Latest News
- Trump appoints Stephen Miller as White House chief of staff, succeeding Susie Wiles
- Thomas Markle placed under home detention following child abuse material charges
- Health Canada approves Moderna’s combined flu and COVID-19 vaccine for adults over 50
- Trump announces decision on new U.S. strikes amid Iran’s tanker incidents
- Neighbours of Bath mansion built without permission express anger at council decision
- Kenyan cult leader Paul Mackenzie sentenced to 200 years for 190 child murders
- Smallholder farmers in Tanzania face difficulties accessing digital agriculture services
- Online gambling among young men in Montreal more than doubles, study finds
LIVE German 2025 Election Results as they come in and analysi on who will be the next German Chancellor.
Knowledge Hub
Global Reaction to DE Elections
Trump appoints Stephen Miller as White House chief of staff, succeeding Susie Wiles
11:00 pm
Get you up to speed: Trump installs Stephen Miller as White House chief of staff, replacing Susie Wiles
President Trump appointed longtime aide Stephen Miller as his new White House chief of staff, replacing Susie Wiles, following the Republicans’ losses in the midterm elections. Wiles submitted her resignation on Thursday, and Miller will officially assume his role on Monday.
Stephen Miller will officially assume the role of White House Chief of Staff on Monday, following the resignation of Susie Wiles, who had initially planned to remain in her position through the lame-duck session of Congress. As a key figure in the White House, Miller is expected to face increased scrutiny and opposition from Democrats, particularly regarding his role in immigration policies and the broader implications of Trump’s decision amidst the aftermath of the midterm elections.
Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer condemned President Trump’s appointment of Stephen Miller, stating, “Donald Trump learned nothing from his historic defeat,” while House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries labelled Miller a “dangerous xenophobe.” As Democrats prepare to take control of Congress in January, Rep. Robert Garcia indicated that oversight investigations into Miller’s conduct would intensify.
What remains unclear — It is uncertain whether Wiles’ deputies will remain at the White House following her resignation.
Trump appoints Stephen Miller as White House chief of staff, succeeding Susie Wiles
Washington — President Trump moved Friday to install longtime aide Stephen Miller as his White House chief of staff, replacing Susie Wiles in the most significant shakeup of his team since Republicans’ losses in the midterm elections.
“I wanted to make a change,” the president told reporters shortly after announcing his decision on Truth Social. “I think Susie’s done a very good job, great job, but I just wanted to make a — Stephen’s been great. And we’ve got to make moves. Sometimes, sometimes in life, you have to make moves.”
In his Truth Social post, the president called Miller “one of my most trusted advisors” and said he would begin his new role on Monday. “Susie Wiles, who has done an outstanding job, will be moving over to the Trump Political Operation,” he wrote. “I want to thank her for her service as Chief of Staff — She has done a great job!”
Wiles submitted her resignation to the president on Thursday night, a U.S. official and a senior White House adviser told WTX US News. Her resignation was tied to Republicans’ midterm defeats, according to three sources familiar with the matter. It was unclear if her deputies would remain at the White House.
Wiles had planned to stay on as chief through Congress’ lame-duck session and exit after that, likely at the end of this year or early next year, according to sources familiar with her thinking. The president accelerated her departure.
Miller has been one of Mr. Trump’s closest and most loyal aides for years. He has a broad portfolio in the White House, including as the architect of the president’s immigration enforcement and deportation program. The president told reporters Miller is “very good politically” and is a “great manager.”
Wiles ran Mr. Trump’s 2024 presidential campaign and has been his chief of staff since his first day back in the White House.
“Today is my last day as White House Chief of Staff,” Wiles posted on X. “Serving President Trump in the White House has been the honor of a lifetime. I’m so proud to have been a part of what we’ve accomplished together from securing our border and cutting taxes to strengthening our economy and putting America First. More than anything, I’m grateful for the extraordinary people I’ve had the privilege of working alongside. While my role may be changing, my commitment to the president and the mission never will.”
Miller thanked “the incomparable Susie Wiles,” and said the “mission is more clear than ever: Fight with all of our soul to support our President and defend this magnificent Republic.”
