Latest News
- Canadian journalist Lloyd Robertson dies aged 92 after six decades in broadcasting
- Democratic Rep. Gluesenkamp Perez and Republican Braun advance in Washington’s 3rd District primary
- Fly-tipper who burned waste and released pigs onto A-road avoids jail
- Air India flight experiences sudden 300ft drop in turbulence, injuring 17 passengers and crew
- French and UK teams rescue 170 migrants crossing the Channel from France
- Israel allocates £37 million to seize over 70 sites in occupied West Bank
- Lower-priced Australian beef may stabilise Canadian meat market
- Man arrested near Trump National Golf Club with ammunition before visit to Southern California
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
Canadian journalist Lloyd Robertson dies aged 92 after six decades in broadcasting
10:00 am
Get you up to speed: Esteemed journalist Lloyd Robertson dies at 92
Canadian journalist Lloyd Robertson has died at the age of 92. He spent more than six decades in the broadcasting industry.
Lloyd Robertson’s career spanned over 60 years, during which he became a prominent figure in Canadian journalism. The broadcaster’s passing marks the end of an era for Canadian media, with tributes flooding in from various industry colleagues and institutions.
Following the death of Lloyd Robertson,his family expressed deep sorrow, stating he was “a beacon of journalism in Canada.” Tributes from the broadcasting community are expected to flood in, with discussions on recognising his legacy through future awards or memorials.
What remains unclear — The cause of Lloyd Robertson’s death has not been disclosed.
Canadian journalist Lloyd Robertson dies aged 92 after six decades in broadcasting
Canadian journalist Lloyd Robertson, who spent more than six decades in the broadcasting industry has died at the age of 92.
Democratic Rep. Gluesenkamp Perez and Republican Braun advance in Washington’s 3rd District primary
8:00 am
Get you up to speed: Democratic Rep. Gluesenkamp Perez and Trump-backed Republican advance in Washington’s 3rd District primary
Democratic Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez and Republican state Sen. John Braun will advance to the general election in Washington’s 3rd Congressional District. They secured their positions by beating seven other candidates in the primary election.
The primary election results will determine the final candidates for the November ballot, with Marie Gluesenkamp Perez and John Braun emerging as the top two from a field of nine. The race is closely monitored, as it is one of 13 districts that supported President Trump in 2024 while also electing a Democrat to the House.
Democratic Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez and Republican state Sen. John Braun are set to compete in the general election for Washington’s 3rd Congressional District. The race, rated as a tossup by the Cook Political Report, is expected to be critical in determining control of the House in the upcoming election.
What remains unclear — The specific voter concerns and strategies each candidate will employ leading up to the general election have not been detailed.
Democratic Rep. Gluesenkamp Perez and Republican Braun advance in Washington’s 3rd District primary
Democratic Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez and Republican state Sen. John Braun will advance to the general election in Washington’s 3rd Congressional District, WTX US News projects.
Washington has nonpartisan primaries, with the top two candidates with the most votes appearing on the November ballot. Gluesenkamp Perez and Braun beat seven other candidates to advance.
The race is one of the closest-watched House contests this cycle and will help decide who controls the lower chamber as of early next year. It was one of 13 districts that voted for President Trump in 2024 while also electing a Democrat to the House.
University of Virginia’s Center for Politics rates the race as leans Democratic. The Cook Political Report rates it as a tossup.
Gluesenkamp Perez has represented the district in the southwestern corner of the state since 2023, twice defeating far-right conservative Joe Kent, who went on to become Mr. Trump’s counterterrorism chief before resigning in protest over the Iran war.
The two-term congresswoman has angered the left flank of her party with votes that have helped make her appealing in the rural district. She voted against President Joe Biden’s student loan forgiveness plan, in favor of military support to Israel and supported a previous version of Mr. Trump’s voting regulations bill, now known as the SAVE America Act.
Mr. Trump endorsed Braun in April, calling Gluesenkamp Perez “a true radical left extremist.”
