Laura Brand testified at Russell Brand’s trial that he is caring, kind and a wonderful father, and said he respected her when she did not want sex. A former girlfriend also described him as gentle and loving; Brand denies all charges and has pleaded not guilty.
Key Facts
Brand faces seven charges: three counts of rape, three counts of sexual assault and one count of attempted indecent assault.
Laura Brand gave evidence at Southwark Crown Court in London on Thursday.
Laura Brand told the jury she loves her husband and feels seen by him.
Laura Brand said Brand respected her when she did not want to be sexual with him.
Former girlfriend Elia Alvarez Diaz said they lived together for about a year, from 1998 to 1999.
Alvarez Diaz said Brand accepted it when she said no, and said their relationship ended after he repeatedly cheated on her.
The trial is continuing.
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ABC News examined how tariffs on machinery imported from Canada and higher diesel costs are affecting Maine’s loggers and fishermen. Reporter Jay O’Brien spoke with Maine Senate candidates Troy Jackson and Susan Collins, as well as workers in those industries.
Key Facts
The report focused on loggers and fishermen in Maine.
The workers described impacts from tariffs on machinery imported from Canada.
Higher diesel costs were also a focus of the report.
ABC News reporter Jay O’Brien conducted the interviews.
O’Brien spoke with Democratic Maine Senate candidate Troy Jackson.
O’Brien also spoke with Republican Sen. Susan Collins.
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ABC News’ Danny New spoke with a family in Maine whose two dogs love playing in piles of leaves. The family keeps a leaf pile ready in its yard for the dogs.
Key Facts
The family lives in Maine.
The family has two dogs.
The dogs enjoy piles of leaves.
The family makes sure a leaf pile is ready in the yard.
ABC News’ Danny New spoke with the family about the dogs.
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The Pentagon told Congress that the U.S. war with Iran had cost at least $47.1 billion as of October 16. The estimate includes operating costs and projected replacement costs for used munitions, but excludes fuel and repairs to damaged U.S. bases in the Middle East.
Key Facts
The Pentagon estimate includes $29 billion projected to replace munitions and other military equipment used in the war.
Since the war began on February 28, the Air Force spent $7.6 billion, the Navy spent $1.5 billion, and the Army spent $2.1 billion, according to the report.
The estimate also includes $6.1 billion to replace damaged aircraft and munitions, $645 million for transport and support for commandos, and $24.5 million for medical support.
The report says more than 50,000 U.S. troops are stationed in the Middle East.
The Pentagon has acknowledged 18 U.S. service member deaths, while The Washington Post cited officials who put the toll at at least 22; a Pentagon database listed 865 personnel wounded.
Five Democratic senators wrote to the head of U.S. Central Command on October 19, demanding disclosure of the war’s full cost.
The article says Iran’s closure of the Strait of Hormuz disrupted oil and liquefied natural gas shipments and contributed to higher energy costs; U.S. diesel prices nearly doubled.
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President Donald Trump and former President Barack Obama criticized each other at campaign events in the final week before the U.S. midterm elections. Democrats were favored to win the House by nonpartisan analysts, while control of the Senate was considered close; a federal judge also rejected a Justice Department request to set aside some California ballots.
Key Facts
Thirty-five Senate seats and all 435 House seats were up for election the following Tuesday.
Obama criticized Trump and Republicans at a rally in suburban Atlanta.
Obama joked that the White House had mobilized government officials in response to his Cheesecake Factory remark about Trump’s renovations.
Trump defended the White House renovations and said the building had been in poor condition before he addressed it.
Nonpartisan analysts generally favored Democrats to gain a House majority and viewed the Senate contest as close.
A federal judge declined to order California officials to separate and withhold about 20,000 ballots identified by the Trump administration as belonging to non-citizens.
Jason Turkish, engaged to Democratic Representative Haley Stevens, said he planned to vote for Republican Senate candidate Mike Rogers. Trump said he had barred Jeffrey Epstein from his club years earlier.
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Students at Jamia Millia Islamia in New Delhi are protesting the university’s two-decade suspension of campus-wide student union elections. The university has proposed elections after a draft union constitution is approved, but students rejected the timeline as unclear and slow; five students remain on hunger strike.
