Author: WTX News Editor

Cliff Notes Israel intercepted the Global Sumud Flotilla, consisting of nearly 50 vessels and 500 people, aimed at breaching the blockade of Gaza, which has been in place since 2007. Israeli officials labelled the flotilla a “provocation” and reiterated the blockade’s necessity to prevent weapon smuggling to Hamas. As tensions escalate, protests against the interception took place across Europe, coinciding with ongoing military operations in Gaza resulting in civilian casualties. Gaza latest: Protests erupt around…

Cliff Notes A lawsuit against Nirvana regarding the cover of “Nevermind” has been dismissed for a second time, with the court citing time limitations on the claims. Spencer Elden, depicted as a four-month-old baby on the cover, previously acknowledged the photo’s impact and its potential for profit in a 2003 interview. Nirvana’s legal team expressed satisfaction with the ruling, asserting that the case was unfounded and reaffirmed their creative integrity. Lawsuit over Nirvana album art…

Cliff Notes The Global Sumud Flotilla, attempting to deliver aid to Gaza, has been intercepted by Israeli forces, with several boats boarded and passengers taken to an Israeli port, including campaigner Greta Thunberg. Israel asserts that the flotilla violates a lawful blockade, claiming the interception is justified, while flotilla organisers maintain it occurred in international waters and is thus illegal. Protests have arisen in Italy and Turkey regarding the flotilla’s treatment, with Italy’s largest union…

Cliff Notes Dame Jane Goodall, the renowned British conservationist and primatologist, passed away at the age of 91 while on a speaking tour in Los Angeles. Celebrated for her groundbreaking research on chimpanzees, Goodall’s work transformed the understanding of primate behaviour and she was an advocate for wildlife conservation. Tributes from notable figures and organisations highlight her extraordinary legacy, including her influence on millions and achievements such as the establishment of the Gombe Stream chimpanzee…

Cliff Notes Sir Keir Starmer expressed relief after delivering a much-anticipated speech that aimed to unify the Labour Party against rival Nigel Farage, framing the election as a choice between “decency or division.” The Prime Minister condemned Farage’s immigration policy as “racist,” while cautiously distinguishing between Reform voters’ concerns and racism, recognising the potential backlash this could create among voters. Despite showcasing a strong narrative, Starmer faces significant challenges ahead, including a looming budget crisis…

Cliff Notes Greggs will raise prices on breakfast deals due to increased employment costs, with a two-item deal rising from £2.95 to £3.15. The company faces a £20 million surge in wage bills attributed to minimum wage increases and higher employers’ national insurance contributions. Despite these challenges, Greggs plans to expand with around 120 new shops, particularly in travel hubs and retail locations. Greggs increasing prices tomorrow due to higher employment costs | Money News…

Cliff Notes Mohammed Zahid, the ringleader of a Rochdale grooming gang, has been sentenced to 35 years for multiple sexual offences involving two teenage victims. The gang exploited the vulnerabilities of the girls, who were subjected to abuse from 2001 to 2006, often meeting at various locations in the community. Victims have spoken out about the long-lasting trauma, urging others to come forward to the police, highlighting the importance of support from the authorities. Ringleader…

Cliff Notes Donald Trump has given Hamas a three to four-day deadline to accept a peace plan, with threats of Israeli military action if declined. The proposal requires Hamas to release all hostages and disarm, while Gaza would be under international control and administration. Initial reactions from various international leaders suggest cautious optimism, with the Palestinian Authority expressing support for Trump’s efforts towards peace. Gaza latest: Israel ‘harasses’ Greta Thunberg aid flotilla – as video…

Cliff Notes All GP surgeries in England are mandated to provide online appointment bookings, available weekdays from 8am to 6.30pm for non-urgent requests. The British Medical Association has raised concerns over a lack of safeguarding and adequate staffing to manage the anticipated increase in online requests. Health Secretary Wes Streeting champions the initiative as essential for modernising healthcare, aiming to simplify appointment booking akin to ordering delivery services. All GP surgeries in England must offer…

Cliff Notes A 6.9-magnitude earthquake struck the central Philippines, resulting in at least 31 fatalities and disrupting power lines in affected areas. The epicentre was near Bogo, Cebu, with search and rescue operations ongoing as officials anticipate the death toll may rise. Damage includes collapsed buildings and infrastructure, compounded by the region’s recent recovery from a severe storm. At least 31 dead as earthquake strikes Philippines | World News . At least 31 people have…

Cliff Notes Donald Trump has set a three to four-day deadline for Hamas to respond to a new Gaza peace plan, backed by key regional allies including Qatar and Egypt. The 20-point proposal involves an immediate ceasefire, disarmament of Hamas, and a peace governing panel that includes Sir Tony Blair, which has sparked criticism. Netanyahu has warned of severe consequences if Hamas refuses the deal, amid ongoing civilian casualties in Gaza from Israeli strikes. Trump…

Cliff Notes Robert O’Connor, 31, has been charged with murdering his parents and brother, found deceased at their home in Drumgowna, Co Louth. At a district court hearing, O’Connor made no response to the murder charges; he has a history of mental health issues and is remanded in custody. Man charged with murder of his parents and brother after their bodies found at family home | World News . A man has been charged with…

