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The Return of a Legend At the end of July, the Durutti Column will release their first new music in 16 years: the stunningly beautiful Renascent. It's a prime time for Vini Reilly, Bruce Mitchell and Keir Stewart to return as the Durutti influence is everywhere: sampled by Blood Orange on his latest album Essex Honey; cited by Harry Styles on his new LP Kiss All the Time. Disco, Occasionally, as well as by Mark William Lewis and Yung Lean; played on The Bear. The Enduring Legacy Not that the group need the endorsements: since 1978, they have been one of the UK's most distinctive acts, their dreamy instrumentals offering a sunlit alternative to the crags of post-punk, as last year's reissue of their debut, The Return of the Durutti Column reminded us. The record's deviation from the norms of the era, wrote Alexis Petridis in a five-star reappraisal, "ultimately worked in its favor: other than the sound of the primitive rhythm tracks, there's nothing to tie the music here to a specific era, which means it hasn't dated." The Comeback Story You can ask Reilly about being the first act to sign to Factory Records, having that debut album compiled against his will by producer Martin Hannett, working with Morrissey, learning to play guitar again after suffering a stroke, and quite how this new album came about. "I've got a good excuse to stop now because I've got arthritis," he told us in 2023 – yet here we are, with as gorgeous a record as they've ever made. Join the Conversation Post your questions in the comments by the end of 23 June and the best answers will appear on Guardian music soon.

The Vision Behind the TributeSonya Tayeh, award-winning choreographer known for her work on Moulin Rouge!, was deeply affected by Sinéad O'Connor's death in July 2023. Growing up in Detroit, Tayeh was inspired by O'Connor's bold protest on Saturday Night Live in 1992 when she tore up a picture of Pope John Paul II. This moment, along with O'Connor's music and spirit, profoundly impacted Tayeh's identity as an artist and person.The Birth of The SurgeWhile discussing a new project with New York's Joyce theater, Tayeh found inspiration in O'Connor's song 'Troy. She envisioned 'women, sweaty women in a line' and immediately knew she had to create a tribute piece. The resulting work, titled 'The Surge' - referring to a surge of energy, 'a hyper-awakening, a rumbling, a thrust' - features women over 40, with the final cast having a combined age of 529 years.Personal Connections and Artistic ExpressionTayeh, who identifies as Lebanese-Palestinian and grew up in a Muslim family, relates deeply to O'Connor's journey of questioning religious institutions and finding one's voice. Both artists experienced bullying and found strength in defying expectations. Tayeh listened to O'Connor's memoir, narrated by the musician herself, ten times while creating the piece, which she describes as her most personal project to date.The Performance ExperienceThe dance piece features ten women moving in waves, rolling, cresting, and surging across wooden benches arranged like church pews. The performance creates a sense of community and congregation, with dancers sliding, crawling, and disappearing between the rows in a ritualistic manner. Tayeh's direction emphasizes letting O'Connor 'hold us in this vessel' with 'nothing to prove, everything to give.'Cultural Impact and LegacyO'Connor's career was often marked by controversy and backlash, particularly after her 1992 SNL protest. Despite this, or perhaps because of it, she became an icon for those challenging authority and expressing their truth. Tayeh's tribute not only honors O'Connor's musical legacy but also addresses the underrepresentation of middle-aged women in both dance and music industries, creating space for artists to share their life experiences as they mature.

The Final Season of *The Bear* Is About to BeginEbon Moss‑Bachrach—best known for his role as maître d’ Richie Jerimovich—talks about the upcoming fifth season of the acclaimed FX series The Bear. After a successful Broadway run in Dog Day Afternoon, Moss‑Bachrach says fans are already chanting “Cousin!” as he exits the stage, underscoring the show’s lasting fan devotion.How *The Bear* Became a Surprise Smash HitPremiering in 2022, the series follows chef Carmen “Carmy” Berzatto (Jeremy Allen White) as he transforms his late brother’s failing sandwich shop into a fine‑dining destination. The show’s naturalistic dialogue, relentless kitchen pacing, and emotional depth turned it into a cultural touchstone, earning it the moniker “the best workplace drama since Mad Men.”Numbers That Prove Its ImpactMore than 100 major awards, including 21 EmmysOutperformed Marvel and Star Wars titles on Disney+ during its launch weekOwner of the real‑life inspiration, Mr Beef, now sells over 800 sandwiches daily, a three‑fold increaseWhy the Series Is Shaping Food Culture and BusinessThe show’s hyper‑real cinematography and “competence porn” appeal have sparked a surge in interest for Chicago’s River North food scene, driving pilgrimages to the real‑life eatery that inspired the series. Fashion trends like “Chefcore” and viral recipes—such as the omelette made by Syd—have further cemented its influence beyond television.What Lies Ahead for the Cast and the GenreWith the final season set to air, the cast is poised for new opportunities: Jeremy Allen White is attached to Aaron Sorkin’s sequel to The Social Network, while Ayo Edebiri and Lionel Boyce see heightened demand in Hollywood. Industry observers predict that the show’s authentic portrayal of restaurant life will inspire more “real‑world” culinary dramas and continue to boost the popularity of niche food venues worldwide.

