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Nelson Mandela once claimed sport could spark hope where despair prevailed – a sentiment that now feels overly optimistic as climate change threatens every arena, from football pitches to alpine slopes.Extreme weather events are already cancelling competitions and rendering venues unplayable through floods, wildfires and storms. Rising heat and air‑pollution expose athletes to heat‑related illnesses, asthma and cardiovascular strain, while also increasing injury risk and diminishing performance for officials and spectators alike.Countries most vulnerable to climate impacts face the harshest sporting challenges. As Barbados Prime Minister Mia Mottley warned, athletes must compete on the conditions that exist, not on idealised pitches, while wealthier nations and governing bodies often look the other way.Historian David Goldblatt estimates sport’s carbon footprint rivals that of a small‑ to medium‑sized nation – roughly the emissions of Cuba to Poland. Yet the industry continues to chase growth, attracting sponsorship from fossil‑fuel giants and even entities reminiscent of the tobacco era.A 2024 “Dirty Money” report by the New Weather Institute revealed that state‑owned and private fossil‑fuel companies have poured at least $5.6 billion (£4.2 billion) into global sport across 205 active deals. The recent Milan‑Cortina Winter Olympics relied on oil major Eni to fund artificial snow, while the upcoming men’s football World Cup – labelled the “most polluting ever” by Scientists for Global Responsibility – will be plastered with ads from Aramco, the world’s largest corporate greenhouse‑gas emitter, with emissions projected to be 92 % higher than typical tournaments between 2010‑2022.Fans and grassroots organisations are pushing back. Groups such as Surfers Against Sewage, Fossil Free Football, FrontRunners and Protect Our Winters are mobilising, while clubs like Forest Green Rovers and athletes such as Australian cricket captain Pat Cummins are publicly denouncing fossil‑fuel ties.Alternative sponsorships are emerging: Northern Rail backs the Rugby Super League, Metrobank partners with cricket, and Oxford United’s limited‑edition shirt celebrates John Ruskin’s “Study of a Wild Rose,” linking sport to environmental heritage.“The Hotspot” aims to surface the most compelling stories, analyse data, and chart a path forward for sport in a warming world. As the planet races toward a climatic finish line, sport must deliver its own last‑second victory.This excerpt is from the inaugural issue of The Hotspot newsletter. To subscribe, visit this page and follow the instructions.

Up early on a remarkable day, the moon still visible in the morning sky, evoking a sense of wonder with the knowledge of four humans having traveled further from Earth than anyone in history. The author seeks Easter tranquility by the sea in the Ventnor Undercliff, Isle of Wight, where on a clear day, France seems within sight.Sitting on the terrace, taking in the view, the author notices a fast, lithe, slender movement. A wall lizard, camouflaged against the olive tree bark, is basking in the warmest day of the year. Its coloring features olive, muted grey, brown, and yellow flank stripes.The origin of the well-established wall lizard population in the area is disputed, with theories including shipwreck survivors, wild animals at the northernmost end of their range, or introduced by collectors in the late 19th century. A genetic study suggests their origins are in Italy, in the middle of their European range.The Undercliff's microclimate suits the lizards' lifestyle, with south-facing terraces, scrubby plants, and handy crevices. The lizard's bold behavior leads it to dash straight towards the author, stopping inches away, seemingly unafraid and possibly indignant. After a moment, it scampers past without acknowledgment, and both the lizard and the author continue their day.

Manchester City's recent comprehensive win over Chelsea has brought them within six points of Premier League leaders Arsenal, reigniting the title race. A viral social media meme featuring a City fan mocking Arsenal's struggles has captured the attention of football fans worldwide.The fan in question was seen mimicking a celebratory sip from an empty plastic bottle adorned with an Arsenal logo, leaving City's supporters in laughter and making viewers wonder if Arsenal have 'bottled it' once more. This comes after Arsenal's dramatic stumble over the past few weeks, including a loss to 11th-placed Bournemouth in the Premier League.Arsenal's quadruple hopes have taken a hit, with the team suffering three consecutive losses in local competitions. Manager Mikel Arteta acknowledged that his players are hurting but need to 'take it on the chin' and 'embrace the challenge' ahead. The team's fate is now as much in Manchester City's hands as it is in their own.Meanwhile, Manchester City's manager, Pep Guardiola, remains alert to the threat posed by Arsenal despite their recent blip. Guardiola emphasized the need for respect towards Arsenal, stating that beating them twice in a few weeks will be extremely difficult. City are favourites to lift the FA Cup and could still bag their 11th league trophy, with some experts predicting a domestic treble for the Sky Blues.

