Midday news, Oct 15, 2026, 12:00 ET

Midday news, Oct 15, 2026, 12:00 ET

1. At least 33 pupils and teacher killed after school roof collapses in Pakistan BBC News · Oct 15, 2026, 11:26 ET
   Explain the Big Deal: Authorities have opened an inquiry and ordered school safety checks across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa while injured pupils remain in hospital.
2. Russia and Ukraine trade strikes as Trump ‘energy ceasefire’ collapses The Guardian · Oct 15, 2026, 11:01 ET
   Explain the Big Deal: Fighting has resumed around energy targets, with both sides now saying they will keep striking the other’s oil and power infrastructure.
3. Former DUP leader Donaldson sentenced to 15 years in prison for child sex abuse BBC News · Oct 15, 2026, 11:55 ET
   Explain the Big Deal: Donaldson will serve time in prison and then remain under licence supervision, while the court later decides what happens to his wife. Any appeal could change the outcome.
4. Severe drought declared in parts of southern England BBC News · Oct 15, 2026, 11:55 ET
   Explain the Big Deal: Water companies will keep daily checks on reservoirs and rivers, while some areas may face tighter limits if supplies stay under pressure.
5. Trans people should use hospital spaces according to biological sex, NHS England says BBC News · Oct 15, 2026, 11:30 ET
   Explain the Big Deal: NHS trusts must now review wards, toilets and changing rooms and provide alternatives such as gender-neutral or single-occupancy spaces. Hospitals will still make case-by-case decisions where urgent clinical needs come first.