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President Donald Trump told Fox News host Trey Yingst that the United States had dispatched a substantial cache of firearms to Iranian protesters, routing them through Kurdish groups. He said, “We sent them a lot of guns. We sent them to the Kurds,” and added that the Kurds likely kept the weapons. This admission lends weight to Tehran’s long‑standing narrative that the December‑January demonstrations were not spontaneous but were driven by “foreign‑backed terrorists.” Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei has repeatedly blamed the United States and Israel for hijacking the economic unrest that began on December 28, when Tehran shopkeepers protested the plunging rial. The protests quickly spread nationwide, drawing hundreds of thousands onto the streets. Rights groups and the United Nations report that at least 5,000 people were killed, with some estimates suggesting the death toll could rise to 20,000. The crackdown also saw thousands arrested and an internet blackout imposed to conceal the violence. As the US‑Israel war on Iran entered its 38th day, official tallies record 2,076 deaths and over 26,000 injuries across the country. Despite Trump’s statements, several Kurdish opposition groups have categorically denied receiving any U.S. weapons. A senior official of the Democratic Party of Iranian Kurdistan (KDPI) told Iraqi broadcaster Rudaw that the claims were “baseless,” noting that their armaments are decades‑old and sourced locally. The Komala Party issued a similar denial. Analysts caution that Trump’s remarks are difficult to verify. Neil Quilliam of the United Kingdom’s Chatham House said the comments “reveal nothing material” and may reflect Trump’s personal rhetoric more than concrete policy. Nonetheless, such statements could undermine the cohesion of Iranian opposition groups and influence international perceptions of the conflict. In the broader geopolitical context, the United States has framed its February 28 strikes—carried out jointly with Israel—as a response to Iran’s nuclear program and as a means to “free” Iranians from the Islamic Republic’s repression. Trump linked the military action directly to the protests, claiming Tehran had “killed tens of thousands of its own citizens on the street as they protested.” While Kurdish factions continue to advocate for peaceful, civil protest methods, the U.S. and Israeli governments have not yet committed to ground operations in Iran. Opposition Democrats in the U.S. Congress remain skeptical of any escalation involving troops. Overall, Trump’s confirmation of arms shipments adds a new layer to the already complex narrative surrounding the Iranian protests, the US‑Israel military campaign, and the broader struggle for influence in the region.

The global oil trade is facing a chokepoint crisis, with Libya's oil disputes mirroring the situation in the Hormuz Strait. The Strait of Hormuz, a critical waterway for oil transportation, was briefly closed after US and Israeli strikes on Iran in late February, causing Brent crude oil prices to soar to nearly $120 a barrel.Libya, with its strategically located oil terminals on the northeastern coast, has become a crucial player in the global oil trade. The country's light, sweet grades of oil are particularly valuable to European refiners. However, Libya's political instability and factional oil deals are threatening to disrupt oil supplies, with Europe's energy security hanging in the balance.The Libyan National Army (LNA), led by Khalifa Haftar, controls the territory where Libya's oil is located, while the Government of National Unity (GNU) in Tripoli signs oil contracts. This has led to a situation where Tripoli may sign oil contracts, but Haftar decides whether oil actually flows. The Arkenu agreement, a private oil company linked to the Haftar family, was recently terminated due to corruption allegations, leaving the future of Libya's oil supplies uncertain.The US is attempting to broker new talks between Tripoli and Haftar's camp, but a deal is not yet certain. Meanwhile, European energy security is at risk, with the Mediterranean Sea becoming a battleground for proxy wars between Russia and Ukraine. The sabotage of oil infrastructure and attacks on tankers are exacerbating the situation, highlighting the need for a stable and secure oil supply to Europe.

