Author: WTX News Editor

Trump announces fresh wave of US tariffs – Almost all of Thursday’s headlines are dissecting the tariffs announced by the US president yesterday. The UK was hit with a baseline 10% tariff, whilst the EU (who are preparing to retaliate) were hit with a 20% levy – some countries fared even worse with fees as high as 40%.

The UK newspapers generally express relief that the tariffs were not as bad for the UK as expected, with right-leaning media highlighting Brexit’s role in saving Britain from the 20% levy for the EU. The tariffs are set to come into effect on Saturday, with some headlines reporting there is still wiggle room for a deal to be carved out between the UK and US before the tax comes into effect.

Thursday’s headlines are, of course, dominated by yesterday’s news that the US will introduce a baseline 10% tariff on the world, including the UK and other countries, and are facing far higher tariffs, including the EU being hit with a 20% levy. 

The headlines are in general agreement that the UK being hit with the baseline tariff is far less severe than what was expected, and there could be some wiggle room as the tariffs don’t come into effect on Saturday.

Cliff Notes President Trump has implemented a 10% baseline tariff on imports from all nations, with higher tariffs on specific countries identified as "worst offenders," including 34% on China and 20% on the EU. The declaration of a national emergency allows Trump to regulate imports without negotiation, impacting countries like Canada and those in Southeast Asia, which face steep tariffs. The tariffs are expected to have significant repercussions for trade relations, particularly impacting China’s Economy…

A series of tornadoes and violent storms have impacted the South and Midwest, causing extensive damage to homes, power lines, and trees.

Sorcha Eastwood, an MP, reported online harassment from Andrew and Tristan Tate following her comments about violence against women during a Commons debate.

Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds acknowledged the US as “our closest ally” while emphasising that “nothing is off the table” in response to President Trump’s 10% tariffs on UK imports.

Residents in Highgate, Birmingham, are dealing with an overwhelming stench due to bin strikes causing overflowing rubbish bins, attracting pests like rats and foxes.

Val Kilmer, known for roles in Top Gun, Batman, and Heat, passed away at the age of 65 due to pneumonia, according to his daughter Mercedes.

“There’s no tariff if you build your product right here in America,” Trump says. Trump says build in America if you want to avoid tariffs Trump says that companies that build their products in the US will pay zero tariffs. “There’s no tariff if you build your product right here in America,” Trump says. The president says “soon” he will be getting calls from kings, queens and ambassadors looking for tariff exemptions. His message to…

Trump announces minimum 10% baseline tariff on all countries Trump has just announced a “minimum baseline tariff” of 10% on other countries to “help rebuild” the US economy.

Trump is now holding up a large chart showing a table titled “Reciprocal Tariffs”, which compares tariffs imposed by other countries on the US versus Washington’s own levies.

“They’ve taken so much of our wealth away from us,” he says. “We’re not going to let that happen.”

“They established the income tax so that citizens, rather than foreign countries, would start paying the money necessary to run our government,” Trump says.

“That’s why effective at midnight we will impose a 25% tariff on all foreign made automobiles,” Trump says.

Donald Trump indicated that Elon Musk would leave his government position as a special employee by the end of May, although it remains uncertain if this will occur as scheduled.

Cliff Notes Corinne Hutton received a double hand transplant after losing her hands and legs to sepsis, and she met the twin sister of her donor, Julie Wild, in a poignant encounter that highlighted the emotional impact of organ donation. Deborah Gosling, the donor’s sister, expressed pride in her sister’s decision to donate her limbs after her sudden death in 2019, emphasising the transformative potential of organ donation for individuals in need. Ms Hutton has…

Cliff Notes Chloe Leighton, a disabled and autistic woman, has become homeless after her father’s stroke left her without care, highlighting gaps in the social care system’s support for vulnerable individuals. Buckinghamshire Council’s failure to provide suitable emergency accommodation for Chloe led to her living in a pub and facing her first night on the streets after being denied suitable housing options. Despite council assurances of support tailored to individual needs, Chloe’s situation reflects chronic…

Cliff Notes Walter Buchanan, 66, was sentenced to a minimum of 15 years for murdering his wife Darrel Odhiambo, 37, following an altercation triggered by accusations of infidelity. The attack resulted in significant injuries to Odhiambo, including neck compression and a brain injury; Buchanan was found guilty after a trial at the High Court in Glasgow. Buchanan’s violent behaviour was exacerbated by a history of abuse within the relationship, and he expressed remorse, although the…

The world’s major economies vow retaliation against US tariffs set to be introduced today (21:00 BST).

Volkswagen and BMW have reported booming sales in the United States as Donald Trump is set to announce a new wave of US tariffs on non-American goods.

“Let me be clear with the House [of Commons], a trade war is in nobody’s interests and the country deserves — and we will take — a calm, pragmatic approach.”

Cliff Notes Fran Jones withdrew from the Colsanitas Cup after collapsing during her match against Julia Riera, trailing 5-3 in the third set. The 24-year-old was transported from the court in a wheelchair after struggling with her breathing issues. Jones, ranked 129 in the world and living with a rare genetic condition, has faced challenges with physical endurance throughout her career. British tennis player Fran Jones helped off court after collapsing during match | UK…

Scotland’s economy throttled by Labour The National Scot says Labour Chancellor Rachel Reeves has throttled Scotland’s economic growth, according to new expert analysis. The tax hikes would mean fewer job opportunities and spending cuts mean Holyrood’s budget is due to be £900 million less in five years’ time. There’s an exclusive story on a pro-Israel MP group refusing to say where it gets its funding, as well as a Scottish protest over rising energy bills as…

Student rapist: 23 more victims Metro reports more than 20 women have come forward after police launched an international appeal for potential victims of one of the UK’s worst serial rapists. Zhenhao Zou, 28, was found guilty last month of drugging, raping and filming 10 women – but detectives said he may have attacked up to 60 more. The front page reports on the Prince Andrew accuser and her claims she’s days away from death.

PM offers US tech firms tax cut in return for lower Trump tariffs The Guardian says big tech and big taxes the UK imposes on those firms seem to be another level that PM Starmer is willing to enter in order to pave a more favourable path in the global trade war.  US state department officials have challenged Britain’s communications regulator over the impact on freedom of expression created by new online safety laws, the Guardian…