Author: WTX News Editor
Ksenia Karelina, a US-Russian citizen, was jailed in Russia for 12 years after her £40 donation to a Ukrainian charity was deemed treasonous.
Donald Trump has backed down on his tariffs (higher than the baseline 10%) on countries that did not retaliate against the levies. The US president announced via social media that there would be a 90-day pause on those tariffs and they would instead be dropped to the blanket 10% rate. But since China did retaliate, Trump announced that the tariffs on China would be hiked to 125%.
Much of the global media sees the announcement of Trump backing down from the trade war he started, likely amid US government bond sell-offs.
King Charles and Camilla are in Italy for a state visit, meeting with politicians and the pope and delivering a historic speech to both houses of the Italian parliament. The UK media is suggesting it is an exercise in Britain’s soft powers and that the royals are being used to help reset the UK’s relationship with the rest of Europe following the fraught and turbulent times of the Brexit era.
The state visit also coincides with the pair’s 20th wedding anniversary, and several of the royal-supporting news media offer insights into the couple’s marriage – the ups and downs and how they finally got together. There is also commentary on the King’s relationship with his youngest son, who is back in Britain for a court case regarding his personal security. The pair reportedly did not meet before Charles headed to Italy.
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.
