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Thursday, April 9th, 2026
Good morning! Welcome to The Tradesman, a 5-minute newsletter tailored just for America’s tradesmen.
Kanye West was set to perform at a festival in the UK, but then he was banned from entering the country. Find out why below.
Also, just hours after a ceasefire was discussed, Iran began firing missiles at American allies. Scroll down for the full story.
Retired Electrician Builds Giant Pencil
Retired electrician Steve Wainwright has found a fun way to stay busy in retirement by building giant versions of everyday objects.
Wainwright, who goes by the nickname "Mr. Big Stuff," uses skills from his years as an electrician to create realistic sculptures of items that would normally fit in the palm of your hand.
Find photos of his creations here.
Kanye West Banned From UK, Festival Canceled
Kanye West was scheduled to headline the UK Wireless Festival in July, but was banned on Thursday from entering the country.
The UK prime minister posted on X that West "should never have been invited to headline Wireless," pointing to his past antisemitic comments and hateful behavior toward minority groups.
In January, West took out an ad in The Wall Street Journal apologizing for his behavior, saying his bipolar disorder had led him into a manic episode.
Find the full story here.
Morning Meme

Should You Carry a Reload with Your Firearm?
Deciding to carry a firearm is a big decision that comes with a lot of questions. What kind of gun should you carry? How should you carry it?
One question that does not always get enough attention is whether you should also carry extra ammunition.
For the answer, go here.
Iran Fires Missiles at U.S. Allies Hours After Ceasefire Announced
Even as the U.S. Secretary of War called it a day of peace following the ceasefire announcement, Iran continued firing missiles at American allies across the Middle East, raising serious questions about whether the two-week truce will actually hold.
Oil Prices Drop, But Relief at the Pump May Take Time
After President Trump announced a ceasefire with Iran, oil prices dropped from $117 to below $95 a barrel. Oil market experts warn it may take some time before drivers actually feel the relief at the pump.
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