Author: News Desk

Cliff Notes – Twitch viewership plummets to five year low after bot crackdown hits viewcounts Twitch’s recent crackdown on bots has led to a significant decline in viewership, with peak concurrent viewers dropping by 73% in August compared to the previous month. Despite Twitch’s denial of a ‘free fall’ in viewership, third-party tracking sites report the lowest average viewership since March 2020, raising concerns about the platform’s metrics. The issue of viewbotting is not exclusive to Twitch, as reports indicate that a substantial number of streamers on rival platforms also engage in similar practices, highlighting a broader industry challenge. Twitch…

Cliff Notes Angela Rayner admitted to underpaying stamp duty on her second home and referred herself to the independent adviser on ministerial standards after receiving incorrect tax advice. The deputy prime minister, distressed over media scrutiny, explained that her complicated living arrangement stemmed from her divorce and an established trust for her son with disabilities. Prime Minister defended Rayner amidst calls for her resignation, highlighting her commitment to transparency and dedication to public service as she seeks clarification from HMRC regarding tax liabilities. Angela Rayner admits she should have paid more stamp duty on flat purchase – and considered resigning…

Cliff Notes China showcased its military strength in a grand parade marking the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II, featuring thousands of troops and advanced weaponry. For the first time, Beijing unveiled its nuclear triad, demonstrating air, land, and sea-based missile capabilities alongside new cybersecurity and information support units. The event included advanced unmanned systems, like ‘robot wolves’ and underwater drones, underscoring China’s focus on modernising its military infrastructure and technology. Nuclear power, cyber troops and robot wolves – China’s army of the future on full display | World News . China’s status as a military superpower…

Cliff Notes – How did Liverpool afford their £450m summer of spending Liverpool’s record £450m summer spending was facilitated by strong revenues, including nearly £90m from the Champions League and significant player sales, generating around £260m. The club’s strategic financial planning and compliance with profit and sustainability rules allowed for substantial investment while maintaining adherence to Premier League and UEFA regulations. How did Liverpool afford their £450m summer of spending? Beth LindopSep 2, 2025, 12:25 PMCloseBased in Liverpool, Beth Lindop is ESPN’s Liverpool correspondent and also covers the WSL and UWCL.The message from the Liverpool fans was clear.As the dust…

Cliff Notes – Perfect Dark reboot cancelled again as Microsoft fumbles rescue deal from 2K Attempts to revive the cancelled Perfect Dark reboot fell through after negotiations between Crystal Dynamics and Take-Two Interactive collapsed over franchise ownership terms. Microsoft’s reputation as a publisher is further tarnished by a series of game cancellations and studio closures, including the recent termination of the Perfect Dark project. Following the deal’s failure, Crystal Dynamics announced layoffs, citing evolving business conditions, while the future of the Perfect Dark franchise remains uncertain. Perfect Dark reboot cancelled again as Microsoft fumbles rescue deal from 2K Now in…

Cliff Notes – Cummins may ‘take a few risks’ to be able to play Ashes Australia captain Pat Cummins is considering an aggressive approach to recover from a lumbar bone stress injury ahead of the Ashes series starting November 21. Despite missing upcoming white-ball matches, Cummins is confident he can prepare for the first Test without match practice, relying on his experience to get up to speed quickly. Cummins may ‘take a few risks’ to be able to play Ashes Australia captain Pat Cummins has admitted he might be “aggressive” to prove his fitness from a back injury for the…

Cliff Notes The military parade showcased tens of thousands of service personnel performing with exceptional precision, while the atmosphere highlighted China’s military prowess. The event, marking the 80th anniversary of Japan’s surrender in World War II, served as a demonstration of China’s power both domestically and internationally, emphasising loyalty to the Communist Party. Xi Jinping’s strategic positioning with Vladimir Putin and Kim Jong Un underscored the importance of political allegiance in projecting strength on the global stage. Xi presents his vision of the future – and the company by his side was no accident | World News . Whatever you…

Cliff Notes – ‘Perfect’ 90s horror movie is coming to Amazon Prime Video very soon Cult Classic Revival: The 1996 horror film The Craft, featuring a star-studded cast including Robin Tunney and Neve Campbell, is now available for streaming on Amazon Prime Video, marking a timely return for fans as spooky season approaches. Mixed Reception: While the film holds a 57% score from critics on Rotten Tomatoes, audience reviews are more favourable, with a score of 65%, highlighting its enduring appeal and nostalgic value. Behind-the-Scenes Anecdotes: Director Andrew Fleming shared that the film aimed to subvert traditional supernatural tropes, and…

Cliff Notes The release of 33,000 pages relating to Jeffrey Epstein’s case reveals that 97% were already public, fuelling claims of a cover-up. Victims, including Virginia Roberts’ sister-in-law, are rallying for justice and expressing frustration over the handling of the files. Bipartisan congressional support is emerging for a full release of the Epstein files, with potential implications for high-profile figures involved. Partial release of Epstein files feeds view the whole truth is being covered up | US News . “Don’t let this fool you.”  That was the response of Democrat members of Congress, and it tells you whether Tuesday’s release…

Cliff Notes A federal judge has ruled the deployment of National Guard soldiers by Trump in Los Angeles illegal, citing a breach of a 1878 law against military use for civilian law enforcement. The judge characterised the operation as turning soldiers into a “national police force,” a claim that challenges Trump’s authority and actions in Democrat-run cities. Despite the chaos observed during protests, local officials condemned the troops’ presence as unnecessary and politically motivated, raising concerns over escalating tensions. Trump suffers setback in bid to act as national police chief after chaos on streets of LA | US News .…