Key Facts
Law student Ebin Basil began an indefinite hunger strike on October 12 to demand the restoration of the student union.
Basil is one of five hunger strikers; several other students who joined the strike have withdrawn over health concerns.
On October 16, the university suspended Basil for a year and barred two other hunger strikers from campus.
On October 24, the university barricaded its entrance gates, moved classes online and imposed a ban on gatherings of more than four people on campus.
The university said elections would take place within 15 days of approval of a draft union constitution, which a committee must prepare by December 20.
The university has not set a deadline for approving the draft constitution, and student protesters called the proposed process too slow.
Jamia held student union elections in 1981 and 2005; the union formed in 2005 was dissolved the following year.
Basil has lost 7kg, struggles to walk unaided, and has low sodium and glucose levels, according to the article.
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New York City health commissioner Alister Martin said a woman in her early 20s came to an emergency department with abdominal pain after going without food to help her family pay for her father’s Parkinson’s medication. The city health department is in early discussions about whether AI could help people complete benefit applications, including for food assistance.
Key Facts
Martin said tests indicated the woman had starvation ketosis, which can occur when the body does not get enough food.
The woman told Martin that her family was struggling with the added cost of her father’s recently diagnosed Parkinson’s disease medication.
Martin said the city health department is exploring whether AI could reduce the paperwork involved in applying for programs such as SNAP.
Martin said the AI exploration is at an early stage.
Martin said health professionals and community health centers may have limited capacity to help patients find support or complete food-assistance applications.
A 2025 Urban Institute analysis found that one in eight working-age adults in families receiving SNAP had benefits stopped or interrupted after they did not complete recertification on time.
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French students have led nationwide protests over poor school conditions, rising living costs and cuts to social services, with workers and other groups joining them. After demonstrations and a government response that included protest bans and arrests, the government announced loans and education changes, but student organizers said they would continue their campaign; the article highlights how unions and community support can strengthen protests.
Key Facts
The student movement began at a single campus in a Paris suburb and spread to high school and university students nationwide.
Public sector workers, climate activists, labor unions and other members of the public joined the protests.
Hundreds of thousands of people demonstrated on 17 October and again on 24 October, according to the article.
The 17 October gatherings were largely peaceful before looting and vandalism occurred.
Authorities used aggressive policing, protest bans, curfews, tear gas and arrests during the response to the movement.
The government announced $4.45 billion in loans for renovating rundown buildings, along with more university spaces, teachers and administrative changes.
Student organizers called the government measures inadequate and scheduled further actions for 31 October and a national strike for 5 November.
The article contrasts France’s union networks and labor protections with the greater risks U.S. workers face when striking, and cites the 2018 teachers’ strikes as an example of effective organizing.
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AI-powered psychic apps and social media accounts offer readings, horoscopes and spiritual advice, while human practitioners try to distinguish their services from computer-generated ones. Practitioners also warn that AI readings may mishandle sensitive topics, though the article notes that some people turn to chatbots because they feel more comfortable sharing personal concerns with them.
Key Facts
Your AI Psychic offers AI-generated readings through chat, video and voice calls, along with palm readings, astrology analysis and horoscopes.
The app charges users through coin packages, including options priced at $9.99 and $99.99.
AI-generated psychics are also appearing on TikTok Live, and practitioners say AI-generated readings and spells have spread on Etsy.
Some human psychics have added “no AI” clauses to advertisements and ask clients to show that they are not bots.
Psychic coach Lauryn Kellett said she has shifted her teaching to help practitioners distinguish human services from AI-generated work.
The article says studies have found that large language models can amplify paranoia in users vulnerable to psychosis.
Some human psychics refuse questions about health or finances, saying high-stakes decisions should not be made through psychic readings.
Psychic Ahna Hendrix said her practice aims to empower clients rather than make decisions or recommendations for them.
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Rare letters by scientist Jean-André Mongez, who joined Louis XVI’s 1785 expedition led by Jean-François de Galaup, the count of La Pérouse, have resurfaced in a book of engravings. Addressed to Louise Victoria Le Cloustier, a married woman from Normandy, they offer a personal glimpse of an expedition whose ships disappeared in 1788 and whose fate remains uncertain.
