Month: April 2025

Growth slowed dramatically in the US over the last quarter as Donald Trump sought to roll out an aggressive trade strategy, claiming that sweeping tariffs on the world would strengthen the American economy. Gross domestic product (GDP), a key measure of overall growth in the US economy, fell by 0.3% in the first quarter of […]

He’s got knobbly knees, turned-out toes, a poisonous wart at the end of his nose … and he’s back, for the first time in more than 20 years: Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler have announced they are working on a new Gruffalo book. Due out in September 2026, the as-yet-untitled picture book will return to […]

US official tells ICJ there are ‘serious concerns’ over Unrwa impartiality A US official on Wednesday told the international court of justice (ICJ) there were “serious concerns” about the impartiality of the UN agency for Palestinian refugees (Unrwa). ICJ judges are holding a week of hearings to help them formulate an advisory opinion on Israel’s […]

Key events Show key events only Please turn on JavaScript to use this feature UK launches Yemen airstrikes, joining intense US campaign against Houthi rebels British fighter jets joined their US counterparts in airstrikes against Yemen’s Houthi rebels overnight, the first military action authorised by the Labour government and the first UK participation in an […]

Social Democrats approve German coalition deal And it’s now done: SPD members have approved the coalition deal with the overwhelming “yes” from 84.6% of those who cast their votes. 15.4% voted against, with 56% turnout, SPD said in a social media update. SPD visual confirming the Yes vote on the coalition deal Photograph: SPD In […]

House prices dipped by 0.6% month on month on average in April, according to an index – just as stamp duty discounts became less generous. Across the UK, the annual rate of house price growth slowed to 3.4% in April, from 3.9% in March, taking the average property value in April to £270,752, Nationwide said. […]

Introduction: France’s economy avoids recession with return to growth Good morning, and welcome to our rolling coverage of business, the financial markets and the world economy. It’s a massive day for GDP data, as growth figures from across the Eurozone – and then North America – are released through the day. They’ll give us an […]

It’s lunchtime on St George’s Day and the Royal pub in Runcorn is a festival of flags, fags and Farage. “I’m sorry,” says Mike Kneale, a painter, as he explains which party he will back in this week’s crucial byelection: “But it’s Nigel Farage.” The Reform UK leader’s Cheshire cat grin leaps out from billboards […]

The summer conditions south Asian countries dread each year have arrived alarmingly early, and it’s only April. Much of India and Pakistan is already sweltering in heatwave conditions, in what scientists say is fast becoming the “new normal”. Temperatures in the region typically climb through May, peaking in June before the monsoon brings relief. But […]

Erin Patterson, who allegedly murdered her in-laws by serving them a lunch laced with death cap mushrooms, will defend the charges by claiming the poisoning was accidental, a Victorian court has heard. Patterson, 50, faces three charges of murder and one charge of attempted murder relating to a beef wellington lunch she served at her […]