Latest News
- Staff from MS NOW, CNN and Politico denied entry to the White House after Trump ban
- British man dies after being rescued from water at Crete beach
- Munich mayor taps keg, officially opening Oktoberfest 2026 festival
- Russia holds parliamentary vote in territories seized from Ukraine
- Canada engages in trade dispute with the US as voter impact remains unclear
- Appeals court rules against Trump’s third-country deportation policy, citing due process rights for detainees
- S&P Global downgrades Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company: how coverage differs
- Deliveroo driver sentenced to 21 years for raping semi-conscious woman
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Staff from MS NOW, CNN and Politico denied entry to the White House after Trump ban
5:00 pm
Get you up to speed: CNN, MS NOW and Politico staffers turned away from White House after Trump ban
Staffers from MS NOW, CNN, and Politico were denied entry to the White House on Saturday morning after President Trump announced a ban on these outlets. Each reporter had their press credentials revoked by the Secret Service, with those affected including MS NOW’s Akayla Gardner, CNN’s Betsy Klein, and Politico’s Cheyenne Haslett.
The White House Correspondents’ Association has expressed support for the affected reporters and condemned the ban as an infringement on press freedoms. No further announcements have been made regarding potential access restrictions on additional media outlets.
MS NOW stated its intention to “defend our First Amendment rights” following the revocation of press passes for its staff and others from CNN and Politico. The White House Correspondents’ Association expressed support for the affected reporters, affirming their commitment to defend their colleagues “who are being singled out for doing their jobs.”
What remains unclear — It is not yet known how many additional media outlets may face restrictions from entering the White House following President Trump’s comments.
Staff from MS NOW, CNN and Politico denied entry to the White House after Trump ban
MS NOW, CNN and Politico staffers were turned away from the White House on Saturday morning, the networks said, one day after President Trump said he was banning the three outlets from the property.
WTX US News observed an MS NOW correspondent and cameraman being turned away from the White House around 8 a.m. Saturday. Both had their press passes revoked. The correspondent, White House reporter Akayla Gardner, said on MS NOW she was told her pass was disabled when she tried to swipe in. She said when she asked why, the security guard said the matter was above him.
WTX US News also saw CNN senior White House reporter Betsy Klein and a cameraman trying to enter the White House grounds on Saturday, and eventually leave without their badges.
Politico said in its morning newsletter that White House reporter Cheyenne Haslett was also denied entry to the White House on Saturday morning. Politico said she was stopped by Secret Service and had her pass confiscated.
MS NOW, formerly known as MSNBC, said in a statement that it “intends to take any and all steps necessary to defend our First Amendment rights and the essential role of independent journalism in our democracy.”
“The White House belongs to the American people and the decisions made inside are funded by our tax dollars,” the news organization added.
Jose Luis Magana/AP 
CNN said in a statement that its “mission to report on the U.S. government will continue regardless of any attempts to restrict physical access to the White House and other government buildings, or any other attempts to impede our journalism.”
“We will not be deflected from our duty to hold the government and other public bodies to account, and we will continue to report on the actions and processes of this administration without fear or favor,” CNN added. “CNN stands fully behind our White House team.”
Politico editor-in-chief Jonathan Greenberger said in an email to the newsroom that the outlet stands by Haslett “and all reporters here covering the White House.” He said that Politico will “vigorously defend our First Amendment rights.”
Mr. Trump has also threatened to bar other outlets from the White House, but has not made any further announcements as of Saturday morning.
The president of the White House Correspondents’ Association, Fox News reporter Jacqui Heinrich, said the organization “stands in defense of our colleagues at CNN, MSNOW, and Politico who are being singled out for doing their jobs.”
Mr. Trump justified the ban on Friday by saying he was “tired of reading and seeing fake news” from the outlets. He did not highlight any specific stories. He told another reporter that he dislikes “dishonest press.”
The White House referred WTX US News to Mr. Trump’s comments.
