Russell Brand’s trial has moved from the prosecution’s opening address to first-witness evidence. This update explains the development, separates testimony from allegations outlined by counsel, and sets out Brand’s position. It also places the hearing within the wider criminal case, whose outcome remains for the jury to decide.

Iran’s navy says a container ship has sunk near the Strait of Hormuz, but the cause and full circumstances remain unresolved. The incident could add pressure for escalation in an existing conflict. Trump’s recent statements, the danger to shipping and the evidence still needed help explain what could shape Washington’s response.

Russell Brand’s trial has moved into the prosecution’s opening case at Southwark Crown Court. He denies seven charges involving six women. This update explains the allegations presented to jurors, the earlier decisions that brought the case to court and why an opening address must be distinguished from a verdict.

Ukraine’s Third Army Corps says Operation Vivaldi has restored full control over 16 settlements and recovered 277 square kilometres in northern Donetsk. Three more villages feature in its latest announcement. The figures combine territory retaken from occupation with areas cleared of Russian infiltration, a distinction that matters when judging the counteroffensive’s scale and significance.

British commandos are examining how to deliver medical care below ground as battlefield threats change. Their Scottish hospital prototype sits alongside earlier Army experiments in dispersed basements. Together, the trials expose a difficult balance: shelter can reduce exposure while complicating access, communications and supplies. The evidence shows an approach under development, with important questions still to answer.

Donald Trump says large-scale oil, gas and mineral exploration is preparing to begin in Greenland, but has not named projects or a timetable. His announcement follows a new Arctic defence agreement. The key questions concern exploration permissions, Greenlandic authority and whether substantial geological potential can become a viable commercial development.

Bulgaria’s drone defence plans face a practical test after attacks on Black Sea shipping. Joining an allied project and buying equipment are different steps. The key questions concern deployment, surveillance and the ability to respond while civilian vessels are moving. Here is what the announcement establishes, and what remains unclear about protection at sea.

Ukraine says unexpected SpaceX restrictions on military Starshield terminals have disrupted several drone missions, with connectivity reportedly failing above 160 kilometres per hour. The changes arrived without warning amid growing tensions between Washington and Kyiv. Ukrainian officials are questioning the timing, while the reason for the restrictions remains unconfirmed.

Russia has launched a massive missile and drone assault on Ukraine, leaving at least 600,000 people without electricity and damaging 30 energy facilities. The deadly attacks hit Kyiv and Kharkiv just days after Donald Trump announced an energy ceasefire. As Ukraine faces further blackouts ahead of winter, Zelensky is demanding tougher sanctions and urgent air-defence support.

Trump Offers Putin Russian Diesel Lifeline to Revive Ukraine Peace Talks as Zelenskyy Condemns ‘Gift to Putin’

Saudi Arabia and Yemen's Houthis have exchanged threats following reported airstrikes near Sanaa on 13 October 2026. The Houthis have named Riyadh airport and major Aramco facilities as potential targets, days after deadly attacks on Saudi aviation infrastructure. Fresh fighting has raised concerns over civilian safety, regional energy security and vital Red Sea shipping routes.

Donald Trump has asked Kimberly Guilfoyle, the US ambassador to Greece and former fiancée of Donald Trump Jr., to resign after mounting misconduct allegations. The controversy includes a disputed request for $100,000 from a political donor, allegations concerning private hospitality and questions about diplomatic influence. Guilfoyle denies wrongdoing, while scrutiny of her conduct continues.

Breaking Bad actor RJ Mitte has died aged 34 in Texas. His representative has confirmed suicide as the reported cause of death, while a police investigation remains ongoing. Bryan Cranston has revealed that he and Mitte were recently arranging to meet, as Aaron Paul and other cast members pay tribute to the actor and disability rights advocate.

A major cyberattack has disrupted refrigeration systems at French supermarkets including Intermarché, Super U and Leclerc. Hackers reportedly manipulated temperature controls to as high as 50°C, forcing stores to discard perishable goods and raising fears of millions of euros in losses. French investigators are examining how digital access to food-storage equipment was compromised across multiple retailers.

Lebanese security forces have seized a truck reportedly carrying 780 kilograms of explosives, including TNT and C4, towards Beirut. Prime Minister Nawaf Salam has promised a comprehensive investigation as authorities examine suspected Hezbollah connections. The discovery raises questions about illegal weapons networks, possible security threats and Lebanon's efforts to bring armed groups under state control.

A school shooting near Marseille has left two members of staff wounded after a 14-year-old pupil allegedly opened fire with a hunting shotgun. The headteacher and a teacher were injured at Joseph Lakanal school in Aubagne before the suspect was restrained and arr

Russell Brand has arrived at Southwark Crown Court for a criminal trial involving three rape charges, three sexual assault charges and one indecent assault allegation. Six women have accused the comedian of offences dating from 1999 to 2009. He denies every charge. We examine the publicly known allegations, what evidence the jury may hear, the trial timetable and the possible outcomes.

France faces another nationwide student mobilisation on 13 October 2026 as teachers and universities join demonstrations over deteriorating education conditions. With more than 6,800 detentions, devastating injuries and at least €30 million in damage, the country is confronting a growing dispute over policing, school funding and public spending. Could fresh demonstrations trigger a wider national crisis?

Four countries have united in condemning deadly Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia as the Middle East faces a dangerous new escalation. Turkey, Pakistan and Egypt have backed Riyadh after missile strikes killed at least 14 people, while President Trump considers American military involvement. Could existing defence agreements and renewed fighting in Yemen turn the crisis into a wider regional conflict?

The Trump administration has reportedly threatened to suspend US weapons procurement and intelligence sharing with Ukraine unless Kyiv stops attacking Russian oil refineries. European officials describe new pressure on Zelensky as Trump announces a disputed energy ceasefire. The confrontation raises serious questions about Ukraine's military supply arrangements, Russia's oil industry and Washington's changing approach to the war.