Author: News Desk

Cliff Notes – White House cuts WSJ from Scotland trip over Epstein story The White House excluded The Wall Street Journal from the press pool accompanying President Trump to Scotland due to allegations of “fake and defamatory conduct” linked to a report about a birthday letter to Jeffrey Epstein. Trump’s lawsuit against the WSJ seeks $10 billion in damages, claiming the publication has caused significant financial and reputational harm through its allegations. This incident marks a continuation of the Trump administration’s controversial press policies, with past exclusions raising concerns over freedom of the press and government retaliatory actions against media…

Cliff Notes – Visit Saudi, ‘Doraemon’ collaborate on culture at Expo 2025 The construction industry is undergoing a significant digitisation revolution, with artificial intelligence (AI) now embedded in various construction processes, enhancing safety and productivity. viAct, a Hong Kong-based AI firm, is spearheading this transformation by offering an innovative platform that goes beyond traditional surveillance, providing real-time analytics to improve site safety and operational efficiency without human supervision. As Saudi Arabia embarks on extensive mega-projects under Vision 2030, viAct aims to enter the market with a focus on integrating ethical AI solutions while ensuring compliance with local regulations, facilitating safer…

Cliff Notes Former Kentucky police officer Brett Hankison has been sentenced to 33 months in prison for excessive force during the 2020 raid that resulted in Breonna Taylor’s death. Hankison’s gunfire did not injure anyone, making him the only officer charged in connection with Taylor’s death amid a backdrop of systemic police misconduct discussions. The judge deemed immediate imprisonment necessary to honour the jury’s verdict, countering the US Department of Justice’s recommendation against incarceration. Former Kentucky police officer Brett Hankison sentenced to three years in prison over Breonna Taylor death | US News . A former Kentucky police officer has…

Cliff Notes – Will there ever be a new Mass Effect game? BioWare’s Future at Stake: With the disappointing performance of Dragon Age: The Veilguard, BioWare faces immense pressure to ensure that Mass Effect 4 is a success, especially with no gameplay or release date revealed yet. Changing Demographics: The gaming landscape is shifting, as younger audiences show less interest in traditional console games, favouring mobile and PC gaming instead, which may threaten the franchise’s legacy. Potential for Revival: The upcoming Amazon TV adaptation could serve as a catalyst for revitalising interest in the Mass Effect series, potentially drawing in…

Cliff Notes – Ex-officer sentenced to prison over Breonna Taylor raid A former Kentucky police officer was sentenced to 33 months for violating Breonna Taylor’s rights during a deadly raid in March 2020, which used a controversial no-knock warrant. Taylor’s family welcomed the sentence but expressed disappointment that it did not reflect the full severity of her death; they noted it was more than what the Department of Justice had sought. The judge expressed concern that more people were not injured by the officer’s reckless firing of ten rounds during the incident, while the Trump administration had previously recommended a…

Cliff Notes Newly released files indicate Buckingham Palace officials sought to influence John Major’s government regarding the replacement of the Royal Yacht Britannia, which was nearing the end of its operational life by 1993. Despite Queen Elizabeth II’s perceived support for a new yacht, the Cabinet Office halted efforts to publicly highlight Britannia’s significance, citing potential political repercussions. Following Labour’s electoral victory in 1997, plans for a new royal yacht were scrapped, leading to a notably emotional farewell when Britannia was decommissioned. Buckingham Palace courtiers lobbied John Major government for a new royal yacht, files reveal | UK News Buckingham…

Cliff Notes – Arteta: Arsenal 100% followed correct protocol regarding Partey Mikel Arteta expressed full confidence that Arsenal adhered to the correct protocols concerning Thomas Partey’s situation amid serious legal allegations against the player. Partey, who left Arsenal after his contract expired, was charged with multiple counts of rape and sexual assault, which he denies. The club released a statement indicating they could not comment further due to ongoing legal proceedings. Arteta: Arsenal 100% followed correct protocol regarding Partey SINGAPORE — Mikel Arteta has said he “100%” believes Arsenal followed the correct protocols regarding Thomas Partey’s time at the club…

Cliff Notes – The 15 Nintendo Switch games that should get a Switch 2 upgrade Performance Discrepancies: Many games, such as Astral Chain and Luigi’s Mansion 3, have not received upgrades despite the Switch 2’s superior performance capabilities, leaving fans disappointed. Mixed Upgrade Outcomes: While some titles like Pokémon Scarlet & Violet benefit from free performance updates, others, including NieR:Automata, still face issues like low frame rates and crashes on the new hardware. Unfulfilled Potential: Several popular games, including Fire Emblem: Three Houses and Monster Hunter Rise, remain locked at lower frame rates, highlighting a missed opportunity for enhanced gaming…

Cliff Notes The UK government, under new powers from the Sanctions Act, will freeze the assets of individuals involved in the smuggling of illegal migrants and ban them from entering the UK, as announced by Foreign Secretary David Lammy. This sanctions regime is the first of its kind globally, targeting not only gang leaders but also middlemen, suppliers of small boats, and those involved in producing fake documentation. The measures aim to disrupt the financial systems supporting smuggling networks and respond to a significant increase in small boat crossings in the first half of 2025. People smugglers to have assets…

Cliff Notes A double decker bus collided with a bridge in Eccles, Manchester, resulting in 15 people being taken to hospital, with one critically injured. Emergency services, including 10 ambulances and the Hazard Area Response Team, responded promptly to the incident, declared a “major incident” before being stood down. An investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash is underway, with involvement from Greater Manchester Police and the bus operator, Stagecoach. Double decker bus crashes into bridge in Manchester | UK News A double decker bus has crashed into a bridge in Manchester, police have said. North West Ambulance Service (NWAS)…