Latest News
- Democrats win House majority in 2026 midterm elections
- Bomb threats issued against RTÉ and other media organisations in Europe
- EU prosecutor investigates financing of Spanish rail network after fatal crash
- Health Canada alerts consumers about bacteria in illegal online peptides
- 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
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
Democrats win House majority in 2026 midterm elections
5:00 am
Get you up to speed: 2026 House midterm election results as Democrats capture majority with major wins
Rep. Robert Garcia of California announced at a news conference that the House Oversight Committee will investigate the Trump family’s business dealings, corporate corruption, the Department of Homeland Security, and the Jeffrey Epstein scandal. He named individuals including Stephen Miller, Corey Lewandowski, and Kristi Noem as targets for potential testimony before Congress.
The House Oversight Committee will focus on investigations into the Trump family’s business dealings, corporate corruption, and actions taken by the Department of Homeland Security and Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Representative Robert Garcia stated that the committee has the authority to issue subpoenas and pursue civil contempt charges in response to non-compliance during investigations.
Rep. Robert Garcia announced that the House Oversight Committee will focus its investigations on various issues, including the Trump family’s business dealings and corporate corruption, while stating that individuals such as Stephen Miller and Corey Lewandowski may be called to testify. In response, White House spokeswoman Lauren Bis expressed that the President is open to collaboration but cautioned that if Democrats engage in what she termed “sham investigations,” they would be acting against the interests of the American people.
What remains unclear — It is uncertain how the House Oversight Committee plans to enforce cooperation from individuals refusing to testify.
Democrats win House majority in 2026 midterm elections
Rep. Robert Garcia of California, who will be the chairman of the House Oversight Committee next Congress, laid out four areas where the panel will focus its investigative efforts.
The overarching investigations include the Trump family’s business dealings, corporate corruption, actions of the Department of Homeland Security and Immigration and Customs Enforcement, and the Jeffrey Epstein scandal.
“I think folks that need to be concerned first are administration officials that have caused real harm. We’re going to investigate the abuses,” Garcia said at a news conference in his district on Wednesday.
Garcia singled out Stephen Miller, Corey Lewandowski and Kristi Noem, as well as members of the Trump family.
“There’s a lot of folks that need to understand that we are going to ask them to testify in front of the U.S. Congress,” Garcia said.
Garcia acknowledged that the Justice Department under the Trump administration is unlikely to enforce any consequences for those who do not cooperate with the panel’s investigations. But he said that in the majority, Democrats will have the power to sue on behalf of the House.
“And secondly, we have the power of contempt charges. And contempt charges not only go to the DOJ, there’s also a civil contempt process that goes to the courts,” he said.
Asked about the potential for Democrat-led investigations, White House spokeswoman Lauren Bis said: “As the President has said, he’s willing to work with anyone to continue delivering victories for hardworking Americans. If Democrats choose to pursue sham investigations and radical left policies, they are choosing to work against the American people.”
Bomb threats issued against RTÉ and other media organisations in Europe
4:00 am
Get you up to speed: RTE & other TV channels and more flights receive bomb threats | News World
Emergency landings occurred across Europe due to bomb threats affecting almost 30 planes, with multiple Irish and British news organisations receiving similar threats today. A significant police response is underway, but authorities have confirmed that no genuine explosives have been found.
A large police response is currently underway across multiple European countries in relation to the recent bomb threats impacting various passenger flights and media organisations. Investigations are ongoing to determine the origins of these threats, with authorities confirming all affected flights have landed safely.
Sky confirmed receiving a security threat and stated, “We have carried out a security assessment and reported the matter to the relevant authorities.” France’s prime minister’s office announced that bomb dispersal units are conducting inspections and a probe is underway to determine the origin of the threats affecting air traffic across Europe.
What remains unclear — The investigation is ongoing to determine the origin of the bomb threats affecting flights across Europe.
Bomb threats issued against RTÉ and other media organisations in Europe
After almost 30 planes were affected by bomb threats and forced to make emergency landings across Europe, new threats have been issued today.
Multiple Irish and British news organisations have been issued bomb threats today, along with other passenger flights in Europe.
British broadcaster Sky confirmed this afternoon it had received a security threat.
Newstalk in Ireland has gone off air after staff were evacuated due to bomb threats.
Also affected were RTÉ and the Irish Independent, along with a few unnamed news organisations based in the UK. A large police response is underway.
Sky, which is owned by Comcast, said in a statement: ‘
Sign up for all of the latest stories
‘Sky was one of a number of media organizations that received a security threat.
‘We have carried out a security assessment and reported the matter to the relevant authorities.
