Author: WTX News Editor

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…

Cliff Notes: The Terrorism act become a political weapon? George Galloway and his wife were held for nine hours by counter-terrorism police at Gatwick Airport before being released without charge, with no justification provided for their detention. Their confiscated devices included a phone and laptop, which Galloway claimed were taken to access their private communications. Galloway expressed concerns over the powers of police under the Counter Terrorism and Border Security Act, noting the implications for…

Cliff Notes The former head of MI5 suggests the UK could already be at war with Russia, citing extensive cyber and physical attacks. Baroness Manningham-Buller reflects on past misjudgements about Russia, emphasising its ongoing hostility towards the West. She warns that cuts to foreign aid may create opportunities for China to expand its influence globally. Ex-MI5 chief says those who think UK already at war with Russia ‘may be right’ | UK News The former…

Cliff Notes Rachel Reeves will announce a “youth guarantee” to offer paid work to young adults on universal credit for 18 months without earning or learning, aimed at reducing youth unemployment. The plan includes sanctions for those who refuse job offers without a reasonable excuse, as part of a pledge to eliminate long-term youth unemployment. Reeves emphasises a vision of a society based on contribution and opportunity, stating that the value of the nation lies…

Cliff Notes A woman in her 30s was raped outside St Mary’s Church in Oxford by a group of men during the early hours of Sunday morning. Thames Valley Police are appealing for a woman who attempted to assist the victim and may have crucial information. Forensic examinations are underway at the scene, with officers conducting house-to-house and CCTV inquiries in the town centre. Woman raped by group of men in Oxfordshire churchyard | UK…

Cliff Notes Andy Burnham criticises Sir Keir Starmer’s call for loyalty, arguing that it undermines the serious challenges Labour faces ahead of upcoming elections. He emphasizes the need for an open debate on the party’s direction, citing a “climate of fear” preventing discussion among MPs. Burnham’s recent policy proposals have sparked speculation about a potential leadership challenge, as many Labour members express dissatisfaction with Starmer’s leadership. Andy Burnham warns Labour not to ‘underestimate the peril’…

Cliff Notes A mass shooting at a Mormon church in Grand Blanc, Michigan, has resulted in one death, with nine others injured, including two in critical condition. The 40-year-old suspect, who drove into the church and began firing an assault rifle, was subsequently shot dead by police. Authorities are investigating the incident further, as the church was reported to be actively on fire, raising concerns about potential additional victims. More victims expected after Mormon church…

Cliff Notes A stampede at a political rally in Tamil Nadu led to 40 fatalities, exceeding the expected crowd of 10,000, with actual attendance reportedly surpassing 20,000. Senior leaders of the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) party are under investigation, and health officials reported that nine of the deceased were children. Actor-turned-politician Vijay expressed his sorrow over the incident, while state authorities announced compensation for victims’ families and initiated an inquiry into the tragedy. Indian police…