World News

Russell Brand sentenced to 10 1/2 years for rape and sexual assaults

November 09, 2026 • The Hill

Summary

Russell Brand was sentenced Monday to 10 1/2 years in prison. The sentence followed his rape of one woman and sexual assault of three others.

Key Facts

Russell Brand was sentenced on Monday.
The sentence is 10 1/2 years in prison.
Brand was sentenced for rape.
The rape involved one woman.
Brand was also sentenced for sexually assaulting three other people.

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The Hill

Russell Brand sentenced to 10 years, 6 months for rape and sexual assault

November 09, 2026 • France24

Summary

A London court sentenced comedian and actor Russell Brand to 10 years and six months in prison after a jury convicted him of raping one woman and sexually assaulting three others. The allegations dated to 2004; Brand denied the charges and said the encounters were consensual.

Key Facts

Judge Joel Bennathan handed down the sentence on Monday.
A jury of eight men and four women convicted Brand of offenses involving four of six accusers.
The jury cleared Brand of two counts of rape and one count of attempted indecent assault.
The alleged crimes took place around two decades ago.
Brand had pleaded not guilty and said his encounters were consensual.

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France24

Rubio throws cold water on Iran talks, Trump says there's no reason to escalate war

November 09, 2026 • CBS News

Summary

The CBS News page says talks on the Iran war are set to begin. It reports that Secretary of State Marco Rubio expressed skepticism about the talks, while President Donald Trump said there was no reason to escalate the war.

Key Facts

Talks concerning the Iran war were scheduled to begin.
Marco Rubio expressed skepticism about the talks, according to the headline.
President Donald Trump said there was no reason to escalate the war.
CBS News correspondent Courtney Kealy was featured in a report about Trump's plans for the war.
The page provided no further details about the talks or the officials' statements.

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CBS News

France brings forward minimum wage increase in bid to quell unrest

November 09, 2026 • France24

Summary

French Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu said the government will bring forward a planned 1.6% minimum-wage increase from January to December. The move comes as France faces a cost-of-living crisis and civil unrest, and Lecornu meets with labor groups to discuss possible solutions.

Key Facts

Lecornu announced the change on Monday, November 9, 2026.
The planned minimum-wage increase is 1.6%.
The increase was originally scheduled for January and will now take effect in December.
The government says the move aims to address unrest linked to the cost-of-living crisis.
Lecornu met with labor groups on Monday to discuss responses to the crisis.

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France24

UK court hands comedian Russel Brand 10.5 years for rape, sexual assault

November 09, 2026 • Al Jazeera

Summary

A London court sentenced comedian and actor Russell Brand to 10 years and six months in prison after a jury convicted him of raping one woman and sexually assaulting three others. The offenses occurred between 2004 and 2009; Brand said he was innocent and that the encounters were consensual.

Key Facts

Southwark Crown Court handed down the sentence on Monday.
The jury convicted Brand of rape and sexual assault involving four of six accusers.
The jury cleared Brand of two counts of rape and one count of attempted indecent assault.
The jury consisted of eight men and four women.
The offenses took place between 2004 and 2009.
During sentencing, victims described the trauma caused by the attacks.

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Al Jazeera

Pope visits care home in Argentina for people with disabilities, renewing call to protect the vulnerable

November 09, 2026 • PBS NewsHour

Summary

Pope Leo XIV visited a home for people with disabilities near Buenos Aires and urged Argentina to protect vulnerable people. His visit came amid cuts to disability services under President Javier Milei and ahead of a Senate debate on funding disability benefits.

Key Facts

The Cottolengo Don Orione home in Claypole houses more than 400 people with disabilities on 123 acres.
Leo embraced residents, spoke with them and blessed them during his visit.
In the home’s chapel, Leo said people with disabilities are a blessing, not a burden, and that a nation’s progress depends partly on how it welcomes them.
Milei’s austerity measures have affected healthcare and social services, including specialized therapy programs for people with disabilities.
Argentina’s Congress overrode Milei’s veto last year to pass a law increasing disability-care funding, but his administration has resisted putting the law into effect.
The Senate was due to consider a measure to fund disability benefits in next year’s budget; Milei opposes it.
Leo was also scheduled to meet business leaders, union representatives and leaders of popular movements at the Catholic University of Argentina.

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PBS NewsHour

Iran stands by demands to end the war as US ramps up military pressure

November 09, 2026 • Al Jazeera

Summary

Iran says recent U.S. strikes will not change its demands for ending the war, including lifting sanctions and the U.S. blockade on its southern ports. Mediators continue talks, while Washington objects to parts of Iran’s proposal and the two sides remain at odds over the Strait of Hormuz and nuclear issues.

