Author: WTX News Editor

Cliff Notes The National Guard is set to be deployed in Los Angeles following two days of protests and “riots” in response to federal immigration raids, with California Governor Gavin Newsom criticising the deployment as “purposefully inflammatory”. Protests escalated after ICE conducted raids, resulting in at least 44 arrests for immigration violations and confrontations between protesters and law enforcement using tear gas and stun grenades. President Trump defended the federal government’s actions, stating state officials…

Cliff Notes At least four people were killed in Kharkiv due to intensified Russian attacks, with President Zelenskyy condemning the strikes as "savage killings." A drone raid by Ukraine last weekend reportedly destroyed Russian bombers, leading to a fierce response from Moscow in the form of drone and missile strikes throughout Kharkiv. US-led peace talks between Ukraine and Russia appear to be stalled, with both sides accusing each other of sabotaging planned prisoner exchanges. Deadly…

Cliff Notes Zia Yusuf reversed his resignation from Reform UK, stating that the mission is too important and expressing commitment to taxpayers. He will lead a new initiative inspired by Elon Musk called the “UK DOGE team,” focusing on government cuts and efficiency. The announcement follows a recent public fallout regarding party policy on a controversial topic raised by a new MP, alongside widespread support from party members urging his return. Reform UK chairman Zia…

Cliff Notes Elon Musk claims Donald Trump is mentioned in undisclosed files related to Jeffrey Epstein, suggesting this is why they remain unreleased, though he provided no evidence. The public feud escalates as Trump and Musk trade barbs; Musk criticises Trump’s tariffs and opines on creating a new political party to represent moderates. Musk’s online posts led to a significant drop in Tesla’s stock value, losing around $150 billion, as the fallout from their disputes…

Cliff Notes Mike Ashley’s Frasers Group is considering a potential takeover bid for Revolution Beauty, amid tensions with rival Debenhams, which holds a significant stake in Revolution. Revolution Beauty has faced significant turmoil, with its stock plummeting over 70% in the past year, leading to a market capitalisation of just £20 million. The company is currently in a formal sale process and has invited other potential bidders, with Frasers’ interest reflecting its strategy to diversify…

Cliff Notes Israel announced the retrieval of the body of Nattapong Pinta, a Thai hostage kidnapped in Gaza, during a military operation. Mr Pinta was killed shortly after his abduction on 7 October, with Israel’s defence minister extending condolences to his family. The Hostage Families Forum highlighted the prolonged suffering of families, urging efforts to bring back the remaining 55 hostages, many of whom are reportedly deceased. Israel says it has retrieved body of kidnapped…

Cliff Notes River Island is developing a restructuring plan with PwC as the chain faces significant financial difficulties, including a £33.2m pre-tax loss and a 19% drop in turnover. The retailer, known for its 230 UK stores and 5,500 employees, may see store closures and job losses as it navigates a rapidly changing retail environment. Recent operational challenges, compounded by economic uncertainty and geopolitical events, have prompted the company to seek a court-supervised restructuring to…

Cliff Notes Sir Rod Stewart has cancelled a series of US concerts due to ongoing flu symptoms, affecting six shows in total. He expressed his regret via Instagram, assuring fans that he intends to reschedule the affected performances. The 80-year-old singer, who has faced previous health issues, is currently on vocal rest and preparing for a performance at Glastonbury later this month. Sir Rod Stewart ‘devastated’ after cancelling more US concerts as he recovers from…

Cliff Notes Senior White House officials are set to engage with a Chinese delegation in London for trade talks following a "very positive" phone call between President Trump and President Xi Jinping. Trump described the ongoing trade deal negotiations as "complicated" but promising significant financial benefits, asserting a positive rapport with China. The UK is hosting these discussions at the request of the Trump administration, marking a diplomatic achievement amid ongoing tensions regarding tariffs and…

Cliff Notes The UK has seen a 51% increase in arrests of migrants working illegally since Labour’s election, with 6,410 arrests recorded from July 2024 to May 2025. Enforcement actions included 9,000 site visits targeting restaurants, nail bars, and construction areas, contributing to a significant rise in operational activity. Concurrently, nearly 30,000 individuals without legal status have been returned to their home countries, alongside the introduction of stricter immigration laws and right-to-work checks. Arrests of…

Cliff Notes The NHS will shift to a digital focus, delivering appointment reminders, test results, and health screening invitations via the NHS app on mobile devices, anticipated to reduce 50 million physical letters and save £200 million over three years. An investment of over £50 million will support this initiative, with a forecast of 270 million messages sent through the app in the upcoming year, enhancing patient convenience and control. Health Secretary Wes Streeting aims…

