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The organiser of the Wireless Festival has reaffirmed that Kanye West, legally known as Ye, will appear on the bill, even as senior UK officials and Jewish organisations demand his exclusion over a series of antisemitic statements and admiration for Adolf Hitler.West’s controversial remarks, including a 2025 song titled “Heil Hitler” and the promotion of a swastika‑bearing T‑shirt, have drawn condemnation from MPs and prompted calls for a government ban. Bridget Phillipson, a senior minister, described his comments as “completely unacceptable and absolutely disgusting,” while Prime Minister Keir Starmer called the booking “deeply concerning.”Melvin Benn, managing director of Festival Republic, the promoter behind Wireless, said the artist is “intended to come in and perform” and stressed that the festival will not provide a platform for “extolling any opinion,” only for the songs that are popular on radio and streaming services. He added, “I am a deeply committed anti‑fascist… I lived on a kibbutz attacked on 7 October and support both a Jewish and a Palestinian state.”In a personal appeal, Benn invoked his experience with a family member’s mental illness, urging the public to extend “forgiveness and hope” to West, whom he described as seeking “second chances” in a “divisive world.” He also asserted that West has a legal right to enter the UK, though ministers are reviewing his entry clearance.Jewish leaders remain unconvinced. Phil Rosenberg, president of the Board of Deputies of British Jews, warned that Benn’s comments “will not reassure many within the Jewish community” and highlighted that West has “proclaimed himself a Nazi” while the festival stands to profit from his appearance.Political opposition has also weighed in. Liberal Democrat leader Ed Davey called for a ban on West’s entry, urging the government to act “tougher on antisemitism.”Commercial fallout has been swift. Pepsi and Diageo have withdrawn their sponsorship, and AB InBev announced it is pulling Budweiser and Beatbox support. PayPal confirmed it will no longer feature in the festival’s promotional materials.West has not performed in the UK since headlining Glastonbury in 2015, and his recent full‑page apology in the Wall Street Journal attributed his inflammatory remarks to bipolar‑1 disorder stemming from a 2002 car‑crash injury. Nonetheless, critics argue that a three‑day stage slot does not constitute a meaningful path to “health and healing.”

The 2026 football calendar has been unusually fragmented, with international fixtures squeezed into March for World Cup qualifying play‑offs, leaving only a handful of matches over the weekend. This odd scheduling created a three‑week lull in the domestic title race, a pause that proved advantageous for cup competitions.Manchester City’s Carabao Cup victory offered a tactical showcase for Pep Guardiola, reminding fans that silverware cannot be taken for granted after last season’s disappointment. The win set the stage for a weekend of high‑stakes FA Cup action.In the FA Cup quarter‑finals, Southampton defeated Arsenal in a match steeped in nostalgia, as the hosts wore a pale yellow‑blue kit echoing their 1976 triumph. The result highlighted the competition’s ability to generate drama beyond league narratives.One of the most compelling stories came from Ross Stewart, Sunderland’s former striker now with Southampton. After a career hampered by a ruptured Achilles in an FA Cup tie three years earlier, Stewart returned to the competition and scored against Arsenal, the very side that had previously exposed his hamstring woes. At 29, his goal not only propelled Southampton forward but also secured him a place in the upcoming FA Cup semi‑final at Wembley.The weekend also featured Manchester City’s dominant display against Liverpool, intensifying speculation over Liverpool manager Arne Slot’s future, and a gritty penalty shoot‑out win for West Ham over Leeds, underscoring the unpredictable nature of knockout football.For Arsenal, the loss raises serious concerns. The Gunners entered the break on a 14‑match unbeaten league run, only to suffer consecutive defeats and display uncharacteristic nervousness after half‑time against City. The return of goalkeeper David Raya, whose distribution could alleviate Arsenal’s pressing issues, may help, but the team’s injury list and erratic passing remain problematic.Overall, the weekend proved that the FA Cup remains a vital pillar of English football, capable of elevating unsung players like Stewart and delivering moments that resonate far beyond the Premier League title chase.