Key Facts

Iranian official Ahmad Nafisi said U.S. strikes hit Qeshm island in Hormozgan province overnight.
Nafisi said the strikes did not damage residential or commercial areas or vital infrastructure.
The United States did not directly acknowledge the latest strikes; Secretary of State Marco Rubio described similar recent strikes as defensive.
Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmail Baghaei said Tehran still considers its seven demands the most logical plan for ending the war.
Iran’s demands include lifting the U.S. blockade on its southern ports and ending sanctions.
The article says mediators are continuing talks to prevent large-scale U.S. attacks, and reports that President Donald Trump and Qatar’s prime minister may meet on Monday.
Iran says it will not give up its highly enriched uranium but is open to downblending it; international inspectors lack access to Iranian nuclear sites except the Bushehr plant.
The article says Iran’s proposal includes new terms for the Strait of Hormuz, while the United States and neighboring Arab states oppose long-term shipping corridors approved by Iran.

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Al Jazeera

COP31: Betting on electricity to break the climate deadlock

November 09, 2026 • France24

Summary

COP31 is meeting in Antalya, Turkey, from November 9 to 20, against a backdrop of energy supply concerns linked to conflict in the Middle East and rising fossil-fuel prices. Australia and Turkey, which are co-chairing the summit, have proposed a target for electricity to supply 35% of final energy consumption by 2035, as part of efforts to cut emissions and reduce reliance on fossil fuels.

Key Facts

The conference is the 31st UN climate Conference of the Parties.
The Paris Agreement set a goal of limiting global warming to 1.5°C.
A UN report published on October 21 said warming could reach 2.8°C by 2100 if policies do not change, or 2.6°C if countries continue their current efforts.
COP28 participants agreed in 2023 to begin a transition away from fossil fuels.
COP30's final text did not mention the transition away from fossil fuels, according to the article.
Australia and Turkey presented the proposed “35-35” electricity target during preparatory talks in Bonn in June.
The proposal would make electricity account for 35% of final energy consumption by 2035.

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France24

Russell Brand sentenced to more than 10 years in prison for rape and sexual assault

November 09, 2026 • Guardian World

Summary

A Southwark Crown Court judge sentenced Russell Brand to 10 years and six months in prison after a jury convicted him of rape and sexually assaulting three women. The offences took place between 2004 and 2009; Brand was cleared of three other charges, and police are investigating two further rape allegations.

Key Facts

Brand was sentenced to 10 years and six months in prison.
A jury convicted him of raping a 21-year-old fan and sexually assaulting three other women.
The offences involved separate incidents between 2004 and 2009.
Brand was cleared of two other rape charges and one charge of attempted indecent assault.
The trial lasted four weeks at Southwark Crown Court.
The Metropolitan Police said Brand is under investigation over two further rape allegations.

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Guardian World

My Husband Froze His Eggs Before He Transitioned. Now I'm Having His Baby

November 09, 2026 • Newsweek

Summary

Lucy Notarantonio says she is seven months pregnant with her and her husband Taylor’s first child. Taylor, a transgender man, froze eight eggs before starting testosterone, and the couple used one of those eggs with donor sperm in an IVF process carried by Lucy.

Key Facts

Notarantonio and Taylor met on a dating app in 2016.
Taylor told Notarantonio he was transgender a few weeks after they met.
Before starting testosterone, Taylor had eight eggs retrieved and frozen.
Taylor had top surgery in October 2019 and a hysterectomy in November 2023.
The couple chose a sperm donor and married in August 2025 before starting IVF.
They used Taylor’s eggs and donor sperm, while Notarantonio carried the pregnancy.
Notarantonio says the couple plans to use her own eggs in the future.

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Newsweek

More than 100,000 sign petition for inquiry into UK role in Gaza genocide

November 09, 2026 • Al Jazeera

Summary

A petition on the UK Parliament website calling for an inquiry into Britain’s role in Israel’s war in Gaza passed 100,000 signatures on Monday. The threshold means Parliament must consider the topic for debate, but lawmakers are not required to take further action.

Key Facts

The petition calls for an inquiry into any British involvement in Israeli operations in Gaza.
It seeks scrutiny of weapons sales and supplies, surveillance aircraft, and Royal Air Force bases.
The petition asks for an inquiry with authority to question ministers and officials involved in decisions about Britain’s role.
Jennifer Forbes, chair of Your Party’s executive committee, launched the petition.
Jeremy Corbyn, Your Party’s parliamentary leader, said the campaign would continue until an inquiry takes place.
A 2024 Al Jazeera investigation reported that Britain provided military support to Israel, including through an air bridge.
The article says UK-based companies and factories supply parts used in aircraft that bomb Gaza.
UK parliamentary petitions with 100,000 signatures are considered for debate, but do not compel Parliament to act beyond that consideration.

