President Donald Trump has vowed to raise worldwide tariffs to 15 percent, up from 10 percent, “effective immediately,” he said in a Truth Social post Saturday following a defeat in the Supreme Court.
The move comes as the Supreme Court yesterday ruled his sweeping global tariffs, ushered in under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act, were unlawfully imposed. He used the act to charge huge levies on countries, including 50 percent on India, which was later reduced, and 34 percent on China.
Trump said he was bumping up the tariffs to 15 percent “based on a thorough, detailed, and complete review of the ridiculous, poorly written, and extraordinarily anti-American decision on Tariffs issued yesterday.”
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“Please let this statement serve to represent that I, as President of the United States of America, will be, effective immediately, raising the 10% Worldwide Tariff on Countries, many of which have been “ripping” the U.S. off for decades, without retribution (until I came along!), to the fully allowed, and legally tested, 15% level,” Trump said.
President Donald Trump has vowed to raise worldwide tariffs to 15 percent, up from 10 percent, “effective immediately,” he said in a Truth Social post Saturday following a defeat in the Supreme Court (AFP/Getty)
“During the next short number of months, the Trump Administration will determine and issue the new and legally permissible Tariffs, which will continue our extraordinarily successful process of Making America Great Again – GREATER THAN EVER BEFORE!!!” the president wrote on his social media platform.
The White House shared the president’s Truth Social to its official X account.
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Trump also hailed Justice Brett Kavanaugh his “new hero” after he sided with the president, as did Justices Clarence Thomas and Samuel Alito.
“My new hero is United States Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh and, of course, Justices Clarence Thomas and Samuel Alito,” Trump said in another Truth Social post. “There is no doubt in anyone’s mind that they want to, MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!”
After the court’s decision, Trump announced he would instead use the 1974 Trade Act to continue his tariff agenda. But the Trade Act only allows a maximum tariff of 15 percent and comes with a limit of 150 days, unless Congress votes to extend it.
“The president asserts the extraordinary power to unilaterally impose tariffs of unlimited amount, duration, and scope. In light of the breadth, history, and constitutional context of that asserted authority, he must identify clear congressional authorization to exercise it,” Chief Justice John Roberts wrote in a 6-3 decision Friday.
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The Supreme Court ruling is a blow to Trump, who used the International Emergency Economic Powers Act to charge huge levies on countries, including 50 percent on India, which was later reduced, and 34 percent on China (Getty Images)
Conservative Justices Neil Gorsuch and Amy Coney Barrett, both appointed by Trump, joined Roberts as well as liberal Justices Sonia Sotomayor, Elena Kagan and Ketanji Brown Jackson in ruling against the president.
Trump and his aides have expected a negative ruling in the case for months and have been preparing other authorities for taxing imports — which, like tariffs, are ultimately shouldered by consumers — but those other avenues are far more limited than the broad powers Trump had asserted for himself.
He also threatened to invoke Section 338 of the 1930 Tariff Act to impose as much as a 50 percent tax on imports from countries that discriminate against American products. That portion of the United States Code has its roots in the infamous Smoot-Hawley tariff enacted during the Great Depression — with the effect of worsening the economic devastation caused by the stock market crash a year earlier — and has never been used by a president in the modern era.
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The ruling does not impact all of Trump’s tariffs, just those brought under the 1970s law. That includes “reciprocal” tariffs on other countries since he announced that policy during an April event on what he’d dubbed “Liberation Day” as well as tariffs specifically imposed on Canada, China and Mexico to stop the flow of fentanyl.
Tariffs imposed on specific sectors, such as aluminum or steel — some of which date back to his first term —can remain in place.
Ariana Baio and Andrew Feinberg contributed to this report
The carnival is is set to be revived this summer after an almost 20-year absence, as local group Howfen Wakes seeks to bring back the popular tradition.
The carnival began many years ago as an agricultural show before blossoming into a full-scale event with floats, games, stalls, live performers, and a parade.
Westhoughton Carnival 2004 (Image: Danny Gifford)
Westhoughton councillor David Wilkinson said: “We were really pleased how our Christmas Markets went.
