Author: WTX News Editor

Cliff Notes Labour’s claimed increase of 3.6 million NHS appointments in eight months is reportedly less significant than 4.2 million appointments observed during the same period under the previous administration, indicating a decrease in NHS activity. The target of an additional two million appointments per year has been deemed "very modest" and represents less than a 3% increase in NHS activity, insufficient to address pre-pandemic treatment levels. Ongoing discrepancies in data collection and definitions of…

Cliff Notes Al Sharpton reflects on the profound impact of George Floyd’s murder in May 2020, describing it as a moment of "humiliation and deep anger" that became a pivotal point for civil rights activism. Sharpton criticises recent actions by Donald Trump’s administration to repeal oversight plans for the Minneapolis Police Department, indicating they serve as “salt on the wounds” for those affected by police violence. He emphasises the need for legislative changes in response…

Cliff Notes The World Health Organisation reports nearly half a million people in Gaza facing catastrophic hunger and malnutrition, with aid efforts deemed insufficient amid ongoing blockades. Despite Israel allowing some aid into Gaza, aid organisations criticise the limited number of trucks and the blockade on essential supplies, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis. Children, particularly infants like baby Aya, are severely affected by malnutrition, with families struggling to provide basic sustenance, leading to desperate conditions. Mum…

Cliff Notes Eight individuals have been convicted in connection with the 2016 armed robbery of Kim Kardashian in Paris, with their sentences ranging from fines to prison terms but no actual time in jail due to pretrial detention served. The perpetrators, referred to as the "grandpa robbers" due to their ages, executed a heist while disguised as police officers, stealing approximately $6 million worth of jewellery. Kardashian described the incident as the most terrifying experience…

Cliff Notes A knife attack at Hamburg’s central train station has left twelve individuals injured, with six reported as life-threatening. The suspect, believed to be a woman, has been arrested, although her identity has not been disclosed. A police "major operation" is underway to investigate the motive behind the attack, which remains unknown. Police launch ‘major operation’ after 12 people injured in knife attack at Hamburg train station | World News . Twelve people are…

Cliff Notes President Trump’s threat of 50% tariffs on EU exports signals a return to aggressive trade negotiations via social media, raising potential retaliation concerns. This tactic interrupts a temporary calm in global trade, following recent negotiations that had begun to reduce US-China tariff tensions. European stocks, particularly in the automotive sector, have reacted negatively, marking a decline following Trump’s announcements on tariffs. Trump’s latest phone negotiation tactic on tariffs likely to heighten EU retaliation…

Cliff Notes Dave Shapiro, co-founder of Sound Talent Group, was among six presumed dead in a private jet crash in San Diego, attributed to foggy conditions. The crash damaged multiple homes and vehicles in a military neighborhood, leading to evacuations and injuries from smoke inhalation. The aircraft was identified as a Cessna Citation II jet, which had recently completed a fuelling stop in Wichita, Kansas, before heading to San Diego. Dave Shapiro: US music agency…

Starmer’s Chagos Islands cave-in The Metro is another paper reacting to the news that the prime minister has signed a deal to hand over the Chagos Islands – the Metro calls it a “cave-in” noting the UK will pay £101 million a year to lease the UK-US military base there. American actress Dakota Johnson is pictured on the front page – the paper says shes blazing a trail for “strong women.”

£30bn cost of Chagos surrender The Daily Telegraph claims that Prime Minister Keir Starmer has been accused of misleading the public with ‘dodgy accounting’ in Mauritius deal. The overall deal could cost the tax-payer £30bn. Angela Rayner is trying to strip middle-class families of child benefits, according to the paper which also reports that tax rises are on the way after offering public sector workers pay rises. Princess Kate is pictured on the front splash.