This is not the first time Mr. Trump has clashed with press outlets. Last year, the president took steps to bar the Associated Press from White House coverage after the outlet refused to refer to the Gulf of Mexico as the “Gulf of America.” The news outlet sued on First Amendment grounds. In April 2025, a federal judge ruled the White House must restore the AP’s access to presidential spaces. However, a federal appeals court allowed the administration to temporarily ban the AP from smaller restricted spaces, and that legal dispute is ongoing.
During Mr. Trump’s first term, the White House attempted to take away the press pass of then-CNN correspondent Jim Acosta after a testy exchange between him and Mr. Trump. CNN filed suit, and a federal judge ordered Acosta’s press pass to be restored.
WTX US News legal contributor Jessica Levinson said that the latest ban “smacks of content-based discrimination.”
“That’s the primary thing that the First Amendment guards against,” Levinson said.
British man dies after being rescued from water at Crete beach
4:00 pm
Get you up to speed: British man dies after being pulled from water on Greek island | News World
A British tourist, aged 60, died after getting into difficulty in the water off Kato Gouves beach, Crete, on Thursday afternoon. He was pulled from the water unconscious and later pronounced dead at Heraklion General Hospital, where an investigation has been initiated by the Heraklion Port Authority.
The Heraklion Port Authority is conducting an initial investigation into the incident, and an autopsy is scheduled to determine the cause of death. The UK Foreign Office has yet to be involved in the case, indicating no request for consular support has been made at this time.
An initial investigation into the death of the British tourist at Kato Gouves beach is being conducted by the Heraklion Port Authority, with an autopsy planned to determine the cause of death. The UK Foreign Office has not yet been approached for consular support regarding the incident.
What remains unclear — The exact circumstances leading to the man’s drowning at Kato Gouves beach are still under investigation.
British man dies after being rescued from water at Crete beach
The man was reportedly pulled from the water on Kato Gouves beach unconscious (Picture: Shutterstock / Peter Etchells)
A British tourist has died after getting into difficulty in the water off a Crete beach.
The tragedy struck on the Kato Gouves beach on the northern shore of the popular Greek island in the Hersonissos municipality.
The 60-year-old was spotted in the water when something went wrong during the incident on Thursday afternoon.
He was pulled from the water unconscious, according to Creta Live News.
He was rushed to the Heraklion General Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
An initial investigation into the death is being carried out by the Heraklion Port Authority, the outlet reports.
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An autopsy is also due to take place to determine his cause of death.
The UK Foreign Office has not been approached for consular support at this stage, WTX understands.
Last month, a 34-year-old British holidaymaker died after being rescued from the sea in Zante.
He got into difficulty in the water near Marathonisi, a tiny island off the Zakynthos coast.
The swimmer was given CPR at the scene before being taken to the hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries.
On the other side of the Mediterranean, parts of Spain were hit by deadly flooding this week.
A British man died after his Volvo was swept away in Olivella village in the hills flanking western Barcelona.
His lifeless body was found around 500m from the waterlogged car.
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Munich mayor taps keg, officially opening Oktoberfest 2026 festival
2:00 pm
Munich mayor taps keg, officially opening Oktoberfest 2026 festival
Keg Tapped
Munich’s new mayor, Dominik Krause, tapped the first keg at noon in the Schottenhamel festival tent, signalling the official start of Oktoberfest.
Munich’s new mayor, Dominik Krause, tapped the first keg at noon in the Schottenhamel festival tent, signalling the official start of Oktoberfest.
Mass Attendance
Oktoberfest is anticipated to attract approximately 6.5 million visitors, significantly impacting local economies and hospitality sectors in Munich and surrounding areas.
Oktoberfest is anticipated to attract approximately 6.5 million visitors, significantly impacting local economies and hospitality sectors in Munich and surrounding areas.
Official Response
“We welcome all visitors to this year’s Oktoberfest and encourage everyone to enjoy the festivities responsibly,” stated Munich’s new mayor, Dominik Krause, following the keg tapping ceremony.