“The carnival coming back will be a big step forward for our community – it will be great.”
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Cllr Arthur Price added: “Anything that brings the town together is a good thing.”
All councillors present agreed to approve Howfen Wakes’ £500 grant application to help organise the event.
Westhoughton Carnival 2004 (Image: Danny Gifford)
Howfen Wakes plans to start small in order to test public interest.
They have been granted the right to use the field in Westhoughton, where they will set up this summer.
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The first carnival will be a party in the park – stalls, amusements, food, face painting and hair braiding for the kids.
One of the main issues with the original carnival was the cost of road closures and traffic management, so the plan is to keep that to a minimum this year.
Westhoughton Carnival 2004 (Image: Danny Gifford)
If the response is good and the carnival is popular, Howfen Wakes will expand it year on year until it begins to resemble its former pomp, with parades, floats, and performers.
‘Howfen’ is a slang term for a Westhoughtoner, so ‘Howfen Wakes’ refers to the reawakening of the Howfens as they revive their carnival.
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As it stands, the carnival has been inactive for about 20 years.
Westhoughton Carnival 2004 (Image: Danny Gifford)
It’s folding was largely due to cost-related pressures, as the expanding carnival accrued expanding costs for policing, road closures, and performers.
This led to the first iteration of Westhoughton Carnival being cancelled in 2007, despite calls for support from local residents and councillors.
City of York Council says it is considering a new approach to the seasonal event, which would see the market close on Tuesdays each week to allow “business as usual” in the city centre.
It said that the rest day would ease access for residents who feel cut off by the market, with particular benefits intended for Blue Badge holders.
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As reported by The Press in February, extra Blue Badge parking spaces, improving accessibility for buses, dedicated quiet and rest spaces, more cycle parking and benches are among proposals drawn up following a review of last year’s market.
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Controversial restrictions were implemented last November following an Anti-Terror Traffic Regulation Order (ATTRO) requested by North Yorkshire Police which barred drivers from city centre streets during the market’s opening hours – restrictions the force said were needed to deter terrorist attacks.
However, campaigners have slammed the measures claiming they exclude some York residents from their own city centre – especially Blue Badge holders who are unable to drive into parts of the city.
Councillor Pete Kilbane, deputy leader of City of York Council, said: “York is the most Christmassy place to be which is why it’s enjoyed by residents and visitors from all around the world.
“At a special time of year with the winter lights and Christmas Market, it’s just a fantastic place to be.
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“However, this isn’t the case for everyone. We know that some people can feel cut off from the city centre at this time of year and this can’t continue.
“This report looks to explore our options to improve access to the city centre in a way which also keeps the city safe.
“This includes looking at rest days for the market to support those who need to get into the city centre for everyday needs such as banking services, and for leisure such as enjoying York’s amazing retail and hospitality offer.”
York Christmas Market could close one day a week under fresh plans (Image: Staff)
If approved, York’s Christmas market would close every Tuesday – traditionally the day when footfall for the market is quieter.
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This would allow Blue Badge holder access through the hostile vehicle measures on those Tuesdays, unless exceptional circumstances such as a national security threat, specific intelligence or a VIP visit required retricted access.
On the remaining days of the week, vehicle restrictions would remain in place in line with anti-terrorism measures requested by the police.
The council says the change could give residents and visitors greater freedom to access shops, services, and leisure options without the usual constraints of the market operating.
If the six-day market option is backed, 2026 would serve as a trial year, with arrangements for 2027 and beyond being reviewed following an evaluation of that season.
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The proposal will be discussed at the council’s executive meeting on Tuesday, April 14, with papers for the meeting available on the City of York Council’s website.
The meeting will also be available to watch live or on demand at www.york.gov.uk/webcasts.
A friend of Harry’s told The Sunday Times: “If he was invited by the King, he would get a package of security that automatically kicks in. He’d like an invite to Sandringham. Would he go? It would depend who was there. If the King was to say, ‘Come up and spend some time with the family’, he’d love that.”
