Cliff Notes Special envoy Steve Witkoff declared at a rally in Tel Aviv that remaining Israeli hostages in Gaza will soon be reunited with their families, expressing hope that “miracles can happen.” The rally saw significant public support for Witkoff and the Trump family, with attendees cheering and waving US flags, while expressing discontent towards Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Plans are underway for a large-scale release of hostages and a prisoner exchange, with Israel…
Cliff Notes A Myanmar town lies in shambles as both sides in civil war vie for control Ten days after it was recaptured by Myanmar’s military government, the town of Kyaukme stands eerily silent. Schools have reopened but the town’s once-busy market is mostly empty. Vendors at some stalls closed them at the sight of the visiting journalists, visibly nervous. The once-thriving town in Myanmar’s Shan State is in shambles, an Associated Press journalist has…
Cliff Notes Manna Aero, an Irish start-up, plans to launch the UK’s first food drone delivery pilot scheme in 2026, pending regulatory approval, with the UK identified as a key market. The company has conducted over 200,000 delivery flights in Dublin, Finland, and Texas using 23kg quadcopters that deliver items like burgers and eggs, with an average flight time of three minutes. Local concerns about noise pollution have emerged, with residents expressing discomfort, while Manna…
Cliff Notes Approximately 4.5 million children in the UK live in poverty, limiting their access to outdoor experiences that can improve mental health and well-being. The Waterproofs and Wellies campaign, supported by WWF, provides outdoor clothing to schools, enabling children to explore nature regardless of weather conditions. Experts highlight that time in nature is vital for children’s mental health; it can reduce stress, boost mood, and help build resilience. Simple joy of jumping in puddles…
Cliff Notes Actress Diane Keaton, known for iconic roles in Annie Hall and The Godfather, passed away at age 79, confirmed by her daughter Dexter Keaton White. Throughout her celebrated career, Keaton received numerous accolades, including an Oscar and a BAFTA, and was a prominent figure in both film and television. Tributes from stars like Bette Midler and Viola Davis highlighted her unique talent and impact on Hollywood, as well as her personal character. Diane…
Cliff Notes Thousands of pro-Palestinian protesters gathered in London to mark two years since the Gaza war, with police enforcing measures to prevent clashes with a rival counter-demonstration. Protest slogans included contentious phrases, and despite a ceasefire in Gaza, participants expressed distrust regarding its longevity and the broad political plans in place. Tensions escalated with minor skirmishes reported, leading to some arrests as the protest underscored deep divisions within the community amidst ongoing conflicts in…
Cliff Notes Ian Watkins, former singer of Lostprophets, was murdered in prison after being attacked with a knife by another inmate while serving a 29-year sentence for multiple sexual offences. West Yorkshire Police are investigating the incident as a homicide, and prison services enacted lockdown protocols following Watkins’ death. This incident follows a prior attack in 2023 where Watkins was stabbed and taken hostage by inmates, highlighting ongoing security concerns within the prison system. Lostprophets…
Cliff Notes Joe Turner, a freelance writer, lost 70% of his clients to AI in two years, equating to a £120,000 income loss, highlighting the significant impact of generative AI on freelance roles. Microsoft research indicates that AI can perform a substantial portion of tasks in various professions, with 85% of Turner’s job tasks potentially automated and 40 job roles identified as highly at risk from AI. Experts suggest that while AI is set to…
Cliff Notes Roei Shalev, survivor of the October 7 attacks, has died two years after his girlfriend Mapal Adam was killed by Hamas gunmen at Nova Festival. Shalev endured seven hours with bullets in his back, alongside the bodies of his girlfriend and a friend, before being rescued by the Israeli army. His death occurred in a burning car near Poleg Beach, prompting a police investigation into the circumstances. October 7 survivor dies two years…
Cliff Notes Military horse Quaker has retired after being injured in an incident where several horses bolted through London due to construction noise, leading to chaos on the streets. Quaker, along with another horse, Vida, received veterinary treatment and is now recovering at The Horse Trust, where he will enjoy a peaceful retirement among former military horses. The incident, which saw four service personnel thrown from their horses and multiple vehicles damaged, attracted significant media…
Cliff Notes The US and China briefly appeared to stabilise relations after Trump and Xi held a phone conversation, marking the second confirmed dialogue since January. China’s announcement of new export controls on rare earths triggered a swift response from Trump, who threatened to impose additional tariffs on Chinese imports. The trade war has reignited, leaving US-China relations volatile and economic markets uncertain. Trade war rebooted: China’s rare-earth controls put US-China relations back on edge…
Cliff Notes Scotland’s First Minister John Swinney supports a pause on new asylum seekers to Glasgow, as the city struggles with overwhelming demands on housing and healthcare services. Glasgow, facing community tensions and a £66 million funding shortfall, leads in the UK for housed asylum seekers at 59 per 10,000 inhabitants. Swinney attributes the crisis largely to the Home Office and denies that Scotland’s more liberal homelessness policies are to blame, asserting they are necessary…
Cliff Notes PPE Medpro, linked to Baroness Michelle Mone, may settle with the government following a High Court ruling that mandated repayment of £121.9m for supplying faulty PPE gowns during the pandemic. The consortium argues that the gowns provided were proper and sterile, claiming the court ruling was based on a technicality and accusing the government of unfair treatment. Administrators have been urged to negotiate a settlement, as PPE Medpro faces financial difficulties after spending…
