Author: DispatchTimes News Desk

Russell Brand has been convicted of raping a woman and sexually assaulting three others following a month-long trial at Southwark Crown Court. The comedian and actor, 51, was found guilty of raping a 21-year-old fan after one of his performances in 2009. He was also convicted of sexually assaulting an MTV worker in 2004, a Capital Radio employee in 2005 and a Channel 4 worker in 2009. Brand, who denied all the charges, was cleared of two further counts of rape and one charge of attempted indecent assault. He was remanded in custody and will be sentenced at Southwark Crown…

AI agents have not yet changed the way Expedia customers book travel, the company’s chief executive has said, although they could eventually reshape the industry. Ariane Gorin said the technology was proving useful for travel inspiration and planning, but had not altered customers’ behaviour when they were ready to make a booking. “It’s a great way for people to do inspiration, to do trip planning,” Ms Gorin said. “We haven’t seen it change the way they’re actually doing booking.” Personal AI agents from companies including Meta and OpenAI are increasingly being used for tasks such as scheduling and shopping. Their…

Thomas Markle Jr has been named a person of interest in the investigation into his father’s alleged possession of child pornography, Philippine officials have said. Philippine Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla said investigators were examining whether Thomas Jr was involved after a witness alleged that underage girls had been taken to Thomas Markle Sr’s home. “We have a witness [who says] underage girls were being brought to his house. We will investigate whether the son was involved in the crime,” Mr Remulla said at a press conference on Thursday. He added: “To accuse the father only is only half the police…

Manchester United have reportedly made contact with Didier Deschamps as uncertainty grows over Michael Carrick’s position and the club’s prospects of appointing Unai Emery. Deschamps has been without a club or international role since leaving his position as France manager after the 2026 World Cup. A report from Foot Mercato claims United have approached the 58-year-old, although he is understood not to be in a hurry to take on his next job. The former France boss is therefore said to have shown little urgency in discussing a possible move to Old Trafford. United’s interest comes as doubts continue over Carrick’s…

Veterans and active-duty service members in the United States will be able to claim free meals, drinks, haircuts and other discounts on Veterans Day, Wednesday, November 11, 2026, as restaurants, retailers and attractions announce special offers to mark the annual commemoration. Most promotions require proof of service, such as a military identification card, Department of Defense Form DD214, veterans’ organisation card, Veterans Affairs identification or a current Leave and Earnings Statement. Many offers are for dine-in or in-store use only and may be limited to participating locations, so customers are advised to check locally before travelling. Veterans Day 2026 restaurant…

Russell Brand has been found guilty of rape and three sexual assaults at Southwark Crown Court in London and told he faces a lengthy prison sentence. The comedian and actor, 51, was acquitted of two further rape charges and an attempted indecent assault. Judge Joel Bennathan said Brand would be sentenced on Monday. Brand, who denied the accusations, said the incidents had either been consensual, reinvented or re-imagined. Prosecutors described him as a ruthless sexual predator. The charges relate to incidents between 1999 and 2009, during the period in which Brand progressed from performing stand-up comedy in small venues to…

Wendy’s has rejected a $1.4 billion hostile takeover bid from a group led by Trian Partners, saying the offer undervalues the burger chain and is not in shareholders’ best interests. The company’s board unanimously turned down the proposal, which would pay $7.35 per share. Wendy’s shares were trading at $7.75 before markets opened on Thursday. The bid was submitted by Trian Partners, the asset management firm founded by activist investor Nelson Peltz, alongside Flynn Group LP, BlueFive Capital and Sixth Street Partners. Art Winkleblack, chairman of Wendy’s board, said an independent committee had assessed the offer and concluded that it…

Adam Hamawy has won a seat in the US House of Representatives, becoming set to be New Jersey’s first Muslim congressman after a campaign shaped by his medical missions to Gaza and his pledge to put “healthcare not bombs” at the centre of politics. The Egyptian-American reconstructive surgeon celebrated the victory in Plainsboro, New Jersey, on Tuesday, telling supporters that the people he had treated amid violence had given him hope and courage. “To the men, women and children of Gaza and Palestine: Your smiles give me the hope and the courage to fight for a better world,” Hamawy said.…

Uranium Digital has raised $16.5 million to expand an electronic trading platform designed to bring uranium transactions on-chain, as the growth of energy-intensive data centres drives renewed interest in nuclear power. The New York-based start-up allows institutions to buy and sell uranium electronically, with blockchain technology tracking ownership of material held at a storage facility. The Series A round closed last month. Blockchain Capital led the financing, which also included existing investors Portal Ventures and Apeiron Investment Group, founded by Christian Angermayer. The company has now raised $22.6 million, following a $6.1 million seed round backed by Framework Ventures in…

Russell Brand has been found guilty of one count of rape and three counts of sexual assault following a criminal trial at Southwark Crown Court in London. The 51-year-old actor and comedian learned the verdict on Thursday after the jury deliberated for two days. Several women who accused Brand of sexual misconduct gave evidence during the proceedings. One alleged that he had been “lizard-like” with his tongue during an alleged rape in 1999, while another said he had anally raped her and later told her he wanted to “push [her] further”. Brand was found not guilty on two other counts…