Author: WTX News Editor

Cliff Notes A Salvadoran man, Kilmar Abrego Garcia, who was wrongfully deported, must be returned by the Trump administration due to prior legal protections against persecution in El Salvador. The deportation was acknowledged as an "administrative error" by the Trump administration, which lacks jurisdiction to retrieve Garcia from El Salvador. Garcia’s wife, Jennifer Vasquez Sura, continues to advocate for his return, claiming the government’s accusations of gang affiliation are unfounded and lacking evidence. Judge orders…

Cliff Notes Driving instructors report that bots dominate the DVSA driving test booking system, making it nearly impossible for humans to secure appointments on the official website. High demand and long wait times have led many students to rely on third-party sites for tests, often at exorbitant prices; complaints have surged regarding exploitation. The DVSA is enhancing bot protection and plans to consult on streamlining the booking process in 2025, alongside increasing notice periods for…

Cliff Notes Global stock markets have experienced significant declines for two consecutive days, led by sharp drops in American indexes, with Wall Street recording the worst trading day since the COVID-19 pandemic. President Trump’s recent announcement regarding global tariffs has reportedly caused approximately $4.9 trillion in losses across worldwide stock markets, with the US major indexes down over 5% at market close. In response to the economic turmoil, Trump is engaging in trade negotiations with…

Cliff Notes Search teams are actively looking for a 16-year-old boy missing after difficulties in a lake at Beckenham Place Park, Lewisham. The Metropolitan Police have evacuated the park and are coordinating the search, providing support to the boy’s family through specialist officers. Emergency services, including the London Ambulance Service, are on-site, with additional resources dispatched following reports of a person in the water. Teenage boy missing after ‘getting into difficulty’ in lake in southeast…

Cliff Notes Prince Andrew’s reputation is deemed "irrecoverable" post-Newsnight interview, according to his former aide, Dominic Hampshire. Hampshire disclosed intelligence concerns regarding Chinese businessman Yang Tengbo’s influence on the Duke, but asserted there was no close relationship between them. The Palace sought to distance itself from Yang after judicial statements labelled him a national security threat, highlighting the internal discussions on Andrew’s future following the interview. Prince Andrew’s reputation ‘irrecoverable’ after Newsnight interview, says royal…

Cliff Notes Global financial markets reacted negatively to President Trump’s economic policies, leading to heightened recession fears not only in the US but globally. The imposition of sweeping tariffs by Trump has increased protectionism, causing immediate concern over rising costs for companies and their earnings. Uncertainty surrounding Trump’s next moves, combined with retaliatory actions from countries like China and European nations, is compounding market instability. Financial markets were always going to respond to Trump tariffs…

Cliff Notes The UK government has confirmed that the implementation of the Hillsborough Law will be delayed past the upcoming anniversary of the disaster to ensure thorough legislative drafting. Families of the victims have raised concerns about the ‘duty of candour’ provisions being weakened, prompting calls for a more robust legislation to prevent future cover-ups. Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood stated that the government is committed to involving victims and families in the redrafting process, despite…

Cliff Notes – Russell Brand charged with rape and sexual assault Russell Brand has been charged with rape and multiple counts of sexual assault involving four women from 1999 to 2005. He is scheduled to appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on 2 May following a police investigation that began in September 2023. Brand has denied the allegations, maintaining that all his sexual encounters were consensual, as the investigation continues with support for the accusers. Russell…

Amid all the chaos in the world, it’s important to remind yourself there are plenty of great things happening, too. This week we’re looking at the great efforts in Germany in turning sewage into shipping fuel.

A 64-year-old woman, Livia Tossici-Bolt, has received a two-year conditional discharge and must pay £20,000 in court costs for violating a Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) outside a Bournemouth abortion clinic.

Stocks slump – China to impose 34% levy as retaliation – China files lawsuit | US tariffs LIVE

Cliff Notes Israeli troops have advanced into northern Gaza, establishing what they call a "security zone," following plans to seize territories in the south. Civilians from Shejaia are being evacuated through organised routes as hundreds of thousands flee their homes amid escalating military operations. Israeli airstrikes on Thursday reportedly killed over 100 people, including children, as the military resumes operations after a two-month truce with Hamas. Israeli troops expand ‘security zone’ in northern Gaza -…

The story that is dominating every news site – in print and online – today is, of course, the ongoing chaos facing the global stock markets following Donald Trump’s latest US tariffs.

Global stock markets experienced significant declines following President Trump‘s announcement of sweeping tariffs, including a 10% tax on imports from the UK.

Both US and European markets reported their worst one-day losses since the COVID-19 pandemic, raising concerns about a potential recession and international retaliation.

Several newspapers lead with the latest from Prince Harry’s ongoing charity row. The Charity Commission has said it will launch a probe into Harry’s charity Sentebale following claims made by its head, Sophie Chandauka. 

The prince, who started the charity more than 20 years ago, has said he hopes the watchdog will “unveil the truth” after the head accused the prince of bullying and harassment, amongst other claims about the charity itself.

Cliff Notes Birmingham’s Small Heath area is facing a public health crisis as rubbish piles up due to an ongoing bin strike, attracting numerous rats and prompting a major incident declaration by the city council. Local residents report an alarming presence of rodents amidst the rubbish, sharing concerns about health risks associated with rat infestations, such as disease transmission. The government has acknowledged the situation and met with council officials to discuss potential interventions, but…

Friday’s UK headlines are similar to headlines from around the world: the fallout from Donald Trump’s tariffs after “trillions” have been wiped off the global stock markets. 

On Wednesday, Trump announced a baseline tariff on almost every country in the world of at least 10% – whilst some countries face much higher levies, with the EU being hit with 20%. 

Since the announcement, global markets have experienced significant declines, with both the US and European markets reporting their worst one-day losses since the COVID-19 pandemic and raising concerns about a potential recession and international retaliation. Economists are warning of a ‘spiral of doom’, suggesting that retaliatory measures could lead to further economic destabilisation. 

Elsewhere, a probe into the bitter dispute surrounding Prince Harry’s charity Sentebale. The Charity Commission said it had opened a case to examine “concerns raised” about Sentebale, following claims made by its head, Sophie Chandauka. Prince Harry has said he hopes the watchdog will “unveil the truth”.