Cliff Notes The driver of the double-decker bus has been arrested for causing serious injury by careless driving following a crash that injured 20 people in Manchester. Three individuals, including a 19-year-old female and two males aged 20 and 40, are in stable condition in hospital after sustaining serious injuries. Initial investigations suggest the bus may have deviated from its route and failed to comply with height restrictions prior to the collision. Bus driver arrested…
Cliff Notes Government borrowing surged to £20.684 billion in June, marking the second-highest level since records began in 1993, driven by rising debt interest payments. The increase in borrowing exceeded economists’ expectations by nearly £4 billion, surpassing last year’s figures by over £6 billion. Chancellor Rachel Reeves faces pressure to increase taxes to bridge the gap between spending and income, as her fiscal commitment aims to reduce government debt by 2030. Government borrowing soars to…
Cliff Notes Orwoll, a proponent of the far-right movement, expresses a desire for the US to return to an entirely white nation, citing personal comfort in such a demographic. He subscribes to the conspiracy theory of “white genocide”, claiming that cultural indoctrination and immigration threaten the survival of white identity. Orwoll aims to establish networks and communities across the US and internationally, advocating for more “fortresses” dedicated to his ideology. Inside the whites-only settlement in…
Cliff Notes Former Kentucky police officer Brett Hankison has been sentenced to 33 months in prison for excessive force during the 2020 raid that resulted in Breonna Taylor’s death. Hankison’s gunfire did not injure anyone, making him the only officer charged in connection with Taylor’s death amid a backdrop of systemic police misconduct discussions. The judge deemed immediate imprisonment necessary to honour the jury’s verdict, countering the US Department of Justice’s recommendation against incarceration. Former…
Cliff Notes Newly released files indicate Buckingham Palace officials sought to influence John Major’s government regarding the replacement of the Royal Yacht Britannia, which was nearing the end of its operational life by 1993. Despite Queen Elizabeth II’s perceived support for a new yacht, the Cabinet Office halted efforts to publicly highlight Britannia’s significance, citing potential political repercussions. Following Labour’s electoral victory in 1997, plans for a new royal yacht were scrapped, leading to a…
Cliff Notes The UK government, under new powers from the Sanctions Act, will freeze the assets of individuals involved in the smuggling of illegal migrants and ban them from entering the UK, as announced by Foreign Secretary David Lammy. This sanctions regime is the first of its kind globally, targeting not only gang leaders but also middlemen, suppliers of small boats, and those involved in producing fake documentation. The measures aim to disrupt the financial…
Cliff Notes A double decker bus collided with a bridge in Eccles, Manchester, resulting in 15 people being taken to hospital, with one critically injured. Emergency services, including 10 ambulances and the Hazard Area Response Team, responded promptly to the incident, declared a “major incident” before being stood down. An investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash is underway, with involvement from Greater Manchester Police and the bus operator, Stagecoach. Double decker bus crashes into…
Cliff Notes Malcolm-Jamal Warner, known for his role as Theo on The Cosby Show, tragically drowned in Costa Rica while swimming at Playa Grande de Cocles. The 54-year-old actor was on holiday with his family when he was pulled underwater by a current and later found unresponsive by emergency workers. Despite the tarnished legacy of The Cosby Show due to Bill Cosby’s legal issues, Warner expressed pride in the show’s impact on American television. Malcolm-Jamal…
Cliff Notes A tragic coach crash near Minehead, Somerset, resulted in the death of 10-year-old Oliver Price, with two children and three adults still in hospital, though they are in stable condition. The coach, carrying 60 to 70 pupils from Minehead Middle School returning from Exmoor Zoo, overturned after leaving the A396, prompting a significant emergency response. Investigations are underway by Avon and Somerset Police to determine the cause of the incident, with local support…
Cliff Notes Donald Trump has warned he will obstruct the Washington Commanders’ stadium deal unless the team reverts to its former name, the “Redskins”. The Commanders had previously retired the name in 2020 following criticisms of its derogatory connotations towards Native Americans. Trump’s influence over the stadium deal remains uncertain, given that local governance exists in Washington DC, despite federal oversight. Trump threatens to block Washington Commanders stadium deal unless they change name back to…
Cliff Notes The UK and over 20 countries are advocating for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, citing the “dangerous” Israeli aid delivery model that undermines human dignity. A joint statement highlights the severe suffering of civilians, calling for unrestricted humanitarian aid and the urgent involvement of UN and NGOs. The coalition of nations expresses readiness to take further action to enhance security and peace for Israelis and Palestinians, while seeking to bring hostages home. Middle…
Cliff Notes Six individuals have been arrested in connection with high lead levels found in nearly 250 children from Heshi Peixin kindergarten, prompting further investigations into 17 others, including hospital officials. Investigators revealed that kindergarten staff allegedly added paint powder to food to enhance its appearance, leading to 247 out of 251 children showing abnormal blood lead levels. The local hospital involved faced scrutiny, with claims of manipulated test results and chaotic management, exacerbating public…
