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The Digital Roundabout: Understanding Phone AddictionWake up, 100 messages from group chat overnight about something – what? another assassination attempt; a village destroyed in Lebanon; the football result in England; the weather in Iran being manipulated; the pesticides causing lung and bowel cancer, so everyone who eats salads is now at risk of cancer; meditate for 20 minutes, then fire up x.com, a place I thought I'd never want to revisit, with its carnival barkers and supplement salesman, and have you seen the Lego thing calling Trump a paedo?, you gotta see the Lego thing, and this is before my first coffee, yet x.com is the coffee and the tea, whatever Elon has done to the For You algorithm is evil genius, it's like the global collective id, nasty and funny and addictive and compelling – like gawking at a car crash, like soaking in a hot bubble bath of anger, and memes, and geopolitical dramas, and Trump, Trump, Trump – soaking in Trump, and then, For Me (just as Elon promised).So begins the circuit around my phone, that goes all day and night, around the tiny screen with its icons (when a born-again Christian once told me he had favourite icons, for a long time I thought he meant apps, not pictures of the Virgin Mary). I started to feel like I was in Canberra, on one of those enormous roundabouts, rotating between the icons – not Joseph, not Jesus, but X and WhatsApp and TikTok and even LinkedIn for Christ sakes – round and round from one app to the next, just checking, checking in case something is happening. I watched tiny videos and maybe, occasionally, got distracted by the novel I am meant to be writing, which is due on 31 July. But the novel is boring, just a static Word doc on a screen, it's not giving; it's taking hard work. So I spend six minutes with my novel, and then it's time to go back to my phone, to circle the roundabout visiting all my icons again, like a demented Stations of the Cross, because I can't focus, I just can't focus on work right now when there is so much good scrolling to do …Clearly, this had to stop or I would become deranged and my novel wouldn't get finished by 31 July.But what could break the hold of a phone that seemed more and more addictive every day?The Physical Solution: Brick and Locked DevicesThen, while listening to a Guardian podcast (on my phone) I came across an author talking about a device that locked her phone and gave her her time and attention span back.I had tried apps to lock my phone before, but somehow having them embedded in the phone itself was like placing a piece of fruit in a box of chocolates. Sure you go in there to retrieve the fruit, but you end up distracted by the chocolates. Before you know it, the chocolates have been eaten! The fruit, of course, remains untouched and rotting.I needed an external device to lock my phone. This author was talking about something called Brick ($59US; £54 or $120 AUD including postage), a small plastic puck that you place on your phone which locks its most appealing apps. Hard!The Brick and its cheaper rival Locked ($39USD; £32; $59AUD) use Near Field Communication (NFC) technology to block whatever apps you nominate. To unblock them, you have to physically return to the puck and tap it against your phone. You can set a timer – I set it for one or two hour blocks when I want to focus on my novel – and if you try to unBrick beforehand, it asks you if you want to have a life, or if you want your phone back. That prompt is enough to make me affirm that, yes, I want a life.The Economics of Digital AttentionWhat Brick understands, and what every app-based screen time limit fails to grasp, is that the problem is not information or intention. I already knew I was using my phone too much. The problem is friction, or rather the total absence of it. Digital guardrails collapse the moment you need them most: one tap and you're back on Instagram. Brick makes that tap a physical hurdle.Using the Brick at night has been transformative. The hours I was losing in the roundabout, I now spend reading, thinking and occasionally just sitting in silence.The novel is moving again and I can focus in longer and longer increments.The algorithm doesn't get me after 8pm any more, and it turns out the algorithm, deprived of its evening session, has less purchase on me during the day too.The Psychology of Digital BoundariesBrick hasn't cured my addiction, but it has restored the thing addiction most destroys, which is the moment of pause between impulse and action.These physical devices represent a growing recognition that our relationship with technology requires more than just self-control – it needs environmental design and intentional friction to counteract the sophisticated algorithms designed to capture our attention.As digital products become increasingly sophisticated at capturing and holding our attention, the market for tools that help us reclaim our time and focus is likely to expand beyond simple app blockers to more comprehensive systems of digital wellbeing.The Future of Digital WellbeingLooking ahead, we can expect to see more innovative solutions that address the fundamental design principles of digital products. The success of devices like Brick suggests that consumers are becoming more aware of how their attention is being monetized and are seeking ways to regain control.As awareness of digital addiction grows, we may see regulatory interventions that require technology companies to build more ethical design principles into their products, potentially creating a market for both wellbeing tools and more responsibly designed digital experiences.Ultimately, the journey toward healthier digital habits will likely involve a combination of personal discipline, technological solutions, and systemic changes in how digital products are designed and monetized.