UK Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson has publicly denounced Kanye West's antisemitic remarks, emphasizing that there is 'no place for that kind of hatred, bigotry or antisemitism' in the UK. Her comments come after West was announced as the headline act for all three nights of the Wireless festival in London's Finsbury Park.West has faced intense criticism for his antisemitic remarks, including voicing admiration for Adolf Hitler and releasing a song titled 'Heil Hitler.' These actions have led to calls from various UK ministers, organizations, and Jewish groups to ban him from performing at the festival and even from entering the country.Keir Starmer, the leader of the Labour Party, has expressed deep concern over West's booking at the festival, citing his previous antisemitic remarks and celebration of Nazism. The Campaign Against Antisemitism has also urged the government to take action, highlighting West's track titled 'Heil Hitler' and his history of antisemitic behavior.In response to the backlash, several sponsors, including Pepsi and Diageo, have withdrawn their sponsorship from the festival. Additionally, PayPal will not appear in any future promotional materials for the event.The controversy surrounding West's performance has sparked a broader conversation about antisemitism in the UK. Recent incidents, such as the firebombing of Jewish community-run ambulances in Golders Green and an attack on a synagogue in Manchester, have raised concerns about growing antisemitism in the country.

The US has just wrapped up a historically warm March, with numerous states recording all-time high temperatures. This prolonged warmth has left much of the mountain snowpack in the American west at critically low levels, a crucial source of water for millions.Despite increased precipitation in spring, the low snowpack has raised concerns about a potentially severe wildfire season if conditions do not improve soon. With more abnormally warm, dry weather expected, the outlook is becoming increasingly worrying heading into late spring and summer.On the other side of the Pacific, Tropical Cyclone Maila has developed in the Solomon Sea and is expected to strengthen to severe tropical cyclone status. This is the first named storm for Papua New Guinea since Cyclone Guba in 2007. Maila is forecast to be the strongest storm to impact or make landfall in Papua New Guinea.Meanwhile, parts of south-east and east Asia are expected to see a continuation of abnormally high temperatures this week, with some areas potentially recording temperatures of 35-39C, about 10C hotter than expected for this time of year. High temperatures will be joined by very high humidity levels, potentially creating dangerous levels of heat stress for millions of people.

Progressive candidate Abdul El‑Sayed’s alliance with left‑wing Twitch streamer Hasan Piker has ignited a sharp rift within Michigan’s tightly contested three‑way Senate race, pitting establishment favorite Mallory McMorrow against a pro‑Israel coalition supporting Rep. Haley Stevens. McMorrow, backed by the Democratic establishment, the Anti‑Defamation League, the Trump administration, and prominent pro‑Israel figures, has condemned Piker as antisemitic and warned that his involvement could alienate voters still reeling from the recent Temple Israel synagogue attack. In contrast, El‑Sayed and Piker announced a joint rally last week, prompting McMorrow’s camp to label the partnership a political liability. Seven Arab American leaders interviewed by the Guardian argue that the attacks on El‑Sayed and Piker are both strategic missteps and moral blunders that repeat the mistakes that cost the Democrats in Michigan in 2024. Michigan houses the nation’s highest per‑capita Arab American population, anchored by a large Lebanese diaspora. The ongoing Israeli assault on southern Lebanon—displacing over 1 million civilians and destroying villages—has hit the community hard, with many families directly affected. "Arabs get the pressure and Israel gets compassion," said James Zogby of the Democratic National Committee, underscoring the perceived double standard. Arab American leaders contend that the Democratic focus on Israel while sidelining Lebanese and Muslim concerns could erode crucial voter support. Data from the 2024 election illustrate the risk: Kamala Harris lost Michigan by roughly 80,000 votes, with some analysts estimating that her pro‑Israel stance cost her an additional 100,000 votes. A Guardian analysis found a 22,000‑vote swing away from Democrats in the three cities with the largest Arab American and Muslim populations. National polling now shows a dramatic shift among Democratic voters: support for Israel’s war in Gaza has fallen to an all‑time low of 8%, while a majority favor an arms embargo on Israel. Piker, who commands a 3‑million‑strong Twitch audience, consistently voices sympathy for Palestinians and calls for an embargo, positioning himself as a bridge to younger, progressive voters. Despite the controversy, El‑Sayed maintains that winning requires dialogue with all constituencies, even those outside the progressive bubble, noting his recent appearance on Fox News. He warned that every dollar spent on what he calls an "illegal, unjustified war in Iran" diverts resources from schools, healthcare, and infrastructure in Michigan. As the 2028 election cycle looms, Arab American leaders caution that the Democratic Party’s handling of the Israel‑Palestine issue in this swing state could have lasting repercussions, potentially reshaping the party’s fortunes in the Midwest.

