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The Lead: Iran's Internet Partially Restored Tehran, Iran – Authorities in Iran have reinstated some internet access three months after taking the country offline at the start of the war with the United States and Israel, but restrictions remain in place for most people. The Iranian government said last week that it had started a process to bring internet access back to a pre-war level, which was already very restricted as Iran was at the time still coming off an earlier 20-day shutdown imposed during deadly nationwide protests in January. The World's Longest Internet Blackout Last week's move ended more than 2,000 hours of near-total internet shutdown in the country of 90 million people, the longest-ever nationwide blackout in the world. But according to numerous user reports, local media accounts and expert analysis, Iranians' free access to the global internet is far from restored. Restricted Access and Blocked Services Access to millions of web pages remains blocked by the state, and almost all global services and apps such as YouTube, Instagram, Telegram, WhatsApp, Facebook and Waze are closed off and are not under consideration for reinstatement. Mobile, wireless and landline connections are slow and patchy, to varying degrees, while many local applications and services regularly malfunction or fail to load. The Black Market for Internet Access Most people are forced into a black market for access to the internet, which has proven lucrative for those selling virtual private networks (VPNs) or other circumvention methods, often through affiliations with the state. Those connections have now become cheaper after the authorities restored some internet bandwidth, but demand for VPNs has skyrocketed, and people remain exposed to scammers and malware while navigating the market. The Architecture of Filtering Meanwhile, even after the partial reopening, Iranian authorities continue to impose several complex layers of restrictions that have effectively turned full internet access into a privilege that very few people authorised by the state can enjoy. Many data centres have yet to be fully brought back online, and some internet protocols like IPv6 and HTTP/3 are blocked, while others like UDP are actively disrupted by the authorities, local media reported. Political Conflict Over Internet Policy That has prompted more criticism against Iran's relatively moderate President Masoud Pezeshkian, who campaigned against hardliners, in part, on reopening the internet. The Sazandegi reformist newspaper criticised the government over the "belated opening" in an op-ed on Saturday while the state-linked KhabarOnline news site wrote that the "Internet's technical infrastructure is the victim of the new architecture of filtering". The Tiered-Access Internet System Authorities have also failed to elaborate on what exactly they plan to do with the tiered-access internet system that they began expanding during the war. As part of the system, Iranians get varying degrees of access – or no access at all – to the global internet based on their profession and other classifications made by the state. To implement the scheme, a so-called "Internet Pro" scheme was introduced, which offers slightly less restricted access for about three times the price of a regular, more restricted internet package. Frustration and Limited Normalcy Still, more people have been able to get back on social media, where they have posted more videos from the war, including one that showed a new view as dozens of missiles rained down on the headquarters of Iran's supreme leader in downtown Tehran on February 28. Others are sharing war experiences, including where they were and how they felt when the first bombs hit the capital. But that hasn't alleviated the frustrations for many. "What we have right now is not the internet," said a Tehran resident, who spoke to Al Jazeera on condition of anonymity. "It's a return to the previous half-closed condition that is now being sold as an achievement."

Key Takeaway: Over 40% of UK Mobile Users Face Signal Gaps on the MoveMore than four in ten consumers report difficulty accessing 4G or 5G for at least half the time they are away from home, underscoring persistent weaknesses in the nation’s mobile infrastructure.Survey Reveals Widespread 4G/5G Connectivity GapsThe Survation poll, commissioned by property consultancy Cluttons, interviewed 2,000+ device users across the UK. Key observations include:45% of respondents feel frustrated with mobile connectivity outside the home at least once a week.Among 18‑ to 24‑year‑olds, frustration rises to 57%.27% are similarly annoyed by home Wi‑Fi performance.Numbers Highlight Frustration and Economic CostUK mobile download speeds have slipped to 59th globally, down from 53rd in 2024 and 51st in 2023. Fixed‑line speeds sit at 44th worldwide.Economic modelling by Assembly Research estimates that boosting mobile coverage along railways from the current 50% to 80% could unlock nearly £3 bn in productivity gains over the next decade, adding more than 66 million hours of passenger productivity by 2035.Implications for UK Digital Infrastructure and ProductivityStakeholders warn that rollout efforts have focused on easily profitable areas, leaving rural and city‑centre zones under‑served. Helen Morgan, chair of the Digital Communities All‑Party Parliamentary Group, stresses that poor connectivity “constrains productivity and competitiveness,” especially in rural economies.While 86% of premises can access full‑fibre broadband, the mobile network lag hampers the digital backbone essential for modern economic growth.Future Outlook: Policy Moves and Satellite SolutionsThe government’s recent announcement to equip over 1,400 trains with low‑earth‑orbit satellite technology promises faster, more reliable onboard connectivity, potentially easing some pressure on terrestrial mobile networks.Continued pressure on telecom providers and targeted investment in both mobile and fixed infrastructure will be critical to close the gap between the UK’s digital ambitions and actual service delivery.