The Plight of Mali Refugees Thousands of Malians have recently fled to Mauritania, traumatized by the violence and abuse they witnessed. Moctar, a 75-year-old refugee, described the horrors his family encountered while escaping their village in northern Mali. Escalating Conflict in Mali Mali is at the heart of spiraling violence in the West African Sahel, with rival armed groups and the Malian army with Russian allies locked in conflict. The situation has led to a significant humanitarian crisis, with thousands fleeing their homes. Human Rights Violations All sides are accused of humanitarian violations, but in the past two years, the Malian army and Russian fighters have inflicted more violence on civilians than the armed groups combined. Refugees have described executions, rapes, and torture at the hands of Russian fighters and the Malian army. The Russian Presence in Mali Up to 2,000 Russian fighters are deployed in Mali, initially from the private Wagner Group. Their presence has had mixed results, with some successes in pushing back rebels but also allegations of abuse and human rights violations. The Future of Mali The conflict in Mali shows no signs of abating, with ongoing fighting between rebels and the army. The humanitarian situation is dire, with thousands of refugees in need of assistance. The international community is urged to take action to address the crisis.

The Ruling Against Apple Epic Games has scored another procedural win in its fight with Apple over App Store fees, as the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit has now granted the Fortnite maker’s latest motion. The decision means Apple must continue to allow developers to link to external payment options in their apps without charging commissions on those purchases, for now. Background of the Case An earlier order had let Apple pause further proceedings related to the required App Store changes while it sought Supreme Court review. Epic Games derided Apple’s move as “another delay tactic” and asked the court to reconsider the decision. Impact of the Latest Ruling The latest ruling means Apple’s request to pause the proceedings related to the changes has been reversed temporarily, swinging things back in developers’ favor and forcing the iPhone maker to keep the changes in place, at least for the time being. The Future of App Store Commissions The final outcome of the case will determine whether, and how much, Apple can charge in commissions on purchases made outside its U.S. App Store. In a post on X, Epic celebrated the court’s decision in its favor, pointing to the latest filing, which stated, “Apple has failed to show good cause to sustain our prior stay order. Apple has not demonstrated that any proceedings on remand will cause it irreparable harm if our decision is not stayed.” What's Next The District court will rule on the amount of the commission Apple can charge on link-out purchases. Any changes right now are temporary.

The Lead: Trump's Warning to IranUnited States President Donald Trump has issued a stark warning to Iran, declaring they must "get smart soon" following a proposal from Tehran that would postpone a deal on Iran's nuclear programme. The president took to his Truth Social platform to criticize Iran's inability to "get their act together" and sign a nonnuclear deal, accompanied by an AI-generated image of himself carrying an assault rifle with the banner "NO MORE MR. NICE GUY!"The Event Details: Stalled Nuclear TalksThe latest threats from Trump come as uncertainty surrounding the fragile US-Iran ceasefire grows, days after the president called off the latest round of talks with Tehran. Although Washington stated it was reviewing Tehran's proposal, it received a lukewarm response, with the White House emphasizing Trump would "not be rushed into making a bad deal" and that "Iran can never possess a nuclear weapon."The Data Analysis: Economic Impact of SanctionsWashington has claimed to have imposed additional financial pressure on Tehran. US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced his department has "targeted Iran's international shadow banking infrastructure, access to crypto, shadow fleet, and weapons procurement networks." Last week, the Treasury sanctioned an independent Chinese oil refinery for buying Iranian oil, along with 40 shipping firms and vessels alleged to be operating as part of Iran's shadow fleet.Bessent claimed these actions "have disrupted tens of billions of dollars in revenue" and helped to "rapidly" depreciate Iranian currency. On Wednesday, the Iranian rial dropped to a new record low against the US dollar, losing about 6 percent of its value since the war began. According to currency-tracking websites, the rial was trading at about 1.8 million rials against the dollar on the black market, compared to about 1.7 million rials when the war began at the end of February.The Impact Analysis: Geopolitical StandoffRob Geist Pinfold, a lecturer in international security at King's College London, told Al Jazeera that "we've gone past the stage ... for a physical war," but both Tehran and Trump were in a stage of "intense competition." He explained that both sides are "trying to signal to the other that they have more resilience, that time is on their side."Tehran's proposal is "deferring all of the difficult issues until later" by prioritizing the end of the war and reopening the Strait of Hormuz. However, Pinfold noted this tactic "simply doesn't work for the Americans because they feel like if they give up on basically the leverage they have – the physical force leverage – the war could resume."The Prediction: Escalating Tensions and Human CostAs talks stall, Iranian authorities have stepped up efforts to prosecute protesters and dissidents. United Nations human rights chief Volker Turk reported that at least 21 people have been executed and more than 4,000 arrested since the start of the war on Iran. Nine executions were related to Iran's mass January protests, 10 for alleged membership in opposition groups, and two on espionage charges."I am appalled that – on top of the already severe impacts of the conflict – the rights of the Iranian people continue to be stripped from them by the authorities, in harsh and brutal ways," Turk stated. According to the UN, many of the 4,000 people arrested have disappeared, been tortured, or subjected to other forms of illegal punishment. With Iran's newly enhanced espionage law allowing authorities to execute and seize property of people accused of activities related to "hostile states and groups," the human cost of the standoff continues to rise.