Mr. Trump’s decision to install Miller as chief of staff represents a doubling down on his approach to governing, despite voters’ widespread rejection of his and congressional Republicans’ agenda on Tuesday.
Miller is loathed by Democrats on Capitol Hill who see him as the driving force behind some of the president’s most hardline policies. The president has said in recent days that he thinks he can work with the incoming Democratic leadership, but Miller’s promotion could lay the groundwork for a much more confrontational relationship.
Indeed, top Democrats quickly denounced the move and vowed to ramp up the pressure on Miller once they take control of Congress in January.
“Donald Trump learned nothing from his historic defeat,” Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer said on X. “Stephen Miller is the architect of the most barbaric, inhumane policies of this administration. Trump couldn’t have made a worse choice. Our Democratic majorities will fight him every step of the way.”
House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries, likely the next speaker, called Miller “a dangerous xenophobe and reckless extremist who has American blood on his hands.” He said “his presence in government should be eradicated like a malignant tumor.”
Rep. Robert Garcia, who is in line to become chairman of the House Oversight Committee, said Miller “should lawyer up.”
“Oversight Democrats will continue to investigate Miller for his misconduct, and we will fight against his hateful policies in Congress and the courts,” Garcia said in a statement.
Thomas Markle placed under home detention following child abuse material charges
10:00 pm
Get you up to speed: Meghan’s dad Thomas Markle subject to home detention after child abuse material charge | News World
Thomas Markle, 82, has been arrested in his care home in Florida on charges of possession of child sexual abuse images linked to locations in the Philippines and Los Angeles. Following a court appearance, he was placed under home detention and electronic monitoring after being released on personal recognisance.
The FBI seized approximately 78 items related to the investigation during a raid on storage units rented by Thomas Markle in Los Angeles. Police in the Philippines are reportedly close to bringing formal charges against Markle after discovering similar images last month.
The FBI has stated that it will prosecute Thomas Markle “to the fullest extent of federal law,” following his arrest for possession of child sexual abuse images. Meanwhile, police in the Philippines are reportedly close to bringing formal charges against Markle after similar materials were discovered at his residence in Cebu City.
What remains unclear — The specific details surrounding the potential formal charges by police in the Philippines against Thomas Markle are yet to be disclosed.
Thomas Markle placed under home detention following child abuse material charges
The FBI arrested Thomas Markle, 82, after child sexual abuse images were found in locations connected to Markle in the Philippines and in Mexico (Picture: ITV)
Meghan Markle’s dad, Thomas Markle, has appeared in court charged with possession of child sexual abuse images after being arrested in his Florida care home.
The FBI charged the 82-year-old after illegal images were found in locations connected to Markle in the Philippines and Los Angeles.
Following a bail hearing, Markle has been subject to home detention and electronic monitoring.
A US judge released him on personal recognisance, a joint statement from the Justice Department and US Attorney’s Office Central California confirmed.
Personal recognisance is a pre-trial release where a defendant does not pay cash bail upfront. Instead, they sign a written legal promise to attend future court appearances and abide by bail conditions.
The statement also confirmed Markle is not permitted to travel outside the Middle District of Florida and the Central District of California.
Sign up for all of the latest stories
Image shows the first page of the criminal complaint filed through the United States District Court for the Central District of California against Markle (Picture: Reuters)
Markle did not enter a plea today, and his arraignment date in the Central District of California is yet to be confirmed.
It is likely to be in several weeks.
His arrest came after the FBI raided storage boxes in Los Angeles units Markle rented for almost 20 years.
Agents seized approximately 78 items, including slides, film negatives, and books containing suspected child sexual abuse images.
At least three of the images found by authorities allegedly show nude pre-pubescent girls, and two included Markle in the Philippines.
Two witnesses have also contributed to the case against him.
Bill Essayli, the first assistant US attorney, said: ‘Mr Markle is accused of possessing child sexual abuse material, including photographs depicting himself with minor girls.
Meghan Markle has been estranged from her father for several years (Picture: Duke and Duchess of Sussex/Netflix)
‘These allegations are extremely serious, and we will prosecute Mr Markle to the fullest extent of federal law.’