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Al Jazeera

‘No concession’: What to expect from Russia-US-Ukraine talks in Abu Dhabi

November 09, 2026 • Al Jazeera

Summary

Officials from Ukraine, Russia and the United States are scheduled to meet in Abu Dhabi on November 10–11 for talks on ending the war. Analysts cited in the article expect little progress, while disagreements over territory, Russia’s aims and Europe’s role remain unresolved.

Key Facts

The talks are described as the first trilateral meeting in nine months and the latest of three rounds of U.S.-mediated discussions this year.
U.S. envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner are set to lead the American delegation.
Rustem Umerov, Ukraine’s chief negotiator and foreign intelligence chief, is set to lead Kyiv’s delegation.
Russia’s delegation is set to be led by former culture minister Vladimir Medinsky and include diplomat Mikhail Galuzin, spy chief Igor Kostyukov and army general Yuri Zhygarlovsky.
The Kremlin said European officials would not take part, while France said European representatives would attend; an EU official said national security officials would be on site, but their role was unclear.
The article says Russia occupies roughly 20 percent of Ukraine, including Crimea and parts of the eastern Donbas region.
U.S. President Donald Trump has urged Kyiv to cede territory to reach a peace deal and has blamed President Volodymyr Zelenskyy for holding up peace efforts.

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Al Jazeera

Saving the Venetian lagoon: A natural buffer against climate change

November 09, 2026 • France24

Summary

Salt marshes called barene in the Venetian lagoon absorb carbon dioxide and store it in their soil for long periods. Erosion and rising sea levels threaten the marshes, while scientists and environmental groups work to protect them.

Key Facts

Barene are salt marshes made up of vegetation and mud.
The marshes absorb carbon dioxide.
They can store carbon in the soil over the long term.
The article says barene can store carbon more efficiently than land forests.
Erosion threatens the Venetian lagoon’s marshes.
Rising sea levels also threaten the marshes.
Scientists and environmental associations are working to protect these ecosystems.

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France24

What ‘catastrophic’ South Africa local election results mean for ANC

November 09, 2026 • Al Jazeera

Summary

South Africa’s ANC won 31 percent in local elections, its lowest-ever result, while the Democratic Alliance won about 25 percent. The ANC lost its position as the largest party in Johannesburg, Pretoria and Ekurhuleni, and parties must negotiate coalitions in many municipalities after voters raised concerns about corruption and poor public services.

Key Facts

The ANC’s 31 percent vote share was down from 46 percent in the 2021 local elections.
The Democratic Alliance received about 25 percent of the vote.
The DA became the largest party in Johannesburg, Pretoria and Ekurhuleni, while retaining control of Cape Town.
No party won more than half the vote in many cities, so coalition talks are needed to form municipal governments.
Parties have 14 days to negotiate before city councils are formed.
ANC Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula called the results “catastrophic.”
The ANC lost its parliamentary majority in the 2024 national election, ending its 30-year dominance of national government.

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Al Jazeera

‘Exceedingly heavy-handed’: ACT police criticised by magistrate for Tasering disabled Aboriginal woman

November 09, 2026 • Guardian World

Summary

An ACT magistrate called police conduct “exceedingly heavy-handed” after officers used a Taser on Emma, an Aboriginal woman with an intellectual disability, during an arrest in Canberra. Emma pleaded guilty to possessing a knife without reasonable excuse for scissors found in her bag; other charges were withdrawn, and a related civil claim is under way.

Key Facts

Police arrested Emma at a Canberra bus stop in January 2026 after receiving reports that she had a knife.
Officers found two pairs of scissors, one broken, in a nearby backpack.
Body-worn camera footage shown in court captured Emma raising her hands and saying she was unarmed.
While officers held Emma down, another officer used a Taser in drive-stun mode against her back.
Special magistrate Sean Richter said officers knew Emma and her vulnerabilities, and criticized their response as unwarranted and heavy-handed.
Richter said Emma had a traumatic brain injury and a significant cognitive disorder.
The prosecution withdrew all charges except possessing a knife without reasonable excuse; Emma pleaded guilty to that offence and was convicted.
Emma’s lawyer filed a civil claim in July alleging that an officer made misleading statements or omissions in police evidence; ACT Policing declined further comment while the claim is under way.

