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The recent statements and actions by the US, particularly by President Donald Trump, have raised serious concerns about potential war crimes under international law. During a national address, Trump warned that if Iran did not reach a deal with him, the US would target Iranian electric-generating plants and reduce the country to the 'stone ages.'Legal experts and human rights organizations have strongly criticized these threats. Erika Guevara Rosas, Amnesty International's senior director of research, advocacy, policy and campaigns, emphasized that intentionally attacking civilian infrastructure, such as power plants, is generally prohibited under international law. Such actions could cause disproportionate harm to civilians and are considered unlawful and potentially war crimes.More than 100 US experts in international law from prestigious universities, including Harvard, Yale, and Stanford, have expressed similar concerns. They highlighted Trump's comments, including the statement that the US may conduct strikes on Iran 'just for fun,' and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth's remarks about not fighting with 'stupid rules of engagement.'The experts and legal experts point to the principle of distinction in international humanitarian law, which requires parties to avoid targeting civilian objects. Article 52 of the Geneva Conventions defines civilian objects as those that are not military objectives, and it is a war crime to intentionally direct attacks against them if they are not military objectives.Human rights organizations and experts warn that targeting Iran's power plants would have a devastating impact on the civilian population, affecting hospitals, water supplies, and other vital needs. Sarah Yager, Washington director of Human Rights Watch, noted that such actions would be catastrophic for the Iranian people.

Cameron Boozer earned the Associated Press men’s college basketball Player of the Year honor, marking the fifth time a freshman has captured the award and the second consecutive year a Duke freshman has done so. The 6‑foot‑9 forward was a cornerstone of a Duke squad that posted 35 victories, topped the AP Top 25 poll, secured the No. 1 overall seed for March Madness and advanced to the Elite Eight. Boozer’s versatility—scoring against physical defenses, stretching the floor with perimeter shooting, and facilitating the offense—proved decisive throughout the campaign. Joining the ranks of Cooper Flagg (2025), Zion Williamson (2019), Anthony Davis (2012) and Kevin Durant (2007), Boozer joins a short list of freshmen who later became top‑two NBA draft picks. He noted, “It’s not just about me; the team’s success amplifies these recognitions.” In the AP voting, Boozer secured 59 of 61 votes, with the remaining two cast for BYU freshman AJ Dybantsa, who averaged a national‑best 25.5 points per game. Statistically, Boozer averaged 22.5 points (ninth in Division I) and 10.2 rebounds (twelfth), while dishing out 4.1 assists. His shooting efficiency stood at 55.6% from the field and 39.1% from three‑point range**, and he tied for the national lead with 22 double‑doubles. These numbers underscore his readiness for the professional level. Highlights of his season include a career‑high 35 points against Arkansas, a 29‑point effort versus defending champion Florida, and a dominant 18‑point, 15‑rebound performance against Michigan State. Even in Duke’s season‑ending loss to UConn, Boozer contributed 27 points despite a swollen right eye from an early‑game blow. Duke associate head coach Chris Carrawell praised Boozer, saying the program has been “fortunate to have two of the best freshmen ever play back‑to‑back,” and placed him “right up there” with the sport’s recent legends. In related honors, Fred Hoiberg was named AP Coach of the Year after guiding Nebraska to a breakthrough 28‑win season.

A federal judge has dismissed 10 out of 13 claims made by Blake Lively against director Justin Baldoni, including allegations of sexual harassment, conspiracy, and defamation. The lawsuit, which centers around the filming of 'It Ends With Us,' a domestic abuse drama where Lively and Baldoni starred as characters with intimate scenes, will proceed to trial next month on claims of a retaliatory campaign against Lively.Baldoni's lawyer, Bryan Freedman, described the defendants as 'very good people who have not engaged in this sexual harassment as alleged.' He expressed satisfaction with the court's ruling, stating it confirms what his legal team believed from the start.The judge's 152-page opinion emphasized that Lively's claims must be viewed in the context of the film's production, noting that creative artists need space to experiment within scripted scenes without fear of liability for sexual harassment. The court also determined Lively was working as an independent contractor, not an employee, which impacted her ability to bring sexual harassment claims.Lively's attorney, Mike Gottlieb, responded that the ruling was based on 'legal technicalities' and not an endorsement of the defendants' conduct. A trial is scheduled for May 18.