Opening the Time Capsule: A Live Concert Film ReturnsThe Guardian’s latest review celebrates Power to the People: John & Yoko Live in NYC, a split‑screen documentary that stitches together the 1972 Madison Square Garden benefit concert. Overseen by Sean Ono Lennon, the film offers the only full‑length live footage of John Lennon after the Beatles, juxtaposed with Yoko Ono’s avant‑garde moments and a roster of surprise guests.Recreating the 1972 Madison Square Garden BenefitThe original benefit was staged to raise funds for children at the notorious Willowbrook State School, a cause that helped catalyze reforms in New York’s child‑welfare system. The film restores the concert’s chaotic energy, from Lennon’s stumbling rendition of “Come Together” to Yoko’s provocative “Open Your Box” and a raucous “Hound Dog” salute to Elvis Presley.Key performers: John Lennon, Yoko Ono, Stevie Wonder, Allen Ginsberg, and the backing band Elephant’s Memory.Notable moments: A heartfelt version of “Imagine”, an apocalyptic “Cold Turkey”, and the closing anthem “New York City”.Box‑Office Snapshot and Release WindowThe documentary enjoys a limited theatrical run, aiming to attract both music historians and casual fans.Release dates: 29 April 2026 and 3 May 2026 (selected cinemas).Ticket price range: $12‑$18 US.Screen count: Approximately 150 venues across the U.S., U.K., and Japan.Why the Film Matters for Music History and Social ActivismBeyond nostalgia, the documentary underscores how rock concerts can serve as platforms for civil‑rights advocacy. By revisiting the Willowbrook fundraiser, the film reminds viewers of the power of celebrity‑driven philanthropy and its tangible legislative outcomes.What’s Next for Archival Concert Films?With streaming platforms hungry for premium music content, the success of Power to the People could spur a wave of similar projects—restoring lost footage, pairing it with modern commentary, and positioning historic performances as cultural touchstones for new generations.

Opening Snapshot: A Play That Revives a 1980s Labour RevoltThe Guardian’s review spotlights Frances Poet's Stand & Deliver, a theatrical recreation of the 1981 Lee Jeans sit‑in where 240 workers, mostly women, occupied a garment factory in Greenock to block a move to Northern Ireland. Directed by Jemima Levick and co‑produced with the National Theatre of Scotland, the show mixes gritty realism with upbeat 80s pop anthems.Staging the Sit‑In: Narrative, Music, and DesignThe production captures the day‑to‑day challenges of the occupation—food shortages, smoke‑filled vents, and the need to keep morale high. Musical director Shonagh Murray cues stripped‑down versions of hits by Kim Wilde, David Bowie and Duran Duran, while the cast, led by Jo Freer as shop steward Helen Monaghan, channels the raw energy of the original strikers.Numbers on Stage: Run Dates, Cast Size, and Historical ScaleOpening night: 9 May 2026 at the Tron theatre, Glasgow.Tour window: runs through 10 June 2026 across Scottish venues.Original occupation: 240 workers seized the plant; 140 remained after seven months to reclaim their jobs.Cast: ensemble of eight principal actors plus musicians.Why It Matters: Re‑examining Labour History Through Contemporary TheatreThe play situates the Greenock sit‑in within a broader tradition of Scottish workplace dramas—from John Byrne’s The Slab Boys to Tony Roper’s The Steamie. By foregrounding female agency and the solidarity of miners, dockers, and politicians like Jimmy Reid and Michael Foot, the production challenges the myth that industrial disputes were male‑dominated, offering a fresh lens on Thatcher‑era resistance.Looking Ahead: Touring Momentum and Cultural ResonanceWith its blend of historical fidelity and pop‑culture energy, Stand & Deliver is poised to spark renewed interest in labour‑themed theatre and may inspire similar revivals of overlooked strikes. Its national tour could encourage regional theatres to program more socially‑charged works, keeping the conversation about workers’ rights alive in post‑industrial Scotland.