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Guardian World

‘Settle down’, ‘do your own swabs’: how alleged rape victims are treated in Queensland revealed in major report

November 09, 2026 • Guardian World

Summary

A study by the Australian Institute of Criminology found that Queensland sexual assault investigations often faced delays and inadequate resources. Detectives and support workers described poor interview conditions, difficulty accessing forensic tests, and pressure to prioritize other crimes; the study also found lower case attrition when trained sexual-offence specialists handled investigations.

Key Facts

The report examined why about two-thirds of sexual assault complaints to Queensland police were withdrawn, not substantiated or left unsolved.
Detectives said heavy workloads and pressure to prioritize issues such as youth crime, property crime, and domestic and family violence pushed sexual assault cases aside.
Some officers said victim-survivors were interviewed in shared office spaces or former staff change rooms.
Researchers found that specialist training for sexual-offence investigators was linked to lower case attrition rates.
Detectives reported delays in accessing hospital forensic examinations, including long drives and unavailable staff.
One detective said a victim-survivor waited 14 hours in an emergency ward and was then told to take their own swabs.
Police described historical sexual offence cases remaining inactive for long periods because of competing work.

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Guardian World

French PM brings forward 1.6% increase in minimum wage in bid to calm protests

November 09, 2026 • France24

Summary

French Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu said the government will move a planned 1.6% minimum-wage increase from January to December. The move comes after weeks of protests over living costs and public services, but unions said the increase falls short of their demands.

Key Facts

The increase will raise the monthly net minimum wage by €24 to €1,502, Labour Minister Jean-Pierre Farandou said.
France normally raises the minimum wage on January 1 to reflect inflation.
The CFDT union called for a €100 monthly increase, while the CGT sought a 10% rise, or about €150 a month.
CGT leader Sophie Binet called for new protests on November 17.
Demonstrations began over underfunded schools and grew into wider protests about living costs, public services and political stagnation.
Riots in major cities on October 17 caught security forces off guard, according to the article.
The article says France's presidential election is five months away and identifies Marine Le Pen as the polling frontrunner.

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France24

Thirteen migrants die after boat sinks off Crete

November 09, 2026 • BBC World

Summary

At least 13 migrants died when their boat sank off Crete, Greek authorities said. The coastguard rescued 18 Sudanese survivors, including four people taken to hospital and a toddler among them.

Key Facts

A Moroccan-flagged container ship spotted the boat about 15 nautical miles (28km) off Crete.
Authorities said the cause of the deaths was unclear and believed the boat had been at sea for days amid strong winds.
Greek authorities said about 1,700 migrants reached Crete in the first three days of November.
More than 22,000 of the 86,400 sea arrivals in Greece so far this year landed on Crete.
The Greek coastguard rescued another 187 people in three incidents off Greece on Monday.
UN figures show more than 37,000 migrants have arrived in Greece this year, already exceeding the total for 2025.
Greece plans to open a temporary housing complex near Heraklion, Crete’s capital.

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BBC World

Iran sees 'golden opportunity for a sweetheart deal' after US midterms, expert says

November 09, 2026 • France24

Summary

Iran commentator Paymon Azmoudeh of Forward Global said Iran sees the U.S. midterm election results as a chance to secure a favorable deal. His remarks came amid differing statements about possible U.S. military action and the status of talks with Iran.

Key Facts

Paymon Azmoudeh is identified as a commentator on Iran from Forward Global.
Azmoudeh said Iran sees the midterm election results as a “golden opportunity” for a favorable deal.
President Donald Trump said renewed U.S. strikes on Iran were “highly unlikely” if talks progress.
Iran’s foreign minister said the midterms had paused the work of mediators.
The article reports conflicting statements from key parties about whether further U.S. military action in Iran might occur.
The report was issued on November 9, 2026.

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France24

All eyes on Rubio as Iran, Ukraine set to dominate G7 meeting in Paris

November 09, 2026 • France24

Summary

G7 foreign ministers began two days of talks in Paris on November 9, 2026, amid several unresolved international crises. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio is expected to face questions about whether the Trump administration will change its positions on Ukraine and Iran after Democrats won the midterm elections.

Key Facts

The G7 foreign ministers’ meeting began in Paris on Monday, November 9.
The talks are scheduled to last two days.
The ministers are discussing multiple unresolved global crises.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio is a focus of the meeting.
Questions are expected about the Trump administration’s positions on Ukraine and Iran.
The article links those questions to Democrats’ sweeping midterm victory.

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