Several readers have voiced alarm over the unfolding US‑Israel war on Iran, describing it as a chaotic and unjustified conflict that threatens regional stability and global order.One contributor likens the situation to a “spectacle of two rogue nations armed with nuclear weapons fighting to prevent a third from acquiring similar capabilities,” warning that the resulting chaos could embolden other territorial disputes, from China’s claim on Taiwan to Argentina’s claim on the Falklands. The writer urges individuals to emulate the anti‑apartheid boycott campaign, suggesting a coordinated boycott of US and Israeli products and a disengagement from the upcoming FIFA World Cup as potential levers to pressure the belligerents.Another letter critiques the tone of the original editorial, arguing that the war’s justification—purported nuclear compliance and regime change—was merely “grist to throw into the media mill.” The author characterises President Trump’s approach as a personal crusade, describing it as a “hyperbolic truth” that seeks to vent anger and claim divine credit, with the war ending only when Trump’s interest wanes.A third commentator questions the UK’s role, noting that despite initial resistance, British bases have quietly accommodated US and Israeli forces, mirroring the pattern seen in Gaza. The writer warns that the conflict could inflict a “disaster for our economy and that of Europe” that may last for years, calling the war both “immoral” and “illegal” and urging a policy reversal.Concern is also expressed about China’s silence. Citing a recent Guardian editorial, a reader points out that Beijing’s proclaimed “major‑country diplomacy” has not translated into constructive mediation, similar to its restrained stance on the Ukraine war. The letter argues that the global benefits of peace outweigh any short‑term advantage China might gain from allowing two wars to continue, and calls on allies of China to press the government into action.Collectively, these letters highlight a growing perception that the war in Iran is driven more by political posturing than by clear strategic objectives, and they advocate for a combination of economic pressure, public dissent, and diplomatic engagement to halt the escalation.

Roy Hodgson's return to management with Bristol City got off to a winning start with a hard-fought victory over Charlton. The 78-year-old, who first managed in 1982, oversaw a thrilling second half that saw both teams create numerous late chances. The match began with Emil Riis Jakobsen having a chance to open the scoring within three minutes, but he failed to capitalize. Hodgson was ecstatic when Max Bird set up Scott Twine to score the opening goal. Charlton equalized through Lyndon Dykes after a throw-in down their right side. Hodgson was visibly upset, questioning the throw-in decision. Scott Twine's free-kick proved decisive, as it led to Noah Eile scoring the winning goal from a tight angle. Bristol City could have extended their lead through Riis Jakobsen and Twine, while Charlton's substitutes Matt Godden and Tyreece Campbell also missed chances. Hodgson's victory comes 44 years after his first managerial stint. He emphasized the importance of humility in coaching, advising against getting too proud of wins. His interim role at Bristol City will last for six games before he steps down.

A Malaysian tree climber, Jami, shares their extraordinary experience of climbing the world's tallest tropical tree, a 100.8-meter yellow meranti in Borneo's rainforest. Growing up around logging camps, Jami developed a passion for conservation while working with the South East Asia Rainforest Research Partnership in the Danum Valley. Jami's journey into tree climbing began when they saw colleagues measuring tree heights and monitoring wildlife from the canopy. Despite an initial fear of heights, Jami was determined to challenge themselves and contribute to conservation research. The climb, which took over two hours, was a slow and meticulous process. Jami had to carefully assess the tree's branches for strength and watch out for potential dangers like snakes, scorpions, and insects. At one point, Jami was attacked by bees and received over 100 stings. Upon reaching 70 meters, Jami's fear subsided, and they began to appreciate the wider landscape. The view from the top was breathtaking, with the rainforest's canopy resembling the sea and clouds peeking over the forest. Jami measured the tree's final height using a pole and confirmed it to be 100.8 meters tall. Jami emphasizes the importance of preserving the world's forests, stating that every tree tells a unique story about our history. For Jami, the experience of climbing the tallest tropical tree was a reminder of the serenity and beauty of nature, and they hope to inspire others to join conservation efforts.

Maggie Aderin-Pocock, a space scientist and CEO of Science Innovation Ltd, says the one item she would take to the lunar surface is a hand‑sewn purple‑cloth alien crafted by her daughter during a GCSE textile project. The tiny creature, made on a loom, embodies her child's love and would serve as a reminder of family ties at the farthest point from Earth. Sheila Hancock, acclaimed actor and writer, would use the trip as a cultural boot‑camp. She plans to study the complete works of Shakespeare, the epic novel War and Peace, and the full symphonies of Mahler as interpreted by Claudio Abbado, hoping the immersion will "strengthen her weakening brain" and deepen her appreciation of human genius. Michael Akadiri, a stand‑up comedian and resident doctor, imagines a lighter itinerary: a stack of old birthday cards to revisit heartfelt messages, an old‑school notepad for real‑time reflections, and a handful of puff‑puff (Nigerian doughnuts) – a cheeky nod to his fitness‑obsessed friends. Michael Rosen, children’s author and broadcaster, would bring three nostalgic comforts: giant yellow Chilean raisins from W Martyn’s shop in Muswell Hill, an oval brown pebble from the alleyway of his teenage flat, and the “furry” blanket his wife gave him during his 2020 COVID‑19 ventilator stay, each item a tactile link to his past. Athena Kugblenu, writer and comedian, opts for practicality and humor. She would pack a pair of Crocs for comfort, the guidebook Contact by Carl Sagan as a potential alien‑communication manual, and a jar of shito sauce – a Ghanaian shrimp‑tomato condiment – to introduce extraterrestrials to Ghanaian flavor before they learn English profanity. Nels Abbey, writer and broadcaster, frames his selection as a morale‑boosting toolkit. He would carry excerpts from Gil Scott‑Heron’s "Whitey on the Moon" and stand‑up routines by Paul Mooney, using their cynical wit to cope with the psychological challenges of space travel. Collectively, the panel’s choices illustrate how personal history, artistic heritage and even culinary curiosity can anchor humanity during the most extraordinary voyages. Their whimsical yet heartfelt lists underscore the idea that, even beyond Earth, we remain tethered to the stories, flavors and objects that define us.