Cliff Notes Kilmar Abrego Garcia, mistakenly deported by the Trump administration, has returned to the US to face an indictment for conspiring to transport illegal immigrants. Despite a 2019 immigration court order that granted him protection from deportation due to potential gang persecution, he was deported under a controversial wartime law. US authorities, backed by Salvadoran President Nayib Bukele, facilitated Garcia’s return to the US, where he will now be prosecuted and may face sentencing…

Cliff Notes Kilmar Abrego Garcia, incorrectly deported by the Trump administration, is returning to the US to face federal charges for conspiring to transport illegal immigrants. An indictment was filed on 21 May, highlighting Garcia’s involvement in an alien smuggling ring over the past nine years, which included transporting members of the MS-13 gang. US Attorney General Pam Bondi confirmed that Garcia, who was granted protection against gang persecution, will be prosecuted and, if convicted,…

Cliff Notes Abdullah Yaser Abdullah Al Yazidi, a 16-year-old from Yemen, tragically died after being struck by a car in Sheffield, just months after arriving in the UK for a better future. The incident occurred on Staniforth Road, leading to a murder investigation with two men arrested in connection to the case while a teenager was also seriously injured. Relatives describe Abdullah as a kind and supportive individual, dedicated to learning English and caring deeply…

Cliff Notes Art dealer Oghenochuko Ojiri was sentenced to two and a half years in prison following his admission of failing to report £140,000 worth of artwork sales to sanctioned businessman Nazem Ahmad, linked to Hezbollah financing. The prosecution marked a significant legal precedent, with authorities asserting that Ojiri deliberately ignored his responsibilities under the Terrorism Act 2000, ultimately prioritising profit over legal obligations. Judge Cheema-Grubb stated Ojiri’s actions were a "shameful fall from grace,"…

Cliff Notes A yellow warning for thunderstorms is in effect for southern England, parts of the Midlands, and most of south Wales from 9am to 6pm on Saturday, with heavy showers expected. The Met Office advises potential disruptions to transport services, with possible train delays and power outages due to forecasted rainfall of up to 40mm. This warning follows the UK’s record-breaking warmest and driest spring, highlighting a changing climate with increased frequency of extreme…

Cliff Notes Donald Trump likened Russia’s war with Ukraine to children fighting in a playground, prompting a response from Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov. Peskov emphasised that the conflict is an "existential" issue for Russia, tied to its national interests and future security. His remarks coincide with ongoing concerns regarding the evacuation of children from Ukraine to Russia, amid international scrutiny and legal actions against Russian officials. Ukraine war latest: Russia says ‘massive attack’ was retaliation…

David Beckham is set to be knighted in the upcoming King’s Birthday Honours list, building on his previous OBE recognition in 2003.

UK water boss bonuses finally banned amid public anger at sewage scandal The i Paper features this prominently, highlighting its campaign for stricter curbs and calling it a victory “amid public anger at the sewage scandal”. Reform UK’s chairman announced he has quit the party following a row over a burqa ban.

David finally gets knighthood … and Posh to be a lady The Sun says DAVID Beckham is to finally be awarded a knighthood, The Sun can reveal. The footie legend, 50, will become a ‘Sir’ in the King’s Birthday Honours list next week. His Spice Girl wife Victoria will be known as Lady Beckham. Trump and Elon’s falling out makes the front page.

The Financial Times say Reform UK chair Zia Yusuf has resigned from Nigel Farage’s populist party after criticising comments by one of its MPs about burkas, saying that he no longer believes the role is a “good use of my time”. 

Reform civil war over Burka ban The Telegraph reports that Yusuf quit with just ten minutes’ notice to Nigel Farage, saying a “civil war” has broken out.  There’s further coverage of Donald Trump and Elon Musk’s falling out and a report on an NHS shakeup. The paper features an article analysing the “baffling rise” of actress Ana de Armas.

The Guardian leads with Labour’s immediate ban on bonuses for bosses of 10 water companies, citing their role in serious pollution events. The paper notes these executives received £112 million over the last decade, despite record sewage discharges in 2023. Reform UK chair quit in what the paper calls a blow to leader Nigel Farage amid his attempt to professionalise his party. Trump and Musk’s epic meltdown makes the front page of the paper.

Sidelined Reform chairman quits after clash over burqa ban The Times says few figures in Reform UK were more evangelical about the prospects of Nigel Farage as a future prime minister than Zia Yusuf. “Not only will Nigel become prime minister, he will become prime minister with hundreds of MPs who are under no uncertain terms as to why they’re being elected,” the chairman of Reform UK said last year. Elsewhere, Elon Musk’s falling out with…

Several UK newspaper front pages cover the departure from Reform UK for the party chairman Zia Yusuf. The reports that a Reform civil war has broken out over a potential Burka ban, have deepened divisions within the party and led to several high-profile departures. It’s been a difficult time for Reform, internally, with questions over leadership, conflict and internal divisions swirling.