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Negotiations are intensifying between the Australian National Rugby League (NRL) and the UK’s Super League over a prospective takeover that could reshape the sport’s calendar and governance. The NRL’s chief executive, Andrew Abdo, told The Guardian that any acquisition would hinge on a major investment package and a decisive move to re‑introduce a winter competition, the first such change since 1996.Abdo travelled to England this week to discuss the feasibility of the deal, emphasizing that the London Broncos would be pivotal to the NRL’s vision. He warned that British clubs would need to surrender the extensive control they currently wield if they hope to benefit from the financial backing the NRL could provide.The proposed shift to a winter schedule is driven by the prospect of a global broadcast arrangement that would allow the NRL to sell television rights throughout the year. While a summer season avoids clashing with the Premier League, Abdo argued that a unified calendar could attract new fans and sponsors on an international scale.Super League clubs are reportedly losing close to £20 million annually. An infusion of NRL capital could not only cover the salary‑cap obligations for every club but also free up resources for further investment in facilities, talent development and marketing.Governance would also undergo a overhaul. The NRL operates under an independent commission, whereas Super League’s club owners currently dominate decision‑making. Abdo stressed the need for an independent governing body to make “tough calls” and separate day‑to‑day club interests from the sport’s strategic direction.London’s role is another cornerstone of the plan. Abdo highlighted the city’s diverse population and commercial potential, suggesting that a strong London franchise could boost fan acquisition, sponsorship deals, and overall league visibility.With the existing Sky Sports broadcast contract set to expire at the end of the season, timing is critical. The NRL aims to align its own TV‑rights expansion with a possible partnership, viewing broadcasting as the key lever for global growth.While no formal offer has been lodged, Abdo indicated that the NRL will present its findings to its board and Australian clubs before any official proposal is made. The next few weeks will be decisive for both leagues as they weigh the benefits of a combined, year‑round rugby league ecosystem.

The most iconic sequence in wildlife filmmaking history has been revisited in a new documentary, 'A Gorilla Story: Told By David Attenborough'. The film, directed by Oscar-winning James Reed and produced by Leonardo DiCaprio, follows up on Attenborough's 1970s encounter with a family of gorillas in Rwanda. During the filming of 'Life on Earth,' Attenborough had a playful and profound encounter with the gorillas, which he described as having 'more meaning and mutual understanding in exchanging a glance with a gorilla than with any other animal I know.' The documentary reveals that while conservation efforts have led to a significant recovery of Rwanda's gorilla population, the specific family Attenborough met has undergone significant changes. The dominant silverback, Gicurasi, is aging, and a new challenger, Ubwuzu, is asserting his dominance, leading to power struggles and violence within the family. The film beautifully captures the personalities and social dynamics of the gorillas, but its short runtime of just over an hour leaves some storylines underdeveloped. Despite this, the documentary shines when Attenborough reflects on his past experiences and the gorillas he has come to know. As Attenborough approaches his 100th birthday, his appearance in the documentary adds an emotional and elegiac tone. His reflections on Pablo, a gorilla who protected his family to the end, are particularly poignant, showcasing Attenborough's ability to articulate moments with 'exactly the right weight.' 'A Gorilla Story: Told By David Attenborough' is now available on Netflix, offering a unique blend of natural history and personal reflection.

Tottenham Hotspur, a club with a rich history and significant financial resources, finds itself in a precarious position, battling relegation with only six games remaining in the Premier League season. The team's struggles have been well-documented, with just 30 points from 32 games, placing them 18th in the league table.The appointment of Roberto De Zerbi as manager has brought a mix of tactical acumen and emotional intensity, but the Italian tactician faces a monumental task in rescuing the team's season. De Zerbi's approach focuses on the psychological aspect of the game, emphasizing the need to restore belief and harness the talent within the squad.The team's decline has been attributed to a combination of factors, including mismanagement, constant instability, and a lack of clear direction. The revolving door of managers, with four changes in the last 12 months, has left the players without a clear identity or tactical discipline. The impact of long-term injuries to key creative players such as Dejan Kulusevski, James Maddison, and Mohammed Kudus has further exacerbated the team's struggles.De Zerbi's high-risk, high-reward system requires time to implement, but with relegation looming, he is prioritizing the mental aspect of the game, urging his players to draw on the principles drilled into them under former manager Ange Postecoglou.With crucial matches against Brighton and Wolves on the horizon, Tottenham has the opportunity to pick up vital points and inject some much-needed confidence into the team. However, the question remains whether De Zerbi's approach can yield the desired results in time to avoid relegation.

