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.

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.

The US tariff situation may have fallen off the front pages of many newspapers, but the business media remains on top of the latest news from Washington. Despite Trump issuing an exemption for big tech in his tariffs on China, he has since signalled that it’s only a temporary measure and investigations are under way into the semiconductor and pharmaceutical trade – which could lead to their tariff exemptions ending. 

US Vice President JD Vance expressed optimism about a forthcoming trade deal between the US and UK, indicating productive negotiations with the UK government.

It’s a wet and windy morning here in the capital, but lots is happening in the news – grab yourself a coffee and let’s dive into the headlines.


The ongoing Birmingham bin strike is a popular story in the country this morning as unions overwhelmingly rejected a deal to end the strike. Several newspapers suggest the strike could spread outside the city – and there are reports on the growing concerns over a potential health crisis as residents report streets being overrun by large rats and trash.


There is backlash from China amid the British Steel crisis – after the government dramatically took over control of the Scunthorpe plant over the weekend – as Beijing warns the UK to avoid politicising the situation. There are concerns from the top that the Chinese owners are intentionally trying to sabotage the UK steel industry to force the country to become more reliant on cheap Chinese steel.


On the international front, there are reports on the all-female Blue Origin team that took a trip to space. Katy Perry and Gayle King were amongst the crew.


The business publications continue their heavy coverage of the US tariffs saga amid an investigation into the semiconductor and pharmaceutical trade – which could lead to their tariff exemptions ending. In recent news, JD Vance has said there is a good chance the UK will secure a trade deal with the US.


In sports news, Newcastle manager Eddie Howe is in hospital with pneumonia, he is set to miss more matches. Several publications look ahead to tonight’s Champions League match involving the English club Aston Villa. The Birmingham club need to overturn a 2 goal deficit.

The US FTC has initiated an antitrust trial against Meta, alleging that the acquisitions of Instagram and WhatsApp were aimed at eliminating competition to maintain market dominance.