Cliff Notes Donald Trump announced a proposed 100% tariff on imports from China, effective 1 November 2025, citing China’s aggressive trade practices and export controls on critical products. The President also stated he would impose export controls on critical software to China in response to China’s restrictions on rare earths. This escalation in trade tensions threatens global economic stability, with Wall Street experiencing its worst decline since April amid concerns over US-China relations. Donald Trump…
Cliff Notes An explosion at the Accurate Energetic Systems plant in Tennessee has resulted in multiple fatalities and several people reported missing. Secondary explosions have hindered rescue efforts, while local sheriffs confirm ongoing concerns for unaccounted individuals. Residents in nearby Lobelville reported feeling their homes shake and noted the loud boom of the blast, which occurred around 7.45am on Friday. Tennessee: Multiple people killed and others missing after explosion at military munitions plant | US…
Cliff Notes Senior Hamas official Dr Basem Naim credited President Trump for facilitating a ceasefire and urged continued pressure on Israel to honour the agreement. Dr Naim expressed opposition to any role for former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair in Gaza’s future, citing negative sentiments surrounding his past military interventions. The official indicated that Hamas would consider stepping aside for a Palestinian governing body post-war but would maintain their presence on the ground. Hamas official…
Cliff Notes Fayaz Khan, a 26-year-old Afghan migrant, was found guilty of threatening Nigel Farage in a TikTok video, described as “chilling” by Farage himself. The trial revealed Khan’s extensive online presence, including a live-streamed journey to the UK and videos featuring gun gestures alongside his AK-47 tattoo. Despite Khan’s claim that the video was comedic and not a real threat, prosecutors characterised it as sinister, pointing to his interest in firearms as a significant…
Cliff Notes Ricky Hatton’s legacy unites Manchester’s rival football fans, transcending the divide between Manchester City and Manchester United supporters. A Manchester United fan demonstrated this unity by wearing a Manchester City shirt in Hatton’s honour, highlighting his impact on the community. Tributes from both City and United fans were seen at the recent Manchester derby, showcasing the widespread admiration for Hatton. Ricky Hatton funeral live: Famous faces arriving at Manchester Cathedral as huge crowds…
Cliff Notes – Starmer is navigating freedom of Speech and expression Harriet Harman emphasised the need for the government to clarify the reasons behind Palestine Action’s designation as a terrorist group amidst rising protests. She highlighted the dual responsibility of the government: protecting the Jewish community while ensuring the right to free speech and peaceful protest. Harman underscored the need for police to effectively manage protests, preventing incitement of violence and ensuring public safety without…
Cliff Notes Three young adult men, aged 16 to 22, were arrested in Antwerp over a suspected jihadist-inspired attack targeting politicians, including Prime Minister Bart De Wever. Authorities discovered an improvised device and a 3D printer for attack components during police raids, with two suspects still under interrogation. Police thwart suspected plot to attack Belgium’s prime minister | World News . Three men have been arrested in Belgium over a suspected plot to attack the…
Cliff Notes Alfie Franco, 20, was convicted of murder for stabbing 16-year-old Syrian refugee Ahmad Al Ibrahim in Huddersfield, sparked by a petty altercation. Ahmad, who recently fled Syria in search of a better life, collapsed after being attacked with a flick knife, offering no threat as he was unarmed. Franco claimed self-defence during the trial, yet the prosecution described his actions as unreasonable, emphasising his drug use and aggressive behaviour prior to the incident.…
Cliff Notes Linda McQueen, a lifelong friend of Kate McCann, has known her for 55 years and describes their relationship as close and familial. McQueen highlighted the “very persistent and overwhelming” nature of Julia Wandelt’s contact with McCann, marking a notable increase in 2024. After discovering a Facebook message from Wandelt, which had been in her spam inbox since August 2024, McQueen expressed feeling protective and disturbed by the situation. Madeleine McCann’s sister tells trial…
Cliff Notes Vladimir Putin has acknowledged that Russian air defences mistakenly shot down an Azerbaijani passenger jet in December, resulting in 38 fatalities. Putin stated that missiles targeting a Ukrainian drone detonated near the aircraft causing damage primarily from debris, which the pilot initially misreported as a bird strike. At a meeting with Azerbaijan’s President, Putin promised to hold those accountable accountable and to provide compensation to the victims’ families. Putin admits Russia shot down…
Cliff Notes Israel confirms that of the 250 hostages taken during the 7 October attack by Hamas, 20 are believed to be alive and 28 are dead. A peace deal mediated by US President Donald Trump includes the release of hostages and a withdrawal of Israeli soldiers from Gaza. A ceasefire is set to take effect within 24 hours, with hostages expected to be freed within 72 hours thereafter. All the hostages believed to be…
Cliff Notes Trust in the Scottish government has significantly declined since 1999, dropping to 47% in 2024 from 81% at the start of devolution. Satisfaction with the NHS has fallen to 22%, marking the lowest level since the time series began, with concerns about service standards rising sharply. While support for independence is at 47%, the findings indicate a lack of confidence in political institutions and a complex relationship with identity in Scotland. Less than…