From my home in Hawai‘i, the reef is more than a backdrop—it feeds families, shields shorelines, and anchors our culture. Today that vital connection is under unprecedented threat. Scientists report the most extensive coral‑bleaching episode ever recorded, persisting for 33 months into 2025. At a projected 1.5 °C rise in global temperatures, the IPCC warns that up to 90% of the world’s coral reefs could disappear. That temperature threshold is not a distant projection; it is looming now. Even if climate targets are eventually met, reefs continue to be battered by plastic waste, coastal development, agricultural runoff, and overfishing. Their degradation weakens natural storm barriers, leaving coastal communities more vulnerable to floods and erosion, jeopardising homes, jobs, and cultural heritage. In Hawai‘i we speak of kuleana—a generational duty to protect what sustains us. That principle must expand to every person on the planet: caring for reefs is caring for ourselves. On the ground, communities in French Polynesia have shown that, when equipped with the right tools, they can actively restore damaged reefs. Likewise, my collaboration with the Global Fund for Coral Reefs and the UN Environment Programme demonstrates how targeted financing can create sustainable livelihoods, boost marine conservation, and help coastal societies rebound after extreme weather. Time, however, is not on our side. The next twelve months could become a defining turning point for coral ecosystems. New scientific findings and a series of high‑profile gatherings—including the Kenya Ocean Conference, the International Coral Reef Symposium in New Zealand, and the upcoming Global Coral Reef Summit—will focus world attention on reef survival. The responsibility now lies with governments, businesses, and individuals alike. Proven actions include: cutting carbon footprints, eliminating plastic leakage, protecting keystone species, supporting reef‑positive enterprises, investing in resilient coastal economies, enacting protective legislation, and amplifying public advocacy. Moments like 2026 are not just about pledges; they are about swift, measurable change. Coral reefs cannot wait for perfect plans—they need us to act now, embodying the spirit of kuleana for the sake of our children and the ocean that sustains us. Jason Momoa is an actor, filmmaker, and UNEP Advocate for Life Below Water, dedicated to protecting oceans and raising global awareness of coral‑reef conservation.

The conflict in Lebanon has seen a significant escalation in recent days, with Israel conducting devastating airstrikes aimed at wiping out the Iranian-backed Hezbollah militia. The violence has resulted in numerous casualties and widespread destruction. President Trump announced the 10-day ceasefire on Thursday, stating that it would take effect at midnight. He expressed hope that Hezbollah would act 'nicely and well' during this period, tweeting: 'I hope Hezbollah acts nicely and well during this important period of time. It will be a GREAT moment for them if they do. No more killing. Must finally have PEACE!' The ceasefire is seen as a crucial step towards de-escalating tensions in the region and potentially paving the way for a parallel peace agreement between the US and Iran. A meeting between Israeli and Lebanese leaders is scheduled to take place in Washington next Tuesday, marking the first Israeli-Lebanese summit in decades. The Israeli occupation is likely to be a key topic of discussion during the talks, with Trump indicating that he would visit Lebanon 'at the right time.' The US president has been involved in intense diplomatic efforts to broker a peace deal, with his administration urging other countries to join a 'trade over aid' push.

Beirut, Lebanon – In late March, authorities abandoned a proposed shelter for war‑displaced residents in the Karantina neighbourhood after a wave of public protest.Opponents, including local politicians and community activists, cited practical concerns such as traffic congestion near the port and health risks. However, the core of the backlash was sectarian: many Christian residents invoked demographic fears, chanting slogans reminiscent of the 1975‑1990 Lebanese Civil War to block housing for the predominantly Shia‑Muslim displaced population.The controversy resurfaced painful memories of the 1976 Karantina massacre, when right‑wing Phalangist forces expelled and killed thousands of Muslims. Historian Diala Lteif, researching the district’s history, estimates the death toll at 1,000‑3,000. She warned that the current rhetoric mirrors the “foundational logic” of that tragedy – a drive to segregate neighbourhoods.Israel’s intensified campaign against Lebanon has already forced the displacement of approximately 1.2 million people. The war, reignited on March 2 after Hezbollah’s retaliatory rocket fire, has seen Israeli troops and air strikes devastate southern towns and parts of Beirut, heightening fears that hosting displaced families could draw further attacks.Amid these tensions, a 10‑day ceasefire is slated to begin, yet many Lebanese worry the violence could spiral into renewed communal conflict or even a civil war.Experts note that the association of displaced Shia communities with Hezbollah fuels anxiety. Lara Deeb, an anthropologist at Scripps College, explained that Lebanon’s sectarian political system blurs the line between a religious group and a political party, amplifying mistrust across the board.While the cancelled site remains unused, another displacement centre operated by the Lebanese charity Offre Joie continues to function in Karantina. It currently shelters about 1,000 displaced families from the south, the Bekaa Valley, and Beirut’s southern suburbs.Volunteer Marie Daou described the centre’s conditions as comparatively decent, with reliable hot water and regular meals. Security forces monitor the residents’ identities, and no occupants have left despite more than 40 days of conflict.One resident, 30‑year‑old Nadine, fled her home in Burj al‑Barajneh on March 2. She now lives with five siblings at the centre, saying, “For now, we’re staying here. You can’t go back because there is danger, but nowhere is safe. We will endure.”The episode highlights how historic sectarian wounds intersect with today’s geopolitical crisis, shaping public policy and community responses in a Lebanon already strained by war and displacement.

