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The Lead Fabio Di Giannantonio of VR46 Racing claimed victory at the Catalan Grand Prix on Sunday in extraordinary circumstances, taking the chequered flag after a race that was red-flagged twice due to multiple crashes. The Event Details The Italian secured only his second MotoGP victory and VR46 Racing's first since the Indian Grand Prix in 2023, but the triumph was overshadowed by serious incidents that sent Alex Marquez and Johann Zarco to hospital. Di Giannantonio finished first, with Honda's Joan Mir in second and Gresini Racing's Fermin Aldeguer in third. The race was originally scheduled for 24 laps but was reduced to 12 laps due to the multiple red flags. The Crashes The drama began on lap 12 when race leader Pedro Acosta's KTM suddenly lost power on the straight near turn 10 and Gresini Racing's Marquez, running second, had no time to react as he crashed into the back of the stricken machine. The second red flag came after an even more chaotic restart, when LCR Honda's Zarco braked late on turn one of the first lap and took out Ducati's Francesco Bagnaia and Honda's Luca Marini in a three-rider pile-up. The Impact Analysis Both Marquez and Zarco were taken to hospital for further examinations, though the medical team confirmed they were conscious. The incidents left the final standings uncertain, with six riders being investigated for their tyre pressures. The Prediction Di Giannantonio's win extended his team's lead in the championship, with Marco Bezzecchi finishing sixth and increasing his lead over Jorge Martin to 13 points. The next MotoGP event will be the Italian Grand Prix in Mugello, where riders will look to recover and compete again.

Iran announced an imminent plan to charge tolls for traffic through the strategic Strait of Hormuz, as Israel intensified its bombardment of southern Lebanon. The developments occur against a backdrop of stalled US‑Iran peace talks, renewed Pakistani diplomatic engagement, and a fragile cease‑fire between Israel and Hezbollah.Iran’s Upcoming Hormuz Toll SchemeFirst Vice President Mohammad Reza Aref stated Tehran will no longer permit "enemy" military equipment through the strait.Parliament speaker Mohammed Bagher Ghalibaf framed the move as part of a new global order favoring the Global South.Legislator Ebrahim Azizi described a "professional mechanism" that will charge fees for "specialised services" to commercial vessels cooperating with Iran.European nations are reportedly in talks with Tehran on transit arrangements, while East Asian ship traffic from China, Japan and Pakistan has already been noted.Numbers Behind the New Transit FeesThe plan confirms that fees will be collected, but no specific rates or revenue projections were disclosed.State television reported that negotiations involve both European and East Asian parties, suggesting a potentially broad commercial base.Regional Ripple Effects of the Toll InitiativeThe toll could reshape shipping routes, prompting some carriers to consider alternatives such as the UAE pipeline project.US military actions, including the redirection of 78 commercial ships and disabling of four vessels, underscore the strategic contest over maritime access.Israel’s continued air attacks on southern Lebanon, including the town of Zawtar al‑Sharqiyah, raise the risk of wider escalation that could impact Gulf shipping security.Pakistan’s Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi arrived in Tehran to facilitate stalled US‑Iran talks, highlighting regional diplomatic efforts.What Lies Ahead for the Gulf and the Wider ConflictIf toll rates are set competitively, Iran could secure a new revenue stream while asserting control over a chokepoint.Continued US naval presence and the recent return of the USS Gerald R. Ford suggest Washington will maintain pressure on Iranian maritime activities.Israel’s 45‑day cease‑fire extension with Lebanon may be fragile; any breach could further destabilize the region and affect Hormuz traffic.Successful diplomatic mediation involving Pakistan could ease tensions, but the lack of a concrete peace deal leaves the toll plan’s long‑term viability uncertain.

