Author: WTX News Editor

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…

Cliff Notes Rowan, a 14-year-old with autism and anxiety, has been out of school for four years, facing breaches of his Education, Health, and Care Plan (EHCP) due to insufficient local authority support. The government’s potential scrapping of EHCPs raises concerns among parents, as these plans provide crucial legal protections and resources for children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). A surge in EHCP requests has seen processing times decline, leading to considerable delays…

Cliff Notes Conservative MP Danny Kruger has defected to Reform UK, becoming the head of its new governmental preparation unit, as announced by Nigel Farage. Kruger criticised the Conservative Party as “over” as a national entity, citing its division and failure to effectively oppose the left. Having served as a Tory MP since 2019, he believes an alternative to the Conservative Party is necessary for meaningful change, stating that conservatism is still vibrant. MP Danny…

Cliff Notes Conor McGregor has officially withdrawn his candidacy for the Irish presidency, citing family discussions and a desire for the “right decision at this moment.” He expressed frustration with Ireland’s election eligibility rules, labelling them as “outdated” and restrictive, claiming they hinder true democratic participation. Despite stepping back from the presidential race, McGregor indicated this is just the beginning of his political journey, vowing to advocate for Irish interests on a global scale. Conor…

Cliff Notes Controversial Remarks: Brian Kilmeade, host of “Fox & Friends,” faced backlash for suggesting that mentally ill homeless individuals should be executed, which he later termed an “extremely callous” remark during a discussion about a recent murder committed by a homeless man in North Carolina. Apology Issued: Following the widespread circulation of his comments, Kilmeade publicly apologised, stating he understands that not all mentally ill, homeless individuals are violent and that many deserve empathy…

Cliff Notes New evidence indicates several prior opportunities to identify the Southport attacker, Axel Rudakubana, as a threat, according to the families’ lawyer. The Prevent counter-terrorism scheme had closed three separate reports from teachers citing Rudakubana’s violent behaviour, failing to intervene before the tragic attack. Families are seeking individual and systemic accountability from the ongoing inquiry to ensure robust measures are implemented to prevent future tragedies. New evidence shows ‘significantly more missed opportunities’ to stop…

Cliff Notes – The best celebration at the Emmys Owen Cooper, at age 15, has become the youngest recipient of an outstanding supporting actor Emmy for his role in Netflix’s Adolescence. The miniseries, set in Liverpool, sparked discussions on misogyny and online safety while receiving praise for its unique filming techniques. Cooper shared a memorable moment with acting hero Jake Gyllenhaal, who surprised him before the awards with a “lucky duck” as a good luck…

Cliff Notes A man in his 30s has been arrested on suspicion of a racially-motivated rape involving a Sikh woman in her 20s in Oldbury, West Midlands. The police have urged the public not to speculate as the investigation continues, acknowledging community support. Members of the Sikh community gathered in solidarity for the victim, with local leaders emphasising peace and unity during the protests. Man arrested in connection with ‘racially-motivated rape’ in West Midlands |…

Cliff Notes A 65-year-old woman has been arrested on suspicion of murder following the discovery of a 63-year-old man’s body in High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire. Thames Valley Police are conducting a complex investigation, stating there is no wider public threat, and an increased police presence is expected in the area. Woman, 65, arrested on suspicion of murder after man found dead at Buckinghamshire home | UK News A 65-year-old woman has been arrested on suspicion of…