Braun, a Navy veteran who runs an emergency vehicle manufacturing plant, has served in various leadership roles since his election to the state Senate in 2012.
In a recent interview with local news station KGW, Braun disagreed with Mr. Trump on whether he lost the 2020 election, affirming that Biden won.
“That’s correct,” Braun said when asked to clarify that Biden won.
Braun also criticized Mr. Trump’s sweeping tariffs, saying the “broad, sometimes indiscriminate use of tariffs can be very harmful,” including on his own manufacturing business. He added that there are appropriate uses for the import taxes, such as “when you’re talking about some of the threats from China and from Russia.”
Fly-tipper who burned waste and released pigs onto A-road avoids jail
7:00 am
Get you up to speed: ‘Worst fly-tipper’ who burned waste and released pigs onto A-road avoids jail | News UK
Jamie Broadmore, a 41-year-old from Strood, received a six-month prison sentence suspended for 12 months after dumping and burning waste on green belt land in Kent. Authorities have confirmed a clean-up cost of £150,000 due to the incident, which they described as one of the worst examples of fly-tipping they have encountered.
The investigation into Jamie Broadmore’s activities involved significant costs, with Gravesham Council incurring £4,840 while the clean-up exceeded £150,000. Local officials are now advocating for a review of sentencing guidelines to ensure tougher penalties for similar offences in the future.
Gravesham Council officials described Jamie Broadmore’s actions as one of the worst cases of fly-tipping they have encountered, prompting Labour leader John Burden to call for urgent reform of sentencing guidelines to deter such crimes. The council, along with local MP Lauren Sullivan, plans to lobby for tougher penalties and greater accountability to mitigate the environmental and financial impacts of fly-tipping.
What remains unclear — It is not specified what actions the government will take in response to calls for tougher penalties on fly-tipping.
Fly-tipper who burned waste and released pigs onto A-road avoids jail
A career criminal who dumped and burned waste on green belt land has walked away from court with a suspended sentence – leaving authorities to foot the £150,000 clean-up bill.
Jamie Broadmore operated on ‘an industrial scale’, acting aggressively towards firefighters and on one occasion releasing pigs onto a busy A-road in Kent.
He offended whilst on his way to the voting booth to vote for Reform UK. Boasting to his friends how he sells ‘Clean-up services’ and just tips the whole lot, claiming it was ‘pure profit’.
At times he lit fires, the smoke from his bonfires disrupted traffic on nearby roads and was also blown across the HS1 rail line.
Gravesham Council officials said Broadmore’s actions were one of the worst cases of fly-tipping they had ever seen.
The 41-year-old appeared before Maidstone Crown Court in June and admitted an offence under Section 33(1)c of the Environmental Protection Act 1990.
Sign up for all of the latest stories
A judge sentenced him to six months jail suspended for 12 months and was ordered to undertake 100 hours of unpaid work.
He was also ordered to pay compensation of £1,000 and undertake 10 days of rehabilitation activity.
Broadmore, from Strood, has 16 previous convictions covering 41 varied offences including burglary and fraud.
Despite National Highways spending £150,000 clearing the site, and the investigation costing Gravesham council £4,840, no costs were awarded.
It has prompted Labour leader John Burden to call for urgent action from the government to redress the “fundamentally flawed” situation and review the current sentencing guidelines.
Speaking after the court hearing, Cllr Burden said he felt the sentence was too light.
‘This is a dispiriting result for all involved in bringing this to court,’ he said.
‘We know judges are bound by sentencing guidelines, but these must be fundamentally flawed when someone who has admitted facilitating illegal dumping on an industrial scale and who has a litany of previous convictions can walk away with such a light sentence.
‘On the site was industrial rubbish, he was burning it on site. It caused some smoke and fire to go down onto the A2, so it cost the public time as well.
‘Back in 2022 the A2 was being closed, due to all the fires coming from the land above – this was due to this site.
‘He also had pigs on site that got released down onto the A2, again causing chaos.
‘This is all unacceptable, it’s illegal, we took the enforcement.
