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Olly Murs Steps Into the Unknown for Soccer AidOlly Murs recently completed a brutal 400km journey from Old Trafford in Manchester to the London Stadium by running, cycling and rowing – and raised £830,000 for Unicef. On Sunday, he will take part in the 20th annual Soccer Aid match, along with Jill Scott, Tom Hiddleston, Wayne Rooney, Jermain Defoe, Owen Cooper and Angry Ginge.Under the VinesPressing concerns: the first season of this breezy wine-making daytime drama saw chalk-and-cheese step-cousins Louis (Charles Edwards) and Daisy (Rebecca Gibney) grow close after jointly inheriting a kaput New Zealand vineyard. But as this second run begins, Louis seems set on heading back to London with his ex.Gardeners' WorldWith summer making an early appearance, now is the time to embrace Monty Don’s colourful, bold flowers. Only got a patio to play with? Rekha Mistry has big plans for a small space. And Carol Klein is discovering the science of what happens to a seed from the very moment it is sown.Hunting Britain’s Fugitives: DispatchesHow many people are at large in the UK, guilty of serious crimes, but on the run and easily evading the authorities? Lawbreakers may think justice will never catch up with them, but some are less successful at escaping the attentions of reporter Matt Shea, who takes it upon himself to track them down and, in spite of the potential threat of violence, confront them.PoniesAmerican widows Bea (Emilia Clarke) and Twila (Haley Lu Richardson) have made an impactful debut as spies in Moscow in 1977: they’ve burned down a pub. How can they top that? A confident comedy drama fleshes out its two protagonists by giving Bea a new mission that requires her to toughen up, while Twila benefits from letting her guard down.Smoggie QueensLike a more chaotic, camper Beautiful People, the series ends with a bang as the gang, through flashbacks, recount a cheating scandal that happened during the final of the Mr Teesside competition. Expect several unreliable narrators, fake chest hair and “Detective Sexy” (AKA Dickie wearing fake breasts and a Sherlock cap).Film choiceFuze (David Mackenzie, 2025), 6.15am, 12.10pm, 8pm, Sky Cinema Premiere. Two of the bookies’ favourites to be the next James Bond go head to head in David Mackenzie’s tense, rug-pulling thriller. Aaron Taylor-Johnson stars as no-nonsense army bomb disposal major Will Tranter, called to defuse a second world war bomb in central London.

Havertz Relives 2021 Triumph as Arsenal Gears Up for Budapest Final Kai Havertz says the memory of scoring the winning goal in the 2021 Champions League final still feels like yesterday, and he hopes to recreate that magic as Arsenal face Paris Saint-Germain in Budapest on Saturday. From Chelsea Heroics to Arsenal’s Premier League Victory After helping Chelsea pull off a surprise 1‑0 win over Manchester City in Porto, Havertz joined Arsenal for a reported £65m fee in 2024. The German striker has already contributed crucial goals in the Champions League knockout stages and was part of the squad that secured Arsenal’s first Premier League title since 2004. Financial Stakes and Transfer Figures Transfer fee to Arsenal: £65m Club’s summer signing Viktor Gyökeres: £64m Arsenal’s Premier League title prize money boost (estimated): £150m Havertz missed five months with a knee injury, undergoing two surgeries. How Havertz’s Experience Shapes Arsenal’s European Ambitions The striker’s under‑dog narrative mirrors Arsenal’s own season, turning a late‑year slump into a title‑winning campaign. His familiarity with high‑pressure finals is expected to lift the squad’s confidence, especially after a recent Carabao Cup loss that sparked a turning point. Outlook for the Budapest Showpiece Analysts suggest Arsenal’s blend of youthful energy and Havertz’s big‑match pedigree could neutralise PSG’s firepower. While Paris Saint-Germain remain favourites, Havertz believes we are going to beat them, hinting at a tightly contested final.

