Author: WTX News Editor

Cliff Notes – Syria’s fragile ceasefire holds The situation in Sweida remains critical, with around 30,000 people trapped amid worsening humanitarian conditions and no approved safe corridors for evacuation. Tensions persist between Druze factions and tribal fighters, despite a ceasefire agreement, as distrust towards the new Syrian government hampers aid efforts and escalates violence. Homes still burning after mass pillaging and 30,000 trapped in besieged city – as Syria’s fragile ceasefire holds Syria is a…

Cliff Notes Epping protests are just the latest flashpoint of frustration | UK News This was the fourth protest in just nine days here – a small crowd of 300 people gathered outside The Bell Hotel in Epping, which is believed to house asylum seekers. There was no obvious signs of far-right or left that had travelled to the Essex town looking for trouble, but they were there under cover, with locals. This is a…

Cliff Notes – Underwater teams join search for missing woman Rachel Booth, 38, was last seen at a petrol station in Sandiway around 3.50am on Saturday and is missing from the Barnton area in Cheshire. Police, alongside underwater search teams and Cheshire Search and Rescue, are conducting searches in the Oakmere area of Delamere as part of their ongoing investigation. Authorities urge anyone with information on her whereabouts to contact police, expressing growing concerns for…

Cliff Notes Parts of the UK are under yellow weather warnings, with Northern Ireland expected to receive 50-75mm of rain in the next 24 hours, significantly surpassing average July rainfall. Thunderstorm warnings are forecasted to affect several regions tomorrow, with additional flooding risks and potential power cuts anticipated. While current weather remains unsettled, signs suggest a return to drier conditions and milder temperatures could emerge as August approaches. Parts of UK could see half a…

Cliff Notes Hilco Capital is considering a takeover of Claire’s UK operations, which currently has around 280 stores, amidst ongoing financial struggles. Other potential bidders include Alteri Investors and Modella Capital, indicating heightened interest in the troubled jewellery chain. Claire’s is exploring various options, including potential bankruptcy for its US operations, which may result in significant store closures in the UK and job losses. Lakeland-owner Hilco eyes swoop for stricken jeweller Claire’s The prolific high…

Cliff Notes – What is chronic venous insufficiency? US President Donald Trump has been diagnosed with chronic venous insufficiency (CVI), a common condition in older adults that causes blood to pool in the veins, leading to mild swelling in the legs. White House press secretary confirmed that Trump’s hand bruising was minor and attributed to handshaking and aspirin use, stating that he remains in excellent health with no signs of serious underlying issues. The condition…

Cliff Notes Who are the Druze and who are they fighting in Syria? | World News In Sweida in Syria, a week after of fierce fighting in the region, WTX News looks at what sparked this conflict and why Israel is supporting the militia to attack the government and supporting them with air strikes. Government security forces have been redeployed to enforce the first day of a US-brokered ceasefire. Tensions remain high with fears of further…

Cliff Notes – Time for a reset from the estranged Royals Prince Harry’s recent visit to Angola, reminiscent of Princess Diana’s, highlights his ongoing commitment to charity work, particularly with the Halo Trust. A meeting described as “peace talks” between Harry’s PR team and the King’s communications secretary suggests potential for reconciling family tensions, despite ongoing speculation around the royal family’s dynamics. Harry’s public engagements appear to be increasing, signalling a strategic shift by his…

Cliff Notes A tour boat in Ha Long Bay capsized during a thunderstorm, resulting in at least 38 fatalities and five missing individuals from a total of 48 passengers and crew. Survivor Dang Anh Tuan escaped by swimming through a window underwater and later clung to the capsized boat for two hours before being rescued. Passengers had requested to return to shore as the storm intensified, but the crew chose to continue the trip, leading…

Cliff Notes – torrential rain causes landslides and flooding in South Korea Torrential rain over five days in South Korea has resulted in at least 14 fatalities and 12 missing persons, primarily due to landslides and flooding in areas like Gapyeong and Sancheong. Southern regions experienced unprecedented rainfall, with totals reaching 600-800mm, leading to significant property damage, including house collapses and flash floods. Approximately 3,840 residents have been evacuated from their homes; although alerts have…

Cliff Notes Chester, diagnosed with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) at eight months, highlights the necessity for all newborns to undergo testing for the condition to enable timely treatment. Despite the availability of effective treatments, SMA is not included in the UK newborn screening programme, unlike practices in the US and much of Europe. A significant majority of surveyed parents support immediate implementation of SMA screening, citing its importance for early intervention and potential improvement in…

Cliff Notes West Midlands Police conducted an operation on Birmingham’s New Street, targeting illegally modified e-bikes, often used by fast food delivery riders. Officers confiscated four bikes within an hour, all exceeding the UK speed limit of 15.5mph, highlighting safety concerns from the public. Concurrently, immigration officials detained an individual entering the UK unlawfully, as part of a nationwide enforcement operation resulting in over 7,000 arrests in the past year. How e-bike riders are doing…

Cliff Notes Ukraine has proposed renewed ceasefire talks with Russia for next week, following recent negotiations in Istanbul. Despite agreements on prisoner swaps, no significant progress has been made to end the ongoing conflict. President Zelenskyy emphasised the urgency for intensified negotiations and called for a leaders’ meeting to secure a lasting peace. Ukraine proposes renewed peace talks – as Zelenskyy urges Russia to ‘stop avoiding decisions’ . Volodmyr Zelenskyy says Ukraine has proposed renewed…