‘The safety and security of our colleagues is our primary concern, and we are working closely with authorities to ensure our people and operations remain secure.
‘It would not be appropriate to comment further at this time.”
France said four new bomb threats were made against aircraft flying over its territory on Friday.
All of the planes landed safely and bomb dispersal units are conducting inspections, with a probe underway to determine the origin of the threats affecting all of Europe, the prime minister’s office said.
The new threats come a day after dozens of planes were affected (Picture: Reuters)
Police in Denmark and the Czech Republic also investigated threats to air traffic today, while a Romanian plane received a bomb threat.
The Tarom flight from Prague to Bucharest landed at its intended destination, and airport administration officials said the bomb threat proved to be false.
Czech Police wrote on X this morning: ‘Today, the threat to place an improvised explosive device on board a number of aircraft arriving at and departing from Prague is happening again.’
In the Danish capital Copenhagen, police said they were present at the airport for a second consecutive day ‘in connection with threats directed at air traffic’.
They said their immediate assessment was that there had been no danger to passengers or to others at the airport.
The German transport ministry said it is not aware of its airlines or airports being affected.
Earlier, a Ryanair flight from Rome to Lisbon (FR8196) was the subject of a bomb threat.
Portuguese police later confirmed no device was found on board.
Within the past hour, a WizzAir flight from Prague to Rome was forced to land in Venice after a threat.
Yesterday, reports of explosives triggered evacuations and emergency searches of multiple planes heading to Milan, Rome, Sofia, Madrid, Copenhagen, Prague and other European cities.
A group called ‘Fighters of the Male State’ that threatened to ‘turn the sky red’ were behind the threats sent to Rome airport, which saw fighter jets intercept one plane before landing.
The reports yesterday were described as hoaxes after police forces and airports confirmed their searches so far have not discovered any genuine threats.
Add WTX as a Preferred Source on Google
Breaking News
Never miss the biggest stories with breaking news alerts in your inbox.
EU prosecutor investigates financing of Spanish rail network after fatal crash
2:00 am
Get you up to speed: EU prosecutor office investigates fatal train crash in Spain
The European Union’s public prosecutors have initiated an investigation into possible fraud linked to the financing of Spain’s rail network following a train collision in Urda, Toledo province, on October 28, which resulted in the deaths of at least 69 passengers. Investigative measures have been conducted at the offices of Spain’s railway infrastructure manager, the railway safety agency, and the court of auditors to assess the management of EU funds for safety improvements on the Madrid-Seville high-speed line.
The European Public Prosecutor’s Office has confirmed it conducted investigations at Spain’s railway infrastructure manager, the State Railway Safety Agency, and the Court of Auditors to assess possible fraud linked to EU funds. The previous investigation in March focused on the use of EU funds for track maintenance following a fatal train crash in January that killed 46 passengers.
The European Public Prosecutor’s Office (EPPO) is investigating potential fraud related to EU funds designated for safety upgrades on the Madrid-Seville high-speed railway following the recent train crash that resulted in 69 fatalities. In response to the ongoing investigations, Spain’s Economy Minister Carlos Cuerpo has taken over the role of Transport Minister until the elections later this month, as public calls for improved safety measures and investment in rail infrastructure continue to grow.
What remains unclear — The ongoing investigation into the use of EU funds for track maintenance lacks current updates.
EU prosecutor investigates financing of Spanish rail network after fatal crash
News|European UnionEU prosecutor office investigates fatal train crash in Spain
The EU office carries out probes at Spanish rail network administrator, safety agency and state auditors.
Published On 7 Nov 20267 Nov 2026
Published On 7 Nov 20267 Nov 2026The European Union’s public prosecutors have launched a probe into possible fraud in the financing of Spain’s rail network after a high-speed train crash killed at least 69 passengers last month.
The European Public Prosecutor’s Office (EPPO) said on Friday that it had carried out investigations at the headquarters of Spain’s railway infrastructure manager, its railway safety agency and its court of auditors to determine possible fraud in the financing of the Madrid-Seville high-speed line.
“Today, the European Public Prosecutor’s Office (EPPO) in Madrid (Spain) is conducting investigative measures at the Administrator of Railway Infrastructure (ADIF), the State Railway Safety Agency (AESF) and the Court of Auditors in Spain,” a statement from the prosecutors said.
“This comes after the opening of an investigation into possible fraud affecting EU funds allocated to the renovation and upgrading of safety, signaling and communications systems on the Madrid-Seville high-speed railway line,” the EPPO added.
Spain’s rail infrastructure manager, Adif, confirmed the visit from the EPPO to the Reuters news agency, stating that it complied with the search and provided any requested information. The other two organisations did not respond to Reuters’ request for comment.