Match details: Atletico Madrid will meet Barcelona on Tuesday at 21:00 CET (19:00 GMT) in the Metropolitano Stadium for the Champions League quarter‑final second leg. The fixture decides which side advances to the semi‑finals. After a 2‑0 first‑leg triumph at Camp Nou, Atletico enter the tie as favourites despite trailing Barcelona in the La Liga table. Their advantage stems from goals by Julian Alvarez and Alexander Sörloth, who capitalised on a red card for Barcelona defender Pau Cubarsi. Barcelona, the reigning Spanish champions, are desperate to overturn the deficit. They bolstered their domestic campaign with a 4‑1 win over Espanyol, extending their lead over Real Madrid to nine points. Ferran Torres netted a brace, assisted by teenage prodigy Lamine Yamal, while Marcus Rashford added the fourth. Atletico’s weekend league performance was less convincing, suffering a 2‑1 loss to Sevilla after heavy rotation by Diego Simeone. The loss left them fourth in La Liga with 57 points, four behind Villarreal. Historical context: The two clubs have met 251 times, with Barcelona winning 115 matches, Atletico 79 and 57 draws. Their recent knockout encounters include Atletico’s victories in the 2014 and 2016 quarter‑finals, both decided over two legs. Team news: Atletico will miss Marc Pubill (suspension) and have Jose Giménez, Pablo Barrios and David Hancko listed as doubtful. Barcelona’s defender Pau Cubarsi is suspended, replaced by Ronald Araujo. Injuries rule out Marc Bernal, Raphinha and Andreas Christensen. Predicted line‑ups: Atletico – Musso; Molina, Le Normand, Lenglet, Ruggeri; Llorente, Koke; Simeone, Griezmann, Lookman; Alvarez.Barcelona – Joan Garcia; Koundé, Araujo, Martín, Cancelo; Eric Garcia, Pedri; Yamal, Fermin, Rashford; Lewandowski. Managerial insights: Simeone stressed the need to stay focused on the objective of advancing, while Barcelona coach Hansi Flick highlighted the quality of his squad and the importance of collective effort. With a slim margin separating the sides, the second leg promises a tactical battle that could see either club secure a coveted place in the Champions League semi‑finals.

BackgroundOn 2026-04-13, IBM entered a $17 million settlement with the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ).The DOJ alleged IBM considered "race, color, national origin, or sex" in hiring and promotions and misused government‑contract funds for DEI initiatives.Former Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi had urged the DOJ to target illegal DEI programs in companies receiving federal money.Settlement DetailsIBM denied wrongdoing; the settlement is not an admission of liability.The payment resolves claims that IBM used contract funds for DEI programs and then sought reimbursement.This marks the first enforcement action under the DOJ’s Civil Rights Fraud Initiative, which targets recipients of federal funds who violate civil‑rights laws.Strategic ImpactThe $17 million fine represents roughly 0.03% of IBM’s FY2025 revenue of about $60 billion, indicating a modest direct financial hit but a significant reputational signal. The settlement may prompt IBM and other federal contractors to reassess DEI budgeting and compliance frameworks to avoid future litigation.Analysts view the case as a bellwether for how the DOJ will enforce civil‑rights compliance in the private sector, especially for firms that rely on government contracts.