A Senate vote on Wednesday failed to block a proposed sale of military bulldozers to Israel, with the measure losing 40‑59. Only seven Democrats crossed party lines to side with the Republican majority, underscoring a notable, though limited, shift in congressional sentiment.Progressive Senator Bernie Sanders introduced the bill amid mounting outrage over Israel’s use of bulldozers to raze villages in Gaza and Lebanon—actions described by rights groups as ethnic cleansing. While the resolution did not pass, 36 Democratic senators also backed a separate effort to stop 1,000‑lb bombs from reaching Israel, more than double the support such measures received last year.Advocacy organizations seized on the vote as a historic moment. Hassan el‑Tayyab of the Friends Committee on National Legislation said the tally shows a majority of Senate Democrats now oppose unconditional aid, aligning with broader American opinion. A recent Pew Research Center poll found 60 % of U.S. adults hold unfavorable views of Israel, with even higher negativity among voters under 50.Republican senators remained uniformly opposed. Senator Rick Scott accused the Democratic supporters of siding with terrorism, arguing that the blocked sales would have helped allies confront threats. The partisan divide highlights the political risk for Republicans who break with former President Donald Trump on Israel policy.Prominent lobbying groups also weighed in. The pro‑Israel lobby AIPAC warned that curbing arms sales would jeopardize Israel’s security, while liberal Zionist organization J Street welcomed the growing willingness to question unconditional assistance. Jewish Voice for Peace’s political director Beth Miller called the vote an "inflection point," suggesting it reveals "massive cracks" in the long‑standing U.S.–Israel alliance.Within the Democratic caucus, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer faced criticism for voting against the resolution, prompting calls from progressive lawmakers like Rep. Ro Khanna for his resignation. Demonstrators outside Schumer’s and Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand’s offices demanded they support the bill, reflecting intensified grassroots pressure.The episode signals a potential realignment in U.S. foreign‑policy calculations. As public fatigue with the Gaza war, the Lebanon conflict, and the stalled Iran confrontation grows, lawmakers appear increasingly wary of using American tax dollars to fund overseas military operations that could entangle U.S. troops and erode domestic support.

As a 10-day ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah took effect, displaced Lebanese people expressed skepticism about returning home. The agreement's terms are still unclear, and many doubt Israel's commitment to upholding the ceasefire.Abu Haidar, who has been displaced for six weeks, planned to return to his village, Kherbet Selem, near the border. However, he acknowledged the challenges, including a bombed bridge, and decided to leave before the midnight deadline.Others, like Fadal Alawi and Haytham Dandash, whose homes were destroyed, were more cautious. They chose to stay in Beirut until a longer-term agreement is in place, citing concerns over Israel's history of violating agreements.The Israeli military's recent intensification of attacks in southern Lebanon added to the uncertainty. Hezbollah and its ally, Nabih Berri, urged supporters not to return home until the situation clarifies.The unclear terms of the agreement and Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's statement that troops would not withdraw from southern Lebanon during the ceasefire contributed to the skepticism. Hezbollah responded by asserting its right to resist if Israel continues to occupy Lebanese territory.In the meantime, displaced people like Dandash and his wife, Ruwayda Zaiter, faced desperate living conditions, with limited aid and no support from the state or political parties.

The Modi administration is accelerating a 2023 statute that would earmark 33 percent of seats in India’s parliament and state legislatures for women. The initiative, presented during a three‑day special parliamentary session, is tied to a broader proposal to expand the Lok Sabha from its current 543 seats to 850 through a nationwide delimitation exercise. Prime Minister Narendra Modi framed the bills as historic steps toward gender empowerment, stating, “We’re set to take historic steps to empower women.” The three bills require a two‑thirds majority in both houses; with the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) holding 293 of the 543 lower‑house seats, it falls short of the 360 votes needed. Women presently occupy only 14 percent of Lok Sabha seats. Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju emphasized a united effort to secure “rightful positions” for women, while noting that India already reserves one‑third of local‑government seats for female representatives. Opposition parties, however, warn that the delimitation component—redrawing constituency boundaries based on population—could tilt the political balance in favor of the BJP, which draws strong support from the densely populated northern states. Critics argue that expanding seats based on the 2011 census, the last completed count, would disproportionately benefit the north and marginalise southern regions where population growth has slowed. The Indian Constitution mandates constituency revision after each census, but the last delimitation occurred after the 1971 census. The government’s draft proposes applying the 2011 census data for the next general election slated for 2029. Opposition leaders, including Rahul Gandhi of the Indian National Congress, contend that the timing is a ploy to consolidate power, describing the move as “gerrymandering through the backdoor.” Further dissent emerged from the south: Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin publicly burned a copy of the bill and raised a black flag, urging statewide protests against what he termed “the arrogance of the fascist BJP.” Several southern MPs attended parliament in black as a symbolic protest. The BJP counters that the seat increase will be applied uniformly— a 50 percent rise across all states— preserving proportional representation. Yet the draft delimitation bill lacks explicit language confirming this uniformity. With the debate set to continue, the outcome will shape not only women’s political representation but also the geographic balance of power in India’s largest democracy, influencing electoral dynamics for the next decade.