Author: WTX News

President-elect Joe Biden in Washington DC. Making a sober entrance to the nation’s capital Tuesday, ready to assume power as America reels from the coronavirus pandemic, soaring unemployment and grave concerns about more violence as he prepares to take the oath of office today to be sworn is as President of the United States in the 2021 inauguration. He flew into a military airbase just outside the capital on Tuesday afternoon and then motorcade into a fortress D.C. — a city that’s been flooded by some 25,000 National Guard troops guarding a Capitol, White House and National Mall that are…

Daily News Briefing Brief. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HXLMP8NTNMw The top stories Storm Christoph: Flood warnings in parts of EnglandBBC News says emergency services in the north of England are preparing for widespread flooding caused by Storm Christoph.The Environment Agency has warned of a “volatile situation” as heavy rain combines with melting snow, while police in South Yorkshire and Greater Manchester declared major incidents.An amber rain warning is in place for Yorkshire, the North West, East Midlands and the east of England.A yellow rain warning was issued for the rest of the country.Read on ………………..UK coronavirus death toll rises with highest daily record of 1,610The…

Protect your property as an Amber alert has been issued by the Met Office, as Storm Christoph approaches, expected to batter England, later this afternoon. Up to 70mm (2.75in) of rain is forecast to fall within 48 hours in the worst-hit areas from Tuesday. An amber rain warning has been issued for parts of northern and central England as Storm Christoph approaches. The Met Office told people in Yorkshire and the Humber, the North West, East Midlands and the East of England to expect heavy rain and potential floods. The warning also stated that 50mm of rain could fall in…

Daily News Briefing Brief. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wxr0Z-dwOXE The top stories Johnson ‘glad’ to see Trump go, says ex-Civil Service head Lord SedwillBBC says Boris Johnson will be glad Donald Trump has not been re-elected as US president, ex-Civil Service head Lord Sedwill has suggested.Writing in the Daily Mail, Lord Sedwill said those who believed Boris Johnson would have preferred Mr Trump to win again were “mistaken.”He said he “would not have been to the benefit” of British or European security, trade or environment issues.Downing Street said Mr Johnson looked forward to working with Joe Biden.Read on………………..British lorry drivers now need negative Covid…

Following Inauguration day 2021, United States President-elect Joe Biden plans to issue a number of executive orders on his first day in the White House – rescinding the controversial ban on several predominantly Muslim countries will be one of them. Shortly after taking office in 2017, Trump issued an executive order banning travellers from seven Muslim-majority nations from entering the United States. The order was reworked several times amid legal battles a version of it was upheld by the US Supreme Court in 2018. Biden’s incoming White House chief of staff, Ron Klain, circulated a memo that said the new…

Doctor charged over stabbing of plastic surgeon in Nottinghamshire A British doctor has been charged with the attempted murder of a fellow plastic surgeon who was stabbed at his home.  The “highly regarded” surgeon Graeme Perks, 65, was seriously injured during a break-in at his home in Halam, Nottinghamshire on Thursday at about 4.15 am.  Nottinghamshire police said he was fighting for his life at the Queen’s Medical Centre in Nottingham, where he remains in a serious but stable condition.  Fellow doctor, Jonathan Peter Brookes, of Southwell, has been charged with the attempted murder, three counts of attempted arson with…

Drugs worth 1 billion dirhams have been seized in Abu Dhabi, local police revealed on Friday. The police arrested a gang of drug dealers and said they confiscated over one ton (1041 kilogrammes) of drugs from a gang of eight drug dealers. Police officials added that the involved gang was trying to transport the drugs to the UAE in a unique fashion by “dissolving crystalised drugs into water.” Abu Dhabi police said that the money earned through drug smuggling was laundered, adding that the gang received instructions from abroad. As soon as the police received a tip-off, security plans were…

It was a game that failed to justify the pre-match anticipation and Solskjaer will know his side had the better chances to claim a statement victory at Anfield. But we’re used to that Liverpool vs Man United is a fixture that rarely lives up to the hype. Both teams are always more worried about losing than trying to go for a win, Such was the tension, Pogba didn’t even manage any flicks or tricks. But this latest instalment had problems written all over it. United wanted to hit Liverpool on the counter especially, with a makeshift partnership in defence. Liverpool…

Monday’s News Briefing Video: Trump to pardon 100 people – UK travel industry struggle – death toll climbs in Indonesia quake https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JboTt_vrWNw Scrap benefits cut to stop millions falling into poverty, Boris Johnson told France launches public consultation on legalising cannabis Patients die at home as Lebanese oxygen supplies run low Indonesia quake death toll climbs as weary medics soldier on Jordan among first to vaccinate UN-Registered refugees it hosts South Africa struggles against ‘relentless’ COVID-19 surge Trump to issue around 100 pardons and commutations Tuesday, sources say Covid-19: Some airports could close temporarily as they reach ‘near-complete shutdown’,…

