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Olivia Rodrigo returns with “Drop Dead,” a single that instantly grabs listeners with a razor‑sharp lyric about online stalking and instant infatuation. The opening couplet—“One night I was bored in bed / And stalked you on the internet”—sets a tone of modern romance that feels both playful and unnervingly catchy.The 23‑year‑old, who burst onto the global stage in 2021 after a Disney Channel stint, has built a reputation for “acute, obsessive” love songs that balance self‑awareness with raw emotion. Her debut “Drivers License” cemented her as a heartbreak anthem, while the pop‑punk edge of her first album Sour and the riot‑grrrl‑infused follow‑up Guts displayed her versatility.“Drop Dead” marks a decisive pivot from the punk‑kiss‑off expectations that surrounded her recent breakup. Instead of a straightforward revenge track, the song delivers a “gorgeous rush of romantic intensity,” aiming to freeze a fleeting moment before plunging back into it with relentless momentum.The track’s production, helmed by longtime collaborator Dan Nigro, layers lush strings and bright power‑pop guitars, creating a sound that feels “one bauble short of festive.” Critics note a vocal delivery that stays in Rodrigo’s highest register throughout the chorus, with melodic bends that echo both Chappell Roan’s maximalism and Taylor Swift’s signature style.Visually, the music video—directed by Petra Collins and filmed at the Palace of Versailles—portrays Rodrigo as a runaway figure reminiscent of Sofia Coppola’s “Marie Antoinette” and Emma Corrin’s Diana in “The Crown.” The lavish setting amplifies the song’s theatricality.Adding a rock pedigree, the single includes a subtle nod to Rodrigo’s friendship with The Cure’s Robert Smith, referencing his classic “Just Like Heaven.” Their rapport, highlighted in a recent Vogue cover story, underscores Rodrigo’s expanding artistic circle.Overall, “Drop Dead” blends maximalist pop production, romantic lyricism, and rock‑infused credibility, delivering a track that feels both instantly addictive and deliberately chaotic—mirroring the messy emotions it portrays.

Despite facing personal challenges, including a restraining order and homelessness, Kershaw continued to work in radio, eventually returning to Radio 3 to co-present Music Planet and report on The One Show.

A significant 53% of all voters support a full return to the EU, with 83% of Labour voters, 84% of Liberal Democrat voters, and 82% of Green party voters backing the policy. In contrast, only 39% of Conservative voters and 18% of Reform voters support rejoining the EU.Labour's approach to EU relations has been described as 'muted' and may risk losing support among progressive voters and in 'red wall' constituencies. The party's policy is to align with, but not join, the single market, which means it has no say in shaping regulations and directives.Experts warn that Labour's strategy may be flawed, as the loss of the liberal voter base on issues like Brexit could be more damaging than the loss to pro-Brexit parties. Neil Kinnock, the former Labour leader, believes that Labour will one day campaign for rejoining the EU, but did not provide a timeline.Anand Menon, director of UK in a Changing Europe, argues that Labour's position on EU relations is contradictory and economically unsustainable. He suggests that aligning with EU regulation would require constant monitoring to prevent accidental divergence.

Negotiations are intensifying between the Australian National Rugby League (NRL) and the UK’s Super League over a prospective takeover that could reshape the sport’s calendar and governance. The NRL’s chief executive, Andrew Abdo, told The Guardian that any acquisition would hinge on a major investment package and a decisive move to re‑introduce a winter competition, the first such change since 1996.Abdo travelled to England this week to discuss the feasibility of the deal, emphasizing that the London Broncos would be pivotal to the NRL’s vision. He warned that British clubs would need to surrender the extensive control they currently wield if they hope to benefit from the financial backing the NRL could provide.The proposed shift to a winter schedule is driven by the prospect of a global broadcast arrangement that would allow the NRL to sell television rights throughout the year. While a summer season avoids clashing with the Premier League, Abdo argued that a unified calendar could attract new fans and sponsors on an international scale.Super League clubs are reportedly losing close to £20 million annually. An infusion of NRL capital could not only cover the salary‑cap obligations for every club but also free up resources for further investment in facilities, talent development and marketing.Governance would also undergo a overhaul. The NRL operates under an independent commission, whereas Super League’s club owners currently dominate decision‑making. Abdo stressed the need for an independent governing body to make “tough calls” and separate day‑to‑day club interests from the sport’s strategic direction.London’s role is another cornerstone of the plan. Abdo highlighted the city’s diverse population and commercial potential, suggesting that a strong London franchise could boost fan acquisition, sponsorship deals, and overall league visibility.With the existing Sky Sports broadcast contract set to expire at the end of the season, timing is critical. The NRL aims to align its own TV‑rights expansion with a possible partnership, viewing broadcasting as the key lever for global growth.While no formal offer has been lodged, Abdo indicated that the NRL will present its findings to its board and Australian clubs before any official proposal is made. The next few weeks will be decisive for both leagues as they weigh the benefits of a combined, year‑round rugby league ecosystem.