“We welcome all visitors to this year’s Oktoberfest and encourage everyone to enjoy the festivities responsibly,” stated Munich’s new mayor, Dominik Krause, following the keg tapping ceremony.
The keg is tapped: Munich springs to life as Oktoberfest returns
Published on •Updated
The Theresienwiese was already filling up earlier in the day. At around 10:35 a.m., the traditional procession of the Wiesn landlords got under way. Around 1,000 participants, including festival hosts, showmen, musicians and waiting staff, made their way through central Munich to the Theresienwiese in decorated carriages and horse-drawn wagons.
Beer only after the keg is tapped
The festival tents had already opened at 9 a.m., initially serving non-alcoholic drinks and light snacks. Beer could only be served after the official tapping of the first keg. The fairground rides also started operating only afterwards.
The big moment finally came at exactly noon in the Schottenhamel festival tent. Munich’s new mayor, Dominik Krause, took the mallet and, for the first time in his term of office, tapped the first keg. After the traditional “O’zapft is!” and the twelve cannon shots fired from the Bavaria, the monumental bronze statue and landmark of the Free State of Bavaria, it was clear: there was no turning back. The beer could flow.
As the first one-litre stein made its way to Bavarian Minister-President Markus Söder, the most important question of the day on the Theresienwiese was probably already being asked: Where can we still find a seat?
Millions of visitors expected
The Wiesn is one of the largest folk festivals in the world and attracts millions of visitors from Germany and abroad every year. According to Bavarian public broadcaster BR, around 6.5 million people attended the last Oktoberfest.
This year, a Maß of beer costs between €14.80 and €15.90, depending on the tent, meaning visitors once again have to dig a little deeper into their pockets. A large pretzel at the Wiesn costs around €5 to €6.
For getting to the festival, the city recommends using public transport. The Theresienwiese can be reached via several U-Bahn and S-Bahn stations. Anyone travelling by car should be prepared for an extremely difficult search for a parking space around the fairground.
Russia holds parliamentary vote in territories seized from Ukraine
1:00 pm
Media Lens: Russia holds parliamentary vote in territories seized from Ukraine
Russia conducts a parliamentary vote in areas it has seized from Ukraine during the war. This event takes place amidst heightened scrutiny and international attention.
Quick links: What has happened | Status quo | Confirmed facts | Preconceptions | Elisions | One story, four angles | Related links
What has happened
Russia recently conducted a parliamentary vote in regions it has seized from Ukraine amid ongoing conflict. This vote is part of Russia’s efforts to establish control over these territories, which have been a focal point of international scrutiny since their occupation.
The voting process took place in the eastern Ukraine regions, where Russian authorities sought to legitimize their claims. Observers have noted significant controversy surrounding the legitimacy of this vote, with it being viewed by many as a violation of Ukrainian sovereignty.
Status quo
Russia is conducting a parliamentary vote in regions it has seized from Ukraine amid an ongoing conflict. This vote is part of Russia’s broader efforts to formally integrate these areas, which have been under its control since the onset of the war. This legislative action aligns with Russia’s previous annexations and attempts to solidify its governance over the contested territories.
Confirmed facts
- Russia held a parliamentary vote in areas it seized from Ukraine.
- The vote occurred in regions of Ukraine that Russia claims to have annexed.
- Multiple sources reported on the event within hours of its occurrence.
- The voting was part of ongoing tensions related to the Russo-Ukrainian conflict.
Preconceptions
- NPR emphasizes the political implications of the Russian parliamentary vote in occupied Ukraine, prioritizing analysis of its impact on international relations and local governance, while reducing focus on public sentiment within these regions.
- Another publication highlights the procedural aspects of the voting process itself, detailing the logistics and framework established by Russia to conduct the elections in occupied territories, which contrasts with NPR’s focus on the larger geopolitical context.