Apple is escalating its legal war with Epic Games by petitioning the U.S. Supreme Court to review the court's ruling on App Store fees. This move signals a critical juncture in the tech giant's defense of its revenue model, as it attempts to overturn a decision that limits its ability to charge developers for external payments. The Strategic Shift to the Highest Court After losing its appeal at the Supreme Court in a previous phase of the case, Apple is now taking its fight to the highest level of the U.S. judiciary. The tech giant filed a petition to review the Ninth Circuit Court's ruling, which found Apple in contempt for charging a 27% fee on external payments—a slight discount from its standard 30% fee. Current Status: Apple secured a temporary stay on the Ninth Circuit's ruling on April 6, 2026, effectively pausing the enforcement of the lower court's decision. Epic's Response: Epic Games immediately challenged this stay, arguing it is merely a delay tactic to prevent the court from establishing permanent bounds on Apple's fees. Legal Timeline: The battle began in 2020 when Epic bypassed Apple's fees, leading to a 2021 ruling where Apple was not deemed a monopoly but was ordered to allow external payment links. The Economics of the 27% External Fee The core of Apple's legal strategy revolves around the justification of its fee structure. While Apple reduced its commission to 27% for external transactions, Epic argues this effectively defeats the purpose of the court order, as developers still do not save significant money due to processing fees. Apple's Stance: The company argues the fee covers more than just payment processing; it includes hosting, discovery, software, and developer tools, reflecting the value of the ecosystem. Competitor Benchmark: Google settled with Epic Games last month, dropping its Play Store commissions to 20%, highlighting the pressure Apple faces to lower its rates. Developer Impact: Only a few developers, including Spotify, Kindle, and Patreon, have been willing to utilize the external payment links due to Apple's aggressive tactics. Erosion of the App Store Moat This legal battle represents a significant threat to Apple's primary revenue stream. If the Supreme Court upholds the lower courts' rulings, it could force Apple to lower its commissions or abandon its current fee structure entirely. Market Dynamics: As consumers increasingly turn to AI chatbots and agents for transactions, the traditional gatekeeper role of the App Store is being challenged. Regulatory Pressure: The court's decision will set a precedent for how tech giants can regulate commerce within their ecosystems, potentially opening the door for more developer freedom. A High-Stakes Legal Verdict Looking ahead, the Supreme Court's willingness to hear this case is uncertain. The Court previously declined to hear a similar appeal regarding Apple's monopoly status. If they reject this petition, the Ninth Circuit's decision stands, and Apple will be forced to comply with the lower fee structure. However, if the Court agrees to hear it, Apple will push to convince judges that courts should not have the authority to limit the fees it charges for its services, potentially reshaping the digital economy for years to come.

In the face of rising fuel costs, Sydney commuters are increasingly turning to bicycles as a viable alternative for their daily commutes. This shift is reminiscent of Copenhagen's response to the 1970s global oil crisis, where the city dramatically expanded its bicycle network.Recent data shows a significant increase in cycling activity in Sydney. In March, there were 600,000 bike-sharing trips in the City of Sydney, a 25% increase from the previous month. Additionally, thousands of cars have disappeared from Sydney's roads, with car traffic falling by around 5% in March compared to the previous year on major arterial roads.The surge in cycling is also reflected in the sales of electric bikes. At 99 Bikes, ebike sales have surged by 136% year on year in the past week. Bike retailers are experiencing booming business, with many customers citing high petrol prices as the reason for purchasing a bicycle or ebike.According to Australian Automobile Association (AAA) data, in the last quarter of 2025, the average Australian household spent about $453 per week on car-running costs. With unleaded petrol prices peaking at almost 260c per litre in April, a 50% increase from last year, the financial incentive for switching to bicycles is clear.Experts see this trend as an opportunity for a green revolution in transportation. Peter McLean, the CEO of Bicycle NSW, suggests that governments should capitalize on the cycling boon by investing heavily in active transport infrastructure rather than relying on short-term fuel excises.

The recent conflict between Israel and Iran has highlighted the consequences of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's promise of an 'easy' war. When Netanyahu met with US President Donald Trump at Mar-a-Lago in December, he came with an appeal and a subtle inducement.Netanyahu had suggested a final benefit to Trump: defeating Iran would allow Israel to wean itself off its massive reliance on US military aid. However, the reality of the conflict has been far from easy, with Iran's resilient regime and the ongoing Middle East war showing no signs of abating.The conflict has also had significant implications for global diplomacy, with Emmanuel Macron reflecting a widespread view that US and Israeli strikes on Iran would not provide a durable solution to Tehran's nuclear program. The war has undermined Nato and potentially emboldened China, Russia, and North Korea.The conflict has also led to a decline in support for Israel globally, with polls showing a decline in support for Israel across the political spectrum in the US, particularly among Democrats and young voters. A Gallup survey released recently showed that Americans are more sympathetic to Palestinians than Israelis for the first time since Gallup began measuring that question in 2001.