Relentless drama unfolded at Aintree on Saturday as I Am Maximus clinched a second Grand National win, joining an exclusive club that includes the legendary Red Rum. The race saw all 34 runners finish without serious injury, underscoring the event’s safety despite its reputation for chaos.The victory marks I Am Maximus as only the third horse since the mid‑1930s to win the National twice, and the first to achieve the feat in non‑consecutive years since Red Rum’s 1974 triumph. Having finished a close second in 2025, the gelding now sits second only to Red Rum in the all‑time Aintree hierarchy.Trainer Willie Mullins admitted the horse’s temperament could spark a bar‑room brawl, recalling a “lairy” incident at a village parade two years ago. “He’d eat you without salt,” Mullins joked, suggesting future photo‑ops may be limited if the horse’s spirit remains untamed.Owner JP McManus, who celebrated a record fourth National win on the day, is expected to aim the champion at next year’s race. If I Am Maximus stays sound, a 2027 return could become one of the season’s marquee storylines.Betting markets reflected the horse’s popularity: a widely reported £100,000 wager at 8‑1 odds was placed before the race, and the gelding entered as the 9‑2 favourite, positioning him among the shortest‑priced favourites in National history. The only cheaper price on record belongs to Poethlyn, who opened at 11‑4 in 1919.Age also played a role. I Am Maximus’s win makes him the first horse older than nine to win since Pineau De Re’s 2014 victory. By comparison, Red Rum captured his third National at age 12 in 1977, but modern course changes have generally favoured younger runners.Unlike Tiger Roll, whose third attempt was thwarted by owner Michael O’Leary’s weight objections, I Am Maximus has already carried top weight to victory, demonstrating a robustness that may appeal to McManus for future campaigns.With the horse’s celebrity status soaring, the racing calendar now enjoys a twelve‑month window to capitalise on his fame, building anticipation for what could be a historic third National appearance.

Leeds United delivered a seismic upset at Old Trafford, beating Manchester United 2‑0 and moving six points clear of Tottenham in the Premier League table. The victory marked United’s first league loss at the stadium since February 1981, ending a 45‑year unbeaten home run.Michael Carrick recorded his first home defeat as United’s interim manager. The team never found rhythm, a situation worsened when defender Lisandro Martínez was shown a red card in the 56th minute for yanking Dominic Calvert‑Lewin’s ponytail. Martínez now faces a three‑match ban, with United considering an appeal.Noah Okafor proved decisive, netting a brace. His first goal arrived five minutes after the red card when a Jayden Bogle cross was flicked on by Leny Yoro and finished by Okafor. The Swiss striker celebrated with a calm, hands‑folded pose as the crowd chanted “Yorkshire, Yorkshire”. He added a second, long‑range strike later in the half, sealing the win.Leeds dominated the early exchanges, creating several chances through wing‑back Gabriel Gudmundsson and forward Jayden Bogle. United’s response was limited to a consolation header from Casemiro, but they could not threaten Leeds’ lead.The result has major implications: Leeds now sit comfortably in the Champions League race, while United’s relegation worries intensify. A win against Wolves on Saturday could further distance Leeds from the drop zone, especially if Tottenham falters against Brighton.Post‑match, Leeds manager Daniel Farke and his players celebrated exuberantly, kneeling on the pitch and shouting “We are Leeds”. The three points are described as “vital” for the club’s season ambitions.