Rhododendron ponticum, bursting into bright colour at this time of year, has been spreading widely across the Smithills Estate for years, crowding out native species.
Rhododendron on Smithills trail (Image: NQ)
The Trailblazers, volunteers working in the area, say the plant’s thick growth is “choking” the woodland floor and leaving little room for other plant life to survive.
Work uncovers water feature on the estate after plants removed (Image: NQ)
Trailblazer Alan Cowardine said: “The problem with the rhododendron is it’s got a thick foliage. “No light gets to the ground, so nothing else can survive.
“So that could be creatures like earthworms, beetles, any flies, anything like that. We’ve actually seen nothing since we’ve been pulling out the rhododendrons.”
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The plant spreads aggressively and is difficult to control once established.
Work is underway to control the plethora of out-of-control rhododendron bushes and Trailblazers are hopeful the can limit its growth, even if hedges found all over the trail are made mostly out of the daunting yet manageable rhododendron.
Rhododendron can cause illness and vomiting when eaten, but while the risks to people and pets are considered low, volunteers say the plant should not be consumed.
Mr Cowardine added: “Each plant will produce a million seeds, then the roots form and it spreads as well, so it’s not a good thing to have and it’s a toxic plant as well.”
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“It is toxic, but you’d have to physically eat it, but it’s not good for the environment full stop.”
Smithills’ Woodland, which spans for acres and is a walking route for locals, is maintained every Monday by the Trailblazers.
Jean Turner (Image: NQ)
Each week, they come together to stay on top of plant life, create walkways for visitors and restore once neat areas, such as ponds.
They have had help from local organisations such as Bolton Council, Friends of Smithills hall, places of education, and Bolton Green Umbrella to name a few.
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Volunteer at work (Image: NQ)
The plant’s impact goes beyond visibility, affecting the balance of the wider ecosystem.
Jean Turner, Chair of Edgworth and District Horticultural Society, said: “The problem we’ve got is rhododendron ponticum, a beautiful flower but deadly to the environment.
“Anything underneath a rhododendron bush will die because the rhododendrons have in themselves a chemical which kills or inhibits any growth.
“The rhododendron plant is poisonous to many animals, so sheep and cows won’t graze on it. I suppose the leaves don’t look very appetising, but you would take precautions.”
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Efforts to remove the plant are ongoing, with volunteers working to dig out roots and prevent regrowth.
They hope that over time clearing the rhododendron will allow native plants and wildlife to return to help the woodland flourish.
Jamie Lynn Spears’ life now from Netflix show to ‘frustrating’ Britney relationship – The Mirror
Need to know
Jamie Lynn Spears has rebuilt her career with Netflix’s Sweet Magnolias and reality TV appearances, but her relationship with sister Britney remains strained following years of public fallout over the conservatorship
Samantha Bartlett Assistant Editor, Social News
11:04, 03 Apr 2026Updated 11:09, 03 Apr 2026
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Jamie Lynn Spears is currently concentrating on a number of forthcoming professional ventures(Image: Emma McIntyre, Getty Images)
All you need to know about Jamie Lynn Spears’ life now
Jamie Lynn Spears is an American actress and singer who has enjoyed a career spanning two decades, best known for her breakthrough as a teenage star on Nickelodeon before successfully transitioning into country music and dramatic television.
She first stepped into the spotlight as a child performer, following in the footsteps of her famous older sister, Britney Spears. Jamie Lynn made her screen debut in the 2002 film Crossroads, portraying a younger version of her sister’s character. Shortly afterwards, she joined the sketch comedy series All That as a regular cast member for seasons 8 and 9.
In 2005, she secured the lead role of Zoey Brooks in the popular teen sitcom Zoey 101. The programme became one of Nickelodeon’s most-watched premieres and earned her numerous accolades, amongst them two Nickelodeon Kids’ Choice Awards.