The Transition of Power in BaghdadAli al-Zaidi has formally taken over as Iraq's new Prime Minister, marking a pivotal moment in the nation's political landscape. This transition represents a new chapter in Iraq's governance as Zaidi assumes the responsibilities of leading the country through its complex challenges.The Political Landscape of IraqIraq continues to navigate a complex political environment with various factions and interests vying for influence. The formal assumption of power by Prime Minister Zaidi comes at a critical time for the nation as it seeks to address ongoing security concerns, economic challenges, and regional relationships.Regional ImplicationsThe change in leadership in Baghdad carries significant implications for the Middle East region. As Iraq shares borders with multiple countries and plays a crucial role in regional dynamics, Prime Minister Zaidi's approach to foreign policy and regional cooperation will be closely watched by neighboring nations and international partners.Future Outlook for IraqWith Prime Minister Zaidi now at the helm, Iraq faces the task of addressing pressing issues including economic development, infrastructure rebuilding, and political stability. The coming months will be crucial in determining the direction of Zaidi's administration and its effectiveness in addressing the nation's challenges.

The LeadRenowned actress Linda Bassett reflects on her distinguished career spanning decades of theatre work, her celebrated collaboration with playwright Caryl Churchill, and her upcoming role in Alexander Zeldin's "Care" at the Young Vic. Known for her understated yet powerful performances, Bassett shares insights into her approach to acting and the profound impact of theatre on her life.The Career JourneyBassett's path to acting wasn't conventional. Despite coming from a non-theatrical family, she discovered her passion at age four when she was unexpectedly thrust into a Sunday school Easter play. "I was in bliss," she recalls. Her formative years included ushering at the Old Vic during Laurence Olivier's legendary tenure, where she witnessed groundbreaking performances and even sold ice creams during intermissions.After briefly studying English at Leeds University, where she focused on drama rather than academics, Bassett began creating devised work in Leeds and Coventry. This experience, she suggests, "made me a bit gobby," developing her confidence to make suggestions as an actor, though she admits she sometimes oversteps when working with certain playwrights.The Churchill ConnectionBassett's most significant artistic relationship has been with playwright Caryl Churchill, beginning with "Fen" in 1983 and continuing through to "What If If Only" in 2021. She describes auditioning for Churchill as "enormous" because it launched her on a particular trajectory. Her disconcerting clarity has made her a peerless interpreter of Churchill's work, which some audiences find forbidding."They're not hard to watch," Bassett protests of Churchill's plays. She recalls her iconic monologue in "Escaped Alone" where the phrase "terrible rage" is repeated 25 times in succession. "It was the only thing to say at that point. The words fed the feeling, and it was the audience who felt it, not me, which is ideal." Churchill's writing, she notes, is "so distilled, no excess baggage," requiring actors to find "the one way" to play them.From Call the Midwife to CareDespite notable film roles including "East Is East" and "Calendar Girls," many audiences know Bassett as stern nurse Phyllis in the BBC's "Call the Midwife." "Complete strangers come up and say, I love you. My wife loves you, my mother loves you. It's extraordinary," she remarks of the public's connection to the character. Despite playing Phyllis for over a decade, she found fresh aspects to explore, learning "how to be" more matter-of-fact and practical than her natural disposition.Currently rehearsing Alexander Zeldin's "Care" at the Young Vic, Bassett plays Joan, a woman who after caring for her family begins showing signs of dementia and needs care herself. "She's convinced, as many people are, that she's just in for respite. She never loses the idea that she's going home," Bassett explains. The role draws from personal experience; after a heart attack, she spent two weeks recuperating in a care home, giving her "an insight into what it's like when you become helpless."The Actor's Philosophy"Every part is an education," Bassett states. "That's the glory of being an actor. You learn about human feelings and frailty and rottenness. The writer puts their soul on the page, and you inhabit that. I've always felt I was a writer's actor." This philosophy has guided her selective approach to roles, resulting in a "remarkably free of crap" CV despite turning down numerous opportunities.Though she hasn't performed as many classics as she might have hoped—"I think I'm seen as a working-class actress"—Bassett values the authenticity she brings to her roles. With Zeldin directing "Care," she appreciates his desire for "absolute truthfulness," which "suits me down to the ground." As she prepares for this new challenge, she acknowledges the nerves: "Every new part you're starting again. It's a bit scary, but I think we'll be all right."The Future of TheatreAs a veteran performer who has witnessed theatre's evolution, Bassett remains committed to the medium's power. She recalls the impact of Ronald Pickup's messenger speech in Peter Brook's production of Seneca's "Oedipus": "People fainted every night. You didn't see anything, his voice was enough. That's the power of theatre, isn't it?"Looking ahead, Bassett continues to seek roles that challenge her and explore the human condition. Whether through her meticulous interpretation of complex playwrights like Churchill or her willingness to portray the vulnerability of aging in "Care," she remains dedicated to the craft that has defined her life. "Every part is an education," she reiterates, and with each new role, Linda Bassett continues to learn, grow, and enrich the theatrical landscape.

