News 20/04/26

Tsunami warnings have been issued for parts of northeast Japan following an earthquake, with coastal areas told to stay alert.

Authorities say advisories are also in place, with different alert levels issued depending on risk. Tsunami warnings are the second highest level, while major tsunami warnings are the highest. A map released by Japan’s meteorological agency shows red zones indicating warnings and yellow areas indicating advisories.

The UK economy is expected to flirt with recession this year, with almost two hundred and fifty thousand people potentially losing their jobs due to the impact of higher oil prices linked to the Iran war.

The Item Club says its latest forecasts reflect further volatility in global markets, with Brent crude rising and the Strait of Hormuz closed again amid a fragile ceasefire.

Dozens of firefighters have been tackling a blaze at a derelict historic building in Ballycastle in Northern Ireland.

The Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service says it received a call shortly after eight o’clock on Sunday evening. Forty two firefighters from stations in Ballycastle, Ballymoney and Portrush are in attendance. Residents nearby have been advised to keep windows and doors closed and to avoid the area while crews continue dealing with the fire.

The United States has intercepted an Iranian flagged cargo ship in the Gulf as part of its naval blockade, according to Donald Trump.

He said the vessel, named the Touska, was seized by the US Navy after failing to respond to a warning to stop. Iran has described the move as a violation of a ceasefire and warned it will retaliate. The White House says Vice President JD Vance will lead a delegation for further talks, but Iran has not confirmed it will take part.

Limits should be introduced on what has been described as unmanageable caseloads for health visitors in England, according to the Institute of Health Visiting.

Some are now responsible for more than one thousand families. The workforce has almost halved over the past decade. A Commons committee has warned the government will fail in its ambition to give every child the best start without urgent action. Ministers say they are committed to strengthening services.

Analysis suggests traders have been placing large bets shortly before major announcements by the US president.

The BBC says trading spikes were recorded hours or even minutes before statements were made public. Some analysts say the pattern resembles insider trading, while others argue traders may simply be anticipating developments.