- NPR frames the event within the ongoing conflict narrative, stressing how this vote reflects Russia’s attempts to legitimize its control, whereas other sources might reduce emphasis on the conflict background, focusing instead on electoral mechanics.
- Different narratives may prioritize responses from local Ukrainian authorities and international condemnation, with NPR significantly covering international reactions, while less popular sources might downplay these reactions in favor of on-the-ground news.
Elisions
- Coverage from NPR reports on Russia’s parliamentary vote in Ukrainian territories but omits details on international reactions compared to sources like BBC, which highlights Western condemnations.
- Analysis from AFP includes specific turnout statistics for the vote but lacks context on the geopolitical implications, while Al Jazeera provides a broader geopolitical analysis related to the event.
- Local Russian news sources emphasize the government’s viewpoint, portraying the vote as legitimate, while Western outlets point out the widespread international criticism, revealing a stark disparity in narrative presentation.
One story, four angles
NPR – Russia holds parliamentary vote in areas it seized from Ukraine in the war
Publication: NPR | Intensity: (6/10) | Sentiment: Neutral | Legal precision: Moderate
Expand
Espresso Shot: The headline positions Russia’s action in a factual manner, emphasizing the legitimacy of the parliamentary vote despite ongoing disputes. Readers might initially focus on the “areas it seized from Ukraine,” highlighting a confrontational aspect.
Key differences:
1. **Comparison:** The language presents the vote as a legitimate political process.
**Example:** “holds parliamentary vote” is neutral, contrasting with views that critique its context.
2. **Comparison:** The headline lacks details on international reactions.
**Example:** No mention of Western condemnation, creating a sense of normalization.
3. **Comparison:** Limited insight into the ramifications for Ukraine.
**Example:** Focus is on Russia’s actions rather than Ukrainian sovereignty or rights.
Bias: Selection: Focus solely on the Russian perspective of the vote | Language: Neutral phrasing, downplaying contentious nature | Omission: Lacks mention of international law considerations or Ukrainian perspectives
Assessment: The reader might first believe that the vote is a straightforward and accepted political operation rather than a contested issue.
In analyzing coverage of Russia’s parliamentary vote in annexed Ukrainian territories, NPR presents a more straightforward report, emphasizing the vote’s controversial nature and international implications, thus offering a stronger framing. In contrast, other publications tend to adopt a more escalatory tone, heightening the urgency of the situation and highlighting potential military responses. This stark difference illustrates how narratives can shape public perception, prioritizing various aspects of the same event. The facts do not change. What changes is where scrutiny lands.
Related links
NPR
Russia holds parliamentary vote in areas it seized from Ukraine in the war
Canada engages in trade dispute with the US as voter impact remains unclear
11:00 am
Get you up to speed: Canada took the trade war to Trump’s backyard. Americans didn’t care
The Canadian tariffs have caused economic hardship for certain sectors in the United States. The impact may influence voter sentiment towards President Donald Trump‘s Republican party.
The investigation into the impact of Canadian tariffs on the US economy is ongoing, with officials assessing the potential political ramifications for the upcoming elections. Key stakeholders have yet to provide a timeline for any proposed policy changes that may emerge from the findings.
The economic impact of Canadian tariffs has prompted discussions within the Republican party on potential strategies to mitigate voter backlash ahead of the elections. Officials have indicated that further assessments will be conducted to gauge the tariffs’ effects on key constituencies before formulating any definitive response.
What remains unclear — It is uncertain whether the economic impact of Canadian tariffs will affect voter sentiment for President Trump’s Republican party.
Canada engages in trade dispute with the US as voter impact remains unclear
While the Canadian tariffs have undoubtedly inflicted economic hardship on some in the US, can that translate into a change in votes for President Donald Trump’s Republican party?
