RUSSIAN TROOPS TARGETED – Two volunteer soldiers opened fire at a military training ground in Russia’s southwest near the Ukraine border, killing 11 and injuring 15. The 2 men – who came from former Soviet republics and were described by Russian officials as terrorists – were shot and killed in the attack.

IRAN SIMMERS – A major fire at Iran’s notorious Evin prison in Tehran broke out on Saturday night – it’s notable because it’s where political prisoners, journalists and foreign nationals are sent, including Aussie-Brit academic Kylie Moore-Gilbert before her release in 2020. There have been significant anti-government protests in Iran recently, but a direct link with the prison fire hasn’t been made yet.

SALAD DAYS ARE OVER – Almost 6 weeks into her time as the UK’s PM, Liz Truss’s leadership has hit the rocks after sacking her Chancellor (aka Treasurer) Kwasi Kwarteng. His replacement Jeremy Hunt said the new team’s mini-budget went “too far, too fast” with a tax-cutting plan that shocked financial markets. Expectations are low – all Truss has to do is beat a lettuce and she’ll be a hero…