The LeadA daily pill has shown remarkable results in doubling survival time for patients with pancreatic cancer, the world's deadliest form of the disease. According to clinical trial results presented at the American Society of Clinical Oncology's annual meeting, this breakthrough treatment represents a potential revolution in how we approach a cancer that has seen limited progress for decades.The Breakthrough Drug: DaraxonrasibThe drug in question, daraxonrasib, works by targeting a protein called Kras that fuels nearly all pancreatic cancers. This mechanism represents a significant advancement in treatment strategy, as Kras has been notoriously difficult to target effectively. The drug functions as a Ras(On) multi-selective inhibitor, capable of turning off the Kras protein to stop cancer growth regardless of which variant is present.Impressive Trial ResultsIn the clinical trial involving 500 patients with advanced pancreatic cancer, the results were striking. Those who took daraxonrasib lived an average of 13.2 months, compared to just 6.6 to 6.7 months for patients who received chemotherapy. This represents a near doubling of survival time, with the added benefit of fewer side effects compared to traditional chemotherapy treatments.Industry Impact and Expert ReactionsThe findings have been hailed as a "gamechanger" and "grand slam" by experts in the field. Dr. Rachna Shroff, chief of oncology at the University of Arizona Cancer Center, described the results as "landscape-changing" and "unprecedented survival." When she first read the trial results, conducted by researchers at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in Boston, she wept, noting the profound impact this could have on patients after 16 years of treating pancreatic cancer.Dr. Julie Gralow, Asco's chief medical officer, echoed these sentiments, calling the study a "home run" and suggesting it was actually a "grand slam" in terms of its significance.The Ras RevolutionOver 90% of patients with the most common form of pancreatic cancer, pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (mPDAC), have a mutation in the Kras gene. This discovery has long been considered the "holy grail" in cancer research, particularly for pancreatic cancer where the mutation is nearly ubiquitous and an early driver of cancer growth.Paula Hanford, chief executive of UK-based Pancreatic Cancer Action, called this one of the most significant developments in treatment she had ever seen. Similarly, Anna Jewell, director of services, research and innovation at Pancreatic Cancer UK, described the results as "exciting," noting that the drug gives patients "months more precious time with their loved ones."Future Outlook and ApplicationsThe success of daraxonrasib opens doors for similar treatments targeting Ras genes in other cancers. Experts at the conference noted that because Ras genes fuel various types of cancer, there is hope for breakthroughs in treating lung and colon cancers as well, with similar drugs already in development for these conditions.However, challenges remain in ensuring these promising treatments become widely available to patients. As Jewell pointed out, tragically half of all people with pancreatic cancer die within just three months of diagnosis, making the rapid implementation of such treatments crucial.

Syrian National Commission for Missing Persons (NCMP) announced on 31 May 2026 that the children of dentist and former chess champion Rania al‑Abbasi are “likely deceased,” concluding a decade‑long search for the family who vanished in March 2013.NCMP Confirms Likely Death of Rania al‑Abbasi’s Children After Decade‑Long DisappearanceThe commission said its conclusion is based on “multiple verification and analysis procedures” carried out with national authorities. Hassan al‑Abbasi, the sister’s brother, posted a video confirming the deaths after viewing recordings linked to the 2013 Tadamon massacre, where the children were allegedly accused of financing terrorism.Scale of Forced Disappearances Under the Assad Regime300,000 people may have gone missing over decades of al‑Assad family rule, according to NCMP data.Tens of thousands were detained or disappeared during the civil war that began in 2011.The Tadamon massacre, tied to Amjad Youssef, resulted in at least 41 documented killings.These figures illustrate the breadth of the humanitarian crisis and the challenges facing investigators.Implications for Syria’s Transitional Justice and Reconciliation EffortsThe confirmation of the children’s deaths adds a personal dimension to the broader missing‑persons issue, which has become a symbol of the suffering endured by detainees’ families. It strengthens calls for transparent trials, such as the recent prosecution of former Assad‑era officials, and pressures the new government to deliver “just punishment” for perpetrators like Amjad Youssef.Future Outlook for Accountability and Missing Persons InvestigationsWhile the NCMP says efforts to locate remains are ongoing, the case sets a precedent for using video evidence and coordinated forensic analysis. International observers expect increased scrutiny of Syrian courts and potential cooperation with UN mechanisms to address the estimated 300,000 missing cases. Continued revelations may accelerate reforms in the country’s legal and investigative frameworks.