Trump Media and Technology Group (TMTG), the parent company of the Truth Social platform, has formally withdrawn its defamation claim against The Guardian and two additional defendants. The suit had challenged a March 2023 Guardian report alleging that federal prosecutors were investigating $8 million in payments received by TMTG from entities with connections to Russian President Vladimir Putin. The dismissal was filed in the 12th Judicial Circuit Court in Sarasota County, Florida, on Friday. By withdrawing without prejudice, TMTG retains the option to re‑file the case at a future date. The Guardian’s original article said New York prosecutors opened a criminal inquiry into money wired to TMTG via the Caribbean by two parties that appeared to be partially controlled by an associate of a Putin ally. At the time, TMTG was preparing for a merger with Digital World Acquisition Corp (DWAC) that would have created a company valued at roughly $1.3 billion. Feeling vulnerable to accusations of receiving funds from a potentially hostile source, TMTG sued for libel, asserting that the Guardian’s statements were false and defamatory. In November, Judge Hunter W. Carroll dismissed the case against Guardian News and Media Ltd., Penske Media Corporation (owner of Variety), and former TMTG founder‑turned‑whistleblower Will Wilkerson, citing a failure to prove actual malice. Carroll, appointed by former Florida Governor Rick Scott, allowed TMTG to file an amended complaint, which the company did in January. A hearing was scheduled for the following Tuesday, but TMTG’s sudden withdrawal halted the proceedings. No reason was provided for the abrupt change. The Guardian has been contacted for comment. In April 2024, a lawyer for Trump sent The Guardian a letter calling its reporting “false” and a “hoax,” insisting that litigation would continue until the outlet retracted the story. Despite the legal tussle, there is no evidence that TMTG or its executives knowingly concealed the origin of the loans. No criminal charges have been brought against the company. Guardian News and Media responded, welcoming the voluntary dismissal and emphasizing that its reporting was based on meticulous fact‑checking, credible sources, and thorough documentation, while characterizing TMTG’s claims as meritless. The dismissal marks a rare retreat for Trump’s legal team, which has pursued an increasingly aggressive strategy against media outlets during his second presidential term, securing several high‑profile settlements with broadcasters such as ABC and CBS. Trump is currently pursuing a $15 billion defamation suit against The New York Times and a $10 billion claim against the BBC, alleging editorial manipulation of his speeches. Both cases have been described by the defendants as groundless and potentially chilling to press freedom. The Guardian’s investigation focused on two emergency loans TMTG received in December 2021 and February 2022, when the company faced a financial crisis after its merger with DWAC was delayed by SEC and FINRA investigations. Wire‑transfer records traced a $2 million payment through Paxum Bank, a Dominica‑registered institution, and a subsequent $6 million payment involving the ES Family Trust, whose trustee also served as a Paxum director. Federal prosecutors in the Southern District of New York examined Paxum Bank’s ownership, identifying a link to Anton Postolnikov, a relative of Aleksandr Smirnov, an associate of Putin.

For the first time, thousands of cancer patients from Black and minority ethnic backgrounds will benefit from an enhanced genetic test offered by the NHS. The new screening expands the panel of DPYD gene variants from four to five, directly addressing a long‑standing bias that left non‑white patients vulnerable to dangerous chemotherapy side‑effects. In England, patients slated for chemotherapy undergo a genetic check that can guide dose adjustments and mitigate adverse reactions such as mouth sores, hair loss, nausea, fatigue, and, in severe cases, death. Up to 40% of the 38,000 individuals receiving fluoropyrimidine‑based chemotherapy each year experience a harmful drug reaction. Previously, the test only targeted four DPYD variants common in people of European descent, meaning many Black patients received inaccurate “all‑clear” results. The addition of a fifth variant—more prevalent among African, Caribbean and other minority groups—means clinicians can now identify patients at risk who were previously missed. Since its rollout at Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust last September, three minority‑ethnic patients have had their initial chemotherapy doses adjusted, lowering their chance of a potentially fatal reaction. Dr Veline L’Esperance, senior clinical adviser at the NHS Race and Health Observatory, called the change “tangible results for patients who have historically been left behind.” She emphasized that the update shifts the discussion on ethnic health inequality from rhetoric to actionable care. Prof Habib Naqvi, chief executive of the NHS Race and Health Observatory, described the development as a “groundbreaking outcome” for chemotherapy safety, while noting that ethnic minorities remain under‑represented in genomic research and biobanks. He warned that broader inclusion is essential for the promised benefits of precision medicine to reach all communities. Prof Dame Sue Hill, chief scientific officer for NHS England, highlighted the significance of discovering the fifth variant: “Personalising chemotherapy based on genetics can save lives and reduce harmful side‑effects, especially for patients of African ancestry.” She added that the North West NHS Genomic Medicine Service has already demonstrated the practical impact of this approach. These steps come amid broader evidence that minority patients in the UK face longer diagnostic waits, more GP visits before a cancer diagnosis, and lower perceived support during treatment. The expanded DPYD test represents a concrete effort to close those gaps and ensure equitable, science‑driven care for all cancer patients.