The October 28 train collision in Urda, Toledo province, was the second fatal crash this year and led to the resignation of Transport Minister Oscar Puente.
Resignations
The EPPO had already carried out a probe into the Spanish rail network in March, after a high-speed train crash in the Adamuz region killed 46 passengers in January.
There are no updates on this investigation, which looks into how the EU funds for track maintenance were used on the network line.
EU Transport Commissioner Apostolos Tzitzikostas expressed concern at a news briefing on Wednesday over the proximity of the two fatal accidents, calling it “very worrying” and “not something we want to see”.
Tzitzikostas also noted that Spain reached out to the European Union Agency for Railways (ERA) to assist with an ongoing national investigation.
Puente resigned on Tuesday, in what he described as a “matter of political dignity”, and Adif President Luis Pedro Marco de la Pena quit the next day. Spain’s Economy Minister Carlos Cuerpo will fill in for Puente’s role until the elections in Spain later this month, which could be hampered and influenced by last month’s tragedy.
At the end of October, soon after the crash in Urda, survivors from three of Spain’s most fatal train crashes gathered to demand better safety procedures and larger investment into network maintenance to avoid further tragedies.
“Now we have seen three dreadful crashes in Spain, at Angrois, Adamuz and Urda. They will keep happening if we do not act,” train crash survivor Cristobal Gonzalez told WTX News.
“At Angrois, the driver was going too fast; at Adamuz, an investigation said there was a problem on the track; and at Urda, it might have been human error and a problem with the control system. Whatever, we must stop these crashes happening by investing more in safety,” he added.
The Angrois accident in 2013, which killed 79 people, is Spain’s deadliest rail crash in modern times.
Health Canada alerts consumers about bacteria in illegal online peptides
1:00 am
What’s the Latest: Health Canada warns of bacteria found in unauthorized peptides sold online
Health Canada has issued a warning about unauthorized peptides sold online after detecting harmful bacteria in the products. The agency has seized over 11,400 vials from Shanghai ERP Peptide Biotechnology Co. Ltd. and related retailers, and it is working with the Canada Border Services Agency to prevent further illegal shipments.
Health Canada has seized over 11,400 vials of unauthorized peptides, including products from Shanghai ERP Peptide Biotechnology Co. Ltd., and is working with the Canada Border Services Agency to prevent further illegal shipments into Canada. The health agency emphasises the risks associated with these products, which have not been assessed for safety, efficacy, or quality, and advises consumers to seek immediate medical attention if they experience adverse symptoms after using them.
Health Canada has warned consumers against using unauthorized peptides following lab tests that found harmful bacteria in products sold online, urging immediate medical attention for any adverse symptoms. The agency has seized over 11,400 vials from Shanghai ERP Peptide Biotechnology Co. Ltd. and is working with the Canada Border Services Agency to prevent further illegal shipments into the country.
What remains unclear — It is uncertain whether any legal repercussions will be imposed on the online retailers involved in selling the unauthorized peptides.
Health Canada alerts consumers about bacteria in illegal online peptides
Health Canada has issued a warning to consumers regarding unauthorized peptides sold online after laboratory testing revealed the presence of bacteria in these products. The agency highlighted that in Canada, injectable peptides are typically considered prescription drugs and should only be used under the supervision of a licensed healthcare professional.
The health authority confiscated over 11,400 vials of peptides imported from Shanghai ERP Peptide Biotechnology Co. Ltd. (ERP Peptide) along with materials from two online retailers selling these products. During testing, Health Canada detected three strains of bacteria that pose potential health risks to consumers.
Unauthorized peptides from ERP Peptide include Human Chorionic Gonadotropin, MOTS-C, NAD+, Retatrutide, Tesamorelin, and Tirzepatide. Health Canada stated, “Selling unauthorized drug products is illegal. Unauthorized products have not been assessed for safety, efficacy, and quality by Health Canada.” The agency warned that while these peptides are often marketed for benefits such as weight loss and anti-aging, they carry significant health risks, including hormonal imbalances and potential liver damage.
The dangers associated with these unauthorized drugs include improper dosing, harmful ingredients, and contamination with substances such as heavy metals and microbials. Health Canada urged consumers to avoid purchasing these products and to seek immediate medical assistance if they experience any adverse effects, including fever or swelling at the injection site.
In response to the risks, Health Canada has mandated ERP Peptide to cease the sale of these illegal products in Canada and is collaborating with the Canada Border Services Agency to prevent further imports.
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
Local insights
Related Election News
© 2026 WTX News.