Daily News Briefing Brief. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JboTt_vrWNw The top stories Scrap benefits cut to stop millions falling into poverty, Boris Johnson told The Guardian says Boris Johnson cannot claim to be “levelling up” the UK if he persists with a planned cut in universal credit for 6 million families, a thinktank has said, as pressure mounts on the PM over the issue from within his own party. The Resolution Foundation joined opposition parties, anti-poverty campaigners and many Conservative MPs in urging the government to extend the £20-a-week uplift introduced during the first wave of the pandemic. Read on ……………….. France launches public…

Twenty-four-hour vaccination sites will be piloted in London Lockdown before the end of January, the vaccines minister Nadhim Zahawi has said. While the current 8 am to 8 pm vaccination times work better for the over-80s, some areas of the UK have managed to give out first jabs to the majority of this age group. London has had a surge of cases of the Christmas period and many health officials have warned, London hospitals are running out of capacity. Nadhim Zahawi, the minister responsible for the vaccine rollout, said his “very strong instinct” would be for workers at greater risk…

Hong Kong COVID-19 breakout reported 107 new coronavirus cases on Monday, the highest toll in nearly a month as authorities tested thousands of residents after an outbreak in an old residential building located in a busy commercial and residential area last week. The Chinese special administrative region last recorded a triple-digit figure on Dec. 19 with 109 cases. At its peak in July 2020 the city logged 149 new infections. COVID-19 restrictions which have banned gatherings of more than two people and closed sports facilities, beauty salons and all restaurants for dining after 18:00 local time. Dozens of infections were…

The youngest ever champion Yan beats Higgins in Masters Final. The 20-year-old Yan Bingtao comes from behind to beat John Higgins to become the youngest Masters champion in 26 years. Yan Bingtao’s superb fightback stunned John Higgins as he becomes the youngest Masters champion in 26 years. The youngster pinched two frames on the black, in between a 103 break to go 8-7 ahead. Higgins halted the slide with 63 but Yan’s 70 and 64 gave him a famous victory. China’s Yan was making his Masters debut and at the age of 20 is a year older than Ronnie O’Sullivan…

Sunday Papers: Over-18’s vaccinated by June – ‘Quarantine hotels’ In today’s briefing update, we look at Sunday’s top stories. Most papers focus on vaccine rollout.  The recurring message in Sunday’s papers is on the Covid vaccination plans. The other stories include:  The Sun on Sunday says Brits are fed up to the back teeth with Covidiots breaking the rules.”  More than half of the people questioned in a YouGov poll for the paper felt the police were not being tough enough on those flouting lockdown measures. Its opinion column states that “with the NHS at breaking point, the public is…

Massive earthquake in Indonesia kills at least 34, leaves hundreds injured  A 6.2 magnitude earthquake has hit Indonesia’s Sulawesi island early Friday killing at least 34 people and leaving hundreds more injured, the country’s disaster mitigation agency said.  The epicentre of the quake was 3.7 miles northeast of Majene city at a depth of 6.2 miles according to Indonesia’s Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency. In Majene, at least 8 people have died, 637 people have been injured and 15,000 residents have been displaced, according to the country’s National Board for Disaster Management (BNPB).  In the Mamugu area, an additional 26…

Friday’s News Briefing VIDEO: Biden’s $1.9tn Covid package – US Capitol ups security – Kate Winslet on being labelled ‘curvy’ – Mass vaccination roll out – Calls for furlough scheme to be extended https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kl9d2__Nr4g Covid: UK’s ban on South America travellers comes into force Major UK business body calls for furlough scheme extension to July German virus cases top 2 million as Merkel urges tougher shutdown At least 26 dead after 6.2-magnitude quake strikes Indonesia, flattens hospital & governor’s office Turkey launches mass coronavirus vaccination ‘The world’s most powerful weapon’: N Korea parades new missile Biden proposes $1.9 trillion…

Daily News Briefing Brief. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kl9d2__Nr4g The top stories Covid: UK’s ban on South America travellers comes into forceBBC News says travellers from South America are now banned from entering the UK over fears of a new coronavirus variant first identified in Brazil.The new travel ban – which also applies to Portugal and Cape Verde – came into force on Friday.Like the variants that were first spotted in the UK and South Africa, it is thought the Brazil variant could be more contagious.It comes as a further 1,248 people with coronavirus have died in the UK. Latest government figures on Thursday…

