Author: WTX News Editor

Tuesday’s headlines feature a variety of domestic and international news, with French President Emmanuel Macron’s state visit to the UK leading the way. It marks the first time an EU leader has had a full state visit to the UK since Brexit. Macron and his wife Brigitte will be welcomed by the King and Camilla for a state banquet. The three-day state visit will see discussions regarding illegal crossings of the channel.

The public inquiry into the Southport murders is set to begin, with the families of the three murdered schoolgirls demanding “real change”.

Tuesday will also mark a major milestone in the long road to justice for the victims of the Post Office IT scandal following a far-reaching inquiry. Part of a final report is set to be published and will focus on compensation and the human impact of the scandal.

There’s good news for local Premier League fans, as MPs could be set to vote on a plan to make at least 10 Premier League matches available on free-to-air television each season.

It’s heating up across the UK again this Tuesday, with temperatures creeping up to the 30s by the end of the week, with a third UK heatwave of the summer on the way.

Severe Weather Impact: Over 104 fatalities were reported in Texas due to severe flash flooding, including 28 children in Kerr County, as heavy rain caused the Guadalupe River to overflow.

Roman Starovoit, Russia’s former Minister of Transport, was found dead in his car from a single gunshot wound just hours after President Putin officially dismissed him from office.

Hannah Robinson, a 36‑year‑old dentist and mother of two from Devon, has become the first UK adult to receive the immune‑modulating drug teplizumab.

King Charles III delivered a powerful speech during a state banquet at Windsor Castle, hosting French President Emmanuel Macron for the first full state visit by an EU leader since Brexit.

Reform Cymru emerges as a leading choice for Welsh voters, posing a significant challenge to Labour ahead of the May 2026 Senedd elections.

At least 11 individuals have died and over 560 arrests have been reported in nationwide protests against President William Ruto, driven by demands for political reforms and accountability.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has nominated Donald Trump for the Nobel Peace Prize, citing his efforts in promoting peace in the region.

An emergency alert test will occur at 3pm on Sunday, 7 September, causing approximately 87 million mobile devices in the UK to ring unprompted.

The UK government pledges to ban non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) that prevent victims of harassment or discrimination from speaking out.

At least 95 people have died due to flash floods in Texas, with significant casualties in Kerr County, where 75 fatalities have been recorded, including 27 at a girls’ summer camp.

Donald Trump is imposing new trade tariffs starting from 1 August, applying rates of up to 40% on goods from countries including Japan, South Korea, and South Africa, among others.

Cliff Notes The Tony Blair Institute has categorically rejected claims of involvement in a project to develop Gaza post-conflict, which was incorrectly attributed to its staffers. The initiative, referred to as the “Gaza Riviera,” was presented by an Israeli businessman and included controversial proposals such as the relocation of half a million Palestinians, which TBI disavows. TBI maintains that its staff’s participation in discussions does not imply endorsement, emphasising that the final project slide deck…

Former Russian transport minister Roman Starovoit was found dead in his car from a gunshot wound shortly after being dismissed by President Putin.

(Friday 11 July 2025) – The US President has issued new steep tariffs on 14 countries, including Brazil, fueling fears of more trade wars over the summer.

Elon Musk has been in the news this week as he revealed his plans to start his own political party.

Earlier in the week, Trump had announced a delay to his tariff plans as he appeared to push for a global trade deal, but did threaten an extra 10% tariff on any country siding with the policies of the BRICS alliance.

As of Friday, 120 people are confirmed dead from the Texas floods, and at least 150 remain missing. Following the massive floods, more rain arrived, hampering rescue efforts.

President Trump has postponed the roll-out of planned tariffs, originally scheduled by July 9, to take effect on August 1 instead.

Cliff Notes The fate of pension savings upon death varies based on factors like retirement age, type of pension, and marital status; state pensions differ between old and new schemes regarding inheritance eligibility. Defined benefit pensions often provide a percentage of benefits, typically around 50% to spouses, while defined contribution pensions allow beneficiaries various withdrawal options, including lump sums and annuities. Pensions are generally exempt from inheritance tax, but changes from April 2027 will subject…

Tesla shares plunged around 7 per cent in pre-market trading after Elon Musk announced the launch of a new U.S. political party, dubbed the “America Party”, and reignited a public feud with former President Donald Trump.

Devastating flash floods along the Guadalupe River in Kerr County, Texas, have claimed at least 82 lives, including 27 campers and counsellors from Camp Mystic – a girls’ summer camp – and left more than 40 people missing as of Monday.

Lots of sporting action is taking place across the USA this week, as American footballers prepare to return ahead of a new season. There’s the final of the Club World Cup to look forward to on Sunday. Superstar Beyoncé is on tour, and there are some big business events too!

(Friday 11 July 2025) – Ursula von der Leyen survived her no-confidence vote with ease, after MEPs sought to oust her. The political fallout could still be significant, with the motion reigniting concerns about her leadership style, lack of transparency and political positioning.


Much of the European news has been dominated by the ongoing heatwave sweeping the continent, with the UK set for a third heatwave this week. Plenty of European countries have issued health warnings, whilst other European nations are battling wildfires amid the extreme heat.

The Euro 2025 is in full swing, with this Sunday marking the final matches in the group stages. England’s Chelsea and France’s PSG face off for the Club World Cup final.

Cliff Notes The Trump administration has extended the effective date for tariffs on US imports, with a new expiry set for 1 August, following a 90-day pause that was due to end soon. President Trump announced that countries would receive “letters and/or deals” while also threatening an additional 10% tariff for nations supporting BRICS’ anti-American policies. Market reactions have been muted compared to previous tariff announcements, with major stock indexes across Asia and the UK…

Poland’s government has announced temporary border controls along its frontiers with Germany and Lithuania, beginning 7 July for 30 days.

France has established a “Diplomatic Reserve”, aiming to recruit 1,000 volunteers by year-end to support citizen services abroad, strengthen diplomatic outreach, and counter misinformation.

Germany recorded just 61,300 new asylum applications in the first half of 2025, almost half the volume compared with 121,426 in H1 2024.