Police in the Philippines are also ‘very close’ to bringing formal charges against Markle after sexual abuse images were found in his home in Cebu City there last month. His son, Thomas Markle Jnr, told authorities he had found the images, having cared for his ailing father.
Mexican police have searched a property linked to Markle after a second tranche was reportedly discovered last week.
Before his arrest, Markle, who was moved to a care home for dementia patients, denied the accusations against him, labelling them ‘sick lies’.
He appeared in court for 30 minutes today in Tampa, Florida, wearing a black T-shirt while sitting in a wheelchair.
The judge listed the charges, with Markle saying he understood them.
‘According to an affidavit filed with the complaint in October 2026, law enforcement learned that an individual signed an affidavit regarding their discovery of suspected CSAM [child sexual abuse material] among Markle’s possessions in the Philippines,’ The Department of Justice said.
Markle has been released and will be subject to home detention (Picture: Reuters)
‘Law enforcement also interviewed another individual who disclosed that Markle rented a storage unit in the Los Angeles area. Information from the first individual later led agents to a second unit.’
The FBI was said to be preparing to search two more storage units in Los Angeles allegedly belonging to Markle, having been alerted to them by his son.
Kash Patel, the FBI director, said Markle ‘allegedly targeted innocent children and sought to steal their innocence through his criminal actions’.
Meghan distanced herself from her father in the lead-up to her 2018 wedding after he was caught selling family pictures to the paparazzi.
In January 2019, the Duchess of Sussex was handed a letter by a Metropolitan Police royal protection officer, and it contained child sex abuse claims against her dad.
Written by his first wife, late Roslyn Loveless, it is said to have prompted Meghan to want to go public with the claims, but she was allegedly advised against doing so by the officer.
The same officer failed to alert senior command to the letter, leaving senior royal aides and even the then Met Commissioner in the dark, it is understood.
Met Police has referred itself to the police watchdog over the matter.
In her final letter to him, the former Suits actress told her father she ‘knows he is an abuser’ and that he will never meet Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, it is claimed.
Add WTX as a Preferred Source on Google
Health Canada approves Moderna’s combined flu and COVID-19 vaccine for adults over 50
7:00 pm
What’s the Latest: Health Canada approves Moderna’s combined COVID, flu shot for some
Health Canada approved Moderna’s combined influenza and COVID-19 vaccine, as well as its mRNA flu vaccine, for use among adults aged 50 and older. This makes Canada the first country to approve both vaccines, which were confirmed for use following recent authorisations in the United States and Europe.
Health Canada will engage with Canadian health authorities and immunisation partners to determine the future availability of mFLUSIVA and mCOFLU for adults aged 50 and over. Canada is the first country to approve both the mRNA flu vaccine and the combined influenza and COVID-19 vaccine.
Health Canada has approved Moderna’s combined influenza and COVID-19 vaccine, mCOFLU, and its standalone flu shot, mFLUSIVA, for adults aged 50 and over. Moderna will collaborate with Canadian health authorities to determine the future availability of these vaccines in the market.
What remains unclear — It is uncertain when the combined influenza and COVID-19 vaccines will be available to Canadians aged 50 and older.
Health Canada approves Moderna’s combined flu and COVID-19 vaccine for adults over 50
Health Canada has approved two vaccines from Moderna: the combined influenza and COVID-19 vaccine, mCOFLU, and the mRNA flu vaccine, mFLUSIVA. These shots are authorised for use among adults aged 50 and older, expanding options for seasonal respiratory protection.
Moderna stated that the approval marks a significant milestone, with CEO Stéphane Bancel commenting, “Health Canada’s authorisations of mFLUSIVA and mCOFLU today mark another important step in bringing the benefits of mRNA technology to seasonal respiratory vaccination.” Canada is the first country to approve both vaccines, following their earlier approvals in the United States and Europe.
The timeline for when Canadians over 50 can receive these vaccines remains unspecified. Moderna indicated it would collaborate with Canadian health authorities to facilitate future availability. WTX News has sought additional information from the company concerning market rollout.
