Author: WTX News Editor

Thursday’s UK headlines, like much of the rest of the world, are, of course, dominated by the latest from the escalating trade war between the United States and the rest of the world. Trump announced a 90-day pause on the highest tariffs, dropping them all down to 10% except for China, which was hit with 125% levies. The stock markets have bounced back since the announcement, but the ball is very much back in China’s court, and all eyes are on Beijing to see how it responds. Everything that is coming out of China at the moment suggests they won’t back down and believe they can ride this out. 

A little closer to home, there are a handful of royal headlines, including King Charles’s state visit to Italy, which is being viewed as Britain exercising the royal family’s soft powers to help reset Britain’s relationship with the rest of Europe, nine years on from the Brexit mess. Charles and Camilla met with politicians and the Pope during their visit.

Cliff Notes The Home Secretary has rejected claims that the government is lessening its response to child grooming gangs, asserting increased action is being taken. Safeguarding Minister Jess Phillips introduced a £5m fund for local authorities but faced criticism for lacking updates on specific local inquiries. Concerns have been raised from Conservative MPs regarding the effectiveness of the government’s flexible approach to local inquiries, suggesting it is inadequate. Home secretary denies ‘watering down’ grooming gangs…

China’s tariffs on exports to the US have risen to 125%, prompting speculation about potential retaliation and the future scope of trade relations.

Jillian Lauren, the author and wife of Weezer bassist Scott Shriner, was shot and injured by Los Angeles police after allegedly pointing a handgun at officers in her front yard, leading to her arrest on suspicion of attempted murder.

Janet Brown, a 51-year-old mother of three, was brutally murdered in her Radnage home on 10 April 1995, and her case remains unsolved after 30 years.

Donald Trump pauses tariffs for most countries for 90 days on “reciprocal” tariffs for over 75 trading partners, maintaining a reduced baseline tariff of 10%

Europe faces foot and mouth outbreak as Estonia and Czech Republic scramble to implement measures against foot-and-mouth disease as concerns for a major European breakout grow as at least four countries within the EU are on the watchlist.

Prince William attended Aston Villa’s Champions League quarter-final match in Paris with his son, George, expressing that the outing was significant for both of them.

The foster sister of Cher Maximen, who was fatally stabbed at Notting Hill Carnival, emphasised the urgent need to address safety concerns surrounding the event.

Barry Dawson, a 60-year-old man, was shot dead in his home in Stanley, County Durham, leading to tributes from his family describing him as a “much-loved father, granddad and partner.”

The US-China trade war is in full flow as the rest of the world holds its breath, wondering, hoping and perhaps even praying that Trump sees some sense.

There are whispers in the corridors of Congress between Republicans and Democrats as to how they can either curb the president’s war or usurp him. There is far too much at stake for Congress not to intervene.

Prince Harry’s legal challenge regarding UK security revolves around his “safety, security, and life,” emphasised during a two-day hearing, highlighting the personal stakes involved for him and his family.

Cher Maximen, 32, was fatally stabbed during Notting Hill Carnival’s “Family Day,” with her daughter witnessing the tragic event just metres away.

A proposed 50% tariff on all Chinese goods, combined with existing tariffs, could result in over 100% tariffs, severely crippling trade between the US and China.

The UK government is considering nationalising British Steel as concerns grow over the Scunthorpe plant’s future after Jingye cancelled vital orders for raw materials.

Prince Harry back in Britain for two-day court case as the sixth in line to the throne argues he cannot return home – or bring his wife and children to the UK until they have been granted better security. 

The tabloids don’t have much sympathy for Harry’s cause, instead highlighting the fact his father flew out to Italy without seeing him, noting the strained relationship Harry has with his family – or trashing his wife’s latest business venture, a new podcast. 

Ofcom is investigating a suicide forum provider for potential violations of the Online Safety Act, marking the first inquiry into an individual service provider under the new legislation.

An all-out trade war starts as China hit with 104% levies, and fears of a global recession dominate the morning conversations. Wednesday’s newspaper headlines reflect the fears before the tariffs started (they’ve since come into effect).

Last week, Donald Trump announced a baseline rate of 10% tariffs on most countries, with more extreme tariffs coming into effect today for what the US president said were the ‘worst offenders’ – around 60 countries, including China, have been hit with a 104% tariff.

Wednesday’s headlines continue to be dominated by Donald Trump’s widespread tariffs amid an escalation between the world’s two biggest economies: the United States and China. Trump’s retaliatory tariffs against China’s retaliatory tariffs sees the US tariffs on Chinese goods now at a rate of 104%. China has said it won’t back down and will continue to fight ‘until the end’ – the battle between the two has raised fears of a global recession.

Elsewhere, Prince Harry is back in Britain to attend a two-day hearing over the decision to cut back his security following his move to the United States. The royal has argued that the country isn’t safe enough for him to bring his wife and children and that his security team in the US does not have access to the level of information needed to ensure his family is safe. Harry has said the UK is always his home and is central to his children’s heritage.

A Universal Studio theme park is set to be built in the UK which could bring an extra £50 billion to the economy, creating 28,000 jobs. The resort would be the first in Europe under the brand behind blockbusters such as Wicked, Harry Potter, Shrek and The Minions movie franchise – and joins six others around the world.

Last night’s football action dominates many UK headlines as English club Arsenal battered Real Madrid 3-0 in the first leg of the quarter finals. England’s Lionesses suffered a 3-2 loss to Belgium in the Women’s Nations League after winning the reverse fixture 5-0 at home only a few days earlier.