Key Facts
Mongez wrote the letters to Louise Victoria Le Cloustier, the married daughter of a minor aristocratic family from Rouen, Normandy.
The letters were found hidden in a book of engravings being prepared for auction.
Mongez was a scientist and church canon who joined the La Pérouse expedition and died in 1788.
Louis XVI sent La Pérouse on a round-the-world scientific mission in 1785 amid rivalry with Britain over exploration and trade.
The expedition’s ships, La Boussole and L’Astrolabe, left Botany Bay in March 1788 and were never heard from again.
The ships are believed to have wrecked on coral reefs near Vanikoro, east of the Solomon Islands; their wrecks were formally identified in 2005.
The expedition’s 225 crew members, officers and scientists sent reports from stops including Alaska, California, Asia, Russia and Samoa.
La Pérouse reached Australia six days after Britain’s First Fleet, led by Captain Arthur Phillip.
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Night Plane is an indie horror game in which players work as a flight attendant, then face demons and other disturbing events after a plane crash. The review highlights its low-poly visuals, dark humor, unsettling atmosphere, and additional quests and endings in repeat playthroughs.
Key Facts
The game was developed by New Zealand-based Liquid Static Studio.
Players check passengers’ tickets, serve food and drinks, and handle complaints before the story turns supernatural.
After the plane crashes, players return to the airport and must identify demons disguised as passengers.
The game uses glitchy, low-poly visuals inspired by the original PlayStation era.
The review describes flickering lights, strange sounds, ghostly figures, and shifting airport and plane settings.
A playthrough takes about four or five hours, and later playthroughs can reveal new quests and endings.
The review says the game costs less than ten pounds.
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SpaceX is signaling that it may reduce its work on government spaceflight contracts, even as it continues to fulfill existing commitments. The company has said it plans to stop flying Crew Dragon by or before 2030 and has declined some potential launch work, raising questions about NASA’s future access to commercial space services.
Key Facts
SpaceX told NASA it plans to stop flying Crew Dragon by or before 2030.
Crew Dragon is NASA’s current astronaut transportation service to the International Space Station, according to the article.
SpaceX President Gwynne Shotwell said NASA should rely more on Boeing for astronaut transportation.
SpaceX stopped selling commercial Falcon 9 launches for missions scheduled after 2028, Ars reported in October.
SpaceX may not use Falcon 9 for some future NASA missions, including a possible U.S. Deorbit Vehicle mission after 2030.
SpaceX told the U.S. Space Force it would not bid on three new launch contracts for the late 2020s, Politico reported.
SpaceX recently told companies building small NASA lunar landers that it would not provide launch services, according to sources cited in the article.
SpaceX continues to fulfill its existing contracts with NASA, the Space Force and other government entities.
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CBS News’ Money Moves segment focuses on choices people face during open enrollment for health care and employee benefits. Jill Schlesinger and Mark explain what to consider when selecting a plan, but the supplied article text does not include details from their advice.
Key Facts
The segment is titled “The Mistake You're Making During Open Enrollment.”
The segment is part of CBS News’ Money Moves series.
Jill Schlesinger and Mark discuss choosing health care plans and benefits.
The segment is listed as 32 minutes and 58 seconds long.
The article text describes open enrollment as the period for choosing a health care plan and benefits.
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CBS announced an upcoming “48 Hours” report about Jade Benning. The program will examine how a call from a dying woman became evidence after a date night turned deadly.
Key Facts
The episode is titled “Jade Benning’s Final Call.”
Natalie Morales is the correspondent for the report.
The episode is scheduled to air Saturday, Oct. 31, at 10 p.m. Eastern and Pacific on CBS.
CBS says the episode will also stream on Paramount+.
The report centers on a phone call from a dying woman that became a crucial piece of evidence.
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The article warns that several current threats could lead to a major crisis. It points to Russia’s hybrid war against Europe, the unresolved war in Iran, and increasing cyber-attacks.
Key Facts
The article identifies Russia’s hybrid war against Europe as a potential threat.