Her blossoming acting career came to an abrupt standstill in late 2007 when she revealed she was pregnant at just 16 years old. Despite widespread belief that this led to Zoey 101 being axed, the final series had already completed filming and was broadcast in 2008. Following a five-year break to dedicate herself to motherhood, Spears moved to Nashville to chase her dreams of a country music career.
She launched her debut country single, “How Could I Want More,” in 2013, followed by the EP The Journey in 2014. Spears also made her mark as a songwriter, co-writing Jana Kramer’s platinum-certified 2015 single “I Got the Boy”. In recent years, Spears has rebuilt her presence across both scripted and unscripted television. She made her return to acting in 2020 as a series regular in the Netflix drama Sweet Magnolias, taking on the role of Noreen Fitzgibbons. She also reprised her beloved role as Zoey Brooks in the 2023 sequel film Zoey 102 on Paramount+, on which she additionally served as executive producer.
Throughout 2023, she featured on a string of reality competition programmes, including Dancing with the Stars, Special Forces: World’s Toughest Test, and the popular British series I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here!. Away from the screen, she released her autobiography, Things I Should Have Said, in 2022, offering a candid account of her life in the public eye and her family experiences.
As of early 2026, Jamie Lynn is concentrating on a number of forthcoming professional ventures while marking important family milestones. She resides in Louisiana with her husband, businessman Jamie Watson, to whom she has been married since 2014. The couple have two daughters: Maddie Briann (born in 2008), who is completing her final year of high school in 2026, and Ivey Joan (born in 2018). She regularly offers her followers a peek into her down-to-earth home life on social media, having recently marked her 12th wedding anniversary with a quiet dinner at home.
Jamie Lynn has spoken candidly about her battles with anxiety, depression, and OCD, which she manages through therapy. She is equally forthright about her Catholic faith, crediting it with helping her family navigate challenging periods, including her daughter Maddie’s ATV accident in 2017. She continues in her role as Noreen Fitzgibbons in the hit Netflix series Sweet Magnolias. Season 4 launched in early 2026, and she’s already hinted that Season 5 is anticipated in June 2026.
Her relationship with her elder sister, Britney Spears, remains a significant focus of public attention. The siblings have endured a highly publicised and turbulent rift over recent years, primarily revolving around Britney’s 13-year conservatorship and Jamie Lynn’s 2022 memoir, Things I Should Have Said. While Britney has conveyed both affection and fierce frustration towards her sister through her own memoir and social media posts, the relationship is widely regarded as strained yet possibly repairable. Jamie Lynn insists she loves her sister but has frequently felt caught in her “shadow”.
Kyle Williams and Simon Farr ‘did not care about the pain they caused to vulnerable people’
10:53, 03 Apr 2026Updated 10:53, 03 Apr 2026
Two members of an organised crime gang profiteered from supplying cocaine in a south Wales valleys town, a court heard. Police said Kyle Williams, 38, and Simon Farr, 54, “did not care about the pain they caused to vulnerable people and their families”.
Cardiff Crown Court heard neighbourhood officers in Blaenau Gwent investigating the sale and supply of class A drugs carried out early-morning warrants at two addresses in Abertillery in March last year.
During these searches, officers recovered two mobile phones and, at the address of Williams seized cocaine with a street value of up to £9,720, and £8,860 cash.
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When analysing the phones seized, officers found evidence linking Williams and Farr to the sale and supply of cocaine. Both men, from Abertillery, were charged in December of last year.
Williams and Farr appeared for sentencing at Cardiff Crown Court Thursday, April 2, after previously admitting to supplying the class A controlled drug and possessing a controlled drug of class B – cannabis/cannabis resin.
Williams also pleaded guilty to possession with intent to supply cocaine. Don’t miss a court report by signing upto our crime newsletter here
Williams received a sentence of four years imprisonment, while Farr was sentenced to two-and-a-half years.
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PC Connor Jones from Gwent Police said: “I would like to thank all those who played a role in Operation Dansom, a lengthy and thorough investigation, during which meticulous work from our data analysts and digital forensics teams uncovered a wealth of evidence to bring these two men to justice.
“We were able to establish that Williams and Farr were profiting financially from the sale of class A drugs – they did not care about the pain they caused to vulnerable people and their families.
