Author: WTX News Editor

Cliff Notes – Tommy will play the victim but he’s guilty! Tommy Robinson, real name Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, allegedly refused to disclose his phone PIN to police during a stop at the Channel Tunnel, claiming it contained sensitive journalist material. The 42-year-old faces charges for frustrating counter-terrorism powers, potentially leading to three months in prison and/or a £2,500 fine if convicted. During the court proceedings, his lawyer suggested the police stop may have been discriminatory due…

Cliff Notes – All 20 living Israeli prisoners freed by Hamas The UK’s government claims a significant behind-the-scenes role in the Gaza peace deal, despite pushback from US officials, including Mike Huckabee. Steve Witkoff acknowledged the UK’s National Security Advisor, Jonathan Powell, as instrumental in coordinating efforts for the peace agreement, indicating strong relationships between key players. The collaboration of traditional diplomats, like Tony Blair and Jonathan Powell, with deal-making businessmen like Witkoff and Kushner,…

Cliff Notes Israel reports that Hamas has released the first seven hostages as part of a ceasefire agreement, in exchange for over 1,900 Palestinian prisoners. The hostages were handed to the Red Cross before being transferred to Israeli security forces; public celebrations erupted among families as news broke. The ongoing ceasefire, initiated under US President Trump’s agreement, has seen tens of thousands of displaced Palestinians begin returning to northern Gaza. Israel says first hostages handed…

Cliff Notes The China spying case highlights significant reputational risks for the government, as concerns about national security collide with economic interests. Allegations of suppression of evidence against China and political interference have emerged, raising questions about the integrity of decision-making processes. The government’s shifting narratives and ongoing media scrutiny threaten the PM’s image of honesty and integrity, complicating future relations with China and beyond. Politics latest: UK played ‘key role’ in Gaza peace deal…

Cliff Notes Protests in Madagascar, sparked by power and water shortages, have escalated, with youth-led demonstrations expressing widespread dissatisfaction with President Andry Rajoelina. Elite army unit CAPSAT, which once supported Rajoelina’s rise, has sided with protesters, leading to clashes with security forces and claims of a military coup. Amidst the unrest, the US Embassy has advised citizens to shelter-in-place, while the African Union calls for calm as the country faces increasing volatility and uncertainty. Madagascar…

Cliff Notes Sir Keir Starmer is attending a historic summit in Egypt to witness the signing of the peace plan aimed at resolving prolonged conflict in Gaza, following the recent war that caused significant casualties and devastation. The US, particularly President Donald Trump, has been pivotal in brokering a ceasefire agreement between Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Hamas, facilitating the release of hostages and the re-establishment of humanitarian aid to Gaza. The signing ceremony…

Cliff Notes Huda Abu al Naja, a 12-year-old girl from Gaza, succumbed to a “simple infection” after suffering from malnutrition, exacerbated by a blockade that limited food supplies. Her mother described dire conditions, stating that the family lacked basic nutritional needs, while many children in the malnutrition ward were subsisting on dextrose, lacking essential nutrients. The UN reports that ongoing restrictions have resulted in widespread famine in Gaza, highlighting the urgent need for increased food…

Cliff Notes Long-standing Injustice: Esther Njoki, at 21, continues to advocate for justice for her aunt, Agnes Wanjiru, who was murdered in 2012, prompting an arrest warrant for the accused British soldier. Growing Pressure for Action: Despite a mandate from the Kenyan prosecuting authority, extradition processes are slow, with Esther highlighting the need for accountability to discourage future abuse by foreign soldiers. Cultural and Political Legacy: The case underscores ongoing neocolonial tensions in Kenya, with…

Cliff Notes Israel’s Deputy Foreign Affairs Minister, Sharren Haskell, stated that the UK’s actions were counterproductive to the pursuit of peace in Gaza, contradicting claims from UK officials. UK Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson asserted that the UK played a “key role behind the scenes” in the ceasefire negotiations, although specific contributions were not detailed. The US military is preparing a multinational force to assist in monitoring the Gaza ceasefire, while no British troops are planned…

Cliff Notes A 43-year-old woman has been arrested on suspicion of murder following the deaths of two children in Stafford. Police and emergency services were called to a residence, where two children were pronounced dead at the scene. Authorities advise against speculation to protect the family and the integrity of the investigation, assuring the public that there is no wider threat. Woman arrested on suspicion of murder after death of two children in Stafford |…

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…