Thousands of independent UK businesses are preparing for heating‑oil expenses to more than double after the Iran war sent Europe’s fuel markets to fresh record highs.Roughly 7% of all small and medium‑sized enterprises (SMEs) heat their premises with oil, and in many rural locations the figure climbs to about 17%, according to the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB), which represents around 200,000 firms and sole traders.With many rural firms off the gas grid, they depend on heating oil—a kerosene derivative linked to jet‑fuel prices. Prices have surged dramatically: a supplier charged 54.9p per litre in January and demanded 129p per litre by late March, a rise of 116%. One hotel and restaurant owner in North Yorkshire, Anthony Jenkins, reported that his annual oil bill, normally around £3,000, is now unaffordable.Jenkins said he has cut fuel usage by half and is asking guests to lower radiator settings rather than open windows. He also hopes to shift to solar‑heated water as daylight hours increase.The FSB has urged the UK competition watchdog to extend its probe of the heating‑oil market to include SMEs, noting that the same shock has lifted North‑west European jet fuel to $1,900 per tonne and diesel to $1,600 per tonne, according to Argus.Trade bodies warn that the volatility creates a fertile environment for rogue energy brokers who may push small firms into unfavorable long‑term contracts. Tina McKenzie, policy chair of the FSB, stressed the need for stricter broker regulations, noting that many SMEs lack the bargaining power of larger corporations.Small businesses also miss out on the government’s household energy‑price cap and other consumer protections, despite their energy usage resembling that of households. McKenzie added that the market’s rapid evolution leaves many firms “nervous and vulnerable”.Proposals to tighten broker oversight, including tighter scrutiny by Ofgem, are pending new legislation. An Ofgem spokesperson said the regulator has reminded suppliers and brokers to “treat customers fairly, prioritize transparent pricing and good consumer outcomes”, acknowledging the “concerning volatility” caused by the Middle‑East conflict.

President Donald Trump issued a stark warning on Sunday, giving Tehran until Tuesday night to reopen the Strait of Hormuz or face U.S. strikes on Iranian power plants and bridges. The message, posted on his Truth Social platform, was laced with profanity and a deadline of 8:00 P.M. Eastern Time. Iran’s parliament speaker, Mohammad‑Bagher Ghalibaf, responded on social media, accusing the United States of “reckless moves” that would set the entire region ablaze and turn it into “living hell.” The latest escalation follows the rescue of a second U.S. crew member from a downed F‑15E fighter that crashed in southwestern Iran, an operation that saw American special forces and Iranian troops racing against each other in mountainous terrain. Trump has repeatedly shifted the deadline for Iran, extending it at least twice. In his expletive‑laden post he warned, “Open the Fuckin’ Strait, you crazy bastards, or you’ll be living in Hell – JUST WATCH!” Financial markets reacted instantly: the U.S. benchmark West Texas Intermediate rose 1.86 % to over $112 per barrel, while Brent crude climbed above $110. The surge underscores how geopolitical flashpoints can quickly translate into higher energy costs for consumers worldwide. Trump also hinted at a possible diplomatic breakthrough, telling Fox News there was a “good chance” of an agreement on Monday. Yet he added, “If they don’t make a deal and fast, I’m considering blowing everything up and taking over the oil.” Legal scholars warned that targeting civilian infrastructure would breach the Geneva Conventions. Yale professor of international law Oona A. Hathaway noted that the president offered no justification to reclassify power plants, bridges, or steel factories as legitimate military targets, and that any such attacks would likely constitute war crimes. Iranian authorities estimate that the ongoing U.S.–Israeli campaign has damaged roughly 81,000 civilian sites, including 61,000 homes, 19,000 commercial facilities, 275 medical centres, and nearly 500 schools. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu claimed that the coalition has destroyed about 70 % of Iran’s steel production capacity, citing its alleged use in missile manufacturing. In retaliation, Iran has intensified attacks on Gulf shipping and infrastructure. Over the weekend Iranian drones struck a petrochemical complex in Bahrain, igniting thick black smoke, and hit multiple Kuwait Petroleum facilities, causing fires and “significant material losses” at power and desalination plants. The most dramatic recent strike was the demolition of Iran’s unfinished 136‑metre B1 suspension bridge, a $400 million project meant to link Tehran and Karaj. The attack killed 13 people and injured 95, prompting the bridge’s engineer to lament the loss of a symbol of national pride. Trump posted a video of the bridge’s destruction, framing it as a response to Iran’s alleged unwillingness to negotiate. He later told Axios that the U.S. had been “close to an agreement” but that Iran’s demand to meet “in five days” was a pretext for the attack. Domestic criticism was swift. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer denounced the president’s rhetoric as “unhinged” and warned that such threats could alienate allies and amount to war crimes. International law experts reiterated that civilian objects—such as power plants, bridges, and hospitals—are protected under the Geneva Conventions. Any deliberate targeting of these assets for bargaining leverage would violate the conventions and could trigger legal accountability for the United States and any cooperating parties.