Lead: A By‑Election Becomes a Leadership Litmus TestThe Thursday by‑election in Ashton‑in‑Makerfield delivered a clear victory for former Manchester mayor Andy Burnham, who secured 24,927 votes—more than 9,000 ahead of the Reform Party’s Robert Kenyon. Observers now view the result as a prelude to a potential challenge to Prime Minister Keir Starmer for the Labour leadership. Event Details: Burnham’s Win and the Nomination ThresholdBurnham (56) won with a margin that eclipses typical by‑election swings in the region.Under Labour rules, a leadership challenger must be nominated by at least 20 % of Labour MPs—equating to 81 MPs in the current parliament.The result follows weeks of intense media presence, with international crews from the US, Sweden and Denmark covering the town. Data Analysis: Vote Shares and the Emerging Five‑Party LandscapeOfficial figures show:Labour (Burnham): 24,927 votesReform Party (Kenyon): roughly 15,900 votes (≈9,000‑vote deficit)Other parties (Conservatives, Greens, Liberal Democrats, Restore) split the remaining vote, each capturing between 5‑10 % of the total.Professor Sir John Curtice notes that the UK is now effectively a five‑party system, with each party polling between 17‑27 % nationally, signalling fragmented voter alignments. Impact Analysis: What the Result Means for Labour and the Wider Political ArenaThe victory fuels speculation that Burnham could mount a leadership bid, especially as Starmer faces criticism for “poor communication” and a series of policy U‑turns. The by‑election also highlights the growing appeal of the far‑right Reform Party, which, despite finishing second locally, is polling strongly in national scenarios and enjoys backing from high‑profile investors such as Elon Musk.Local sentiment reflects a desire for change: voters like Cameron Graham and Howard Bond expressed preference for Burnham over Starmer, citing concerns over immigration policy and leadership style. Prediction: A Turbulent Road Ahead for the Labour LeadershipIf Burnham decides to challenge, he must quickly secure the required 81 MP nominations. Given his strong grassroots appeal and the perception that he “connects with the public,” he could become the most viable alternative to Starmer before the next general election.Meanwhile, the rise of Reform and the solidifying presence of the Greens under Zack Polanski suggest that future elections will be contested on a broader ideological spectrum, making any single‑party dominance increasingly unlikely.

The Lead: Venice's New Mayor Seeks Aggressive Overtourism Control Venice's newly elected mayor, Simone Venturini, has announced plans to raise the controversial entrance fee for day-trippers to as much as €50 (£43) in an effort to manage overtourism during peak periods. The rightwing former tourism councillor, who was elected in late May, believes the increased fee will help find a "new balance between the needs of residents, workers and visitors" in the UNESCO World Heritage city. The Event Details: Proposed Fee Structure and Implementation Venturini revealed that the council is studying a proposal to present to the national government seeking permission to increase the entrance fee "on certain days and when specific booking thresholds are exceeded." The mayor had pledged during his election campaign to raise the fee to between €30 and €50, depending on the dates. The current system requires visitors to pay the fee online and receive a QR code that must be presented to stewards at the city's main entrance points, such as Venezia Santa Lucia train station. Overnight visitors, tourists from the wider Veneto region, and children under 14 are exempt from the fee, though overnight visitors must still register their presence. The Data Analysis: Financial Impact and Current Fee Structure Although the entrance fee scheme has had little impact on overall visitor numbers, it has proven financially successful. In its first year (2024), the fee generated €2.4 million for the city's coffers—significantly more than expected. The initiative has expanded each year, covering 29 peak dates in 2024, 54 dates in 2025, and now 60 dates in 2026. The fee structure has also evolved, with last-minute day-trippers being charged double the standard rate. Venturini emphasized that the funds generated would be used "to finance city services and support the maintenance and protection of a unique city, built on water, whose costs exceed €100m each year." The Impact Analysis: Venice's Battle Against Overtourism Venice became the first tourist city in the world to charge people to enter when it introduced the €5 fee in 2024. The move represents a significant shift in how cities approach tourism management, particularly UNESCO World Heritage sites struggling with overtourism. The fee is described by Venturini as "currently the only effective tool to control daily visitor numbers" in the city. The impact extends beyond just financial considerations. Venice, with its unique infrastructure built on water, faces extraordinary maintenance costs and environmental challenges from high tourist volumes. The increased fee represents an attempt to generate revenue while potentially discouraging the most casual visitors during peak periods, though its effectiveness in actually reducing crowds remains to be seen. The Prediction: Future of Tourism Management in Venice As Venice continues to grapple with the challenges of balancing tourism preservation with resident quality of life, the proposed fee increase may signal a new direction for the city's tourism strategy. If approved, the higher fees could generate additional revenue while potentially reshaping visitor patterns, though the city will likely continue to seek innovative solutions to manage its delicate ecosystem. Other overtourism-plagued cities worldwide will be watching Venice's experiment closely, as it may provide a model for managing tourism at fragile heritage sites. The success of this approach could influence similar policies in cities facing comparable challenges, potentially marking a new era in sustainable tourism management.