Lincoln City secured a long‑awaited return to the Championship, overcoming Reading 2‑1 in a match that featured an early strike, a late equaliser and a dramatic winner in added time. Needing only a point, the Imps surged ahead in the fifth minute when Ryan Oné finished from a Reeco Hackett‑Fairchild free‑kick, prompting jubilant cheers from the 2,884 travelling supporters. Reading fought back and, after a sustained pressure, levelled the score in the second minute of stoppage time via a precise Lewis Wing free‑kick, briefly reviving the Royals' playoff hopes. Just four minutes later, Jack Moylan seized the decisive moment, netting from close range in the 96th minute to seal Lincoln's promotion – the club’s first appearance in the second tier since 1961. The victory was mirrored by a cascade of results across the English Football League. In League One, Peterborough United drew 1‑1 with second‑placed Cardiff City, while Bradford City rallied to beat Wycombe Wanderers 2‑1, keeping their playoff ambitions alive. Meanwhile, a 2‑2 stalemate between Bolton Wanderers and Stockport County effectively ended both clubs' chances of automatic promotion, and Stevenage edged Blackpool 1‑0 thanks to Harvey White’s 66th‑minute strike. Further down the table, Luton Town maintained their playoff push with a 3‑0 win over AFC Wimbledon, Wigan Athletic moved closer to safety after a 3‑1 triumph at Northampton Town, and Exeter City broke a 15‑match winless run by thrashing Doncaster Rovers 3‑0. In League Two, MK Dons were held to a 1‑1 draw by Oldham Athletic, Notts County surged into the top three with a 3‑1 victory over Newport County, and Swindon Town overturned a deficit to beat Walsall 2‑1. Across the divisions, the final‑day results reshaped the promotion race, tightened relegation battles and set the stage for an exciting start to the next season.

The Uncanny podcast has evolved from a simple Radio 4 paranormal investigations podcast to a global franchise, including live stage shows, a TV series, and a US spinoff.Host Danny Robins, known as the 'high priest of the paranormal,' has captivated audiences with spine-tingling stories, dissecting each tale with parapsychologists Evelyn Hollow and Ciarán O’Keeffe.The podcast's success can be attributed to its unique format, featuring 8 million+ downloads within two years, and its expansion into various media, including a new YouTube channel focused on classic cold cases.The Uncanny community has grown to millions, with fans bonding over shared experiences and discussing cases on social media, showcasing the power of prestige paranormal storytelling.Experts attribute the podcast's appeal to its blend of drama and true crime elements, making it a detective story that keeps listeners engaged and curious.As Uncanny continues to grow, with plans for international tours, new TV series, and conventions, its impact on popular culture and the paranormal genre is undeniable, reflecting our society's increasing fascination with the supernatural.

Courtney Lawes, the 37‑year‑old former England captain, is slated to return to the English Premiership after completing two seasons with French club Brive. His departure will be announced at the close of the 2025‑26 season.Lawes, who retired from international rugby following the 2023 Rugby World Cup, moved to France after helping Northampton Saints clinch the 2023‑24 Premiership title. During his 17‑year tenure at Saints, he secured two Premiership championships and two European Challenge Cup trophies.While the specific English club he will join remains undisclosed, the move would render him eligible once again for England selection. Brive’s management expressed support for his decision, noting the club’s appreciation for his contributions.Brive president Thierry Blandinières praised Lawes, stating: “We are very proud to say that Courtney Lawes will have been a Brive player for two seasons. He arrived here with humility and ambition and has shown the full extent of his talent since his first day in Brive.” The club added that Lawes is “one of the legends of world rugby and one of the best back‑row forwards of his generation.”Lawes’ international résumé includes 105 caps, three Six Nations titles, and participation in four Rugby World Cups. He was part of the England side that finished runner‑up in 2019 and secured third place in 2023.Reflecting on his time in Corrèze, Lawes said: “I’m having an experience in Brive that I’ll never forget, both on and off the pitch. I’m going to give it my all until the end of the season to finish this adventure with CAB in the best possible way. My family and I have been very warmly welcomed in Corrèze and we will always have Brive at heart.”

Aisling Bea, 42, finally steps onto the solo stand‑up circuit with a 75‑minute show titled “Older Than Jesus.” The title, a tongue‑in‑cheek nod to the mid‑life milestone of outliving the biblical figure, hints at the personal reflections that anchor the performance. Although Bea is best known for TV hits and a stint on Taskmaster, this is her inaugural headline tour. The material draws heavily on her recent “accidental pregnancy” and the ensuing transition to motherhood, offering a candid look at the chaos and comedy of late‑stage parenthood. True to her reputation, Bea’s humor remains delightfully reckless. She riffs on childhood memories of crafting DIY Dairylea spreads with second‑hand “bodies of Christ,” reenacts a disastrous Take That movie wrap‑party, and even masquerades as a dad in her sister’s antenatal class. Each anecdote is delivered with a cartoonish egotism that celebrates her own absurdity. Physical comedy spikes the night: a deliberately over‑the‑top “slut drop” followed by a playlist curated for her own C‑section. These moments juxtapose the glamour‑obsessed persona she projects on Instagram with the far less polished reality of a new mother, underscoring the show’s central tension. In the closing segment, Bea pivots from pure silliness to a more earnest commentary, using pregnancy and parenthood as lenses to critique entrenched gender expectations. The moral—delivered with a sincere, if slightly unexpected, earnestness—offers a satisfying resolution to a set that otherwise revels in delightful immaturity. The premiere took place at De Montfort Hall in Leicester on 8 April, with the tour set to continue across the UK in the weeks ahead.