Author: News Desk

Cliff Notes – Games Inbox: What was in the State of Play Japan Disappointment with State of Play: The recent State of Play Japan livestream was largely viewed as underwhelming, featuring minimal exciting announcements, including a second beta for Marvel Tōkon: Fighting Souls and DLC for Elden Ring. Concerns Over PlayStation 5 Strategy: The strong sales of the PlayStation 5 may hinder the development of new exclusives, as Sony appears to be prioritising cost-effective strategies over innovative game releases. Bloodborne’s Omission: The absence of any mention of Bloodborne during the event has left fans frustrated, with speculation growing that the…

Cliff Notes – Arsenal’s Bukayo Saka agrees he should score more for England Bukayo Saka acknowledges Thomas Tuchel’s challenge to increase his goal tally for England, agreeing that 30 goals would be a more fitting target. After surpassing Cliff Bastin as Arsenal’s top goalscorer for England, Saka emphasises the importance of improvement and progression in his game. With World Cup qualification secured, Saka expresses excitement about the upcoming tournament, highlighting the need to maintain form for selection. Arsenal’s Bukayo Saka agrees he should score more for England Bukayo Saka said he agrees with Thomas Tuchel’s assessment that he needs to…

TL;DR The UK has ceased sharing intelligence with the US regarding suspected drug trafficking boats in the Caribbean due to concerns about the legality of US military strikes on these vessels. Since September, the US has conducted 14 strikes on boats near Venezuela, resulting in over 70 deaths, prompting UK officials to question the legality of such actions. The pause in intelligence sharing aligns with assessments from the UN human rights chief, suggesting the US strikes may constitute extrajudicial killings and violate international law. UK stops some intelligence sharing with US over boat strikes in Caribbean | World News The…

Despite bureaucratic and financial challenges, environmentalists in Germany and Poland are joining forces to protect the biodiverse Oder River ecosystem.

Cliff Notes – Prestigious 2025 Booker Prize awarded to David Szalay David Szalay wins the Booker Prize for his novel “Flesh,” which explores the life of a Hungarian émigré navigating wealth and loss. The 51-year-old author’s novel was praised by the judging panel for its unique narrative style and deep exploration of class, power, and migration. Szalay’s recognition enhances his profile and comes with a £50,000 cash prize, following a previous shortlist for the award in 2016. Prestigious 2025 Booker Prize awarded to David Szalay British-Hungarian writer David Szalay has been awarded the Booker Prize for fiction for his novel…

Cliff Notes – Exit polls favour Modi’s coalition in Bihar election Exit polls indicate that the NDA coalition, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s BJP, is projected to secure a significant majority in Bihar’s 243-member Legislative Assembly. The Bihar elections are critical as they could strengthen Modi’s coalition ahead of upcoming key state elections and the 2029 national elections. Voter turnout in Bihar reached a record high of 66.91%, although some opposition leaders dispute the accuracy of the exit polls, citing them as mere speculation. Exit polls favour Modi’s coalition in Bihar election Far right Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s…

Cliff Notes – Jimmy Kimmel announces death of best friend and band leader Cleto Escobedo III aged 59 Cleto Escobedo III, bandleader of Jimmy Kimmel Live!, passed away at 59, with Kimmel expressing profound heartbreak over the loss of his lifelong friend. Escobedo, who contributed significantly to the show’s musical identity since its inception in 2003, was known for his vibrant performances with his band, Cleto and the Cletones. Kimmel’s tribute highlighted their deep bond, recalling their childhood adventures and the unique chemistry that made their collaboration special. Jimmy Kimmel announces death of best friend and band leader Cleto Escobedo…

TL;DR Paul Lipscombe, a 51-year-old NHS manager from Leicestershire, has been sentenced to 28 years for raping and sexually assaulting six girls aged 12 to 15, targeting them through Snapchat. Lipscombe admitted to 34 offences, including multiple counts of rape and sexual assault, and was described by the judge as “devious, scheming and manipulative.” Police investigations are ongoing, with potential for more victims, and Lipscombe has been placed on the sex offenders register for life. Snapchat groomer jailed for sexual assaulting and raping young girls | UK News A senior NHS manager, described by a judge as “devious, scheming and…

Cliff Notes – Lamine Yamal out of Spain squad as RFEF criticise injury update Lamine Yamal will miss Spain’s World Cup qualifiers due to an ongoing groin issue, having undergone a procedure without notifying the RFEF. The RFEF expressed surprise at FC Barcelona’s lack of communication regarding Yamal’s condition, prioritising his health and allowing his return to the club. Spain coach Luis de la Fuente also voiced concerns over the handling of Yamal’s injury, highlighting the unusual nature of the situation. Lamine Yamal out of Spain squad as RFEF criticise injury update Barcelona forward Lamine Yamal will miss Spain’s World…

Cliff Notes – The Running Man might be the new jewel in Glen Powell’s cinema legacy Glen Powell solidifies his status as Hollywood’s leading man in the 2025 remake of The Running Man, portraying the character Ben Richards in a more faithful adaptation of Stephen King’s original story. Directed by Edgar Wright, the film features a blend of action and humour, with notable performances from Colman Domingo and Josh Brolin, although some critics feel the talented Katy O’Brian is underutilised. The film’s themes of authoritarianism and media manipulation resonate strongly in today’s context, making it a relevant dystopian satire despite…