Youth services in parts of England in state of emergency, children’s commissioner says 19. October 2026 (14:11) Rachel de Souza names Middlesbrough and Hounslow among hardest places in which to grow up and says some children are being ‘radically failed’Services for children in parts of England are in a “state of emergency”, according to a report that identifies what it claims to be the hardest places in the country for young people to grow up in.The children’s commissioner, Rachel de Souza, said in some local authorities individual service failures or systemic problems meant “no child could reasonably be expected to thrive and those that do thrive do so against the odds”. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Russell Brand had ‘maniacal grin’ as he dragged woman into toilet and raped her, court told 19. October 2026 (14:03) Comedian, who is on trial at Southwark crown court, allegedly sexually assaulted woman within minute of meeting herRussell Brand had a “weird maniacal” grin on his face like a clown when he grabbed a woman’s breasts before dragging her into a toilet and raping her, a court has heard.The 51-year-old comedian is accused of orally raping the MTV worker as he told her: “You want to do this,” and: “Come on, don’t be a spoilsport.” Continue reading...(The Guardian)
French prime minister calls for ‘local and partial’ curfews after riots 19. October 2026 (14:02) Interior minister concedes police ‘lost control’, with forces in cities including Paris and Lyon overwhelmed after ‘lack of anticipation’Europe live – latest updatesFrance’s prime minister has said he has asked regional authorities to impose partial curfews in some cities after the government admitted police had “lost control” in several places during violent weekend protests around the country.Sébastien Lecornu said after an emergency cabinet meeting on Monday he was “fully resolved to restore public order” and had called for “local and partial” curfews if needed. There was “no question” of imposing a full curfew on entire cities such as Paris, he added. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Third Ebola case in Kenya highlights US failures amid Trump cuts to key services 19. October 2026 (14:00) Opposition to US-led quarantine center in Kenya follows sweeping funding cuts and withdrawal from WHOA third person in Kenya has tested positive for Bundibugyo ebolavirus in the country’s first-ever cluster of Ebola cases, as the second-largest outbreak in history kills more than 4,300 and sickens more than 9,000 people in the region.It highlights the diminished role the US has played in the worsening Ebola outbreak by building a controversial quarantine center in Kenya, pulling back health support globally, and banning travelers from certain countries. All of this has also reduced the ability to identify and respond to the outbreak and exacerbated mistrust. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
More Labour Brexit chaos as minister insists PM doesn't want to 'reopen the acrimonious debate'
Wild new flash floods hit Spanish tourist hotspots as storms claim second victim
Salacious drug and sex sessions in hairdresser's salon emerge in 'global celebrity' stylist's bail application on charges of allegedly raping male Grindr dates after secretly applying methamphetamines