The Rise of Henry Pollock As Henry Pollock idly plays with the straggly end of his blond rat’s tail on a sunny day in Northampton, he looks wholly at ease. There are more microphones in front of him than anyone else, but that’s fine. Exeter are preparing to hit him with everything they can muster, but that’s fine too. If you’re aspiring to stand out from the crowd, it’s all part of the deal. Pollock's Journey to the Premiership Final English rugby’s most exuberant young talent has been catching up fast ever since: two tries in Cardiff on his full England debut, a British & Irish Lions tour to Australia, a Champions Cup final. For a 21-year-old, it is a striking CV. But securing a Prem title alongside his best mates and then taking down the world champion Springboks in Johannesburg on 4 July really would allow him to live out his childhood dreams. The Mental Approach Pollock has been using visualisation techniques to make himself even more effective in the split-second moments that separate great players from the merely good. “I visualise moments in games: what I’m going to do next, whether I am going to go for a jackal or leave it or talk to the referee. The Impact on Northampton Saints The kinship within the current Saints’ squad is so strong, however, that stopping them will not be easy. “We are such good friends off the pitch,” stresses Pollock. With his pace, skills, and mental approach, he could be a key player for Saints and England. The Future Outlook Do the same against Exeter, who will also be looking to come hard at him, and Steve Borthwick will be left with vanishingly few reasons not to start him for England this summer. Whether he is roaming free, winning clearouts, catching lineouts or his energetic support running, the fresh prince of Franklin’s Gardens has the full range of tools. All he needs is slightly more top-end experience and, on occasions, a touch more maturity.

The Clash Between Fossil Fuel Revenue and Player WelfareClimate activists, including former and current professional athletes, are mounting a significant challenge to FIFA's commercial strategy, specifically targeting the oil giant Saudi Aramco as the tournament's exclusive energy sponsor. The core argument centers on a perceived conflict of interest: by accepting funding from the world's largest corporate carbon emitter, FIFA is undermining its own mandate to safeguard player welfare in an increasingly volatile climate. Former English footballer David Wheeler argues that sport has the power to inspire billions and that FIFA is failing to use this influence to address the climate crisis effectively.Global Protests Targeting Major StadiumsThis Sunday, a coordinated Day of Action will see protesters gather at or near four 2026 World Cup stadiums and seven other major sporting arenas across North America. The demonstrations aim to draw attention to the broader issue of "sportswashing" and demand an end to fossil fuel sponsorships. Key locations for the protests include SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles and Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, with additional demonstrations planned in New Jersey, Seattle, and Dallas.Protest Locations: SoFi Stadium (LA), Hard Rock Stadium (Miami), MetLife Stadium (NJ), Lumen Field (Seattle), AT&T; Stadium (Dallas).Targeted Organizations: FIFA, Major League Baseball teams, and Portland Timbers.Supporting Groups: Sierra Club, Third Act, Hip Hop Caucus.Heat Risks and Climate DataThe urgency of the protests is underscored by climate data indicating that this year's tournament will likely be the hottest since the competition began nearly a century ago. Research by Climate Central reveals that nearly all 2026 host stadiums are experiencing more extreme heat during June and July than they did during previous North American World Cups. Activists argue that fossil fuel companies like Aramco are directly responsible for this warming trend, which forces players to compete in dangerous conditions.The Future of Sports SponsorshipsFIFA has defended its partnership with Aramco, stating that sponsorship revenues are reinvested into the game and that the organization values its commercial partners. However, the activists' message signals a growing trend where environmental and human rights concerns are increasingly clashing with traditional sports revenue models. As the world grapples with the physical realities of climate change, the pressure on sporting bodies to align their commercial interests with sustainability goals is expected to intensify, potentially reshaping the landscape of global sports marketing.