Sonny Rollins' Enduring Legacy: 10 Essential Recordings Sonny Rollins, a jazz icon, has left an indelible mark on the music world. With a career spanning over seven decades, Rollins has consistently pushed the boundaries of jazz, showcasing his mastery and innovation. Here are 10 of his greatest recordings: Tenor Madness (released on Craft/OJC, 1956) A 30-year-old Sonny Rollins had already made his unique mark with Miles Davis and Thelonious Monk by the time this 1956 session was cut. Hooking up with his contemporary and admirer John Coltrane happened by chance on the two-tenor blues chase of this album's title. Saxophone Colossus (Prestige, 1957) This writer's first connection with Sonny Rollins' music was occasioned not by music but words: poetic New Yorker writer Whitney Balliett's evocative review of Sonny Rollins' 1957 Saxophone Colossus. Rollins was partnered on this classic set by pianist Tommy Flanagan, bassist Doug Watkins, and bebop-pioneering drummer Max Roach. Way Out West (Contemporary, 1957) When UK jazz musician Courtney Pine was blossoming as a teenage saxophonist in the early 80s, he would recall that Sonny Rollins' 1957 recording Way Out West was a key inspiration. The format was a Rollins favourite in his own early years – the demanding setup of a sax improviser with just bass and drums in support. A Night at the Village Vanguard (Blue Note, 1957) Rollins' live recordings are not as abundant as his genius in open situations deserves, but this music from New York's Village Vanguard makes up a lot of the ground. Freed from the march of chords by the absence of a pianist, he's in storming form in the company of rock-solid bassist Wilbur Ware and soon to be legendary Coltrane drummer Elvin Jones. Freedom Suite (Riverside, 1958) Rollins was never a natural composer – like Miles Davis, he preferred tunes that could be sketched on the back of envelopes. But Freedom Suite was an interesting departure for him, occasioned by the political climate of US race relations and civil rights in the late 1950s. The Bridge (RCA, 1962) Rollins took a creative break between 1959 and 1961, and his return came with The Bridge, named after the eccentric refuge he found: practising alone on New York's Williamsburg Bridge with only passing trains for company. Live at Ronnie Scott's (Gearbox Records; recorded January 1965) Rollins' visits as a solo performer to London's Ronnie Scott's club in the late 50s and early 60s introduced his mesmerising magic to UK audiences, and also helped to galvanise the local scene's confidence at a time when European jazz became increasingly emancipated from the US. Sunny Days, Starry Nights (Milestone, 1984) From the 1980s onwards, Rollins settled into a concert groove that was predictable – by his exacting improvisational standards – and frequently dazzling for audiences new to him. Sunny Days, Starry Nights showcased him with partners who would regularly join him on stage for the rest of his life. This Is What I Do (Milestone, 2000) The best and most affectionately closeup manifestation of Sonny Rollins' genius as he hit his 70s. The saxophonist's later-life partners are present, and so is one of contemporary jazz's greatest drums pioneers in Jack DeJohnette. Without a Song: The 9/11 Concert (Milestone; recorded 2001) Sonny Rollins and his wife, Lucille, lived close to the World Trade Center, witnessed the buildings' collapse on 9/11, and had to evacuate their apartment shortly afterwards. Four days later, the saxophonist performed and recorded this evocative session with his regular sidemen at the Berklee School of Music in Boston.

The Lead E Jean Carroll, a renowned journalist and author, has come forward with her story of alleged sexual abuse and defamation against former US President Donald Trump in a new documentary titled 'Ask E Jean'. Carroll's Journey to the Courtroom Carroll, 82, alleges that Trump sexually abused her in a dressing room at Bergdorf Goodman in the mid-1990s. She initially confided in trusted friends but buried the memory deep down. However, when Trump branded her a liar and 'whack job', she decided to take him to court. In 2023, a jury found Trump liable for sexual abuse and defamation, awarding Carroll $5m. In 2024, a second jury awarded Carroll $83.3m for defamation regarding Trump's continued social media attacks. The Documentary: 'Ask E Jean' The documentary, directed by Ivy Meeropol, explores Carroll's life as a journalist, author, and advice columnist. It also delves into her experiences as a woman of strong character and deep resilience who refused to be cast in the role of victim or bit-part player in the Trump cinematic universe. The Impact Analysis Carroll's story has significant implications for the #MeToo movement and the conversation around sexual abuse and defamation. Her courage in coming forward has inspired many women to share their own stories of abuse. The Prediction As the documentary gains attention, it is likely to spark further conversation and debate about the issues of sexual abuse, defamation, and the role of women in society. Carroll's story serves as a testament to the power of resilience and determination in the face of adversity.