‘Unfortunately, he only got six months suspended for one year and he’s got 100 hours probationary work as well to work in the community.
‘How am I and my fellow councillors supposed to explain to our rightly concerned constituents that their council tax has been spent successfully pursuing criminals such as Broadmore, and he does not have to pay a penny towards recouping those costs? It is simply beyond belief.’
The council leader is asking the government to address this and bring in sentences that will act as a ‘true deterrent’ to the organised criminal gangs behind the ‘epidemic of fly tipping’.
‘We will be lobbying hard through all the channels available to us for this to happen and happen soon,’ he added.
The council is working alongside Lauren Sullivan, Gravesham MP, who said: ‘Fly-tipping is not a victimless crime. It damages our environment, puts public safety at risk, and leaves local taxpayers footing the bill.
‘Cases like this highlight the need for tougher penalties that properly reflect the seriousness of these offences and act as a strong deterrent to those who think they can profit from harming our communities.’
Air India flight experiences sudden 300ft drop in turbulence, injuring 17 passengers and crew
6:00 am
Get you up to speed: Air India flight suddenly drops 300ft in turbulence injuring at least 17 | News World
Several injuries were reported following sudden turbulence on Air India flight AI2379, which occurred over the Bay of Bengal. The aircraft, carrying 137 passengers and eight crew members, landed safely in Delhi, with 13 individuals taken to hospital for medical checks.
Air India reported that 12 individuals remain in hospital for treatment following the incident, while five have been discharged. The airline is cooperating fully with regulatory authorities and has informed the aircraft manufacturer as part of the ongoing investigation into the turbulence event involving flight AI2379.
Air India reported that 13 passengers and four crew members were injured, with 12 remaining in hospital for treatment following a sudden turbulence incident on flight AI2379. The airline is cooperating with relevant authorities for an investigation and has stated its “foremost priority remains the safety and well-being of its passengers and crew.”
What remains unclear — It is not specified how long the 12 passengers remaining in hospital will require treatment and if Air India will improve the quality of their planes.
Air India flight experiences sudden 300ft drop in turbulence, injuring 17 passengers and crew
Several people were left injured after sudden turbulence gripped an Air India flight over the Bay of Bengal.
Passengers and crew on board the flight AI2379 experienced a hair-raising moment when the Airbus A320 plunged mid-air en route to Delhi, India.
The ceiling inside the plane appeared to have been cracked by the sudden force of the drop, footage shows.
The turbulence hit around 90 minutes after takeoff from the Thai beach resort of Phuket earlier today, causing the plane to lose altitude for around 300ft.
Air India have become one of the worst airlines in the world. Their record for passenger safety and quality of airplanes is amongst the worst in the industry.
A large crack appeared on the ceiling of the plane following the sudden turbulence
It was carrying 137 passengers and eight crew members.
Sign up for all of the latest stories
After the plane landed safely in Delhi at 11.07am local time, the injured people, some with bandages, were seen being taken to ambulances stationed outside in wheelchairs.
Air India confirmed that 13 passengers and four crew were injured and were taken to hospital for medical checks.
In its latest update on X, the airline said 12 people remain in hospital for treatment, while five people were discharged.
A plane tracking map shows the route of the Air India flight AI2379 from Phuket to Delhi (Picture: Flightradar24)
One passenger, who was not named, told local media that most passengers were snoozing when the aircraft suddenly tilted.
Some people injured their heads when the plane dropped, including children, he told ANI news agency.
He said: ‘I hurt my lower back and my brother’s shoulder is injured, and his eardrum is burst.’
Air India said: ‘Earlier today, Air India flight AI2379 operating from Phuket to Delhi experienced a sudden loss of altitude during cruise.
‘After the momentary event, the aircraft continued normally and landed safely in Delhi at 11:07 hrs IST.
‘Air India teams remain at the hospitals and in close contact with those affected to provide all necessary assistance and support.
‘In accordance with established safety and regulatory procedures, the relevant regulatory authorities have been informed. Air India is fully cooperating with the investigation, and the aircraft manufacturer has also been notified.