Experts highlight the advantages of mRNA vaccines over traditional flu vaccines, noting their capacity for rapid response. According to the Vanderbilt University Medical Center, “After injection, the cells in your arm muscles pick up the mRNA, make the protein, and display it on the cell’s surface,” enhancing immunity.
Furthermore, the National Advisory Committee on Immunization has recommended that everyone from six months of age should receive this year’s non-mRNA flu shot. A higher-dose flu vaccine is advised for adults over 65, who often need a stronger immune response due to natural age-related decline. The committee also advocates COVID-19 vaccination for individuals aged 65 and older and residents in care facilities.
Trump announces decision on new U.S. strikes amid Iran’s tanker incidents
5:00 pm
Get you up to speed: Iran War Updates: Trump touts imminent decision on new U.S. strikes, keeping up threats, but also diplomacy
Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps reported that two oil tankers struck mines and caught fire in or near the Strait of Hormuz, following claims of similar incidents involving five other tankers. The IRGC stated that the tankers had deactivated their navigation systems and attempted to use unauthorized routes before being immobilised by the mines.
No confirmation of the tanker incidents has been provided by maritime officials. The U.K. naval agency reported at least 30 attacks on commercial vessels in the region in October, marking a record high for that month.
Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps claimed that two oil tankers struck mines near the Strait of Hormuz, alleging their navigation systems had been deactivated and linking the incident to U.S. military support. Meanwhile, a U.K. naval agency has highlighted an alarming trend, reporting a record high of at least 30 attacks on commercial vessels in October alone, prompting ongoing U.S. military escort operations to enhance shipping safety in the region.
What remains unclear — The official number of incidents involving oil tankers in or near the Strait of Hormuz has not been confirmed by maritime officials.
Trump announces decision on new U.S. strikes amid Iran’s tanker incidents
Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps said in a statement carried by state media Friday that two oil tankers hit mines and caught fire in or near the Strait of Hormuz, a day after Tehran claimed five other tankers had met similar fates.
“Two violating oil tankers — one east of the Strait of Hormuz and the other within the Strait itself — that attempted to transit via an unauthorized route struck mines,” the IRGC said in a statement, according to state news outlets.
“These two tankers had deactivated all their navigation and identification systems. Supported by the aggressive and terrorist U.S. military, they attempted to exit the Strait of Hormuz via an unauthorized path; however, upon striking mines, they caught fire and were immobilized,” the statement said.
On Thursday, Iranian media reported that five oil tankers and a tugboat caught fire in the Strait of Hormuz in similar incidents.
There has been no confirmation of any of the incidents from maritime officials, and President Trump has accused Iran of making up such attacks to drive up global energy prices.
A U.K. naval agency said earlier this week, however, that despite repeated assurances from the U.S. that shipping lanes through the strait are open and safe, there were at least 30 attacks on commercial vessels in the region during October alone, a record high.
Since the war began with joint U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iran on Feb. 28, Tehran has sought to control traffic through the strait, a key passage through which, before the war, about a fifth of global crude oil supplies would typically pass. In response, the U.S. imposed a blockade on Iranian ports.
The U.S. military has escorted tankers through the strait, which, along with other routes has helped bring shipments from the Gulf back up to or at least near to pre-war levels, but ships continue coming under attack.
WTX/AFP
Neighbours of Bath mansion built without permission express anger at council decision
4:00 pm
Get you up to speed: Neighbours of ‘mega mansion’ built without permission furious at council approval | News UK
Neighbours in Bath, Somerset, are opposing the retention of a ‘mega mansion’ built by developer Thomas Worrall, who has been allowed to keep the property despite residents claiming it was constructed in blatant breach of planning permission. The house, which has been described as the largest new build in Bath in a century, was significantly altered from the original plans approved in 2021.
Developer Thomas Worrall submitted a retrospective application to validate the construction of the home, which was built significantly larger than the five-bedroom design initially approved in 2021. Bath and North East Somerset Council approved the application with a vote of 7-2, amid concerns that rejecting it could leave the property derelict or lead to an appeal.
