Author: WTX News Editor

Cliff Notes Jimmy Kimmel’s talk show was suspended indefinitely following his controversial monologue about Charlie Kirk’s death, wherein he accused the “MAGA gang” of exploiting the tragedy for political gain. The decision came after backlash from right-wing politicians and influential figures, prompting regulatory threats against ABC by FCC Chairman Brendan Carr. The suspension has sparked widespread reactions, with support from Republicans and criticism from Democrats and various celebrities, who have labelled it an attack on…

Cliff Notes Sally Rooney has stated she cannot enter the UK safely due to the risk of arrest after pledging royalties to Palestine Action, a group recently designated as a terrorist organisation. Rooney was awarded a Sky Arts Award for her novel Intermezzo, but was represented by her editor at the ceremony, where she expressed gratitude and solidarity with Palestine. More than 700 individuals have been arrested related to support for Palestine Action since its…

Cliff Notes Israeli Minister Bezalel Smotrich described Gaza as a potential “real estate bonanza” and stated that a redevelopment plan had been presented to the US president. His comments align with former President Trump’s earlier statements envisioning Gaza’s transformation into a luxury tourist destination. The ongoing Israeli offensive in Gaza has led to widespread condemnation, with rising civilian casualties and discussions of Palestinian state recognition intensifying. Gaza could be ‘real estate bonanza’, Israeli minister Bezalel…

Cliff Notes A man in his 40s died and a woman, also in her 40s, sustained gunshot wounds following a shooting at Clissold Park in Hackney, London. A firearm has been recovered from the scene, and forensic teams are collecting evidence while the police maintain a cordon around the area. Detective Superintendent Oliver Richter indicated that the pair were known to each other and described the incident as isolated, assuring no wider risk to the…

Cliff Notes London’s Mayor Sadiq Khan labels the situation in Gaza a “genocide,” contradicting the UK government’s stance amid rising political tensions. The UN has reported that a genocide is occurring in Gaza, which Israel continues to deny; the UK government insists it has not found evidence of genocidal intent. PM Rishi Sunak is reportedly delaying formal recognition of a Palestinian state until after Donald Trump’s visit, amid concerns the topic may overshadow their discussions.…

Cliff Notes Jimmy Kimmel’s show has been indefinitely pulled from air due to “offensive and insensitive” remarks regarding Charlie Kirk’s assassination, prompting criticism from network Nexstar. Kimmel’s comments were aimed at Republican responses to the incident, leading to backlash, including a statement from the Federal Communications Commission chairman threatening action against Disney and ABC. This cancellation follows a pattern in late-night television, mirroring the recent removal of Stephen Colbert’s show, with both hosts facing criticism…

Cliff Notes A nine-year-old girl was shot with an airgun in a racially aggravated assault in Bristol, leaving her feeling sore but not seriously injured. Police are seeking a white male suspect, aged 17 or 18, and another unidentified offender, urging witnesses with relevant footage to come forward. The victim’s family has received support from Stand Against Racism and Inequality (SARI), with increased police patrols in the area to reassure the community. ‘Traumatised’ girl, nine,…

Cliff Notes An air traffic controller had to repeatedly instruct a Spirit Airlines flight to turn away to avoid colliding with Air Force One, carrying Donald and Melania Trump, over New York. The controller expressed frustration, urging the pilot to “get off the iPad,” while maintaining that both aircraft kept the required safety separation. Spirit Airlines confirmed compliance with air traffic control procedures, emphasizing that safety remains their top priority during the flight to Boston.…

Cliff Notes MSPs have voted to abolish Scotland’s not proven verdict, part of the Victims, Witnesses and Justice Reform (Scotland) Bill, aiming to modernise the justice system. The new legislation also establishes a specialist sexual offences court and redefines jury conviction requirements to a two-thirds majority, alongside implementing Suzanne’s Law regarding parole decisions. While the Scottish Conservatives and Labour opposed the bill, citing a lack of amendments addressing victims’ needs, they supported the abolition of…

Cliff Notes Prosecutors have revealed incriminating text messages from Tyler Robinson to his roommate, where he admitted to planning the shooting of Charlie Kirk for over a week. The shooting occurred at a rally, with children present; Robinson faces multiple charges, including one for committing a violent offence in their presence. Evidence from Robinson’s home, including targets with bullet holes and matching shell casings, links him to the weapon used in the crime. What we…

Cliff Notes A second 16-year-old boy has been charged with attempted murder linked to an arson attack at Indian Aroma restaurant in Gants Hill, resulting in six injuries. Two victims remain in hospital with life-changing injuries following the fire, which occurred on 22 August. The suspect is set to appear in court, while another teenager faced similar charges and inquiries by the Metropolitan Police continue. Second boy, 16, charged with attempted murder over Gants Hill…

Cliff Notes The UK’s most extensive security operation since the King’s coronation is underway for a high-profile state visit, with Thames Valley Police at the helm and support from forces across the UK. Authorities are employing ground, air, and water patrols, including drones and mounted units, while a section of the River Thames and the Long Walk near Windsor Castle are cordoned off for safety. Protests against the president’s visit are anticipated, with demonstrations planned…

Cliff Notes Inflation remains high at 3.8% in August, unchanged from July, according to the Office for National Statistics (ONS). The Bank of England anticipates an increase to 4% in September, exceeding its 2% target, suggesting prolonged higher interest rates. Core inflation, excluding volatile food and energy prices, has decreased to 3.6%, down from 3.8% the previous month. New inflation figure announced – and experts predict worse to come | Money News . Inflation has…