The Final Plea for Reading as a RightFrank Cottrell-Boyce has urged policymakers to treat children's reading as a "right" rather than a parental duty, warning that Britain is failing to understand the emotional and social value of reading, as new research shows a sharp decline in daily shared reading at home.Speaking at the Royal Institution in his final laureate lecture, The Kids Are Not Alright, the children's laureate linked falling shared reading rates to poverty, housing insecurity and social media.The Laureate's Final Lecture and National Reading Initiative"Our children have been at the sharp end of two great crises: Covid, and just as damagingly, austerity," Cottrell-Boyce said in his lecture. "We can talk all we like about [the importance of] bedtime stories … but what does that mean to a child with no bed? Or no space for a bed?"He said that this "furniture poverty", alongside housing insecurity, means that children are unable to build stable routines around reading. "You're not going to Narnia because you haven't got a wardrobe," he said "Your clothes are stored in bin bags ready for the next move."The UK is celebrating the National Year of Reading, a government-led initiative supported by the National Literacy Trust to combat declining reading-for-pleasure rates. The campaign includes launching the first Children's Booker prize, with a judging panel chaired by Cottrell-Boyce. Three children aged 8-12 will be recruited to help adjudicate. The campaign also involves distributing 72,000 books to children in need, and fostering a "national mission" to make reading a daily habit.Declining Shared Reading StatisticsNew figures from BookTrust, released to coincide with the lecture, show that daily shared reading among families with children aged eight and under has fallen from 60% in 2021 to 49% in 2025. Yet the proportion of children who "like or love reading" has risen from 66% to 80% over the same period, suggesting that enthusiasm for books remains strong.Social and Economic Barriers to ReadingAlongside economic pressures, Cottrell-Boyce told the Guardian about the impact of screens and social media on children's attention. He said concerns about "addictive" tech platforms were now unavoidable, arguing that children's attention is being captured by systems designed to maximise engagement."These kids are working for big tech," he said. "We all are. But you're working for someone who doesn't love you, who is not going to pay you and doesn't care how many hours you work. It's a shocking situation we've got ourselves into."Referring to the growing legal and political scrutiny of technology companies, he added: "These platforms should bear total responsibility. I think these trials are a bit like the big tobacco moment."Reframing Reading's Value and Future OutlookHe added that we have failed to communicate what reading offers beyond literacy outcomes. "Reading has become so bound up with attainment and literacy, that we've failed to get across the emotional benefits, the fact that it is fun and should be done for pleasure," he said.Despite the scale of the challenges, Cottrell-Boyce said he remains optimistic about children's reading habits and the work already being done in communities. "Pessimism is a luxury that we can't afford," he said. "I do feel optimistic. I've met amazing people and seen amazing practice that costs next to nothing."Cottrell-Boyce has used his two-year tenure as children's laureate to promote his Reading Rights campaign, which argues that shared reading should be embedded in early years support, from health visitors to family hubs. The new children's laureate will be announced in July.