1. Caroline Wozniacki – Australian Open 2018: After 67 weeks atop the WTA rankings without a Grand Slam title, the Danish star finally broke through at the 2018 Australian Open. Facing world‑number one Simona Halep in the final, Wozniacki saved match points, abandoned her defensive style, and surged ahead to claim her first major, collapsing in tears as she declared, “I dreamed of this moment for so many years.”2. Fermín Cacho – 1500m Gold, Barcelona 1992: The Spanish runner seized an unexpected victory in a tactical race that unfolded at a snail‑pace pace. With the field hesitant, Cacho surged from the inside lane, powered a 50‑second final lap and crossed the line in 3:40.12 – a time described as “the slowest winning time you could possibly imagine.” His triumph ignited a national celebration, cementing his status as an Olympic legend.3. Max Holloway – UFC BMF Belt Showdown 2024: The featherweight champion delivered a cinematic finish against Justin Gaethje, opting to trade blows in the final seconds rather than await a decision. Holloway’s knockout with one second left created a historic moment in mixed‑martial‑arts, underscoring his reputation for relentless aggression and love of pure, unfiltered competition.4. Garrincha – World Cup Glory 1958 & 1962: Brazil’s “Joy of the People” dazzled the world with his unorthodox dribbling and infectious charisma. Despite a physical handicap, he helped Brazil capture back‑to‑back World Cups, earning player‑of‑the‑tournament honors in 1962 and becoming a cultural icon whose legacy is measured more by the happiness he sparked than by trophies alone.5. Lungi Ngidi – Test Debut vs India, 2018: The South African fast‑bowler announced himself by dismissing cricket superstar Virat Kohli and finishing with figures of six for 39, earning player‑of‑the‑match as South Africa won by 135 runs. Ngidi’s grin after the wicket captured the pure exhilaration of a young athlete realizing a lifelong dream.6. Marco Tardelli – World Cup Final 1982: In the decisive match for Italy, Tardelli’s thunderous celebration after scoring the equaliser resonated with an estimated 56.7 million Italians. His iconic scream, later described as “the moment it came out,” epitomises the raw, uncontainable joy that sport can unleash.

Donald Trump has faced intense backlash for a recent social media post in which he threatened to obliterate Iran's power plants and bridges if the country does not reopen the Strait of Hormuz by Tuesday. The US president's expletive-laden warning was met with alarm from Capitol Hill, with Chuck Schumer, a senior Senate Democrat, condemning Trump's behavior as 'ranting like an unhinged madman'.Trump's post drew criticism for potentially threatening war crimes and alienating allies. The president's comments also sparked a response from Iran's parliament speaker, who warned that Trump's 'reckless moves' could lead to the entire region 'burning'. The situation has raised concerns about the potential for conflict and the impact on global stability.In related news, the US military successfully rescued a second crew member of a downed F-15E fighter jet in a daring operation in south-west Iran. Trump hailed the mission as 'one of the most daring search-and-rescue operations in US history'. The incident has highlighted the ongoing tensions between the US and Iran, with implications for the global energy market and the potential for conflict.The crisis has also sparked debate about the US's reliance on fossil fuels and the need to transition to renewable energy sources. As the situation continues to unfold, it remains to be seen how the international community will respond to Trump's threats and the potential consequences for global stability.