The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) released a draft directive that would require all current and former federal employees to sign a non‑disclosure agreement (NDA) before speaking to the press, signaling a new wave of information control from the Donald Trump White House.Proposed NDA Directive Unveiled by OPMThe guideline, announced on Tuesday, states that violations could trigger legal action by the White House. It expands the definition of “confidential” beyond traditional intelligence classifications to cover internal agency operations, personnel matters, procurement processes and any pre‑decisional material not publicly available.Timeline and Procedural Numbers Behind the Rule30‑day public comment period once the rule is published in the Federal Register.Implementation timeline not specified; individual agencies must opt‑in.Agreements would also bind former employees who have signed the NDA.OPM spokesperson McLaurine Pinover framed the move as a response to “unauthorized disclosures” disrupting agency work.Potential Ripple Effects on Government Transparency and Whistleblower ProtectionsCritics argue the blanket NDA could “kneecap” whistleblower safeguards and undermine the First Amendment.The Freedom of the Press Foundation’s Lauren Harper called the policy “dangerously secretive.”Existing federal law already protects employees who report fraud, abuse or misconduct to internal watchdogs or Congress; the draft claims the NDA would not apply to those disclosures.Past White House actions include banning the Associated Press from the press pool and restricting Pentagon media access, moves previously ruled unconstitutional.What Legal and Political Battles May FollowPotential lawsuits from media organizations and civil‑rights groups challenging the rule’s constitutionality.Congressional hearings could pressure the administration to revise or withdraw the directive.Judicial injunctions may arise, similar to prior rulings against White House media restrictions.If upheld, the NDA could set a precedent for broader governmental control over public information.

The Lead: DOJ Takes Legal Action Against Four StatesThe Department of Justice announced Thursday that it is suing Maine, Massachusetts, Oregon and Washington for denying ICE agents confidential licence plates, a tool the administration says is essential for agent safety and operational effectiveness.The Lawsuit Over ICE Undercover PlatesThe complaint argues that refusing the plates violates the Constitution’s Supremacy Clause and hampers federal immigration enforcement. The states counter that ICE should not operate in secrecy without state oversight.States sued: Maine, Massachusetts, Oregon, WashingtonAgency involved: Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)Legal basis cited: Supremacy Clause of the U.S. ConstitutionKey officials: Donald Trump (President), Todd Blanche (Acting Attorney General), Maura Healey (Massachusetts Governor)Legal Stakes and Potential CostsWhile the filings contain no monetary damages, the lawsuits could generate significant legal expenses for the states and set precedents that affect future federal‑state collaborations. The litigation also raises questions about the cost of maintaining separate vehicle registration systems.Implications for Federal‑State Relations and Immigration EnforcementThe case highlights a growing clash between the Trump administration’s aggressive immigration agenda and state sanctuary laws. Critics argue that confidential plates enable unchecked enforcement, while the administration claims they protect agents from targeted harassment.Watchdog groups warn that masking vehicle identities could reduce accountability, whereas federal officials contend that secrecy is vital to prevent agents from being tracked and evaded.What the Courts May Decide and Next MovesLegal analysts expect a protracted battle over the Supremacy Clause versus state authority over motor vehicle registration. A ruling in favor of the federal government could compel states to issue undercover plates nationwide; a decision for the states could reinforce sanctuary protections and limit ICE’s operational flexibility.Both sides have signaled readiness to appeal, suggesting the dispute will continue to shape the national conversation on immigration enforcement and the balance of power between Washington and state capitals.

Asana's Strategic AI AcquisitionAsana has acquired the workflow automation company StackAI for $75 million, marking a significant step in the company's broader AI pivot. The acquisition aims to position Asana as an "AI-native workplace platform" and integrate StackAI's agent-building capabilities into Asana's existing work management system. The announcement was made Thursday afternoon to coincide with Asana's earnings and investor call.StackAI's Workflow Automation CapabilitiesStackAI, built as an AI workflow-automation system, designs agents to operate within existing business systems, pulling in data from platforms like Salesforce, Slack, and Gsuite. The company, founded by Tony Rosinol and Bernard Aceituno, will join Asana as part of the acquisition. StackAI has faced competition from automation tools like Zapier as well as AI labs like OpenAI and Anthropic in the rapidly evolving AI automation space.Financial Terms and Funding BackgroundThe acquisition comes as StackAI had raised just under $20 million, according to PitchBook data, with most of it coming in a recent $16 million Series A round. That round included funding from Gradient, Epakon Capital, Lobby VC, LifeX Ventures, and Vercel CEO Guillermo Rauch. While the $75 million acquisition price represents a significant premium over StackAI's funding, it reflects Asana's commitment to accelerating its AI capabilities.Asana's AI-Native TransformationWhile users are most familiar with Asana's work management system, the company has been releasing AI-oriented products in recent years, including the AI Studio agent builder and AI Teammates series of pre-built automations. Asana believes its deep integration into existing corporate workflows provides a key advantage, allowing it to distill context and training data that would otherwise be unavailable. This acquisition specifically aims to "agentify the most complex business processes end-to-end," according to CEO Dan Rogers.Future of Human-Agent Work in EnterpriseAsana has struggled on public markets during the AI era, losing more than half its market cap value since the introduction of ChatGPT. However, revenue has continued to grow steadily, and the new leadership is confident that human-agent products will enable a rebound. With this acquisition, Asana aims to accelerate its roadmap into "the next phase of human-agent work," potentially differentiating itself from both traditional work management platforms and standalone AI automation tools in the competitive enterprise software landscape.