Cliff Notes – DEADLY ground assault on central Gazan city Medical aid has been suspended in Deir al-Balah, central Gaza, amid an Israeli ground assault, as reported by Medical Aid for Palestinians (MAP). Thousands of displaced residents, including MAP staff, are facing critical humanitarian threats due to forced displacement orders hindering medical transport. MAP’s interim CEO emphasised the suspension of vital health services, stating the situation endangers not just the Palestinian population but also aid…
Cliff Notes – Waterloo station hit by ‘major signalling failure’ Commuters are advised not to travel due to a significant signalling failure at Waterloo station, affecting platforms 1 to 14. South Western Railway has announced it will implement cancellations and service alterations across its network, anticipating major disruption throughout the day. National Rail has also issued warnings of ongoing significant travel disruptions and encourages customers to stay updated on service changes. Do not travel warning…
Cliff Notes Keith McAllister, 61, died after being pulled into an MRI machine at Nassau Open MRI clinic due to a 9kg weight-training chain around his neck. The incident occurred while his wife was undergoing a knee scan, and she called him for assistance just before the accident. Following the event, McAllister suffered multiple heart attacks and was later pronounced dead in hospital; MRI accidents, while rare, can be fatal. Man who died after being…
Cliff Notes A public inquiry has been initiated to investigate the “Battle of Orgreave,” aiming to reveal the truth behind the violent clashes between striking miners and police on 18 June 1984. Home Secretary Yvette Cooper stated the inquiry, chaired by Bishop Pete Wilcox, will compel witnesses to provide evidence, addressing questions that have remained unanswered for over 40 years. Campaigners assert there was an institutional “frame-up” following the conflict, with many miners suffering physical…
Cliff Notes – Syria’s fragile ceasefire holds The situation in Sweida remains critical, with around 30,000 people trapped amid worsening humanitarian conditions and no approved safe corridors for evacuation. Tensions persist between Druze factions and tribal fighters, despite a ceasefire agreement, as distrust towards the new Syrian government hampers aid efforts and escalates violence. Homes still burning after mass pillaging and 30,000 trapped in besieged city – as Syria’s fragile ceasefire holds Syria is a…
Cliff Notes Epping protests are just the latest flashpoint of frustration | UK News This was the fourth protest in just nine days here – a small crowd of 300 people gathered outside The Bell Hotel in Epping, which is believed to house asylum seekers. There was no obvious signs of far-right or left that had travelled to the Essex town looking for trouble, but they were there under cover, with locals. This is a…
Cliff Notes – Underwater teams join search for missing woman Rachel Booth, 38, was last seen at a petrol station in Sandiway around 3.50am on Saturday and is missing from the Barnton area in Cheshire. Police, alongside underwater search teams and Cheshire Search and Rescue, are conducting searches in the Oakmere area of Delamere as part of their ongoing investigation. Authorities urge anyone with information on her whereabouts to contact police, expressing growing concerns for…
Cliff Notes Parts of the UK are under yellow weather warnings, with Northern Ireland expected to receive 50-75mm of rain in the next 24 hours, significantly surpassing average July rainfall. Thunderstorm warnings are forecasted to affect several regions tomorrow, with additional flooding risks and potential power cuts anticipated. While current weather remains unsettled, signs suggest a return to drier conditions and milder temperatures could emerge as August approaches. Parts of UK could see half a…
Cliff Notes Hilco Capital is considering a takeover of Claire’s UK operations, which currently has around 280 stores, amidst ongoing financial struggles. Other potential bidders include Alteri Investors and Modella Capital, indicating heightened interest in the troubled jewellery chain. Claire’s is exploring various options, including potential bankruptcy for its US operations, which may result in significant store closures in the UK and job losses. Lakeland-owner Hilco eyes swoop for stricken jeweller Claire’s The prolific high…
Cliff Notes – What is chronic venous insufficiency? US President Donald Trump has been diagnosed with chronic venous insufficiency (CVI), a common condition in older adults that causes blood to pool in the veins, leading to mild swelling in the legs. White House press secretary confirmed that Trump’s hand bruising was minor and attributed to handshaking and aspirin use, stating that he remains in excellent health with no signs of serious underlying issues. The condition…
Cliff Notes Who are the Druze and who are they fighting in Syria? | World News In Sweida in Syria, a week after of fierce fighting in the region, WTX News looks at what sparked this conflict and why Israel is supporting the militia to attack the government and supporting them with air strikes. Government security forces have been redeployed to enforce the first day of a US-brokered ceasefire. Tensions remain high with fears of further…
Cliff Notes – Time for a reset from the estranged Royals Prince Harry’s recent visit to Angola, reminiscent of Princess Diana’s, highlights his ongoing commitment to charity work, particularly with the Halo Trust. A meeting described as “peace talks” between Harry’s PR team and the King’s communications secretary suggests potential for reconciling family tensions, despite ongoing speculation around the royal family’s dynamics. Harry’s public engagements appear to be increasing, signalling a strategic shift by his…
Cliff Notes A tour boat in Ha Long Bay capsized during a thunderstorm, resulting in at least 38 fatalities and five missing individuals from a total of 48 passengers and crew. Survivor Dang Anh Tuan escaped by swimming through a window underwater and later clung to the capsized boat for two hours before being rescued. Passengers had requested to return to shore as the storm intensified, but the crew chose to continue the trip, leading…
