Author: WTX News Editor

The WTX News Teams works around the clock to deliver, breaking news and news Briefings to you on a daily basis. It is our opinion that sometimes you need information, not speculation so we try to cut through the bull**** and give you that in your Daily News Briefing.

Cliff Notes – Actress Jean Marsh dies Jean Marsh, renowned for her role as Rose in Upstairs, Downstairs, has passed away at the age of 90, with her friend stating she died peacefully in bed. Marsh co-created Upstairs, Downstairs with Dame Eileen Atkins and won an Emmy in 1976 for her performance, showcasing her talent as both an actress and writer. Born in 1934 in London, Marsh had a successful career in both British and…

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Cliff Notes Russia’s recent missile strikes in Sumy, targeting civilians and resulting in at least 34 fatalities, have drawn severe condemnation from US officials, including Keith Kellogg, President Trump’s special envoy for Ukraine. Vladimir Putin appears undeterred by international criticism, risking alienation from the US as he continues aggressive military actions which may undermine efforts for peace talks. The ongoing violence highlights Ukraine’s urgent need for air defence systems, as President Zelenskyy underscores the importance…

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Cliff Notes The Prison Officers Association reported that three officers were attacked by Hashem Abedi at Frankland prison, resulting in serious injuries, including one officer with a punctured lung. POA chairman Mark Fairhurst has called for urgent changes in prison safety, including the issuance of stab-proof vests to protect staff from violent offenders. A Ministry of Justice statement confirmed an investigation into the attack and assured that measures would be taken to enhance staff safety,…

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Cliff Notes A body was discovered in the River Thames, potentially linked to 11-year-old Kaliyah Coa, who went missing after falling into the water in March. The Metropolitan Police have informed Kaliyah’s family about the recovery and are providing them with support through specialist officers. Kaliyah was reportedly playing during a school inset day when she entered the river near Barge House Causeway, which residents noted was slippery and moss-covered. Body found after girl, 11,…

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Cliff Notes Pope Francis made a public appearance in St Peter’s Square for Palm Sunday, continuing his recovery from double pneumonia after being released from hospital on 23 March. The 88-year-old pontiff, who greeted a crowd of 20,000, was not requiring supplemental oxygen, suggesting significant improvement in his health. During his address, he offered prayers for global conflicts, including those in Sudan, Lebanon, Ukraine, and others, reflecting on his own experience of physical weakness. Pope…

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Cliff Notes A man in his 50s was found dead in the ruins of a house following an explosion in Worksop, Nottinghamshire, leading to a declared major incident. Emergency services evacuated nearby homes as the explosion damaged several properties, and local police confirmed that investigations are ongoing. Chief Inspector Collings noted the incident’s serious nature and highlighted community support for the victim’s family while warning against the use of drones in the area. Man found…

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Cliff Notes An Israeli air strike targeted the al-Ahli Arab Baptist Hospital in Gaza City, reportedly citing the facility as a Hamas command centre, with one patient dying during the evacuation. The Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) claimed measures were taken to minimise civilian casualties, while Hamas denies using hospitals for military purposes and accuses Israel of deliberate attacks on medical infrastructure. The conflict escalates as Israel restarts its air and ground offensive, following a ceasefire,…

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Cliff Notes Liberal Democrat MP Wera Hobhouse was denied entry to Hong Kong upon arrival, despite travelling to see her three-month-old grandson. The incident is part of a pattern where members of the Inter-Parliamentary Alliance on China, of which Hobhouse is a member, have faced entry bans in China. Foreign Secretary David Lammy has expressed concern over the refusal of entry for an MP on personal grounds and plans to demand clarification from Hong Kong…

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Cliff Notes A study by the Behavioural Insights Team shows that low-level drinking increases health risks, with cardiovascular disease rates rising from 1% to 5% and cancer rates from 1% to 4% compared to non-drinkers. Participants consuming alcohol within NHS guidelines reported poorer sleep quality, daily functioning, and dental health than non-drinkers, highlighting the need to reevaluate drinking habits. Alcohol Change UK advocates for health risk labelling and marketing restrictions on alcoholic beverages to better…

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Cliff Notes A leading mental health charity warns that the asylum system in the UK exacerbates the mental health crises among asylum seekers, increasing the risk of suicide. The charity’s chief executive, Mark Rowland, highlights the traumatic impact of the asylum process, as individuals report severe mental health issues and feelings of hopelessness while awaiting decisions. The organisation urges the government to officially record suicide rates among asylum seekers, citing a lack of data as…

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Cliff Notes The upcoming Blue Origin NS-31 mission on Monday will mark the first all-female space crew since Valentina Tereshkova’s historic flight in 1963, comprising a popstar, journalist, author, civil rights activist, former rocket scientist, and filmmaker. The flight, which lasts about 11 minutes and reaches 100km above Earth, offers four minutes of weightlessness; however, the crew will not be classified as astronauts by US regulatory agencies. Crew member Lauren Sanchez selected these women based…