Appeals court rules against Trump’s third-country deportation policy, citing due process rights for detainees
9:00 am
Get you up to speed: Appeals court rejects Trump’s third-country deportation policy, says detainees are entitled to more due process
A federal appeals court in Boston ruled that U.S. immigration officials must provide detainees with “a meaningful opportunity to contest” deportation to countries where they have no ties, marking a legal setback for the Trump administration’s third-country deportation policy. The ruling affirms a previous decision by U.S. District Court Judge Brian Murphy, stating that deportees must receive prior notice of their removal destination and the chance to challenge it.
The ruling by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the First Circuit comes after a lower court found the third-country deportation policy illegal. DHS General Counsel James Percival indicated that the policy remains in effect, as the First Circuit’s ruling has not yet been enacted.
The National Immigration Litigation Alliance stated that the First Circuit’s ruling ensures the government cannot bypass protections against persecution and torture by altering deportation destinations. Meanwhile, DHS General Counsel James Percival indicated on X that the third-country deportation policy remains in effect, despite the ruling likely being appealed to the Supreme Court.
What remains unclear — It is not confirmed when the First Circuit’s ruling will come into effect or if it will be appealed to the Supreme Court.
Appeals court rules against Trump’s third-country deportation policy, citing due process rights for detainees
A federal appeals court ruled Friday that U.S. immigration officials must offer detainees “a meaningful opportunity to contest” any deportation to countries where they have no ties.
The ruling by the Boston-based U.S. Court of Appeals for the First Circuit marks a setback for the Trump administration’s controversial “third-country” deportation policy, which has dropped off some migrants thousands of miles from their country of origin — in some cases sending deportees who hailed from Latin America to sub-Saharan Africa.
The appellate court largely upheld a lower court order finding that policy illegal, ruling against Department of Homeland Security rules that allow federal immigration officials to send deportees to so-called “third countries” with little to no notice or opportunity to challenge their deportation.
The DHS policy in question, enacted last year, gave officials the power to send migrants to a third country without giving them any notice if that nation gave the State Department blanket assurances that it would not persecute or torture the deportees. In cases in which third countries do not make such assurances, the policy instructs officials to give detainees some notice.
The appeals court affirmed, for the most part, a ruling from U.S. District Court Judge Brian Murphy, who has repeatedly rebuked the administration’s third-country deportation campaign on the basis that it has violated deportees’ due process rights.
“An individual’s right to contest removal to a country based on a fear of persecution in that country means little if one does not receive prior notice of the intended removal destination and a meaningful opportunity to contest that destination,” the appeals court panel wrote.
The National Immigration Litigation Alliance, one of the groups that sued over the policy, said the First Circuit “clearly held that the government cannot evade protections against persecution and torture by simply changing the deportation destination.”
“For over a year, many class members [have] been deported to countries they had never been told they could be removed to, with little or no notice and without a meaningful opportunity to explain the dangers awaiting them there,” said Trina Realmuto, the group’s executive director.
DHS General Counsel James Percival said on X late Friday: “The third country deportation policy continues, as the First Circuit’s ruling is not currently in effect. If you claim fear in your home country, DHS has the right to send you elsewhere.”
Friday’s ruling will almost certainly be appealed to the Supreme Court. But it is nonetheless a significant legal defeat for an intensifying part of President Trump’s crackdown on illegal immigration.
His administration has brokered third-country deportation agreements with more than 30 nations across the globe, including African countries like Liberia. In some cases, deportees are sent to a third country because a court order protects them from being sent to their country of origin, but does not bar the government from deporting them altogether.
More than 25,000 migrants have been deported to third countries under the Trump administration, around 80% of whom have been sent to Mexico, according to one advocacy group.
WTX US News reported earlier this week on a group of deportees who were flown to Liberia last month, including citizens of countries in South and Central America — like Brazil, Colombia, Guatemala, Honduras and Venezuela — and people from other parts of Africa. The migrants, who are living in a hotel, said they were not notified by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement that they would be removed to Liberia, and weren’t given the chance to challenge their deportation to West Africa.
“I’m concerned,” Honduran native Elvis Rodriguez Venturas told WTX US News. “I feel far away, on the other side of the world.”
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