Author: WTX News Editor

Cliff Notes Syria has unveiled a new transitional government, led by interim president Ahmad al Sharaa, following the fall of the Assad regime four months prior. The government formation is significant in promising an inclusive administration, facing mounting pressure from Western and Arab nations, especially after recent violence in Syria. The announced 23-member cabinet includes notable figures such as Hind Kabawat, a Christian activist, and retains positions for previous ministers, set to govern until elections…

Sentebale chair Dr Sophie Chandauka has accused Prince Harry of “harassment and bullying at scale” following his resignation from the charity, stating he initiated a damaging campaign against her without prior notification.

Cliff Notes An estimated 150,000 Newcastle United fans celebrated the club’s first domestic trophy in 70 years with an open-top bus parade and a ticketed event at Town Moor. Manager Eddie Howe was honoured with a massive banner, while goalscorer Dan Burn expressed his emotional connection to the team, calling the experience unforgettable. The festivities included appearances by local celebrities Ant and Dec, culminating in a memorable drone show, described as a “spectacular surprise” for…

Cliff Notes Maxie Allen and Rosalind Levine were arrested by Hertfordshire Police following a dispute with Cowley Hill Primary School over their daughter’s education, resulting in eight hours of police detention. The couple’s arrest stemmed from messages in a parents’ WhatsApp group, leading the school to notify police after receiving multiple critical emails from them; no further action was taken after a five-week investigation due to insufficient evidence. Hertfordshire Police stated that the arrests were…

Cliff Notes Dr Peter Marks, the leading vaccine regulator in the US, resigned due to concerns over the anti-vaccine stance of Secretary Robert F Kennedy Jr, whom he accused of promoting "misinformation and lies." Marks stated his belief that the health secretary prioritised confirmation of misinformation over scientific transparency, hindering public health efforts. This resignation highlights ongoing tensions within the FDA as Kennedy, an anti-vaccine activist, has challenged the credibility of vaccines, particularly in light…

Cliff Notes A partial solar eclipse occurred at the Royal Observatory in Greenwich, with the event beginning at 10.07 am and attracting large crowds equipped with eclipse glasses. Eager observers were treated to clear views of sunspots through telescopes set up by amateur astronomers, despite some wispy cloud cover during the peak. While total eclipses are rare, a partial eclipse is a common occurrence; the next total eclipse visible from the UK won’t happen until…

Cliff Notes A partial solar eclipse occurred in the UK on Saturday, with the moon obscuring approximately 30-40% of the sun, particularly visible in southeast England around 11.03am. Public gatherings took place in locations like Greenwich, while many others observed the event online, utilising safe viewing methods such as solar glasses and telescopes. The next total solar eclipse is not expected until 2090, prompting experts like astronomer Catherine Muller to encourage the public to enjoy…

Cliff Notes Former Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, admitted to being “overwhelmed” by the volume of child abuse allegations during his tenure and acknowledged he “got it wrong” in responding to these cases. Welby resigned after an independent review revealed he failed to act on reports concerning serial abuser John Smyth, who may have faced justice if properly reported in 2013. The Makin review highlighted a culture of cover-up within the Church of England, allowing…

Cliff Notes Andrew Tate faces serious allegations of sexual assault and battery from ex-girlfriend Brianna Stern, who claimed to have feared for her life during their relationship. Stern has filed a lawsuit in Los Angeles detailing alleged physical and emotional abuse, as well as seeking a restraining order against Tate. Tate’s legal representative has denied the accusations, labelling them as "unfounded," while also alleging that Stern has ulterior motives for her claims. Andrew Tate accused…

Cliff Notes – Myanmar earthquake latest: The death toll in Myanmar from the 7.7 magnitude earthquake has reached 1,002, with over 2,300 others injured, and 30 people reported missing amid ongoing rescue efforts. The earthquake, the strongest in the region in nearly 80 years, resulted in significant structural damage, including collapsed buildings and major infrastructure such as bridges. International aid has begun to arrive, with countries like China and the US offering humanitarian assistance, while…

Cliff Notes A US District Court judge has ruled that Turkish doctoral student Rumeysa Ozturk cannot be deported while her case is under review, following her detention by immigration officials. Detained for allegedly supporting Hamas, Ozturk’s arrest has sparked protests and controversy, as the DHS has yet to provide evidence for the claims against her. The ruling has been met with approval from Ozturk’s lawyers, while the DHS maintains its stance that her actions justify…

Cliff Notes Reform UK launched its local election campaign in Birmingham, claiming to field candidates in every seat, a significant increase from 12% in the last elections. Despite high production value and a strong presence from Nigel Farage, the event saw noticeable empty seats and a subdued atmosphere compared to past rallies. Recent internal party conflicts surfaced during the rally, with attendees expressing concerns over the expulsion of former MP Rupert Lowe amid allegations of…

