Is the US really heading for recession?

Hello. Global trade tensions are increasing as tariffs on metals entering the US come into force. Our business reporter Natalie Sherman takes a look at whether President Trump is about to trigger a recession in the world’s largest economy. In Hollywood, we've spoken to the usually shadowy figures who try to keep a lid on fallouts and scandals behind the scenes, and in the UK, we meet the retired firefighter turned metal detectorist who made a rare – and valuable – discovery in a field. ‌

TOP OF THE AGENDA

Tariffs 'worth it' even if they cause recession, says commerce secretary

Donald Trump holds an executive order about tariffs in February, flanked by Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick. Credit: Reuters

Tariffs of 25% on steel and aluminium entering the US, imposed by President Donald Trump, have come into effect. The world's biggest trading bloc, the EU, has hit back, saying it will impose counter tariffs on €26bn (£21.9bn, $28.3bn) worth of US goods. Retaliatory moves from other countries are also expected. While Trump promised Americans he'd bring a new era of prosperity, his tariffs are creating market uncertainty and raising fears of a recession, writes business reporter Natalie Sherman. However, the US commerce secretary has doubled-down, saying the tariffs are "worth it" even if they lead to a recession.

WORLD HEADLINES

BEYOND THE HEADLINES

How Hollywood’s powerful smear machine covers up feuds

After a fallout during the production of It Ends With Us, Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni filed competing lawsuits. Credit: Getty Images

The lawsuits between actors Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni have shed light on the secretive publicity machine operating behind the scenes in Hollywood to keep a lid on fallouts and scandals. But in recent years the role of publicists has shifted - and their challenges multiplied. Several industry insiders tell the BBC what's really going on behind the scenes and what it's like trying to keep a lid on Tinseltown’s messy reality.

And finally... in the UK

Retired firefighter Mark Sell could soon be several thousands pounds richer, with a medieval bishop's ring he found while out with his metal detector in the east of England expected to fetch up to £18,000 ($23,260) at auction. The rare gold ring which dates from the 12th or 13th Century - which you can see here - is inlaid with a sapphire, emeralds and garnets, and even went on display at the British Museum.