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Cliff Notes – King and Queen’s Italy tour The King and Queen expressed high spirits during their recent engagements in Italy, countering concerns over the King’s health, as highlighted by Camilla’s remarks about his dedication to his work. Emphasising the importance of their visit, a palace insider clarified that the royal engagements are not merely tourist activities, but rather significant, addressing serious political and economic issues facing Europe. With plans for potential future meetings, including…

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Cliff Notes An emergency bill has been enacted to ensure the continued operation of British Steel’s Scunthorpe blast furnaces, with powers allowing the government to take control if necessary. The legislation was fast-tracked through Parliament in a rare Saturday session, granting the government authority to order materials and ensure worker payments, with potential penalties for breaches. Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds stated the measures are essential to protect the UK’s steelmaking capacity and the 3,500 associated…

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Cliff Notes The Trump administration has announced that smartphones, laptops, and semiconductor manufacturing machines will be exempt from reciprocal tariffs, aiming to control consumer prices. Analysts warn that tariffs on Chinese imports could lead to a significant price surge for iPhones, with estimates of increases up to 43% if costs are passed to consumers. The ongoing US-China trade dispute has seen escalating tariffs, with the US raising levies on Chinese goods to as high as…

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Cliff Notes NATO allies committed nearly £20bn in additional military aid for Ukraine, with significant pledges from the UK and Germany. Donald Trump urged Russia to expedite peace negotiations in Ukraine during discussions with his envoy and Vladimir Putin in St Petersburg. Putin announced that Russia’s naval strategic nuclear forces are now fully equipped with modern weapons, marking a key focus for national security. Ukraine war latest: US envoy meets Putin – as Trump tells…

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Cliff Notes The Maclean brothers, Ewan, Jamie, and Lachlan, are embarking on a 9,000-mile, four-month rowing journey from Lima, Peru, to Sydney, Australia, aiming to set a record time. Their expedition aims to raise £1 million for The Maclean Foundation, a charity focused on providing access to clean water, building on their previous Atlantic crossing success. Three brothers bid to row across Pacific Ocean in record time after conquering Atlantic | UK News . Three…

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Cliff Notes The appointment of the inaugural chair for the Independent Football Regulator (IFR) faces fresh uncertainty as Whitehall officials contact applicants not on the final shortlist, suggesting the preferred candidate may not be among the original three interviewed. Speculation arises that Sir Keir Starmer may seek to reduce the IFR’s powers amid broader cuts to economic watchdogs, despite government assurances that the regulator will function as planned. The establishment of the IFR, stemming from…

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Cliff Notes MPs are set to debate emergency legislation to potentially nationalise British Steel, as its owner Jingye cites unsustainable running costs and plans to close the Scunthorpe plant, which employs 3,500 staff. The Prime Minister stated the legislation would allow the government to ‘take control’ of the plant to preserve operations and maintain the supply of raw materials necessary for steel production. Opposition leaders, including Sir Keir Starmer, emphasised the economic implications of the…

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Cliff Notes The procurement of two new ferries for the Isle of Arran has been plagued by mismanagement, with costs ballooning from £100 million to £400 million, and the first vessel delivered seven years late. Ardrossan Harbour, the main port for the ferry service, cannot accommodate the new ships without an £80 million upgrade, causing significant economic distress to the local community as services are diverted to Troon. The Scottish government is exploring the potential…

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Cliff Notes Erin Brockovich’s journey to fame began with a conversation about a muddy stiletto with her chiropractor, leading to the creation of the film depicting her fight against water contamination in Hinkley, California. Brockovich credits her dyslexia, which she has dealt with since childhood, as a pivotal strength in her work, enabling her to notice patterns and details that others might overlook during her legal battle. As a climate activist, she acknowledges the ongoing…

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Cliff Notes A judge has ruled that the Menendez brothers’ resentencing hearing can proceed, despite opposition from the current Los Angeles district attorney. Lyle and Erik Menendez, convicted of murdering their parents in 1989, are seeking a potential 50-year sentence that would make them eligible for parole. Their defence claims the brothers acted in self-defence due to years of alleged sexual abuse, while prosecutors argue the murders were motivated by a desire for inheritance. Menendez…

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Cliff Notes Donald Trump has had his annual medical check-up but has historically kept information about his health private, with public disclosure dependent on his discretion. The examination at Walter Reed National Military Medical Centre presents an opportunity to assess his health status, especially following a recent assassination attempt. Despite promises to release his medical records, Trump has consistently shared limited details in the past, raising questions about transparency compared to other presidents. Donald Trump…

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