Group Stage Highlights Day 8 of the World Cup saw significant matches that shaped the standings in various groups. Canada and Mexico, both hosting the prestigious tournament, demonstrated their prowess on the field. Canada Tops Group Canada's national team showcased exceptional skill, securing the top spot in their group. Their performance was a testament to their preparation and teamwork, delighting the home crowd. Mexico's Strong Performance Mexico also made a significant impact, leading their group with a series of impressive matches. Their success was a highlight of the day, boosting their chances in the tournament. Impact on the Tournament The victories for Canada and Mexico not only thrilled their fans but also set the stage for the next round of matches. The World Cup continues to captivate audiences worldwide with its unpredictable nature and exciting gameplay. Looking Ahead As the tournament progresses, all eyes will be on these top-performing teams to see if they can maintain their momentum. The World Cup is known for its surprises, and fans are eagerly anticipating the upcoming matches.

Crucial World Cup Showdown in SeattleWith only one round of games completed in Group D, both the United States and Australia have the opportunity to secure their places in the World Cup 2026 knockout stages when they meet in Seattle on Friday (19:00 GMT). After a convincing 4-1 victory over Paraguay in their opening match, the USMNT can potentially even clinch top spot in the group with a match to spare should they overcome the Socceroos.Australia, however, presents a significant challenge after their stunning 2-0 counterattacking victory over Turkiye in their first match. The outcome of this showdown, combined with the later match between Paraguay and Turkiye, will determine the qualification scenarios for both teams.Pulisic's Calf Injury Raises ConcernsUSMNT talisman Christian Pulisic's availability for the Australia match is in question after he picked up a left calf injury in training before the opening game against Paraguay. Despite the injury, Pulisic started against Paraguay and played a crucial role in the team's victory, setting up the opening goal and providing the assist for the second.The 27-year-old AC Milan playmaker did not reappear after halftime in the Paraguay match, and while he joined the team huddle during training on Thursday with his calf still strapped, he did not participate in the session, opting instead for gym work with backroom staff.Coach Mauricio Pochettino acknowledged Pulisic's ongoing recovery: "He's evolving. He's much better from Friday. We'll see. If we see he's not available, he will be available for the next game." Pochettino praised Pulisic's determination: "I think Christian is strong and with great mentality and is doing a fantastic effort to try to be ready as soon as possible."Qualification Scenarios on the LineShould the United States defeat Australia, they would guarantee their place in the Round of 32 with six points. A win, combined with either a draw or a Paraguay victory in the later match between Turkiye and Paraguay, would secure first place in Group D for the Americans.The finishing positions in the group stage are determined first by points, then by head-to-head results between teams level on points, with goal difference only used to separate teams that drew against each other.The winners of Group D will face a third-place finisher from Groups B, E, F, I or J in the San Francisco Bay Area Stadium on July 1, with potential opponents including Bosnia, Ecuador, Sweden, Norway or Algeria.Replacement Options if Pulisic Misses OutIf Pulisic is ruled out, Pochettino has several options to replace the influential playmaker. Folarin Balogun is certain to lead the attack after his double against Paraguay, making him the first USMNT player to score multiple goals at a World Cup since 1930.Giovanni Reyna, who came on as a substitute against Paraguay and scored a beautiful trivela in stoppage time, could feature more prominently, though he has not played more than 60 minutes in a match for club or country since December. Timothy Weah, who made an impact after replacing Sergino Dest, could be inserted on the right or as support for Balogun.Sebastian Berhalter replaced Pulisic against Paraguay and adds valuable set-piece capabilities to the team. Other options include Leeds United's Brenden Aaronson or Club America's Alejandro Zendejas, though neither has been a favorite for Pochettino recently.Australia's Young Star Making HistoryAustralia's hopes rest partly on 20-year-old Nestory Irankunda, who made history in their opening match against Turkiye. Irankunda became Australia's youngest World Cup scorer with a goal after 27 minutes, and also became the first overseas-born Australian to find the net on the World Cup stage.After his parents fled civil war in Burundi to a Tanzanian refugee camp, Irankunda was born there in 2006 before moving to Australia as an infant. He came through the youth system at Adelaide United before earning a surprise move to Bayern Munich in 2024.Though he failed to make a first-team appearance at Bayern, he trained with world-class players including Harry Kane. After a loan spell at Grasshopper Zurich, he moved to English side Watford, where he played 42 games in the Championship, scoring four times and adding five assists.Australia's Path to Knockout StagesLike the United States, Australia can secure qualification with a victory in Seattle. A win, coupled with either a draw between Turkiye and Paraguay or a Turkiye win, would ensure first place in Group D with a game to spare.Regardless of the results in their final group match, Australia would finish above Turkiye on head-to-head results, which take precedence over goal difference in this competition. The Socceroos will be looking to build on their defensive resilience against Turkiye, which limited the Turkish side despite their dominance in possession.