Cliff Notes The US oil tanker Stena Immaculate is set to have over 200,000 barrels of jet fuel removed following its collision with the container ship Solong in the North Sea earlier this month. The Solong’s captain is facing charges of gross negligence manslaughter, while a missing sailor from the vessel is presumed dead; thirty-six individuals were rescued from both ships. A clean-up operation for nurdles, plastic pellets released during the incident, is ongoing along…

Cliff Notes King Charles is demonstrating openness about his cancer treatment, engaging with the public, and sharing his experiences. His recent hospitalisation and cancellation of engagements highlight a shift in royal transparency aiming to avoid past communication failures regarding health issues. Despite not disclosing his specific cancer type, the King’s approach is fostering important discussions around cancer awareness and patient support. Why King Charles’s openness on cancer treatment is huge step change from past |…

Cliff Notes Spring sunshine is forecasted to return for Mother’s Day, with clear skies and above-average temperatures expected for most areas. High pressure will dominate the weather, potentially leading to the hottest day of the year by mid-next week, surpassing 21.3C recorded on 20 March. A partial solar eclipse will be visible in parts of the UK on Saturday morning, with the best viewing opportunities in the east of the country. UK weather: Spring sunshine…

Cliff Notes A powerful 7.7 magnitude earthquake struck Myanmar, resulting in at least 144 deaths and approximately 730 injuries, with casualties expected to rise. The quake’s epicentre was near Mandalay. In Thailand, the tremors caused a 33-storey skyscraper to collapse in Bangkok, killing nine individuals, with over 100 reported missing as rescue operations are underway. The region faces challenges in aid delivery, exacerbated by ongoing civil conflict and infrastructure damage, as the military junta vows…

Cliff Notes Alexander Dighton, 28, admitted to attempting to murder a police officer during an attack motivated by an anti-government ideology, injuring three officers. Armed with body armour and various weapons, Dighton initiated a frenzied assault outside Talbot Green Police Station on 31 January, which included attempts to set police vehicles alight. The Crown Prosecution Service is treating Dighton’s actions as having a terrorist connection, and he will be sentenced on 13 May after pleading…

Cliff Notes Richard Woods, a former RAF fighter pilot, deliberately crashed his vehicle head-on into another car while intoxicated, resulting in his own death and the deaths of four others on the M6 motorway. An inquest revealed Woods had been experiencing significant life stressors and had a history of alcohol misuse; he exhibited erratic driving behaviour before the fatal collision. The victims included Jaroslaw Rossa and his two sons, who were all pronounced dead at…

Friday’s news briefing – President Donald Trump has signed an executive order limiting union rights for many federal employees, citing national security concerns.

Suspected U.S. airstrikes hit multiple Houthi-controlled areas in Yemen, including the capital, Sanaa and regions around Hodeida, Saada, al-Jawf, Amran, and Marib.

In sports, March Madness is in full swing and the MLB returns today!

Nasen Saadi, a 20-year-old criminology student, was sentenced to life in prison with a minimum of 39 years for murdering Amie Gray and attempting to murder Leanne Miles during a beach attack in Bournemouth.

Here’s a summary of the main stories on the front page of this Wall Street Journal from Friday, March 28, 2025:

A trailblazer is guiding path of the United Way A trailblazer is guiding path of the United Way: A profile of Angela F. Williams, the first Black woman to serve as president and CEO of United Way Worldwide. The article highlights her efforts to address systemic barriers to equity and aid communities affected by disasters. Chilly reception alters US delegation’s Greenland trip: Plans for Usha Vance, the wife of the U.S. Vice President, to visit…

Past Leaks Would Prompt Harder Line Past Leaks Would Prompt Harder Line: The U.S. Health Department is considering laying off 10,000 employees in a major restructuring. This comes after past leaks of information that would have been prosecuted more severely under a stricter approach. The restructuring aims to put functions under Kennody’s control, with cuts at the EDA and CDC. Challenging California On Transgender Parental Notices: An individual is challenging California’s policies regarding transgender parental…

U.S. Probes California Gender Privacy Law Pediatrician Dilemma: Pediatricians face ethical concerns about whether to treat unvaccinated children or refuse care, balancing patient safety and public health. Dodgers Opening Day: Fans celebrated the return of baseball as the Dodgers played their opening game against Detroit at Dodger Stadium. U.S. Probes California Gender Privacy Law: Federal officials are investigating a California law that protects students’ gender identity, focusing on whether it violates federal regulations. Mayor Bass’…

A member of a rescue team based in Mandalay, Myanmar, told the BBC the number of deaths from the earthquake is not yet known – “but is at least in the hundreds”