Phil Foden must seize his chance as Manchester City face Liverpool on Saturday at 12:45 pm BST. After two lacklustre starts for England under Thomas Tuchel, the 25‑year‑old has recorded only one assist in his last 22 outings for club and country. Dropped below Rayan Cherki in Pep Guardiola’s hierarchy and yet to complete a full 90 minutes since January, Foden’s performance in the FA Cup could determine his future at both City and the national team.Manchester City v Liverpool – Saturday 12:45 pm BSTEstêvão Willian offers Chelsea a welcome boost. Following a Champions League exit at the hands of Paris Saint‑Germain and a heavy defeat to Everton, manager Liam Rosenior faces a must‑win against Port Vale at 5:15 pm BST. The 18‑year‑old Brazilian winger, who impressed as a substitute against Everton, could inject the speed and unpredictability Chelsea need to lift a disgruntled crowd and revive a faltering season.Chelsea v Port Vale – Saturday 5:15 pm BSTKepa Arrizabalaga gets a second chance ahead of Arsenal’s trip to Southampton. The former Athletic Bilbao keeper was at fault for the decisive goal in the Carabao Cup final, yet manager Mikel Arteta has kept him as the starting goalkeeper for the FA Cup tie. A solid performance could cement Arrizabalaga’s status as Arsenal’s long‑term No 2, while a repeat error may see him lose the role to David Raya.Southampton v Arsenal – Saturday 8:00 pm BSTWest Ham’s cup run doubles as a survival rehearsal. The Hammers host Leeds United on Sunday at 4:30 pm BST, a match that could swing the relegation battle. Despite a recent victory over Brentford, injuries – notably to winger Crysencio Summerville – threaten to undermine their league campaign. Manager Nuno Espírito Santo must balance the morale boost from the cup with the need to keep key players fit for the Premier League’s final stretch.West Ham v Leeds – Sunday 4:30 pm BST

The Guardian’s investigation has revealed that the company responsible for the unauthorised partial felling of a 500‑year‑old oak in Whitewebbs Park, Enfield, was Ground Control, a maintenance business that reports a turnover of £190 million. The tree was cut down in September 2025 on behalf of Mitchells & Butler Retail (MBR), the owner of the Toby Carvery restaurant chain. MBR initially defended the action, claiming its contractor warned that the oak was diseased and posed a safety risk. However, a coalition of experts – including a Forest Commission investigator and ancient‑tree specialist Russell Miller – found the tree to be healthy with no imminent danger. Miller described the alleged “hazard” as an old, semi‑occluded wound that did not justify felling the entire tree. According to Dr. Ed Pyne of the Woodland Trust, the delay in identifying the contractor highlights a broader lack of transparency: "What evidence exists that the tree was dangerous? What qualifications did the operatives have?" He added that the justification for the removal remains unsubstantiated. Ground Control’s own documentation shows the work was assigned to its grounds‑maintenance team rather than its specialist arborists, a detail that fuels further criticism of MBR’s decision‑making process. Sources close to the firm say an internal review was conducted by a contracts manager, not a tree expert. Enfield Council, which owns the park, has launched legal action to evict Toby Carvery after MBR refused to apologise or offer compensation. The council also referred the incident to the police, but officers declined to investigate, deeming it a civil matter. Complicating the dispute, MBR is majority‑owned by investment group Enic, which holds strong financial ties to Tottenham Hotspur. The football club plans to develop a women’s training academy on 17 hectares adjacent to the park, a proposal opposed by the local campaign group Guardians of Whitewebbs. The group has secured a judicial review of the planning permission, set for June. In a statement last April, MBR asserted that its “specialist arboriculture contractors” deemed the split and dead wood a serious health‑and‑safety risk. A Toby Carvery spokesperson declined further comment, citing ongoing legal proceedings. The revelation of Ground Control’s involvement adds a new layer to the controversy, raising questions about corporate responsibility, environmental stewardship, and the adequacy of legal protections for historic trees in urban green spaces.