Hundreds of rioters were detained nationwide after celebrations for Paris Saint-Germain's dramatic penalty‑shootout win turned violent, prompting a sweeping police response and political outcry.Mass Police Deployment and Nationwide ArrestsAuthorities mobilised roughly 22,000 officers across France, including 8,000 in Paris, to contain the unrest that followed the Champions League final. Streets, tram lines and several metro stations were temporarily shut, and traffic on the Boulevard Périphérique was halted as supporters clashed with law‑enforcement.Numbers Behind the Crackdown416 people detained nationwide, with 283 arrests in Paris alone.Seven police officers reported injuries during the confrontations.Six vehicles and two businesses suffered damage.Approximately 20,000 fans gathered on the Champs‑Élysées, while another 4,000‑5,000 loitered near the Parc des Princes.Police seized two dozen flares and about 100 fireworks.Political Fallout and Public Safety ConcernsInterior Minister Laurent Nunez condemned the disturbances as “absolutely unacceptable” and emphasized a “very robust, very solid system” to safeguard celebrations. Far‑right leader Marine Le Pen seized on the episode, tweeting that “only in France does a football club’s victory spark riots.” The incident has reignited debate over policing strategies for large‑scale sporting events.What Lies Ahead for French Event SecurityAuthorities plan to tighten security protocols for future high‑profile matches, including stricter crowd‑control measures and pre‑emptive venue protections. The upcoming parade on the Champ de Mars, slated to host an estimated 100,000 spectators and a reception by President Emmanuel Macron, will likely see heightened police presence and coordinated emergency response plans.

The LeadParis Saint-Germain's second consecutive Champions League victory was marred by violent celebrations as police arrested more than 130 people and deployed thousands of officers to control crowds across the city. The celebrations turned tense with skirmishes between PSG fans and law enforcement, resulting in damaged property and the use of teargas.The Championship Celebration Turns ChaoticMore than 40,000 fans gathered at PSG's Parc de Princes stadium in western Paris to watch the club win its second consecutive title on penalties at the Puskas Arena in Budapest on giant screens. The atmosphere quickly escalated as some PSG fans aimed fireworks at police officers, while others were seen wearing provocative T-shirts and setting fire to Lime Bikes on city streets. Smoke rose from several areas during the clashes as police responded with riot gear and teargas.Security Response and ArrestsBy 11pm local time, police had made more than 130 arrests, with six vehicles and two storefronts damaged during the disturbances. Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez emphasized that authorities had a "very robust, very solid system in place" to curb violence. A police spokesperson stated their responsibility was "to guarantee everyone a festive celebration that is calm and fully secure." France had deployed 22,000 police to maintain order in the capital for the event.A Pattern of Post-ViolenceThis year's celebrations follow a concerning pattern from 2025 when PSG won the Champions League for the first time by beating Inter Milan. That victory resulted in two deaths and close to 200 injuries. Despite increased security measures, the celebrations once again turned violent, raising questions about how the city manages large-scale sporting events and fan celebrations.The Future of PSG CelebrationsAs PSG continues its dominance in European football, authorities will face increasing pressure to find better solutions for managing victory celebrations. The Champs-Élysées boulevard, which was partially cordoned off, saw an estimated 20,000 peaceful supporters, suggesting that while violence occurred, it was not representative of all fans. Future celebrations may require even more sophisticated crowd management strategies to prevent both property damage and potential injuries.

