Author: News Desk

This week’s UK news is dominated by the death of Pope Francis, who died on Easter Monday at the age of 88. The Pope had suffered with poor health in the last few months and died of a stroke and heart failure. As tributes are paid, many are reminiscing about the 88 year old pontiffs dedication to the people, with may dubbing him the People’s Pope.

Liverpool are one step closer to winning the Premier League title thanks to Trent Alexander Arnold’s goal against Leicester City – who now find themselves joining Southampton in being relegated. Burnley and Leeds have secured promotion to the Premier League.

There is ongoing coverage of the US stock markets and the decline in the US dollar following another turbulent few weeks under Donald Trump.

As of 22 April 2025, U.S. stock markets remain volatile following the April 2nd crash, which wiped over $3 trillion in value after President Trump’s sweeping tariffs—up to 125% on Chinese imports—sparked global trade tensions. 

The trade war with China continues to escalate, with the U.S. imposing steep port fees on Chinese-built vessels and restricting AI chip exports, prompting retaliatory tariffs from Beijing. China has also warned it will retaliate against countries that negotiate trade deals with the US “at the expense of China’s interests”, fuelling global tensions as the world’s two economic superpowers face off over tariffs.

These developments have contributed US dollar weakening with the Dollar Index hitting a three-year low amid investor concerns over Federal Reserve independence and economic outlook.

Cliff Notes – Katie Piper reveals she was verbally abused filming new TV show Katie Piper, who suffered life-long injuries from an acid attack in 2008, faced verbal abuse from prisoners while filming her new series, "Locked Up In Louisiana." Despite the abuse, Piper emphasised the importance of sharing her lived experience and raising awareness about facial disfigurements and the impact of crime. Katie Piper reveals she was verbally abused filming new TV show TV Presenter Katie Piper was attacked with acid back in 2008 (Picture: Stuart C. Wilson/PA Wire) Katie Piper has revealed how she was verbally abused by…

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The death of Pope Francis leads almost all the UK newspaper front pages this morning with heavy coverage in England, Scotland and Northern Ireland – the Welsh reserve much of their coverage for online. The papers dub Pope Francis the People’s Pope in this mornings headlines and describe him as ‘groundbreaking,’ ‘modern’ and someone ‘championing the poor.’ 

Cliff Notes – Michael Slater handed suspended prison term for domestic violence Former Australian cricketer Michael Slater has received a four-year prison sentence for domestic violence offences, including choking, stalking, and assault, but will be released on a suspended sentence after time served. Slater, 55, has a history of mental health issues and alcohol addiction, with previous convictions for assault and breaching restraining orders against women. Following his sentencing, Slater also pleaded guilty to a drink and drug driving charge, complicating his release process but ultimately allowing for immediate freedom under strict conditions. Michael Slater handed suspended prison term for…

Cliff Notes – Tottenham’s Ange Postecoglou rues ‘unacceptable’ Forest loss Tottenham Hotspur’s 2-1 defeat to Nottingham Forest marks their 18th Premier League loss this season, leaving them in 16th place with only 37 points. Manager Ange Postecoglou expressed frustration over the team’s inability to convert dominance into results, citing poor goals conceded as a recurring issue. Despite the league struggles, Tottenham’s recent Europa League semifinal win against Eintracht Frankfurt offers a glimmer of hope for Postecoglou’s claim of delivering a trophy in his second season. Tottenham’s Ange Postecoglou rues ‘unacceptable’ Forest loss The rare smile Tottenham Hotspur manager Ange Postecoglou…

The potential candidates to succeed Pope Francis include Pietro Parolin, Matteo Zuppi, and Jose Tolentino de Mendonca, reflecting varying levels of experience and progressive views within the Vatican.

Tuesday’s headlines are a sombre affair with most global coverage – online and in print – paying tribute to Pope Francis, who died on Easter Monday morning after suffering with poor health in recent months including double pneumonia. It has since been confirmed that Pope Francis died from a stroke and heart failure. 

Despite the sadness of the pope’s death – which is being felt around the world. There is a sense of celebration as well, with many reports emerging of the pope’s kindness – including calling Gaza’s only church everyday since the Israeli ground invasion, his role in bringing Muslims and Christian’s together across Africa and shunning much of the privileges that come with being the pope. He attempted to make the Catholic Church more inclusive and less judgemental.

Online, many headlines are discussing funeral plans, noting his refusal for any of the pomp and ceremony associated with a pope’s death, and there is speculation over who might be in line to become the next pope.