Cliff Notes Ibiza and Formentera are experiencing severe flooding due to torrential rains, with Ibiza Town recording 239mm and Formentera 105.4mm in just 24 hours. The Spanish national weather service AEMET has issued a “red alert” for “extraordinary danger,” prompting emergency responses and warnings for residents to avoid travel and move to higher ground. Emergency services have responded to over 130 incidents, including flooded streets and rescues, while military units have been deployed to assist…

Cliff Notes A manhunt has been initiated following the serious sexual assault of a 32-year-old woman at Luss public car park within Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park. The suspect is a white male, described as having blonde hair and a Scottish accent, with police urging witnesses to come forward. Investigators are particularly seeking a group of individuals who interacted with the victim after the incident, as their information may be crucial to the…

Cliff Notes South Africa’s ambassador to France, Nkosinathi Emmanuel “Nathi” Mthethwa, has been found dead at the Hyatt Hotel in Paris, prompting concerns after a worrying text was received by his wife. The 58-year-old diplomat was reported missing prior to the discovery, with his foreign affairs department acknowledging the situation and promising a statement once official information is available. Mthethwa previously served as South Africa’s minister of arts and culture and was appointed ambassador earlier…

Cliff Notes California police stopped a Waymo car after observing it perform an illegal U-turn, only to find it was driverless. Officers were unable to issue a ticket since there was no human driver, leading to discussions with Waymo via in-car equipment. The police department is working on legislation to allow them to issue notices directly to autonomous vehicle companies regarding violations. Driverless Waymo car makes illegal U-turn in California – and can’t be given…

Cliff Notes Three young women were abducted, tortured, and murdered by a drug gang in Argentina, with the crime livestreamed to about 45 viewers on a private social media group. Their bodies were discovered buried in a garden, after they were lured to a house under false pretenses linked to drug trafficking activities. The Buenos Aires Ministry of Women and Diversity has classified the incident as femicide, highlighting it as a severe case of gender-based…

Cliff Notes Europe secured a hard-fought victory at the Ryder Cup, overcoming intense crowd hostility, marked as the most abusive in nearly a century. Despite starting with a strong 12-5 lead, Europe faced an unexpected challenge from the Americans, ending with a narrow 15-13 win. Rory McIlroy highlighted the unacceptable behaviour of the crowd, calling for higher standards in golf etiquette at future events. Insults, expletives and squeaky ducks – the most abusive Ryder Cup…

Cliff Notes Sir Keir Starmer is set to unveil a transformative “online hospital” for the NHS, aimed at introducing millions of additional appointments and alleviating long waiting times by 2027. The initiative, NHS Online, will enable patients to manage prescriptions, book appointments, and receive clinical advice via the NHS app, claiming to provide up to 8.5 million extra appointments in its initial three years. Starmer’s speech comes at a critical moment for the Labour Party,…

Cliff Notes Benjamin Netanyahu faces intense scrutiny and divided opinions upon returning to Israel, particularly from far-right cabinet members outraged by his approach towards Gaza and Qatar. While some Israeli leaders and hostage families support Netanyahu’s peace plan, reactions from Palestinian groups like Hamas indicate significant discontent and lack of consensus on leadership roles in Gaza. Future negotiations are vital, with a cautious optimism about potential developments despite the substantial hurdles and criticisms surrounding the…

Cliff Notes Winvia Entertainment Group, a major competitor to Omaze, is considering a £200m IPO on London’s AIM market to facilitate acquisitions. The company, majority-owned by billionaire Teddy Sagi, operates prize draw websites and is currently the second-largest player in the UK prize draw sector. Discussions with institutional investors have commenced, with the potential IPO aimed at funding growth through new share issuance rather than affecting existing shareholder stakes. Prize draw operator Winvia explores £200m…

Cliff Notes The White House’s 20-point peace plan for Gaza involves a transitional government led by Donald Trump and Sir Tony Blair, ensuring Gaza becomes a “deradicalised terror-free zone.” Key provisions include increased aid, no forced displacement of residents, and the requirement for Hamas to release Israeli hostages within 24 hours, followed by the release of Palestinian prisoners by Israel. Trump praised Blair as a “good man” during the announcement, indicating that the transitional government…

Cliff Notes Yadi Zhang, a 47-year-old Chinese national, pleaded guilty to money laundering in connection with the UK’s largest-ever cryptocurrency seizure of over 61,000 Bitcoin, valued at more than £5bn. She was arrested after years of evading authorities, having allegedly orchestrated a £5bn investment scam in China that defrauded 130,000 investors. The seized Bitcoin is currently the subject of a legal dispute between the UK government and Chinese investors, with assets potentially earmarked to address…

Cliff Notes Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs was found guilty of two counts of transportation for engagement in prostitution but acquitted of sex trafficking and racketeering charges during his 2025 trial. He faces a potential sentence of up to 20 years, although his defence team is advocating for significantly less, seeking 14 months or less. The case has resulted in severe repercussions for Combs, including career collapse, loss of honorary awards, and ongoing civil lawsuits. Sean ‘Diddy’…

Cliff Notes Thomas Jacob Sanford, 40, allegedly crashed his vehicle into the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Grand Blanc, Michigan, before opening fire and igniting a fire using an accelerant. At least five individuals were killed, including Sanford, with fears that more victims may be found in the ruins; he served in the Marines and had received multiple awards. The FBI is investigating the incident as “an act of targeted violence,” and…