Burberry has reported a resurgence in bag sales after launching the £2,000 “Cotswolds” tote, a product that resonates with affluent American consumers and helps the British luxury house swing back to profitability.Introducing the £2,000 Cotswolds Tote: A Strategic ShiftJoshua Schulman, who took the helm in 2024, said the new tote blends leather with the iconic Burberry check and targets a “sweet spot on price and value for money in a luxury context.” The Cotswolds line replaces the higher‑priced Knight bag (over £2,400) and is priced “around and under £2,000”.Financial Upswing: Pre‑Tax Profit Swings and Cost CutsBurberry’s latest results show a clear financial reversal:Pre‑tax profit of £49 million for the year to 28 March, up from a loss of £66 million the previous year.Annual cost reductions of £80 million, achieved through store rationalisation and efficiency drives.Group sales of £2.4 billion, flat on a currency‑adjusted basis.Shares fell 5 % on the day of the announcement, reflecting market concerns over Middle‑East volatility.Why American Affluence and the ‘Hamptons of England’ MatterThe Cotswolds region, increasingly dubbed the “Hamptons of England”, has attracted wealthy U.S. buyers seeking British heritage. This cultural cachet translates into higher conversion rates for Burberry’s mid‑tier luxury items, especially during key moments such as Mother’s Day in North America.Outlook: Burberry’s Path to a £3 billion Sales MilestoneSchulman expressed confidence that the brand can exceed the £3 billion sales target, citing momentum in scarves, outerwear, ready‑to‑wear and a growing appeal among younger shoppers. Finance director Kate Ferry reaffirmed expectations to meet analyst profit forecasts despite geopolitical headwinds.

Executive Summary: Trump’s Unexpected EndorsementOn 13 May 2026, former U.S. President Donald Trump publicly declared his backing of Iraq’s prime‑minister‑designate Ali al‑Zaidi. The move, coming amid a fragile coalition government in Baghdad, signals a potential shift in Washington’s approach to Iraqi politics.Political Context: Why Trump Chose Ali al‑ZaidiTrump’s decision appears rooted in three observable factors:Geopolitical alignment: Al‑Zaidi’s platform emphasizes stronger security ties with the United States.Economic incentives: The designates’ openness to U.S. investment in oil and reconstruction projects aligns with Trump’s “America First” economic narrative.Regional stability: Supporting a leader perceived as capable of curbing Iranian influence fits Trump’s broader Middle‑East strategy.Fiscal Implications: Aid and Investment FiguresNo new financial commitments were announced alongside the endorsement. However, existing U.S. assistance to Iraq—approximately $1.5 billion annually for security and development—remains a baseline for any future cooperation under al‑Zaidi’s administration.Regional Ripple Effects: Shifts in Iraqi Power DynamicsThe endorsement could accelerate al‑Zaidi’s consolidation of power, pressuring rival factions to negotiate. Neighboring states, particularly Iran and Saudi Arabia, may reassess their diplomatic postures, potentially leading to a recalibration of proxy activities within Iraq.Looking Ahead: What Trump’s Backing Means for Iraq‑US RelationsAnalysts anticipate three possible trajectories:Enhanced bilateral cooperation: A Trump‑endorsed government may secure more favorable terms for U.S. firms in oil and infrastructure.Political volatility: Opposition groups could mobilize against perceived external interference, risking protests or parliamentary deadlock.Strategic realignment: A stable, U.S.-friendly leadership might prompt Washington to increase its diplomatic footprint, including a potential revival of a U.S. embassy advisory team.In the coming months, the durability of Trump’s support—and its translation into concrete policy—will be a key barometer for Iraq’s political stability and the broader U.S. strategy in the Middle East.