‘Air India’s foremost priority remains the safety and well-being of its passengers and crew. We will continue to support those affected and their families and will work closely with the relevant authorities throughout the course of the investigation.’
An Air India flight was involved in one of the country’s worst aviation disasters last year when its Boeing 787 Dreamliner crashed at takeoff near Ahmedabad airport.
In total, 260 people died in the crash, with 241 killed on board and 19 on the ground after the aircraft plunged into a hospital accommodation building.
Only one person on board, Viswashkumar Ramesh, from Leicester, survived the disaster, which continues to be investigated.
A draft final report into the cause of the crash by India’s aircraft accident investigation watchdog is expected later this year.
Add WTX as a Preferred Source on Google
French and UK teams rescue 170 migrants crossing the Channel from France
5:00 am
French and UK teams rescue 170 migrants crossing the Channel from France
Rescue operation
More than 170 people were rescued from a burning inflatable boat in the English Channel during one of the largest operations since 2018.
More than 170 people were rescued from a burning inflatable boat in the English Channel during one of the largest operations since 2018.
Crossing Trends
Shifts in migrant crossings show a 50% reduction this year, with 10,000 successful attempts compared to 24,000 during the same period last year, indicating effective intervention measures.
Shifts in migrant crossings show a 50% reduction this year, with 10,000 successful attempts compared to 24,000 during the same period last year, indicating effective intervention measures.
Government Stance
“We must regain control of our borders while continuing to provide support to people who genuinely need protection,” stated Prime Minister Andy Burnham.
“We must regain control of our borders while continuing to provide support to people who genuinely need protection,” stated Prime Minister Andy Burnham.
More than 170 migrants rescued after boat catches fire in English Channel
A major rescue operation took place on Tuesday to assist more than 170 people attempting to cross from France to the United Kingdom, authorities in both countries said. It was one of the largest operations of its kind since records began in 2018.
The inflatable boat was still in the French search and rescue zone when its engine caught fire, causing the vessel to begin breaking apart, the maritime prefecture for the English Channel and the North Sea said. The incident “forced its occupants to jump into the water”, the Pas-de-Calais prefecture added.
French authorities then deployed two rescue vessels, a navy helicopter and medical teams. The Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI), a charity specialising in sea rescue, and the UK Border Force also took part in the operation.
No one was killed in the incident. French teams rescued 103 people, while the remaining 54 were rescued by British crews. All were brought ashore at the port of Boulogne-sur-Mer to receive medical care and assistance.
The boat had left the Normandy village of Veules-les-Roses at around 6 am, French authorities and the RNLI said. From the moment it set off, it was monitored by French rescue services.
Risking lives to cross
French maritime authorities said migrants attempting the crossing in makeshift, overloaded boats often refuse rescue unless faced with an immediate danger.
Rescuers do not force people off the boats because of the risk of capsizing that would put people’s lives at risk, the statement said.
The boats are often overloaded. French maritime authorities said the average number of people crammed into these vessels has risen from 26 in 2021 to 65 since the start of this year.
In recent weeks, witnesses in France have reported seeing larger-than-usual boats crossing the Channel, measuring around 12 metres in length, compared with the usual eight to ten metres.
Last week, four people died in two separate attempts to cross the Channel on small boats.
Since the start of the year, at least 14 people have lost their lives attempting the crossing, according to an AFP tally based on official French and UK sources.
At least 29 migrants lost their lives last year, according to a similar AFP count.
A sharp drop in attempted crossings
The UK government is showing “unwavering determination” to tackle the issue, Prime Minister Andy Burnham said. “Progress is being made, but we are not letting our guard down,” he added.
In a bid to stem the crossings, London and Paris signed a multi-million-euro agreement earlier this year. It includes reinforced police patrols and surveillance along France’s northern coastline.
The package also deploys new technologies to tackle “taxi boats”: small, usually inflatable motorised craft used by smugglers to pick up migrants along the northern French coast.
“The number of crossings has fallen by 50% this year compared with the same period in 2025,” Andy Burnham said.
