BBC News Briefing

29 May, 2026

Doug has short ginger hair and wears glasses with a black frame. Only his head and shoulders can be seen. He is looking straight ahead and wearing an oraneg jumper.

Doug Faulkner

Hello. The explosion of a Blue Origin rocket during routine tests could be a big setback for Nasa, science correspondent Pallab Ghosh explains why. A Canadian man, who sold toxic chemicals online to people around the world, has admitted assisting 14 suicides. And Middle East correspondent Lucy Williamson takes cover while finding out about Hezbollah's latest method to attack Israel.

TOP OF THE AGENDA

Rocket explosion casts doubt on Nasa's Moon plans

An orange explosion in a mushroom shaped cloud an be seen against a night sky. Water can be seen in the foreground

No one was hurt during the explosion of the unmanned spacecraft. Credit: NASASpaceflight.com/Reuters

The fireball that lit up the Florida sky last night has put a big question mark over whether Jeff Bezos' Blue Origin can deliver on commitments to Nasa in its efforts to send astronauts to the lunar surface and build a Moon base, writes our science correspondent Pallab Ghosh. The company's New Glenn rocket exploded during a routine test of its engines, with the blast causing extensive damage to the launch complex - which could take months to repair. It is a big setback for Amazon's Leo broadband network, with the rocket due to deliver 48 satellites as early as 4 June.

Get the latest

GET UP TO SPEED

Kenneth Law looks directly at the camera. He is wearing glasses and has dark hair

Canadian poison seller admits aiding suicides

Kenneth Law pleaded guilty to 14 counts after he sold toxic chemicals online. He sent poison to people in 41 countries.

Read more >

Donald Trumphas blonde hair and is wearing a blue suit with red tie and white shirt. Behind him is an American flag

Trump holds meeting on Iran deal

The US president has said he is holding a meeting to make a "final determination" on extending a ceasefire with Iran.

Get the latest >

A video game graphic image of a soldier holding an assault rifle against the backdrop of a burning building

'Controversial' Korean war setting for Call of Duty

The next Call of Duty game has been revealed with a campaign set in a fictional renewed conflict on the Korean Peninsula.

Read more >

Pam Bondi has long blonde hair and is wearing a red suit and white shirt

Bondi appears before panel over Epstein files

Former US Attorney General Pam Bondi is testifying about the release of documents on the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

Find out more >

Rafael Nadal throws his head back with a grimace. He is wearing a green headband and fluorescent yellow top

I spent most of my career in pain, says Nadal

Spanish tennis superstar Rafael Nadal reveals he suffered a chronic foot injury for most of his stellar career.

Get served >