The New Job Search FrontierGen Z workers are entering the toughest job market since the pandemic, with the number of job seekers vastly outweighing available positions. As traditional application methods yield diminishing returns, young professionals are turning to social media platforms to showcase their skills and personalities in creative ways. This shift represents a fundamental transformation in how job seekers approach career opportunities in an increasingly digital world.Creative Content as Career CurrencyYoung workers are leveraging platforms like Instagram and TikTok to create video resumes, quirky presentations, and authentic content that highlights their unique value propositions. Sibusisiwe Khupe, 26, exemplifies this approach by describing herself as a "really hot, really talented, really funny" gen Zer in a LinkedIn post, plastering her face across slides with her work experience. Similarly, Anya Roodnitsky created a 94-second Instagram video showcasing her skills with humor and personality, which garnered over half a million views and ultimately led to a job offer.Market Challenges and StatisticsThe global hiring rate has plunged to a five-year low, with the number of applicants for every job opening increasing by nearly 30%, according to LinkedIn data. About 72% of candidates report that the job search negatively affects their mental health, and two-thirds feel burned out before landing a job. College graduates face especially tough conditions, with an unemployment rate of almost 6% compared to 4.2% for all workers of any age, according to Federal Reserve Bank of New York data.Industry Transformation and Employer ResponseAs companies increasingly rely on AI to vet résumés and conduct interviews, job seekers are finding it harder to stand out through traditional channels. This has created a paradox where technology intended to streamline hiring processes is pushing candidates toward more human, creative approaches. Employers are beginning to recognize these unconventional methods, with career experts noting that video content can highlight soft skills like storytelling, enthusiasm, and passion that might be missed in traditional applications.The Future of Job SeekingAs Gen Z continues to reshape the job search landscape, we can expect further evolution in how candidates present themselves and how companies identify talent. While creative social media strategies may not replace traditional applications entirely, they are becoming an increasingly important supplement to job hunting. The most successful approach likely combines innovative content creation with traditional application methods, creating a comprehensive personal brand that resonates with both human recruiters and AI screening systems.

Colin Matthews: A Life of Influence on UK Classical Music It's hard to think of a single figure who has been so influential on contemporary UK classical music for so long as Colin Matthews, who turned 80 earlier this year. This release from the Nash Ensemble, conducted by Jessica Cottis, showcases his works for voice and chamber group. The Kaleidoscopic Sound World of Seascapes What's striking throughout these four song cycles is the kaleidoscopic sound world he creates with such forensic precision, whether he has seven players to work with or 17. The songs teem with detail; some would almost work without the singer. And yet the vocal line remains the focus. Exploring the Album's Tracks The Island (2007), setting three poems by Rilke, was written for Claire Booth's cool-water soprano; she's also the soloist in Seascapes (2020) and A Land of Rain (2017), and sounds as vibrant as ever, even if occasionally the words get lost in the supple musical lines she is sculpting. In 2018's As Time Returns, it's the baritone Marcus Farnsworth who sings Ivan Blatný's poetry, with honeyed tone and disarming clarity. A Land of Rain: A Study in Interpretation The largest-scale work is A Land of Rain: 10 songs setting words by the poet Nicholas Moore, taken from the 31 different translations he made of a single Baudelaire poem (entries to a newspaper competition, submitted under 31 variously silly pseudonyms). Matthews's music, moving chameleon-like through different styles, brings them alive as a study in how words can be reinterpreted from a myriad of angles. The last song sets the French original – and as the musical strands finally coalesce, in almost Mahlerian style, it's as if all the other songs were a daydream. Listening to Seascapes Listen on Apple Music (above) or Spotify

Piper Rockelle, a former child star turned adult content creator, announced a $2.9 million haul in her first day on OnlyFans, positioning her among the platform’s top 0.012 % earners and igniting fresh scrutiny of teen‑driven monetisation. From Child Star to OnlyFans Sensation: Rockelle’s $2.9 Million First-Day Earnings At exactly 18 years old, Rockelle launched her OnlyFans account on 1 January, following a TikTok‑wide countdown that teased the move. She now films from an Airbnb in the Hollywood Hills, surrounded by pastel décor and a menagerie of pets, while posting daily content that blends teenage aesthetics with adult‑oriented themes. Revenue Snapshot: $2.9 Million in 24 Hours and Projected $40 Million Year‑One $2.9 million earned within the first 24 hours, according to Rockelle’s statements. Business manager forecasts > $40 million in earnings during the first year. OnlyFans reports having paid $25 billion to creators since 2016, though individual figures remain unverifiable. Rockelle ranks in the top 0.012 % of earners on the platform. What Rockelle’s Rise Signals for Influencer Monetisation and Platform Regulation The case illustrates how legacy kid‑influencer networks—once built on YouTube “Squad” pranks and slime videos—are being repurposed for high‑ticket adult platforms. Legal battles, including a $1.85 million settlement over alleged abuse, have already forced many teen creators off ad‑revenue streams, pushing them toward subscription models that lack transparent earnings verification. Future Outlook: Sustainability of Teenage Creator Economies on Subscription Platforms While Rockelle’s earnings demonstrate the lucrative potential for young creators, the model raises questions about long‑term sustainability, mental‑health impacts, and regulatory oversight. As platforms like OnlyFans continue to attract teenage talent, policymakers and industry leaders may need to devise clearer age‑verification standards and revenue‑sharing safeguards to protect vulnerable influencers.