“These sentencing outcomes were made possible by the important role our communities play in these enquiries as the information given to us helps build our intelligence picture and gives us the chance to bring criminals, like Williams and Farr, before the courts.
“Our teams will continue to work tirelessly to tackle drug supply in Blaenau Gwent and protect vulnerable people from the devastation and misery that illegal drugs can cause.”
Pupils from Cairns and St Cadoc’s Primary Schools have been working with Nil b Mouth to see how sport can bring people from different walks of life together.
The Commonwealth Games visited Cambuslang as part of a project highlighting how sport can bring people from different walks of life together.
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Pupils from Cairns and St Cadoc’s Primary Schools have been working with equality campaigners Nil by Mouth on a six-week programme that sees P7 youngsters participate in a range of sporting activities and workshops highlighting the importance of community and teamwork.
The schools have been working with the charity, set up by Glasgow teenager Cara Henderson in response to the brutal sectarian murder of her school friend Mark Scott, for more than a decade winning a number of awards for their efforts to bring children together to better understand difference.
The final session of the programme saw a special visit by the Glasgow 2026 mascot Finnie who took part in a basketball challenge with the pupils and staff.
The Commonwealth Games takes place in Glasgow from July 23 to August 2, featuring a 10-sport programme and six fully integrated para sports hosted within four venues across the city.
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Last week it was announced that £2.2 million pounds of National Lottery funding would be made available to support community, art and sports activity inspired by the Games to communities across Scotland and it is hoped groups in Rutherglen and Cambuslang will benefit.
Nil By Mouth partnership manager Emma Alexander said: “Every athlete competing at Glasgow 2026 will once have been a young person who found the inspiration to compete and excel at sport and we hope that this is a real way of linking these schools with an international sporting competition happening right on their doorstep.
“One of the themes of the Games is bringing people together and in a part of the world where sport can often be seen as a dividing line these schools have a long and proud record of using sport to work together and help children understand and celebrate difference rather than viewing it as something to be feared.”
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Martin Hughes, deputy head of Cairns Primary School said: “We really value our friendships with our neighbours at St Cadoc’s and our joint project is a real highlight of the school year. The kids have really enjoyed Finnie’s visit and you can see their excitement building about the Commonwealth Games and the chance to enjoy international level sport right here.”
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“I learned to play football in the streets, in the estates, on concrete. So, naturally it’s my DNA and I’ll never change that,” Cherki said in July, external after joining City from Ligue 1 side Lyon.
Cherki has stuck to his word since moving to England and remains a crowd pleaser. There is an intake of breath from the crowd every time he gets the ball at Etihad Stadium.
His catalogue of tricks and flicks in a City shirt this season would make for an impressive compilation on YouTube or TikTok.
Team-mates have spoken glowingly about Cherki, with France captain Kylian Mbappe saying he has a “gift” of playing football, City skipper Bernardo Silva calling him a “special talent” while Phil Foden said he is a “unique” player.
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Though Guardiola has said Cherki is one of the most talented players he has worked with, some of the silky skills from the 22-year-old have not always gone down well.
In December, Guardiola rebuked his player for a ‘rabona’ assist against Sunderland saying “I never saw Lionel Messi play a cross like he has done” and although it worked on this occasion, he would be in “trouble” if it didn’t.
Cherki seems to delight and infuriate in equal measure.
Brought in to replace club legend Kevin de Bruyne, Cherki had big boots to fill but the early signs suggest he can plug the hole left by the brilliant Belgian and his creativity.
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The midfielder has provided eight Premier League assists this season, all from open play, while he has created 15 big chances and managed 21 through balls – he trails only Manchester United’s Bruno Fernandes in all these metrics.
Cherki featured in France’s friendly win over Colombia during the recent international break, but 1998 World Cup winner Christophe Dugarry provided a scathing assessment of the player and his work-rate.
“What is this player who can afford to stop when he loses the ball?” said, external the former Birmingham City striker. “What is this player who, every time he touches the ball, is in a performance? Stop talking about Cherki like that.