It describes the war in Iran as unfinished.
It says cyber-attacks have increased.
The article presents these issues as signs of possible disaster.
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CBS News plans live coverage of the 2026 midterm elections beginning Tuesday, Nov. 3, with television and streaming broadcasts starting at 7 p.m. ET. Viewers can also watch election data coverage from 5 p.m. ET and local reporting from CBS-owned markets.
Key Facts
Voters will choose all 435 members of the House and candidates in 35 Senate races.
Gubernatorial candidates are on the ballot in 39 states, along with measures including California’s proposed billionaire tax.
CBS News’ “America Decides: Election 2026” begins on TV and cable at 7 p.m. ET, anchored by Tony Dokoupil and Norah O’Donnell.
CBS News 24/7 will stream coverage through the CBS News app, Paramount+, CBSNews.com, YouTube, and other platforms.
“Election 2026: The Nerd Show,” hosted by Anthony Salvanto and Caitlin Huey-Burns, begins at 5 p.m. ET.
CBS Stations plan live coverage across 15 owned markets; CBS News Atlanta will not stream, but local viewers can watch on WUPA Channel 69.
Polls begin closing at 7 p.m. ET, while California and several other Western states close at 11 p.m. ET; Hawaii follows an hour later and Alaska at 1 a.m. ET.
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French anti-terrorism prosecutor Olivier Christen held a press conference on Thursday about a recent racist terrorist attack in Trappes. The attack killed one man and wounded five others, including a 12-year-old girl.
Key Facts
Olivier Christen is France’s anti-terrorism prosecutor.
Christen gave the press conference on Thursday, October 29, 2026.
The attack took place in Trappes, France.
The attack killed one man.
Five people were wounded, including a 12-year-old girl.
The article provides a replay of the press conference.
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Poundland’s owner, Gordon Brothers, has filed notice that it intends to appoint administrators, putting up to 12,000 jobs at risk across the UK and Ireland. Gordon Brothers rejected a management-backed offer for the 600-store chain, and other discount retailers are reported to be interested in some stores.
Key Facts
Gordon Brothers filed a notice of intention to appoint administrators at the High Court on Wednesday night.
The notice is expected to receive court approval on Thursday and would protect Poundland from creditor demands for 10 days while a solution is sought.
AlixPartners is lined up to run the administration process.
Poundland operates about 600 stores, including Dealz outlets in Ireland.
Gordon Brothers bought Poundland from Pepco for a nominal £1 in June 2025 and took on £30 million in debts.
Martin Property Group was the only bidder interested in buying the entire chain and working with its existing management.
Poundland chief executive Barry Williams told workers that rejecting the Martin offer was “unexpected, unwanted and wholly avoidable.”
Poundstretcher, The Range and B&M have reportedly expressed interest in taking on some stores.
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Christine Lagarde will leave her role as European Central Bank president on 7 February 2027, nine months before her term was due to end. Her departure starts the process of choosing a successor as the eurozone faces weak growth and inflation above the ECB’s target.
Key Facts
The ECB announced Lagarde’s departure on Thursday.
Her term was scheduled to run until the end of October 2027.
The ECB’s governing council thanked Lagarde and gave her a standing ovation during a meeting to set interest rates.
Possible successors named in the article include Klaas Knot, Pablo Hernández de Cos, Joachim Nagel and Nadia Calviño.
The European Council appoints the ECB president, who leads the institution responsible for eurozone monetary policy.
Lagarde joined the ECB in late 2019.
The ECB was widely expected to keep interest rates unchanged on Thursday afternoon.
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New data puts France’s tax burden at 46 percent of gross domestic product, the highest in the European Union. The country’s national debt is also growing as protests focus on education funding and falling purchasing power; the government has proposed a small minimum-wage increase.
Key Facts
France’s tax burden is 46 percent of GDP, according to the report.
The report says France has the EU’s highest tax burden.
France’s national debt continues to grow.
Protests have raised concerns about education funding and falling purchasing power.
The government has proposed a minimum-wage increase described in the article as small.
The program also covered differences in share performance among U.S. technology companies amid large spending on artificial intelligence.
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