Author: WTX News Editor

Cliff Notes – XL bully on the loose after being shot at by police An XL bully escaped in Sheffield following police shots fired at the aggressive dog during a disturbance. Authorities are urging the public to remain vigilant and to refrain from approaching the animal due to its potential aggressive behaviour. New legislation prohibiting ownership of XL bullies without a valid exemption certificate has been in effect since February 1, 2024. XL bully on…

Cliff Notes Ed Sheeran performed an impromptu street gig outside King’s Cross station, showcasing new track "Azizam" and popular hits like "Perfect" and "Bad Habits". Spectators described the atmosphere as "amazing", with some feeling fortunate to see Sheeran perform in such an intimate setting unexpectedly. Fans from both the UK and abroad, including Australia and Germany, flocked to the location, with some aware of the performance through social media channels. Onlookers ‘strike gold’ after seeing…

Cliff Notes – Man charged with murder of 16-year-old boy in Huddersfield A 20-year-old man, Alfie Franco, has been charged with the murder of a 16-year-old boy following a stabbing incident in Huddersfield. The suspect faces additional charges for possessing a knife in a public place and is set to appear in court on Saturday. Ongoing police enquiries have led to the arrest of two individuals on suspicion of assisting an offender, who have since…

Cliff Notes Donald Trump’s 10% baseline tariff on imports took effect, causing significant declines in global stock markets as fears of a trade war escalated. Higher tariffs targeting specific nations—20% for the EU and 34% for China—are set to begin on 9 April, with a 25% tariff on foreign cars already applied. The UK government is preparing for potential economic impacts, signalling a cautious response to the tariffs while prioritising national interests. Trump’s 10% worldwide…

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 -…