“He is a player who still needs consistency and to be much better over time. He needs to show, to prove, to demonstrate.
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“Oh, Cherki, he’s not [Zinedine] Zidane.”
Pye adds: “There is an expectation on him to make things happen when things are not going your way.
“There is a real bravery of taking the game by the scruff of the neck and showcase his raw ability no matter what the occasion is. He is definitely a breed of footballer that the Premier League has needed.
“Guardiola is aware that this is a player that can go all the way. It is up to Cherki himself though. How much does he want it? How far does he want to go?”
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On Saturday, Cherki comes up against a Liverpool side he might have joined in the summer, having reportedly, external met manager Arne Slot for talks.
But the Reds went all in to splash £116m on Germany international Florian Wirtz, opening the path for City to bring in Cherki for a mere £30m.
There has been one clear winner in those two transfers so far – Cherki will be aiming to serve another reminder on what Slot could have had.
Donald Trump has said the federal government should not pay for services like Medicaid, Medicare or day care as it need to prioritise “fighting wars”.
Speaking during a private Easter luncheon at the White House on Wednesday (1 April), the US president said it should be up to the states to “take care” of the provisions whilst the government focuses on Iran.
“We can’t take care of day care. You got to let a state take care of day care. And they should pay for it, too. They should pay. They’ll have to raise their taxes, but they should pay for it,” he said.
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He added that the federal government should also not pay for Medicaid or Medicare. “We have to take care of one thing: military protection. We have to guard the country.”
Chloe Watson Dransfield, 16, was attacked after a party in Leeds and died in hospital shortly after – another teenager has now been arrested in connection with her death
Zahra Khaliq News Reporter and Annette Belcher
09:15, 03 Apr 2026Updated 10:04, 03 Apr 2026
A further arrest has been made following the death of a schoolgirl in the middle of a quiet street. A 14-year-old boy has been arrested on suspicion of murder and another three teenagers have been charged after a 16-year-old was stabbed to death in Leeds.
Chloe Watson Dransfield, from Gomersal, was attacked after a party in Austhorpe, Leeds, at 5.55am on Saturday and died in hospital shortly after.
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The 14-year-old boy was arrested today and remained in custody, police said. Confirming the arrest of the 14-year-old boy, a spokesperson for West Yorkshire Police said: “Members of the public are reminded that this is a live investigation and are asked to refrain from making comments or suggestions which may jeopardise court proceedings.”
Kayla Smith, 18, has been charged with Chloe’s murder, along with Archie Rycroft, 19, and a 17-year-old boy who cannot legally be named. The trio appeared at Leeds Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday charged with murder, The Mirror reports.
They did not enter pleas and were remanded in custody ahead of an upcoming hearing on May 1. All three teenagers spoke only to confirm their names and dates of birth, and no applications for bail were made.
A further man, who is 18 and from Leeds, has been arrested on suspicion of murder and remains in custody. An 18-year-old woman and a 17-year-old boy who were arrested on suspicion of murder have been released on bail pending further enquiries.
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Chloe was described by her family as “stunning, confident, loyal and honest” in a tribute released after her death. The message read: “My beautiful princess Chloe. I cannot put into words how I feel that you are not here with me. You are my life, my world, my best friend and I know that I am yours. I cannot live without you – I need you.
“You are stunning, confident, loyal, honest and my family-oriented princess. When you walk into any room it lights up with your bubbly personality. There is so much I could say. There’s a big hole in my heart that can never be filled.”
The family added: “Your two sisters and big brother will always love and miss you to infinity. You will always and forever be in our hearts. Love Mum, Connor, Courtney and Cienna.”
Chloe’s father and other family members said they were “utterly devastated” and that she would “never be forgotten”.
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“We miss every single thing about her. She was beautiful, full of joy, and had a wonderfully cheeky personality,” they said. “She embraced life with such happiness, and she had her whole future ahead of her. Chloe was loved by everyone who knew her, and the absence she leaves behind is immeasurable.”
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