The Munition Shortage The United States has enough munitions for any plausible scenario in the Iran war, but rebuilding its depleted inventories will “take years”, according to a new report by the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS). Replenishment Timeline Restoring pre-war stockpiles of four critical munitions heavily used by US forces during nearly 40 days of joint fighting with Israel against Iran would take at least two years – and in some cases more than three – the Washington-based think tank said on Wednesday. Land Attack Missile (TLAM) Terminal High Altitude Area Defences (THAAD) interceptors Patriot missiles SM-3 and SM-6 ship-based surface-to-air missiles The Data Analysis The report noted that while US officials publicly project confidence in weapons stockpiles, analysts have said that dwindling munition supplies may be shaping Washington’s calculations over whether to resume the war on Iran. The Impact Analysis “Campaigns against Iran and its proxies – and, for Patriot interceptors, aid to Ukraine – have made the problem more acute,” said the CSIS report. “Alongside replenishing its own stocks, the United States also has to fulfil orders from allies and partners.” The Prediction “Decisions on how to allocate new production have already created bilateral friction, and this friction will continue for the next few years as demand outpaces supply,” the report warned. The main problem is not funding but production time, limited manufacturing capacity and long procurement lead times, with CSIS noting that past procurement levels were relatively low for many systems, slowing replacement efforts despite recent increases in defence spending.

The Shocking Exit at Roland GarrosJannik Sinner's bid for a maiden French Open title and career Grand Slam went up in smoke as he experienced physical issues in his second-round match against Juan Manuel Cerundolo and fell to a 3-6 2-6 7-5 6-1 6-1 defeat. The 24-year-old Italian arrived in Paris as the clear favorite for the title, having lifted claycourt titles in Monte Carlo, Madrid and Rome, with his main rival and defending champion Carlos Alcaraz ruled out with injury and Novak Djokovic searching for his best form.The Dramatic Turn of EventsBut Cerundolo tore up the script in a dramatic clash on a scorching Thursday where he held his nerve even as last year's runner-up Sinner crumbled while on the verge of a big win, sending shockwaves through Roland Garros. As the temperature climbed over the 30 degrees Celsius (86F) mark for the first time in the afternoon, Sinner had already breezed through the first set on the back of a solitary break, and looked to be in cruise mode.The Physical Toll of the MatchCerundolo offered resistance towards the end of the second set, but the 56th-ranked Argentinian was left with a mountain to climb after Sinner unleashed a huge forehand winner to double his lead in the match for the loss of only five games. The four-time Grand Slam champion cooled off with an ice towel in the break and turned up the intensity on his unseeded opponent in the third set to go 5-1 ahead, before he began to struggle and halted play when serving at 5-4.The Comeback VictorySinner returned from an off-court medical timeout five minutes later and was immediately broken for 5-5, and dropped the next two games to hand the set to his opponent, who sensed the chance to pull off a major upset. Still not at his best, Sinner surrendered the fourth set tamely and was broken early in the decider, as Cerundolo took full advantage to leave the Grand Slam without its title favorite.The Tournament AftermathSinner's unexpected exit creates a wide-open draw at Roland Garros, with the top half of the men's bracket now lacking a clear favorite. The Italian's physical concerns may also raise questions about his preparation for the upcoming grass court season, including Wimbledon. For Cerundolo, the victory represents the biggest win of his career and establishes him as a dangerous floater in the tournament, with the confidence to challenge remaining players.