Cliff Notes Bob Geldof has confirmed he will not run for the Irish presidency, citing personal ties to London, including family and his band. He briefly discussed the possibility with Prime Minister Micheal Martin, who indicated the Fianna Fail Party had already chosen another candidate. Geldof expressed relief over Conor McGregor’s withdrawal from the race and voiced concern over the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict, condemning actions that harm civilians. Bob Geldof reveals why he won’t run…

Cliff Notes Major US tech firms, including Nvidia, Microsoft, OpenAI, and Google, announced substantial investments to enhance the UK’s AI industry during President Trump’s state visit. The deal aims to establish cooperation in AI, quantum computing, and nuclear energy, with plans for a new AI Growth Zone in North East England expected to create 5,000 jobs. Investments also include Microsoft’s £22bn commitment for data centres and the UK’s largest AI supercomputer, alongside Google’s £5bn expansion…

Cliff Notes Sean Ward, 21, has been charged with the murder of Raymond Cosgrove, 33, who was pronounced dead at Rothesay Gardens in Wemyss Bay. Ward appeared in Greenock Sheriff Court, where he made no plea regarding murder or breach of bail conditions, and was remanded in custody. A 28-year-old woman was arrested for assault in connection with the incident but has since been released pending further inquiries. Suspect appears in court charged with murder…

Cliff Notes A New York judge dismissed terrorism charges against Luigi Mangione, stating there was no evidence linking the murder of UnitedHealthcare executive Brian Thompson to terrorism. Mangione will still face second-degree murder charges, reflecting malicious intent without premeditation in the killing that occurred on 4 December 2024. He is also facing federal murder charges that could carry the death penalty, with prosecutors arguing his actions were politically motivated based on his written statements. Luigi…

Cliff Notes Robert Redford, the Oscar-winning actor and director, passed away at 89, surrounded by loved ones at his home in Utah. Redford was a pivotal figure in Hollywood, known for iconic films such as Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid and All the President’s Men, as well as founding the Sundance Film Festival. His legacy includes numerous accolades, including two Academy Awards and a Presidential Medal of Freedom from Barack Obama. Hollywood actor and…

Cliff Notes Spain joins four other countries in threatening to boycott the Eurovision Song Contest if Israel participates, marking a significant stance from one of the “Big Five” broadcasters. The Spanish state broadcaster RTVE’s decision followed a board vote, reflecting growing concerns over Israel’s military actions in Gaza and their impact on the contest’s political neutrality. The European Broadcasting Union acknowledges ongoing geopolitical tensions and is consulting with members about managing participation amid these disputes,…

Cliff Notes Three individuals, including two in their 70s, are set to appear in court for allegedly supporting the proscribed group, Palestine Action, following a protest on 5 July in Westminster. They face accusations under the Terrorism Act 2000 for displaying placards stating: “I oppose genocide, I support Palestine Action.” This court appearance comes after Palestine Action was banned as a terror organisation and amidst ongoing legal challenges regarding the ban from co-founder Huda Ammori.…

Cliff Notes Donald Trump has filed a $15 billion defamation lawsuit against The New York Times, alleging bias and false reporting regarding his ties to Jeffrey Epstein. The lawsuit was prompted by articles detailing a note allegedly written by Trump to Epstein, which Trump claims is not in his handwriting. The New York Times maintains its reporting was factual and stands by its journalists’ First Amendment rights. Trump sues New York Times | US News…

Cliff Notes Marco Rubio’s visit to Israel serves as diplomatic damage control following Israel’s attack on a Hamas residence in Qatar, raising concerns over US-Qatar relations. Trust has eroded significantly in the region, complicating future negotiations and undermining Qatar’s role as a mediator in ceasefire talks. Israel’s actions threaten the stability of relations established by the Abraham Accords, casting doubt on the future of normalised ties with Arab nations. Israel-Hamas latest: Israel trying to force…

Cliff Notes A 15-year-old boy was stabbed to death in Moss Side, Manchester, leading to the arrest of a teenager on suspicion of murder. Another 15-year-old has also been arrested and remains in custody as investigations continue. Authorities have implemented Section 60 powers, enabling officers to stop and search individuals in the area until 5.20pm on Tuesday. Teenager arrested after boy, 15, stabbed to death in Manchester | UK News . A teenager has been…

Cliff Notes JD Vance paid tribute to Charlie Kirk during his show, asserting that “left-wing extremism” contributes to the circumstances surrounding Kirk’s assassination. The alleged assassin, 22-year-old Tyler Robinson, is being held without bail and is scheduled to appear in court, facing serious charges including aggravated murder. Vance emphasised the need for justice and unity while condemning what he described as an escalating threat from far-left ideology, linking it to the violence surrounding Kirk’s death.…

Cliff Notes Sir Keir Starmer stated he would not have appointed Peter Mandelson as US ambassador had he been aware of the latter’s prior connections with Jeffrey Epstein, leading to Mandelson’s sacking after new emails were revealed. The Prime Minister confirmed that although due diligence was performed before Mandelson’s appointment, the extent of his relationship with Epstein only became clear shortly before his dismissal. Starmer is facing scrutiny over his leadership decisions, with questions arising…