Bath and North East Somerset Council has approved developer Thomas Worrall’s retrospective application for a seven-bedroom home, which residents claim is a ‘blatant’ breach of planning permission. Local councillors expressed reluctance but felt compelled to follow planning policy, with concerns raised about perceived inequities in the planning process for high-value projects.
What remains unclear — It is uncertain what specific enforcement actions, if any, will be taken against similar breaches of planning permission in the future.
Neighbours of Bath mansion built without permission express anger at council decision
Neighbours of a ‘mega mansion’ built without permission are fuming after losing a decade-long planning row.
Developer Thomas Worrall has been allowed to keep his massive home – believed to be the biggest new-build home in Bath in 100 years.
It is built in a beauty spot in what locals claim was a ‘blatant’ breach of planning permission.
The home on the edge of the historic city in Somerset was built significantly higher and with a larger footprint than what was initially approved, according to the residents, who submitted more than 100 letters of objection.
Initial plans were first submitted in 2013, with permission being granted in 2021 for a five-bedroom home, set into the hillside.
Sign up for all of the latest stories
But what has been built was a much larger seven-bedroom home, along with its own gym and cinema room, which were not part of the original approved plans.
They claim the building is also in a different orientation, about 130 square metres larger and up to two metres taller – now towering over the spire of the tin church next door.
Mr Worrall submitted a retrospective application to avoid enforcement action and validate the build – which councillors have now approved over fears it would end up as a derelict building or face an appeal.
But residents have accused Bath and North East Somerset Council of authorising a ‘two-tier’ system and said it highlights how multi-millionaires are able to abuse and find loopholes during the planning process.
Speaking at the meeting, neighbour Paul Raithby said: ‘The applicant, their surveyor, and your own case officer all acknowledge that what has been built is an intentional breach of planning control.
‘There is zero demonstrated local need for a seven-bedroom luxury mansion to justify overturning planning laws.’
Several councillors said they had ‘reluctantly’ agreed to the changes, which won a vote of 7-2.
Planners had recommended approval as it was ‘policy compliant’, despite being built without permission.
Cllr Tim Warren said: ‘I don’t like it, but I think we have no option but to go along with it.’
Cllr Saskia Heijltjes said: ‘Residents improving their homes must follow approved plans exactly. The owner of the tin church next door is doing everything by the planning book – however long it takes.
‘If this is approved as built, many will conclude that B&NES has a two-tier planning system: one set of rules for those who follow them, and one for those who build first and ask questions later.’
Mr Worall has previously said he had bought the plot with planning permission for the site but had to make some changes ‘on the ground’ due to the water table and ground conditions.
He said the amendments were necessary at the time of construction to allow for a safer build while the expanded basement was ‘added for structural purposes.’
Tavis Hamilton, 48, lives next door to the massive house and has spent ten years battling developers.
”It is enormous and dwarfs all the cottages. It just shows how unfair the process is. It seems if you put the wrong guttering on your house or use the incorrect glazing, the council jump on you for enforcement,’ he said.
‘But you can build this enormous structure without the right planning permission and no enforcement is carried out until it is too late.’
The applicant and house owner Thomas Worrall, of Yate near Bristol, said previously: ‘I only bought the site to build my own house with planning permission already on it. I just want an easy life. I want to get my house finished and move my family into it.
‘I am sorry to everyone for the inconvenience of it all. But I want to be a good neighbour. It will be a lovely building with green grass on the roof. I am just in the hands of planners. I want it to be right. There will be no more work on site until they are 100 per cent happy.’
Kenyan cult leader Paul Mackenzie sentenced to 200 years for 190 child murders
3:00 pm
Get you up to speed: Leader of doomsday cult jailed for 200 years for murdering 190 children | News World
Paul Mackenzie, leader of the Good News International Church, was sentenced to 200 years in prison for the murders of 190 children and one adult, following the discovery of 448 bodies in mass graves in Shakahola Forest, Kenya. The court determined that the victims were instructed to starve themselves to death as part of a cult directive.