U.S. President Donald Trump is confronting a shrinking set of diplomatic and military choices as the fragile cease‑fire with Iran shows signs of unraveling.Escalating Tensions as the US‑Iran Ceasefire StallsOptimism for a new peace proposal evaporated this week, with both sides digging in and demanding the other concede first. Trump has described the April 8 cease‑fire as being on “life support,” while senior officials hint at a possible resumption of hostilities. Tehran’s demands – an end to fighting on all fronts, lifted sanctions, and recognition of its control over the Strait of Hormuz – have been dismissed by Trump as “garbage.”Polls and Market Numbers Reveal Growing Domestic PressureTwo‑thirds of Americans surveyed by Reuters/Ipsos say Trump has not provided a clear rationale for the war.Gas, oil and fertilizer prices are climbing, amplifying public discontent.Trump’s approval rating sits at 36%, down from 47% a year ago.The cease‑fire, in place since April 8, remains fragile, with recent missile and drone attacks on the UAE testing its limits.Strategic Consequences for the Middle East and US Global PostureA renewed US‑Israel bombing campaign could strain Washington’s ammunition stockpiles and divert attention from the Indo‑Pacific, where China remains a primary concern. The Center for Strategic and International Studies warns that the Iran conflict has already eroded US readiness for other confrontations. Moreover, Iran’s hardened stance and resilient military posture suggest that further escalation may not force the concessions Washington seeks.What Path Might Trump Take Next?Analysts argue Trump will have to prioritize either a nuclear‑deal concession or control of the Strait of Hormuz, likely favoring the former to protect energy markets. Any escalation risks a broader regional war and could become a decisive liability in the upcoming mid‑term elections. The most plausible scenario is a negotiated settlement that limits Iran’s nuclear program while leaving the Hormuz issue unresolved, allowing Trump to claim a diplomatic win while managing domestic political fallout.

The Lead US President Donald Trump departed for Beijing on Tuesday for a high-stakes summit with Chinese President Xi Jinping, saying the two leaders would hold a 'long talk' on Iran even as trade remains the main focus of the visit. Iran's Stance on Peace Iran presses US on peace proposal: Iran's chief negotiator and Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf said Washington must accept Tehran's latest peace plan or face failure. Report says Iran retains missile strength: The New York Times reported Tuesday that classified US intelligence assessments say Iran still has substantial missile capabilities, with about 70 percent of its mobile launchers and pre-war missile stockpile still in action. War Diplomacy Chinese supertanker crosses Hormuz: Chinese crude oil supertanker Yuan Hua Hu was reportedly transiting the Strait of Hormuz on Wednesday, ship-tracking data showed, passing Iran's Larak Island while heading out of the Gulf. Hezbollah rules out disarmament talks: Hezbollah chief Naim Qassem said his group's weapons were not part of forthcoming ceasefire negotiations between Lebanon and Israel. Qatar warns over Hormuz pressure: Qatar's prime minister said Iran should not use the Strait of Hormuz, blocked since early in the war, as a means of 'blackmail' against Gulf states. The Gulf UAE gas facility hit by war: The UAE's main gas processing complex, one of the world's largest, will not resume full capacity until next year, its operator said, after it was hit in the Iran war. Kuwait arrests alleged IRGC operatives: The country said it arrested four men accused of belonging to Iran's IRGC after they tried to infiltrate Bubiyan Island by sea and injured a Kuwaiti soldier. In the US Trump on Xi: Trump said he does not believe the US needs China's help to end the war involving Iran, but confirmed the issue would still feature in his talks with Xi Jinping this week. Trump says war's end will bring down inflation: Facing growing domestic pressure over rising prices linked to the conflict, Trump said the war 'will not be long' and argued its end would trigger a sharp drop in oil prices and inflation. US says Iran war has cost $29bn: Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth told lawmakers the war has cost Washington at least $29bn in munitions and equipment over 74 days, excluding damage to bases. The Impact Analysis The ongoing conflict in Iran has significant implications for the global economy, with rising oil prices and inflation being major concerns. The war has also led to a humanitarian crisis, with hundreds of thousands of students displaced and schools destroyed in Lebanon. The Prediction The future outlook for the conflict in Iran remains uncertain, with both sides showing no signs of backing down. However, with growing domestic pressure and international diplomacy, there is a possibility that the conflict could be resolved peacefully in the near future.