Breaking News: Boris Johnson has not read Brexit trade agreement, Downing Street signals Downing Street has signalled that Boris Johnson has not read the full text of his EU trade deal, telling reporters only that the prime minister was “fully aware” of its contents. https://twitter.com/AdamBienkov/status/1349712968800473088 It comes just after the PM said he maintains confidence in the fisheries minister after she admitted not reading the post-Brexit trade deal with Brussels when it was agreed because she was busy organising a Nativity trail. This is a breaking story and will be updated …………………… FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA AND SHARE WTX…

Thursday’s News Briefing VIDEO: Aust concerns over Covid-19 vaccine – Man City back in title race – Gwyneth Paltrow uncomfortable with her fame https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wGMFnpEemr4 Covid-19: High Street chemists start vaccinations in England City workers urged to complain if forced into the office Italy’s government plunged into crisis as former PM Renzi pulls support Australian scientists urge pause on deployment of AstraZeneca vaccine over efficacy concerns, suggest Pfizer or Moderna instead COVID-19 deaths soar in Iran as regime pursue nuclear arms India holds massive ‘Kumbh Mela’ festival amid COVID worries Now that Trump is impeached again, what’s next? Sri Lanka…

Daily News Briefing Brief. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wGMFnpEemr4 The top stories Covid-19: High Street chemists start vaccinations in EnglandBBC News says some High Street pharmacies in England will start vaccinating people from priority groups on Thursday, with 200 providing jabs in the next two weeks.Six chemists in Halifax, Macclesfield, Widnes, Guildford, Edgware and Telford are the first to offer appointments to those invited by letter.But pharmacists say many more sites should be allowed to give the jab, not just the largest ones. More than 2.6 million people in the UK have now received their first dose.Read on…………………City workers urged to complain if forced…

In Review What is QAnon? Inside Trump’s cult Since it’s come to light that QAnon supporters were amongst the crowd that stormed the US Capitol building last Wednesday, including several prominent activists we’re looking into the movement. During the storming of the Capitol, supporters of the QAnon movement flew Q-themed banners inside and out. It’s no surprise, considering President Trump has described its activists as “people who love our country.” featured story Take a deeper look into four different headlines about QAnon and their role in society. qanon offical The Men Behind the Conspiracy ABC reports experts say QAnon is…

LIVE UPDATES: Trump Impeachment https://twitter.com/yvonneridley/status/1349433495425327107………………………….. https://twitter.com/CBSNews/status/1349432715888762881………………………….. Trump calls for ‘no violence’ in new statementThe White House press office has just put out this statement from Trump, who would normally be live-tweeting on a day like this.”In light of reports of more demonstrations, I urge that there must be NO violence, NO lawbreaking and NO vandalism of any kind.”That is not what I stand for, and it is not what America stands for. I call on ALL Americans to help ease tensions and calm tempers. Thank You.”………………………….. Sixth House Republican says he will support the impeachment of TrumpWashington state Republican Dan Newhouse just rose on the…

Wednesday’s News Briefing VIDEO: Hollywood suffers 80% drop – LEAKED Birmingham Intensive care ‘overwhelmed’ – Trump blames ANTIFA  – Indonesia vaccine rollout questioned https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tDn5dI6HP_w Birmingham‌ ‌hospitals‌ ‌move‌ ‌200‌ ‌doctors‌ ‌to‌ ‌intensive‌ ‌care‌ ‌duties‌ ‌ Hospital patients to be sent to hotels to free up beds for critical Covid cases Israeli raids in eastern Syria kill 5 soldiers, 11 allied fighters: Observatory Egypt court acquits TikTok stars jailed over ‘debauchery’ Young people first: Indonesia’s COVID vaccine strategy questioned Handful of Republican lawmakers say they will vote to impeach Trump Trump shifts blame on ‘Antifa’ for US Capitol rampage Croydon bankruptcy offers…

Daily News Briefing Brief. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tDn5dI6HP_w The top stories Birmingham hospitals move 200 doctors to intensive care dutiesBBC News says two hundred doctors will be sent to one of England’s largest intensive care units amid fears it could be “overwhelmed”. A leaked memo warned hospitals in Birmingham were “in a position of extremes” as Covid-19 cases rise.Elective surgeries at the city’s main Queen Elizabeth Hospital will stop as staff move to critical care duties. A spokesperson said the approach ensured “the greatest good for the greatest numbers of people”.Read on………………..Hospital patients to be sent to hotels to free up beds for…

‘I could do more with £30’: Growing anger over free-school meal replacement parcels An angry parent shared a photo via Twitter of what she says is an inadequate food hamper to replace free school meals for her children.  The image has been doing the rounds on social media, being shared more than 18,000 times and even seen by footballer/ national hero Marcus Rashford. The Manchester United star has campaigned heavily to ensure families were supplied with food during lockdown, Rashford said the hamper was “unacceptable.”  It shows a loaf of bread, a bag of pasta, one can of baked beans,…