Cliff Notes The Environment Secretary has announced a target to halve sewage pollution from water companies by 2030, a first for the government. The commitment aims to address record levels of sewage spills and rising water bills, with an additional focus on cutting phosphorus levels by 2028. This announcement precedes the Independent Water Commission’s significant review into the sector, set for publication on Monday. Environment Secretary pledges to cut sewage pollution from water companies in…

Cliff Notes Britain’s sewerage system is vulnerable, with 75 outlets discharging sewage into rivers despite only brief, less intense downpours. The system’s deterioration has resulted from years of underinvestment and is exacerbated by warm water temperatures and low river levels. Upcoming recommendations for tighter regulation may not prevent long-term environmental damage, requiring billions and years to restore river health. Why aquatic life is facing a double whammy as sewage overflows spill into rivers amid heavy…

Cliff Notes More than 30 casualties reported in Gaza after Israeli forces allegedly opened fire on crowds seeking aid, according to local sources. Overwhelmed hospitals are facing a chaotic situation, with eyewitness accounts describing numerous fatalities and a lack of responders to collect the deceased. The Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) stated that warning shots were fired from a distance of 1km from the distribution site due to perceived threats to their troops. Middle East latest:…

Cliff Notes England’s captain Leah Williamson is “very optimistic” about returning for the Euros semi-final against Italy after rolling her ankle during the match against Sweden. Teammate Esme Morgan highlighted the team’s pride in reaching the semi-finals for six consecutive tournaments, praising the spirit shown in crucial matches. Goalkeeper Hannah Hampton received commendation for her performance, particularly her decisive penalty save that helped secure the team’s progression in the tournament. Lionesses ‘very optimistic’ Leah Williamson…

Cliff Notes At least 27 individuals have died after the Wonder Sea boat capsized in Ha Long Bay, Vietnam, due to strong winds, with 11 survivors reported. The incident occurred amid Storm Wipha’s impact, which has brought severe weather conditions to the region, affecting local air travel. Most passengers were tourists from Hanoi, including approximately 20 children; authorities are still verifying the nationalities of the victims. Ha Long Bay: At least 27 dead after tourist…

Cliff Notes: Extreme force being used on British streets Police arrest Palestine Action protesters in Parliament Square | UK News Police have made arrests in Parliament Square as protesters gather to show support for Palestine Action. Demonstrations are being held in Manchester, Edinburgh, Bristol, Truro and London after the group was designated as a proscribed terrorist organisation two weeks ago. When parliament barely rushed through a bill late at night. Silencing free speech Dozens of peaceful protesters gathered in…

Cliff Notes A vehicle reportedly drove into a crowd in Los Angeles, resulting in multiple injuries. The Los Angeles Fire Department confirmed at least 20 injuries, with four to five individuals in critical condition. Ongoing updates are expected as the situation develops and further details emerge. Several critically injured after vehicle ‘driven into crowd’ in Los Angeles | US News Up to five people are in a critical condition after a vehicle is reported to…

Cliff Notes – Politics in Football Richard Monks, a partner at EY and former FCA executive, is the top candidate for chief executive of the Independent Football Regulator (IFR), awaiting Royal Assent for the Football Governance Bill. His potential appointment raises concerns among football executives due to his lack of industry experience; however, his regulatory background may complement the chair’s media rights expertise. The IFR’s establishment follows previous government pledges and is critical for enforcing…

Cliff Notes: – | Latest Weather News An amber alert for thunderstorms is in effect for London and southeast England, with heavy rain expected to cause flooding and travel disruptions from 4am until 11am today. The Met Office warns that between 20 and 30mm of rain could fall within an hour in the amber zone, leading to potential power cuts and transportation delays. Further yellow warnings have been issued for the rest of England and…

Cliff Notes Three detectives, Joshua Kelley-Eklund, Victor Lemus, and William Osborn, were killed in an explosion at the Biscailuz Center Academy Training facility in Los Angeles County. The incident, described as a tragic loss, is the deadliest for the sheriff’s department since 1857, prompting investigations into potential links to explosive devices discovered the day before in Santa Monica. FBI and ATF agents are supporting the investigation, while California’s Governor has offered state assistance and expressed…

Cliff Notes The Syrian presidency is establishing a taskforce to address ongoing sectarian clashes in Sweida, urging restraint and efforts to restore security. A ceasefire has been confirmed involving Syrian President Ahmed al Sharaa, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, with regional support from Turkey and Jordan. The violence has resulted in significant casualties, with local doctors reporting over 600 deaths, marking the most severe sectarian unrest since the…

Cliff Notes Donald Trump has initiated a defamation lawsuit against Rupert Murdoch, the Wall Street Journal, and its reporters, seeking damages of at least £7.5bn, claiming malicious intent and significant harm to his reputation. The lawsuit follows the publication of a purportedly fake letter to Jeffrey Epstein, which Trump has vehemently denied writing, labelling it as a fabrication intended to damage his image. In his social media reaction, Trump described the legal action as “historic”…