.
Ilija Srđanović, a cardiologist and university professor, leads the Student List candidates but is not its official leader.
The Student List’s candidates include academics, athletes, economists, and engineers, all chosen by students.
The group opposes Vučić’s government and wants to restore values like freedom of speech and safety.
Vučić accuses the student movement of being backed by foreign interests to destabilize Serbia.
Polls are limited, but experts expect the election results to be very close.
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The Duchess of Sussex, Meghan Markle, responded to reports that disturbing images were found at her estranged father Thomas Markle's former home in the Philippines. Police said they never investigated Thomas Markle, and he denies having such images.
Key Facts
Meghan Markle said she received a letter in 2018 with troubling allegations about her father.
Thomas Markle, 82, lives in the US and denies having any illegal images.
Scotland Yard is trying to locate the letter sent to Meghan in 2018 but confirmed they never investigated Thomas Markle.
Meghan’s half-brother reportedly alerted the police about the allegations.
UK Chancellor John Healey is preparing an Autumn Budget including a £20 billion loan boost for businesses and infrastructure.
Economic experts warn the government against risky spending that could harm the UK economy.
The UK online safety regulator says recent laws have not stopped children from encountering harmful content online.
UK ministers are divided on whether to rejoin the European Union or hold a new Brexit referendum.
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The BBC series Blue Planet III uses cloudier, less polished video to prove its footage is real and not made by artificial intelligence (AI). The show features new underwater technology and rare animal behaviors to highlight ocean life and environmental issues.
Key Facts
Blue Planet III includes murkier footage to confirm it is authentic and not AI-created.
No generative AI was used in making the series; all video is real photography.
The series features the world’s first underwater CCTV camera called the “stonefish” cam.
Filming took place over four years across five oceans with new camera gear and techniques.
Unique animal behaviors shown include dolphins using sea sponges as tools and crabs lining up to feed.
The series addresses ocean threats like climate change and plastic pollution.
Sir David Attenborough, narrating the show at 100 years old, was actively involved in the production.
Blue Planet III made some cost savings by using more local filming crews.
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Stephen Hubbard was released from a Russian jail after more than four years. His son, Father Joseph Coleman, and the family lawyer spoke with CBS News about his release.
Key Facts
Stephen Hubbard spent over four years in jail in Russia.
Father Joseph Coleman is Stephen Hubbard’s son.
The family’s lawyer is Martin De Luca.
They gave an interview to CBS News correspondent Olivia Rinaldi.
The interview focused on Hubbard’s release and related family matters.
The story involves international aspects, since it concerns a U.S. citizen held in Russia.
The interview is part of CBS News programming.
The release ended a long period of imprisonment for Hubbard.
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The reality TV show The Celebrity Traitors continues as players try to find and eliminate traitors in their group. In the latest episode, contestant Miranda Hart was "murdered" in the game, leaving only 10 players left. The show features contestants trying to figure out who the traitors are while coping with the pressure of the game.
Key Facts
The show is called The Celebrity Traitors, series two.
Miranda Hart, a contestant and skilled detective in the game, was eliminated ("murdered").
The group started with 21 players, now only 10 remain.
Players Maya Jama, King Kenny, and James Acaster are acting as traitors.
Remaining contestants include James Blunt and Michael Sheen, who are trying to find traitors.
Miranda was upset about her elimination but glad to have been part of the experience.
The players gather regularly to discuss and guess who the traitors might be.
The game is set in a castle and involves challenges of trust and betrayal.
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The White House said Melania Trump helped arrange a local ceasefire in the Ukrainian city of Oleshky. Romania's president blamed Russia for a drone attack that sank a cargo ship in the Black Sea. Israel’s Prime Minister Netanyahu instructed the army to prepare for a complete closure of the occupied West Bank.
Key Facts
Melania Trump played a role in making a local ceasefire deal in Oleshky, Ukraine.
A drone strike sank a cargo ship in the Black Sea.
Romania’s president blamed Russia for that drone attack.
Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu ordered preparations for a total closure of the West Bank.
The West Bank is an area partly occupied by Israel.
These events involve ongoing tensions in Ukraine, the Black Sea region, and the Middle East.
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The Louisiana Purchase was the largest land deal in U.S. history. A new book called "Jefferson's Landmark Deal" looks at how President Thomas Jefferson helped make that important land expansion happen.
Key Facts
The Louisiana Purchase greatly increased the size of the United States.
President Thomas Jefferson played a key role in negotiating the deal.
The book "Jefferson's Landmark Deal" explores the political efforts behind the purchase.
Lara Brown, the author, is a public scholar and appears on CBS News programs.
The article focuses on the history and politics of the Louisiana Purchase.
The acquisition happened in the early 1800s, doubling the U.S. territory.
The land was bought from France, which controlled it before the sale.
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Brazil is holding a presidential runoff election soon that could change its political direction. Voters will decide whether to support a right-leaning candidate or keep the current left-wing leadership.
Key Facts
The presidential runoff election is scheduled for this weekend in Brazil.
Voting is mandatory for most adults in Brazil.
The election could influence Brazil’s future political path.
The race has increased political divisions in the country.
The choice is between shifting right or continuing with left-wing leadership.
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