Author: WTX News Editor

Cliff Notes The family of Jodie Sheeran, a groomed victim who conceived a child after being assaulted, is urging police to reopen her case, citing historical failings in the investigation. Jodie’s mother, Angela, expresses hope for justice through a national inquiry into grooming gangs and seeks to ensure her daughter’s story is not forgotten. The Crown Prosecution Service has acknowledged shortcomings in communicating with the family regarding the case’s discontinuation, reiterating a lack of sufficient…

Cliff Notes Bryan Kohberger pleaded guilty to the murders of four University of Idaho students, likely avoiding the death penalty through a plea deal submitted before his trial. Kohberger, arrested after a nationwide manhunt, has not disclosed a motive for the killings and spared two roommates present in the home during the attack. While the family of victim Kaylee Goncalves opposed the plea agreement, others expressed relief, indicating a desire to prevent prolonged legal proceedings.…

Cliff Notes Punk rap duo Bob Vylan has withdrawn from the Radar Festival in Manchester following controversial chants at Glastonbury, which have been deemed antisemitic by the BBC. Avon and Somerset Police have initiated a criminal investigation linked to Bob Vylan’s performance at Glastonbury, classifying it as a “public order incident.” The duo’s visas were revoked for an upcoming U.S. tour due to their “hateful tirade,” and they expressed being targeted for their political statements…

Cliff Notes Sean “Diddy” Combs was found guilty of transporting individuals for prostitution but acquitted of more serious charges, including sex trafficking and racketeering conspiracy. The guilty verdict entails a potential 20-year prison sentence, while jurors did not agree with allegations of violent coercion presented by prosecutors. Cassie Ventura’s testimony was pivotal, as her lawyer noted it “paved the way” for the guilty verdicts, highlighting issues of abuse within the entertainment industry. Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs…

Flash card – What did the Dalai Lama say? The Dalai Lama has confirmed plans for a successor to be found in accordance with Buddhist traditions He emphasised that China should not interfere in the process His announcement follows decades of speculation and is particularly significant as it could lead to tensions over rival successors defined by Chinese authorities and the Tibetan Buddhist community. The identification of the next Dalai Lama involves a traditional search…

The U.S. Senate narrowly approved Donald Trump’s flagship tax-and-spending package, now called the One Big Beautiful Bill, with Vice President JD Vance breaking a 50–50 tie following three Republican defections.

Prosecutors are reviewing additional evidence for potential criminal charges against Lucy Letby, focusing on deaths and non-fatal collapses of babies at two hospitals where she worked.

A severe heatwave is gripping much of Europe, with record-breaking temperatures exceeding 40°C reported in Spain, Portugal, France, Italy, and Germany.

The European Parliament is preparing to debate and vote on a motion of censure against President Ursula von der Leyen and her Commission next week, during the Strasbourg plenary.

Prime Minister François Bayrou survived an eighth no‑confidence vote after the far‑right National Rally abstained, with only 189 MPs supporting the motion, well below the 289 required to oust him.

The U.S. has temporarily halted shipments of key air-defence missiles, including systems used by Patriot batteries, alongside precision munitions previously pledged to Ukraine.

David Botham, 65, has been charged with the murder of a 93-year-old woman found deceased in Bude, Cornwall.

Starmer guts welfare reform to avert defeat in Commons | Wednesday’s newspapers
Wednesday’s newspaper front pages lead with the prime minister’s further concessions on his controversial welfare reforms. The late changes came ahead of the House of Commons vote to avoid an embarrassing defeat. The bill passed by 335 votes to 260.

The UK heatwave and Wimbledon find space on the front pages as tennis stars sizzled in the record-breaking temperatures.

The sports papers look ahead to this summer’s Women’s Euros as the Lionesses prepare to defend their crown.

A report reveals that a catastrophic equipment failure at North Hyde Substation, caused by moisture, triggered a 16-hour power outage at Heathrow Airport, affecting over 270,000 passengers.

Wednesday’s UK news continues to be dominated by the government’s welfare bill after ministers made last-minute concessions to avoid a possible defeat.

The bill passed by 335 votes to 260 – but 49 Labour MPs still voted against the government, while 18 others abstained.

The headlines react to the news that yesterday was the UK’s hottest day of the year so far as Britain battles a second heatwave of the summer. St James’s Park in London saw England’s hottest temperature reach 34.7C. Temperatures are set to cool down across the UK on Wednesday.

Three former senior staff members at the Countess of Chester Hospital have been arrested on suspicion of gross negligence manslaughter.

Donald Trump has publicly suggested he would “take a look” at deporting Elon Musk, despite the Tesla and SpaceX CEO being a naturalised US citizen.

The Labour government has made major concessions on its flagship welfare reform bill in a bid to defuse an internal rebellion, particularly around Personal Independence Payment (PIP) changes.

Cliff Notes Jimmy Swaggart, a pivotal figure in US televangelism, passed away at the age of 90 following a cardiac arrest. His death was confirmed via his public Facebook page. Swaggart’s career, marked by significant achievement, faced controversies, including being defrocked in 1988 after a scandal involving a prostitute, which drastically reduced his audience. He began his evangelistic work in 1954 and was known for his extensive broadcasting, including the launch of the SonLife Broadcasting…

North Korea’s military deployment to Russia provides economic incentives, including fuel, food, and advanced military technology previously restricted due to sanctions.

Divided Opinions: The “big, beautiful bill” has ignited significant debate in Congress, with both ambitious proposals and political infighting surrounding it.

Anti-government protests in Lome, Togo, resulted in the deaths of at least seven people, with reports of security forces using tear gas and batons against protesters.

The potential for a 60-day ceasefire in Gaza hinges on Hamas’s acceptance, amidst ongoing rigid positions from both sides of the negotiation.

Two individuals were arrested for allegedly causing criminal damage and blocking the entrance of Elbit Systems in Bristol, following a protest by Palestine Action.

Florida’s new ‘Alligator Alcatraz’ detention centre, prioritised for migrants, symbolizes the Trump administration’s aggressive deportation strategy amid criticism of its inhumanity and high operational costs.