BBC News Digest
Thursday, 29 January 2026
What could happen if the US strikes Iran? Here are seven scenarios
From regime change to retaliation, the BBC’s Frank Gardner outlines possible outcomes of US strikes on Iran.
Number of term-time school holiday fines hits another record high
New government data shows that fines for term-time holidays have risen again in the last academic year.
Border agents involved in fatal shooting of Alex Pretti placed on leave
As Trump and the Minneapolis Mayor spar over social media on immigration law enforcement, the US continues to be roiled by the killing of nurse Alex Pretti.
Water bills to rise again: Use our tool to find out by how much
The average annual household bill in England and Wales will increase by £33 from April.
Driverless taxis set to launch in UK as soon as September
Waymo has laid out plans for a robotaxi service in London with a pilot scheme due to begin in April.
Santander to close 44 branches and put 291 jobs at risk
The high-street lender is the latest to announce a swathe of branch closures.
Assisted dying bill has no hope of passing unless Lords change approach, warns peer
Lord Falconer said the bill has “absolutely no hope” of passing without a “fundamental change” in approach.
Keep suspended pupils in school instead of at home, ministers say
Changes to England’s school system say on-site suspensions should be used for non-violent behaviour.
Watch: CCTV captures moment mayor hit in rocket launcher attack in the Philippines
A mayor in the Philippines has survived a rocket launcher attack on his vehicle in broad daylight.
Serena Williams refuses to rule out comeback
Serena Williams refuses to rule out returning to professional tennis after recently filing the necessary paperwork.
Watch: How Alex Pretti shooting led Trump to shift course in Minneapolis
BBC analysis editor Ros Atkins looks at why tensions have been running so high in the city – and how we got here.
Yes, you can be friends with an ex – but there are rules
The four questions you should ask before deciding whether to stay friends or go no contact.
Why China views the UK visit as part of something bigger
Sir Keir Starmer is one of a number of world leaders heading to Beijing
What’s behind English teams dominating the Champions League so far?
Five of the eight teams to qualify automatically for the Champions League were from the Premier League, so why have they been so dominant?
How self-service terminals push us to buy more
How restaurants and retailers use behavioural science to get us to increase our spending.
Chris Hemsworth and Mark Ruffalo: We’re like a couple of naughty school kids
The pair star in Crime 101, a tense thriller that swaps superhero spectacle for a game of psychological cat and mouse.
‘Why can’t women have experience?’ New Bridgerton series tackles sex taboo
Bridgerton is back, with Francesca on the hunt for sex tips and Benedict finally meeting his match.
China executes 11 members of Myanmar scam mafia
China executes 11 members of the Ming family that ran scam centres in Myanmar, state media report.
Vehicle production in the UK falls to 73-year low
The industry has “the toughest year in a generation” as vehicle making falls back to 1952 levels.
Family wants action after man electrocuted by faulty power cable while out jogging
The family of Harry Oates, who died in 2023, say organisations are “hiding behind process”.