Author: WTX News Editor

A handful of newspapers lead with the Birmingham bin strikes a day after union members rejected a pay deal that they deemed ‘wholly inadequate.’ The headlines report there are fears the strikes could spread across the country as union members are fighting to prevent pay cuts and job losses.

Several headlines report on life in Birmingham six weeks into the strikes. There are reports of foul stenches and giant rats running around the city. There is wider concern of a potential health crisis sweeping the city as food rots in the streets and the rats could spread disease.

It’s another wet and windy start in the capital, with grey skies hanging over the city and suits marching off to work. I’m sure most are looking ahead to the long weekend. But until then, there’s still a lot happening across the country and around the world that you need to know!

The headlines are packed with various domestic and international stories, with no one story really dominating that much – although we expect that’ll change later today when the US stock markets open.

For now, the Birmingham bin strikes, a potential UK-US deal and a splash of budget talks and celebrity gossip lead the headlines.

The sports headlines look at how agonisingly close Aston Villa came to overturning their second-leg goal deficit. Other headlines look ahead to tonight’s Real Madrid vs Arsenal second leg – the North London club go into the clash ahead thanks to a 3-0 win in the first leg.

Salah Jundia survived an Israeli airstrike that destroyed his family’s home in Shujaiyya, Gaza, losing 15 relatives, including his father and brothers, to the bombings.

China’s economy recorded a 5.4% annual growth in the first quarter of 2025, bolstered by strong exports as companies aimed to circumvent imminent U.S. tariff increases.

Harriet Dart apologised for comments made about French player Lois Boisson, stating she “smells really bad” during their match at the Rouen Open.

Joshua Carroll, who murdered Headley Thomas, had escaped from Greater Manchester Mental Health Trust’s care 21 times, raising serious concerns among his family about the unit’s security.

The White House is reviewing trade agreements from over 15 countries, with some announcements expected soon, according to Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt.

An ancient oak tree over 400 years old was felled in Whitewebbs Park, Enfield, after being deemed a health and safety risk by its parent company, Mitchells & Butlers.

Ukraine’s military has targeted the base of the 448th Russian missile brigade, which was responsible for a recent missile strike on Sumy that resulted in 35 fatalities and over 119 injuries, including children.

Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds has unexpectedly reversed his stance on Chinese involvement in the UK steel sector, indicating a shift in government policy.

Four Russian journalists have been sentenced to five-and-a-half years in prison for allegedly belonging to an extremist group linked to Alexei Navalny’s Anti-Corruption Foundation.

Andrew Tate is set for a civil trial in 2027, facing allegations of physical and sexual abuse from four women, with claims for damages reaching six figures.

Tory MP among 15 charged in betting scandal – You’ve likely not heard much about this story as it’s been completely buried by the UK’s right-wing, Conservative-leaning newspapers – and it’s struggled to find coverage from the left-leaning media, who have treated the story as a footnote.

Jazwell Brown, 49, has pleaded guilty to the murder of Joanne Pearson, 38, and Teohna Grant, 24, during a stabbing incident in Milton Keynes on Christmas Day last year.

The front page of Metro this morning, 15-04-2025, reports on the all-female Blue Origin crew’s 10 minutes in space. The front page reports on Katy Perry’s comments regarding the trip. The front page has a feature piece on British actress Florence Pugh. Look at the Moon … Oh my God we’re in space

The front page of The Daily Telegraph this morning, 15-04-2025, reports on the Birmingham bin strike as union members yesterday overwhelmingly voted to reject the deal, calling it inadequate. The paper says unions are threatening to spread the bin strikes across the country,y and there are fears of a potential health crisis – six weeks after the strikes began. Unions threaten to spread bin strikes

The front page of Birmingham Mail this morning, 15-04-2025, reports on the Birmingham bin strike as union members overwhelmingly voted to reject yesterday’s deal. There are fears of a potential health crisis and fears the strikes could extend beyond the city. Brum’s rats are dancing in the streets

The front page of The Sun this morning, 15-04-2025, leads with a picture of Katy Perry floating in space after the American pop star was part of an all-female flight on Blue Origin. Elsewhere, the paper reports on an exclusive poll about the state of the county – with the paper’s readers saying they believe the country is going in the wrong direction. I kissed the ground and I liked it

Cliff Notes Victims of the Post Office Horizon scandal are encouraged by campaigner Sir Alan Bates to pursue legal action due to ongoing compensation delays, with forecasts suggesting claims may not be completed until November 2027. The government contests this timeline, asserting that claims are being settled at an accelerated pace, with 76% of claims reportedly resolved by March. Administration problems persist across multiple compensation schemes, leading to undervalued offers and additional legal challenges, prompting…

The front page of The Times this morning, 15-04-2025, reports on the British Steel crisis, looking at the role the Labour MP Ed Miliband has played in bringing the UK closer to Beijing. The Blue Origin space crew are pictured on the front splash as Katy Perry was amongst the celebrities that jetted into space. Miliband signed up to close ties with China on energy

The front page of The Independent this morning, 15-04-2025, reports on the UK’s British Steel crisis, Katy Perry going into space, and Rory Mcllroy winning The Masters. The front splash also reports on those who were charged over election date betting. Race to keep steel furnace alive fuels China trade row

Just a few days after the government used emergency powers to take British Steel’s Scunthorpe plant under its control, there are now calls for a review into Chinese investment in UK infrastructure amid claims the Chinese owners intentionally tried to sabotage British Steel to force the UK to depend on Chinese imports instead. 

Katy Perry goes to space – and no one is happy about it! There is heavy coverage of the backlash facing the all-female Blue Origin space flight yesterday, which saw Katy Perry and other celebrities go to space. On the front pages, the coverage is heavily focused on Perry’s reaction to the trip, whilst online (and more recent) publications report on the trip with scepticism, suggesting the trip was a “publicity stunt” and a waste of time and money when instead, real female astronauts should have been sent. There has also been a lot of negative reactions from celebrities who, like the journalists, question why Katy Perry – and the other Hollywood stars – was given a seat on this flight.

As dawn breaks across the globe, today’s top international stories reveal the shifting tides of power, policy, and protest. From rising diplomatic tensions to domestic reform debates in the Sudan crisis, Hamas-Israel ceasefire and US-UK trade tensions, top the billing today, as we break down the key facts of each story and how leading global media are framing the headlines. It’s a cool start to the day in London 12°C after a week of sun,…

Yesterday, Unite members voted to overwhelmingly reject a deal to end the Birmingham bin strike, calling the offer inadequate. Some publications see it as a humiliation for the Labour government after pleading with members to take the offer amid fears of strikes spreading around the country as well as a potential health crisis.