Author: WTX News

Thousands ordered to flee California wildfire near Yosemite Park prompting evacuation orders for thousands of people. A fast-moving brush fire near Yosemite National Park exploded in size Saturday into one of California’s largest wildfires of the year, shutting off power to more than 2,000 homes and businesses. “Explosive fire behaviour is challenging firefighters,” Cal Fire said in a statement Saturday that described the Oak Fire’s activity as “extreme with frequent runs, spot fires and group torching.” The Oak Fire started Friday afternoon southwest of the park near the town of Midpines in Mariposa County and by Saturday had grown to…

Lithuania lifts blockade on Russian route to Kaliningrad.  Kaliningrad is on the Baltic Sea and uses a rail link to Russia via Lithuania for passengers and freight. Lithuania has lifted a ban on the rail transport of sanctioned goods in and out of the Russian area of Kaliningrad after a month of political turmoil. Russia was enraged when Lithuania banned the transit of steel and other ferrous metals under EU sanctions last month and threatened to respond. But now Lithuanian Railways says it will resume transporting goods to the exclave. Kaliningrad – a strategic region where Russia’s Baltic Fleet is…

Boom Supersonic unveils a new Overture supersonic jet to bring back Concorde. It’s been almost 20 years since Concorde flew for the final time. But will a new Concorde survive in a world of Zoom and Google Meets? The new Overture supersonic jet is proof that some think it will. While various companies have set about bringing supersonic travel back to life since then, we’re still yet to see this come to fruition. Coincidentally – bring back Concorde – was trending on Twitter. The Colorado-based start-up Boom Supersonic is taking some major leaps forward in its quest to make supersonic…

Heathrow strikes called off – Hundreds of British Airways workers have voted to accept a new pay deal and call off strike action. The move means the risk of thousands of travellers’ summer getaway plans being thrown into chaos by strike action has been reduced. In a statement, the GMB union said 75% of its members supported the new deal pay deal. Heathrow strikes called off Aviation workers were set to walk out after a 10% pay cut imposed during the pandemic was not reinstated, GMB said. Under the new deal workers will receive an ‘8% consolidated pay rise, a…

Sunday Times – Mordaunt’s gender claims undermined by leaked papers  The Sunday Times reports that leaked documents prompt fresh scrutiny of Tory leadership contender Penny Mordaunt’s claims that she has never supported gender self-identification. The paper also looks ahead to predicted record-breaking temperatures. It is expected the county could see temps of 40C next week – and a red alert has been issued for Monday and Tuesday.

Sunday Mirror – Boris Heatwave  The Sunday Mirror combines politics and weather with its headline “Boris’ heat rave”. The outgoing prime minister’s no-show at the latest COBRA –  meeting apparently in favour of a party – has been christened “Boris’ Heatrave” by the paper. They report that the PM is hosting a farewell party at Chequers tomorrow, and missed an emergency meeting about the hot weather.

President Biden’s embarrassing trip to Saudi Arabia, Jlo’s wedding and US accused of being ‘maker of security risks.’

Should Shinzo Abe have a state funeral? As the government pushes forward with plans for such a funeral to honour Japan’s longest-serving prime minister, opposition grows over costs amid reminders that Abe was a divisive figure in the country.

Italy’s president has announced the country will hold early elections in September following Mario Draghi’s resignation as prime minister from the country. 

Sunak goes on attack over tax as Truss takes poll lead – that’s the headline of the Guardian.

BBC: We let Diana down – that’s the headline on the front page of the Metro which leads with the BBC’s apology.

Supporters of Trade minister Penny Mordaunt, who was knocked out of the Tory leadership race in the final round of voting among MPs, are orchestrating a “stop Liz Truss” campaign, the i reports.

Cops must now charge culprits – that’s the headline on the front page of the Daily Mirror.

BBC: We let Diana down – that’s the headline on the front page of the Daily Express which leads with the BBC apology to a royal nanny.

The Independent says At the end of a fierce and brutal contest, Alexandra Popp typified Germany’s fight. The striker’s goal to seal her country’s 2-0 win over Austria will not make any highlight reels at the end of Euro 2022.

Friday’s front pages report on Rishi Sunak and Liz Truss – the two contenders battling it out to replace Boris Johnson as prime minister.

Sky News says Fuel price protests planned for Friday are threatening to unleash chaos on major roads as millions of families head off on their summer holidays.

France24 says Sri Lankan security forces raided a protest camp occupying government grounds in the main city of Colombo early on Friday and cleared out a section of it, a sign that the country’s new president was cracking down a day after his swearing-in.

Euronews says Italy is set to hold a general election this autumn after President Sergio Mattarella formally dissolved parliament.

Arab News says Russia defended its veto of a UN resolution that would have extended humanitarian aid deliveries to 4.1 million Syrians.

Aljazeera says The United States has reported its first case of polio in nearly a decade after health officials in the state of New York said a patient had tested positive for the disease.

TRT World says An irate Donald Trump demanded to be taken to the Capitol after the supporters he sent laid siege, well aware of the deadly attack and that some in the mob were armed but refusing to call it off.

Former Pakistani PM Imran Khan accused of treason by Bakhtawar Bhutto the daughter of the murdered former Pakistani Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto. In a scathing attack on Twitter, the daughter of former leader Benazir Bhutto accused Imran Khan of ‘committing treason’ during his term in office. “Still not over the absolutely not phone call? Why don’t you take your obsession with proof to court,” she wrote, adding that she pities the PTI Chairman as he has never read the Constitution as nothing will save him from committing treason.” Imran Khan accused of Treason The row erupted on Twitter when Imran Khan…

Tory leadership finalists – Rishi Sunak and Liz Truss will go head-to-head on a Sky News debate after controversially pulling out of a previous appearance. 

Italian PM Mario Draghi resigns after dramatic week and three parties refusing to back him in yesterday’s confidence vote.