Mackenzie had been under scrutiny since 2017, culminating in authorities shutting down his church in Malindi in 2019 prior to his relocation to Shakahola Forest. In response to the situation, President William Ruto appointed a task force in May 2023 to evaluate the legal and regulatory framework governing religious organisations, although proposed reforms have yet to be enacted into law.
The Kenyan government has faced calls for enhanced regulation of religious organisations following the sentencing of Paul Mackenzie to 200 years in prison for his role in the Shakahola cult deaths, where over 400 bodies were found. President William Ruto appointed a task force in May 2023 to review the legal framework governing religious groups, though proposed measures have not yet been enacted.
What remains unclear — It is uncertain when the proposed legal and regulatory frameworks for tighter oversight of religious groups will be passed into law.
Kenyan cult leader Paul Mackenzie sentenced to 200 years for 190 child murders
Paul Mackenzie ordered followers at the Good News International Church to starve themselves to death in Shakahola forest (Picture: Reuters)
The leader of a Kenyan doomsday cult linked to the deaths of more than 400 people has been given a 200-year sentence.
Paul Mackenzie, who led an apocalyptic Christian church in a forest near the Indian Ocean coast, told his followers to starve themselves to death, along with their children, to reach heaven before the end of the world.
He was convicted of the murders of 190 children and one adult alongside 28 of his followers.
They including guards who enforced his fasting directives and gravediggers who helped conceal the mass graves.
The case stems from the April 2023 discovery of mass graves eventually found to contain 448 bodies in Shakahola Forest, where cult members lived off grid in mud huts.
Mackenzie is also accused of ordering the deaths of 52 people found at a separate location in a village 20 miles away, bringing the suspected death toll to 500.
Sign up for all of the latest stories
He has pleaded not guilty in that case.
During the sentencing, Justice Diana Kavedza said that 183 victims died of starvation, defined as a complete lack of food, and the other eight were classified as murder by direct homicide.
She said the killings were ‘cold and calculated’ and dismissed claims by some of the accused that the loss of their own children altered the fact that they had participated in the killings of many other children.
Kenyan homicide detectives and forensic experts examine exhumed bodies from several shallow mass graves in the Shakahola forest (Picture: EPA)
The justice said that the perpetrators didn’t show remorse and declared they were ready to fast to death as well.
The scale of the killing is comparable to that of a doomsday cult that killed more than 700 people in Uganda in 2000, and the 1978 Jonestown massacre in Guyana when an American cult leader killed more than 900 people by ordering them to drink poison.
Mackenzie often smiled and chatted with his assistant pastor, Smart Mwakalama, who was sentenced to 160 years in prison.
The prosecution had argued for the death penalty for Mackenzie and life imprisonment for his accomplices.
Mackenzie is also facing terrorism, child abuse and torture charges in two other courts.
Stephen Mwiti, 48, father of six of Mackenzie’s child victims and husband of one of his convicted accomplices, said his wife had taken the children to Shakahola where they were starved to death.
‘I lost children and I will not be able to get them back no matter what happens to Mackenzie and his accomplices,’ he said.
‘I expect him to be sentenced to death or be jailed for life so that he never comes out to cause more deaths.’
Stephen Mwiti, who lost six children to the Shakahola starvation cult, at the grave of his son Samuel, the only one whose body was identified (Picture: Reuters)
Dan Mackenzie, one of Paul’s sons, said his father did not spare his own family.
‘I didn’t end up in Shakahola, because I didn’t believe any more about going to heaven. So I left the church and started doing my own thing,’ he told Reuters.
‘I lost friends too, and my younger brother. It’s justice to the people who we lost over there in Shakahola.’
Mackenzie had been on the radar of the authorities since 2017 when his premises were searched by police.
In 2019, authorities shut down Mackenzie’s church in Malindi and he relocated to the nearby Shakahola Forest.
The discoveries prompted calls for tighter oversight of religious groups.
President William Ruto appointed a task force in May 2023 to review the legal and regulatory framework, and separate government-backed and Senate proposals were published in 2024, though they have yet to be passed into law.
Add WTX as a Preferred Source on Google
Breaking News
Never miss the biggest stories with breaking news alerts in your inbox.
Local insights
Related Election News
© 2026 WTX News.