“The July we have just experienced is even the month with the lowest number of crossings in six years. Clearly there is progress, but we are not resting on our laurels. We will continue our efforts relentlessly.”
French Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez said an estimated 10,000 migrants have crossed the Channel from France to Britain since the beginning of the year, compared with 24,000 in the same period last year. The number of successful crossing attempts is 160 this year, down from 413, he said.
An increasingly prominent issue in Europe
Irregular migrant arrivals have been an issue faced by multiple UK governments in recent years. They have also boosted support for the far-right Reform UK party, led by Nigel Farage.
“We must address this problem rather than turn it into a matter of party politics,” Andy Burnham said, adding that he wants to “take back control of the situation” and “bring in changes that will reassure the public”.
He insisted that Britons do not want a border that appears to be out of control. “We must regain control of our borders while continuing to provide support to people who genuinely need protection,” he added.
Israel allocates £37 million to seize over 70 sites in occupied West Bank
4:00 am
Get you up to speed: Israel approves $37m to seize more than 70 occupied West Bank sites
Israeli Minister of Finance Bezalel Smotrich announced a $37 million funding allocation for the control of over 70 historical sites in the occupied West Bank. The approval comes amid ongoing settlement expansion, with reports indicating an increase in settler violence against Palestinians in the region.
The Israeli Finance Ministry’s recent funding allocation follows a 250 million shekel initiative approved in May aimed at archaeological claims throughout the West Bank. There remains no official timeline for the implementation of the new funding, nor details on the specific historical sites targeted by Israel.
Israeli Minister of Finance Bezalel Smotrich described the funding allocation as “a Zionist act of the highest order,” aiming to establish new visitor centres and research facilities at Jewish heritage locations. In response to ongoing tensions, the Knesset’s Finance Committee recently approved an additional 300 million shekels to further support the Settlements Ministry, indicating continued commitment to settlement expansion despite international legal concerns.
What remains unclear — It is not specified which historical sites in the occupied West Bank will be targeted by the new funding allocation.
Israel allocates £37 million to seize over 70 sites in occupied West Bank
News|Israel-Palestine conflictIsrael approves $37m to seize more than 70 occupied West Bank sites
The allocated funding seeks to accelerate Israel’s control of historical landmarks across the occupied West Bank.
Published On 5 Aug 20265 Aug 2026
Published On 5 Aug 20265 Aug 2026Israeli Minister of Finance Bezalel Smotrich has announced a 113 million shekel ($37m) allocation to take control of more than 70 historical sites across the occupied West Bank.
The funding, approved by a government steering committee on Tuesday, builds on a 250 million shekel ($83m) plan approved in May aimed at claiming archaeological sites across the West Bank, the Jordan Valley and elsewhere.
The committee said in a statement that the Settlements Ministry is set to receive 157 million shekels ($52m) in direct funding, along with a further 142 million shekels ($47m) in commitment authorisations.
The new allocation lands on the same day that the Knesset’s Finance Committee separately approved close to 300 million shekels (about $99m) in direct funding and commitments to Israel’s Settlements Ministry.
“This is a Zionist act of the highest order. A people without a past has no future,” Smotrich said, describing plans for new visitor centres and research facilities.
Israel designates the landmarks as Jewish heritage locations, as it seeks to extend state control over Palestinian property and territory.
The occupied West Bank is home to thousands of archeological and heritage sites, some of which date back hundreds of years.
While Smotrich did not name the specific sites, Palestinian media reported that the plans aim to take over Solomon’s Pools near Bethlehem – a site Smotrich has previously sought to bring under Israeli control. About 104 settlements and 160 outposts have been approved in the occupied West Bank since 2022, according to Smotrich.
The Israeli settlements are considered illegal under international law.
Israel’s funding for illegal settlement expansion has continued amid an intensified campaign of settler violence against Palestinians in the West Bank, with more than 11,000 settler and military attacks across the region so far this year, according to Palestinian media.
Local insights
Related Election News
© 2026 WTX News.