Lead: The FIFA Council met in Vancouver and voted to amend its statutes, granting the Afghan women’s refugee team, Afghan Women United, eligibility for international competition – a milestone for players who fled Taliban oppression.FIFA Council Approves Eligibility for Afghan Women UnitedThe council’s amendment formally recognises the refugee side, enabling it to enter qualification pathways such as the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles. While the team missed the window for the 2027 Women’s World Cup in Brazil, it can now schedule exhibition matches during the upcoming June international window.Key Numbers Behind the Historic Decision80+ Afghan refugee players are currently based across Australia, the United States and Europe.The squad’s last competitive appearance was in 2018, before the Taliban’s return to power in 2021.Prior to the takeover, the Afghanistan Football Federation had 25 women under contract, most now residing in Australia.Former federation president Keramuddin Keram was banned for life by FIFA for misconduct.Implications for Women’s Football and Human RightsThe move closes a regulatory loophole that allowed the Taliban’s gender‑based bans to affect global sport. Human Rights Watch’s Minky Worden hailed the decision as a model for how sports bodies can confront systemic exclusion based on gender, ethnicity or belief.By recognising a refugee team, FIFA sets a precedent that could benefit other displaced or unrecognised squads seeking a pathway to the world stage.What Lies Ahead for Afghan Women UnitedCoached by Pauline Hamill, the team will play two exhibition matches in June, with opponents yet to be announced. Successful performances could pave the way for participation in the 2028 Olympic qualifiers and future FIFA tournaments.Activist and former captain Khalida Popal and players like Nazia Ali view the decision as a step toward reclaiming their national identity and the chance to once again wear Afghanistan’s flag on an official stage.

Millie Bright has announced her immediate retirement from professional football, ending a decorated 12‑year spell with Chelsea FC Women that included 20 trophies and 88 England caps.Bright’s Sudden Exit: Immediate Retirement AnnouncementThe 32‑year‑old defender confirmed she will step away from playing before the final two WSL matches and the FA Cup semi‑final, citing an ankle injury sustained in February. Chelsea described her as a "club legend" and said they will honour her before the last league game against Manchester United on 16 May.Career Numbers: Appearances, Caps, and Silverware314 appearances for Chelsea20 major trophies with the club (including eight WSL titles and six FA Cups)88 caps for the England women’s national teamKey international achievements: Euro 2022 champion and 2023 World Cup finalistImplications for Chelsea and the Women’s Super LeagueBright’s departure removes a central defensive leader and the team’s captain, creating a vacuum ahead of crucial fixtures. The club will need to accelerate the development of younger defenders and may look to the transfer market for a short‑term solution, while the WSL loses one of its most recognizable ambassadors, potentially affecting viewership and sponsorship narratives.Looking Ahead: New Roles and Long‑Term LegacyBeyond the pitch, Bright will remain at Chelsea as a trustee of the club’s foundation and as an ambassador, leveraging her experience to promote women’s football and community initiatives. Her statement, “I’ve given all I can,” signals a shift from player to mentor, ensuring her influence endures in the next era of the sport.

Military Court Opens Trial of Four Soldiers Over Acid Attack on ActivistA trial began on Wednesday, April 29, 2026 in a Jakarta military court, charging Edi Sudarko, Budi Hariyanto Widhi Cahyono, Nandala Dwi Prasetia and Sami Lakka with serious meditated assault. Prosecutors say the men, all serving in the Indonesian military’s Strategic Intelligence Agency, mixed rust‑removal fluid with battery acid and sprayed it on activist **Andrie Yunus** while he rode his motorbike on March 12, 2026.Scope of Injuries and Legal PenaltiesAndrie, 27, suffered burns on more than 20 % of his face and body and lost sight in one eye.The charge carries a maximum sentence of 12 years under Indonesia’s criminal code.Human‑rights watchdog Komnas HAM reports at least 14 individuals may have been linked to the attack.Implications for Civil‑Military Relations and Human Rights in IndonesiaThe defendants’ affiliation with the Strategic Intelligence Agency comes amid a controversial amendment that allows active‑duty soldiers to occupy a broader range of government posts, including the attorney‑general’s office and counter‑terrorism agencies. Critics argue the move deepens the military’s influence over civilian affairs and creates an environment where abuses, such as the acid attack, can occur with impunity.Rights groups warn the case could “lead to fear among civilians to criticise government officials,” potentially chilling dissent and undermining Indonesia’s democratic reforms under President Prabowo Subianto.What the Next Hearing Could Mean for Indonesia’s Democratic TrajectoryThe next court session is set for May 6, 2026, when prosecutors will present witnesses. A conviction could signal a willingness by the judiciary to hold military personnel accountable, bolstering civil‑society confidence. Conversely, a lenient outcome may embolden further militarisation of politics and erode public trust in the rule of law.