Starmer hands over Chagos to Mauritius: Late injunction fails to stop £100m-a-year deal The Daily Telegraph leads with the news the prime minister has signed a deal handing over the Chagos Islands to Mauritius, noting a late injunction failed to stop the £101 million a year deal – and despite Nigel Farage and Kemi Badenoch being opposed to the deal – America’s Trump was in support of it. Doctors are threatening a strike after slamming…

Cliff Notes Donald Trump has threatened to implement 50% tariffs on the EU due to stalled trade talks, labelling the bloc as anti-US. He warned that Apple will face a 25% tariff on iPhones unless manufacturing is relocated entirely to the US from other countries. Following Trump’s announcement, Apple shares fell by over 2% amid plans to expand its production chain in India. Trump threatens EU with 50% tariffs – as Apple faces 25% unless…

Top 5 EURO STOXX 50 Gainers and Top 5 EURO STOXX 50 Losers – Week 21 🇪🇺 EURO STOXX 50 Top 5 EURO STOXX 50 Gainers: Top 5 EURO STOXX 50 Losers:

This is this weeks top 5 NASDAQ Gainers and Top 5 NASDAQ Losers – Week 21 May 2025 📈 Nasdaq Stock Market Movers – 22 May 2025 🇺🇸 NASDAQ Top 5 NASDAQ Gainers – Week 21: Top 5 NASDAQ Losers:

Friday’s front pages are reacting to the news of the handover of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius. After months of wrangling, Keir Starmer has finally signed a treaty to hand over the territory. The UK and US will keep their military base on the island, paying £101 million a year, and securing a lease for at least the next 99 years.

Armed police responded to a report of a man with a crossbow at the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital in Glasgow at approximately 6.30am on Friday.

This weeks top 5 FTSE gainers and losers, there will be some changes towards the end of the day. 📈 Stock Market Movers – 22 May 2025 FTSE Market summary FTSE 100 Index – 8.773,39 +34,13 (0,39%) today 🇬🇧 FTSE 100 Top 5 FTSE Gainers Top 5 FTSE Losers:

Friday’s front page headlines offer a wide variety of domestic and international news with ongoing coverage of the UK handing over sovereignty of the Chagos Islands offering a clear political divide. 

Labour’s plans to free up prison spaces in England and Wales have outraged the right-wing papers boldly claim that sex offenders will be roaming the streets. 

There are discussions around benefits – including the two-child benefit cap, as well as coverage of potential tax rises, splashed on the front pages.

North Korea’s new destroyer capsized during its launch, prompting an investigation led by Kim Jong Un, who deemed the event a “criminal act” that harmed the nation’s dignity.

Good morning – let’s grab a coffee and catch up on what’s making headlines in the UK and beyond today.

There’s some relief on the way for households as energy bills are set to fall for the first time in a year. Ofgem has confirmed a 7% cut to the energy price cap from July, which means the average household in England, Scotland and Wales will see their annual bill drop by around £129.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer has signed a significant agreement to transfer sovereignty of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius. As part of the deal, the UK will lease back the vital military base on Diego Garcia for £101 million a year, securing its use for an initial 99-year period.

In England, public sector workers are seeing a boost in their pay packets. Teachers and doctors will receive a 4% pay rise following recommendations from official pay review bodies. While education unions have largely welcomed the decision, they’ve warned that schools could face budget shortfalls without additional funding. Meanwhile, health unions have criticised a smaller 3.6% increase for NHS staff such as nurses and midwives.

On the global stage, tensions are rising after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu launched a scathing attack on Keir Starmer and the leaders of France and Canada. Netanyahu accused them of siding with Hamas, following recent international criticism of Israel’s military actions. The comments came after two people were shot dead at the Israeli embassy in Washington, which has further strained diplomatic relations.

In the United States, the Trump administration has taken dramatic action against Harvard University, revoking its ability to enrol international students. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said Harvard had failed to comply with immigration laws, while the university has called the move “unlawful” and a direct threat to academic freedom.

And finally, a suspect has been charged with the murder of two Israeli embassy staff members outside a Jewish museum in Washington DC. US prosecutors are treating the shooting as a hate crime and an act of terror, and have confirmed it’s a death penalty-eligible case. More charges are expected as the investigation continues.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has launched a fierce attack on Sir Keir Starmer, along with the leaders of France and Canada, accusing them of effectively siding with Hamas by criticising Israel’s actions in Gaza.

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has signed a major agreement to transfer sovereignty of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius while leasing back the strategic military base on Diego Garcia for £101 million a year.

Doctors and teachers in England have been given a 4% pay rise after the government accepted recommendations from public sector pay review bodies.

A 135m long cargo ship crashed into Johan Helber’s garden in Trondheim, Norway, narrowly missing his home while he slept.

A new study has identified biological markers in blood and urine that can indicate the intake of ultra-processed foods, which constitute nearly 60% of the American diet.

Morales recounts Diddy’s control over Cassie’s appearance, requiring photos to be reported back to him.