Author: WTX News Editor

Cliff Notes – Does Iran still have a chance for peace talks with US Iran’s foreign ministry expresses openness to peace talks with the US despite ongoing tensions and recent Israeli attacks, asserting that back-channel negotiations are ongoing. Diplomatic efforts could be reignited following remarks by Iranian officials who urge the US to demonstrate sincerity in pursuing peace, particularly in light of the US’s expectations regarding Iran’s nuclear programme. The recent escalation of violence has…

Cliff Notes Lord David Lipsey, 77, member of the House of Lords, was found dead after swimming in the River Wye, Wales, on 1 July. A long-time campaigner for water quality, Lord Lipsey recently raised concerns about pollution affecting swimming in the river. He served in the House of Lords since 1999, having previously worked as a journalist and political adviser to the Labour Party. Lord Lipsey: House of Lords member died while swimming in…

Cliff Notes – Wildfire tears through southern Crete A raging wildfire tears through southern Crete forcing more than 1,500 to flee homes and hotels The rapidly spreading flames are fuelled by strong winds adn fertile land as soon as it enters residential areas causing explosions. Emergency services, including 230 firefighters and multiple aircraft, are actively combating the blaze, with some evacuees rescued by boat as damage to homes has been reported. The fire, which threatens…

A drive‑by shooting erupted around 11 pm outside Artis Restaurant & Lounge in downtown Chicago’s River North area, where an album release party for local rapper Mello Buckzz had just ended.

Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell announced that U.S.–led strikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities at Fordow, Natanz and Isfahan have likely set back Tehran’s nuclear progress by 1 to 2 years, revising earlier intelligence suggesting only months of delay.

Two teenagers, aged 16 and 17, from Llantwit Major, have been charged with the murder of 38-year-old Kamran Aman following a stabbing incident on Barry Road in South Wales.

A fast-moving wildfire ravaging near Ierapetra on Crete’s southern coast has prompted the emergency evacuation of over 1,500 people, including tourists staying in hotels and local residents.

The U.S. House of Representatives narrowly voted 219–213 late Wednesday to advance the Senate-passed version of former President Trump’s sprawling “One Big Beautiful Bill” (OBBBA) via the Rules Committee – clearing the way for a full floor vote by July 4.

Almost all of Thursday’s UK newspaper front pages feature an image of Chancellor Rachel Reeves crying during Prime Minister’s Questions. The cause of the tears is the subject of much speculation this morning as some papers expect the chancellor to be sacked, whilst other front pages look at the reaction the markets had to the tearful episode. 

The Portuguese Football Federation has expressed deep sorrow over the deaths of Diogo Jota and his brother, Andre Silva, in a car accident in Spain.

Thursday’s headlines are dominated by analysis over Chancellor Rachel Reeves’s tearful appearance at yesterday’s Prime Minister’s Questions. As the PM faced questions at the dispatch box, he was asked if the Chancellor would remain in post and appeared to avoid answering. The Chancellor was seen crying behind him. Starmer has since said he backs the chancellor completely and she will not be replaced.

The chancellor’s tears caused some panic in the market, leading to a multi-billion-pound sell-off. There is further analysis of Starmer’s grip on his party, as some Labour MPs want a cabinet reshuffle.

The prime minister will set out a 10-year plan for a “neighbourhood health service” in England this morning, in a move he’ll surely be hoping will deflect attention from his chancellor.

Four people have been charged by counter-terrorism police over a break-in at RAF Brize Norton last month, during which military planes were damaged. It comes as MPs voted to ban Palestine Action under anti-terror laws.

In sports news, Emma Raducanu is having a great time at Wimbledon, and the Lionesses and the Welsh women’s team are preparing for their opening Euro 2025 matches.

Emergency services, including police, fire and rescue, and coastguard, were involved in the search operation that led to the recovery.

The House of Commons voted 385 to 26 to proscribe Palestine Action as a terrorist organisation under the Terrorism Act 2000.

A Manhattan federal jury delivered a split verdict in the high-profile trial of music mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs.

Chancellor Rachel Reeves was seen in tears during Prime Minister’s Questions after Labour was forced into a major U‑turn on welfare reforms, ditching planned cuts to disability benefits and abandoning a £5 billion-a-year saving target.

Oasis will kick off their highly anticipated reunion tour in Cardiff this weekend, marking their first performance together since 2009.

A red shipping container in Sierra Leone was seized containing suspected kush ingredients, which have been traced back to shipments from the UK, indicating a growing crisis of synthetic drug addiction in the region.

Four individuals have been charged with conspiracy related to the £7m damage caused to two Voyager aircraft at RAF Brize Norton, an incident investigated by counter-terror police.

The family of Jodie Sheeran, a groomed victim who conceived a child after being assaulted, is urging police to reopen her case, citing historical failings in the investigation.

Bryan Kohberger pleaded guilty to the murders of four University of Idaho students, likely avoiding the death penalty through a plea deal submitted before his trial.

Punk rap duo Bob Vylan has withdrawn from the Radar Festival in Manchester following controversial chants at Glastonbury, which have been deemed antisemitic by the BBC.

Sean “Diddy” Combs was found guilty of transporting individuals for prostitution but acquitted of more serious charges, including sex trafficking and racketeering conspiracy.

The Dalai Lama has confirmed plans for a successor to be found in accordance with Buddhist traditions

The U.S. Senate narrowly approved Donald Trump’s flagship tax-and-spending package, now called the One Big Beautiful Bill, with Vice President JD Vance breaking a 50–50 tie following three Republican defections.

Prosecutors are reviewing additional evidence for potential criminal charges against Lucy Letby, focusing on deaths and non-fatal collapses of babies at two hospitals where she worked.