Author: News Desk

Cliff Notes – Judas Priest drummer Les Binks dies aged 73 Les Binks, former drummer of Judas Priest from 1977 to 1979, has passed away at the age of 73, with the band expressing their deep sadness over his death. Binks contributed to the band’s influential albums, including Stained Class and Killing Machine, and was known for his unique drumming techniques and precision. Prior to joining Judas Priest, Binks worked with notable acts such as The Animals and Deep Purple, and later returned as a guest in 2022. Judas Priest drummer Les Binks dies aged 73 Former Judas Priest drummer,…

The US tariff situation may have fallen off the front pages of many newspapers, but the business media remains on top of the latest news from Washington. Despite Trump issuing an exemption for big tech in his tariffs on China, he has since signalled that it’s only a temporary measure and investigations are under way into the semiconductor and pharmaceutical trade – which could lead to their tariff exemptions ending. 

US Vice President JD Vance expressed optimism about a forthcoming trade deal between the US and UK, indicating productive negotiations with the UK government.

It’s a wet and windy morning here in the capital, but lots is happening in the news – grab yourself a coffee and let’s dive into the headlines.


The ongoing Birmingham bin strike is a popular story in the country this morning as unions overwhelmingly rejected a deal to end the strike. Several newspapers suggest the strike could spread outside the city – and there are reports on the growing concerns over a potential health crisis as residents report streets being overrun by large rats and trash.


There is backlash from China amid the British Steel crisis – after the government dramatically took over control of the Scunthorpe plant over the weekend – as Beijing warns the UK to avoid politicising the situation. There are concerns from the top that the Chinese owners are intentionally trying to sabotage the UK steel industry to force the country to become more reliant on cheap Chinese steel.


On the international front, there are reports on the all-female Blue Origin team that took a trip to space. Katy Perry and Gayle King were amongst the crew.


The business publications continue their heavy coverage of the US tariffs saga amid an investigation into the semiconductor and pharmaceutical trade – which could lead to their tariff exemptions ending. In recent news, JD Vance has said there is a good chance the UK will secure a trade deal with the US.


In sports news, Newcastle manager Eddie Howe is in hospital with pneumonia, he is set to miss more matches. Several publications look ahead to tonight’s Champions League match involving the English club Aston Villa. The Birmingham club need to overturn a 2 goal deficit.

Cliff Notes – Zampa’s IPL ends due to shoulder injury Adam Zampa has been ruled out of the IPL due to a recurrence of a shoulder injury, having previously battled the issue before the 2023 ODI World Cup. The legspinner played two matches for Sunrisers Hyderabad, taking two wickets but missed four subsequent games due to shoulder soreness. SRH has replaced Zampa with R Smaran, and he is now unlikely to return until Australia’s T20I series against the West Indies in late July. Zampa’s IPL ends due to shoulder injury Australia legspinner Adam Zampa has been ruled out of the…

Cliff Notes Former corporal Aaron Stelmach-Purdie faces prison after defrauding the Ministry of Defence of £911,677 through false expense claims from 2014 to 2016. Stelmach-Purdie, along with five other military clerks, was convicted of money laundering and conspiracy to commit fraud, exploiting the MoD’s online expense management system. All six defendants are set to be sentenced at Southwark Crown Court, with the total loss of public funds highlighted as a significant breach of trust. Military clerk faces jail after nearly £1m Ministry of Defence fraud | UK News . A military clerk who stole nearly £1m from the Ministry of…

Cliff Notes – School of Rock star Nicky Katt’s tragic cause of death revealed Nicky Katt, aged 54, died by suicide at his home after a long battle with depression, as confirmed by his sister. His family hopes to raise awareness about mental health issues and the importance of compassion for those struggling silently. School of Rock star Nicky Katt’s tragic cause of death revealed Nicky Katt’s cause of death has been revealed following his death at age 54 (Picture: SGranitz/WireImage) Nicky Katt’s cause of death has been revealed following his death this past weekend. The 54-year-old actor, best known…

The US FTC has initiated an antitrust trial against Meta, alleging that the acquisitions of Instagram and WhatsApp were aimed at eliminating competition to maintain market dominance.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued an emergency order to ground New York Helicopter Tours following a deadly crash that resulted in the loss of five lives, including a family of Spanish tourists and the pilot.

The US federal government has frozen over $2.2 billion in grants and $60 million in contracts to Harvard University due to its refusal to restrict campus activism, a demand from the Trump administration.