England's women's football team, the Lionesses, are on the cusp of a historic milestone as they prepare to play their 500th game against Iceland in a World Cup qualifier. Manager Sarina Wiegman has stressed the importance of securing a positive result to make their recent 1-0 victory over Spain even more valuable.Wiegman acknowledged that Iceland will present a different challenge, but she is confident that her team is ready. The Lionesses have three wins from three in their qualifying group, and with only the top team from each group in League A securing automatic qualification, the stakes are high.The team has been boosted by the return of Leah Williamson, who has not played since mid-March due to a thigh injury. However, Keira Barry is the only confirmed absence due to ankle problems.Lucy Bronze, who has 146 caps for England, reflected on the significance of the 500th game, saying it's 'insane' to think about. She expressed her pride in being part of the team's history and is optimistic about the future, citing the talent of young players like Lucia Kendall.

Saudi Arabia has withdrawn its bid to host the 2035 Rugby World Cup as a result of the Public Investment Fund's (PIF) new financial strategy, prioritizing projects with potential returns. The country's sports minister, Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki al-Faisal, had expressed interest in bidding for the tournament last year, but no expression of interest was submitted to World Rugby.The PIF's 'value realization' phase of its Vision 2030 economic plan, published recently, has led to the decision to put rugby aspirations on hold. This shift in focus will impact various projects, including LIV Golf, which will see its funding withdrawn next year.While Saudi Arabia and other Gulf countries, such as Qatar and the United Arab Emirates, had considered a joint bid, it has not materialized. World Rugby's bidding process is ongoing, with countries like Argentina, Japan, and Spain having submitted initial expressions of interest.The decision to step away from the Rugby World Cup bid was made before the conflict in Iran began, and the PIF governor, Yasir al-Rumayyan, confirmed that all spending projects are being reviewed. The PIF will continue to invest in sports but will focus on domestic projects, such as infrastructure related to the 2034 football World Cup and the Formula One track near Riyadh.

Video released by regional media captures scenes of spontaneous jubilation across Lebanon as a ceasefire with Israel comes into force. Residents gathered in public squares, streets and coastal promenades, waving flags and expressing palpable relief after a period of heightened military alert.While detailed reports on the negotiations remain limited, the immediate public reaction underscores the deep desire for stability in a region long marked by intermittent hostilities. The footage, filmed in several Lebanese cities, shows crowds chanting, children playing, and local businesses reopening, signaling an early return to normalcy.Analysts note that the ceasefire, though fragile, offers a critical window for diplomatic engagement and humanitarian aid delivery to affected areas. The visible optimism among Lebanese citizens highlights the broader regional hope that de‑escalation can translate into lasting peace.

Christine Baranski, known for her TV roles in The Good Fight and The Gilded Age, is set to make her West End debut in a revival of Noël Coward's comedy Hay Fever. She will star as Judith Bliss, a newly retired actor, alongside Richard E Grant, who will play her novelist husband.Baranski, a two-time Tony award winner for best featured actress in a play, expressed her excitement to “tear a passion to tatters” in the 1925 play about a family toying with their guests at a country house party. The production, directed by Emily Burns, will run at Wyndham’s theatre from 22 September to 12 December.Baranski described the play as a “101-year-old comedy of appalling manners” that requires “quicksilver delivery and suave flamboyance.” She also praised Grant as “whip-smart and wickedly funny.” This production marks a significant return to the theatre for Grant, who has recently appeared in supporting roles in films like The Thursday Murder Club and Nuremberg.The revival of Hay Fever is part of a recent surge in productions of Noël Coward's works, including Fallen Angels and Easy Virtue. Baranski's West End debut is a long-awaited event, with the actress having attended her first West End play in 1971 as a student at Juilliard.

The musical Avenue Q has returned to the West End, bringing with it its unique blend of provocative puppetry, satire, and catchy songs. The show, which first debuted 20 years ago, has been updated to include modern references to AI, OnlyFans, and Spotify.Directed by Jason Moore, the production features a cast of actor-puppeteers, including Noah Harrison and Emily Benjamin, who bring to life a cast of lovable but flawed characters. The show's puppet designer, Rick Lyon, has created a cast of furry, Sesame Street-inspired characters that are both cute and subversive.The show's songs, written by Robert Lopez and Jeff Marx, are a highlight of the production, with numbers like If You Were Gay and Everyone's a Little Bit Racist tackling taboo subjects with humor and wit. The show's book, written by Jeff Whitty, has been updated to include modern references, adding to the show's timeless satire.While the story itself may not be especially strong, the production's sweet/subversive/manic charms make up for it. The show ends on a hopeful note, with a message that this too will pass, even for Trump.The production is running at the Shaftesbury theatre in London until 29 August.