Author: WTX News Editor

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”.

South Korea’s constitutional court upheld the impeachment of President Yoon Suk Yeol, who was dismissed for violating his duties as commander-in-chief by declaring martial law and mobilising troops.

Asian markets witnessed significant declines following a drastic sell-off on Wall Street, driven by the announcement of new tariffs by the Trump administration.

The last operational blast furnaces in Britain face imminent closure as Jingye, the owner of British Steel, has halted future orders of essential materials required for production.

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