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The Bridge Between Art and ScienceWhy do we find things beautiful? More precisely, why do some paintings of coloured dots in rippling patterns inspire in me something like revelation? The idea that beauty is the feeling you get when encountering truth is unfashionable in the arts, but lingers in the sciences. The physicist Paul Dirac once proposed that it is more important that a formula is beautiful than that it can be proven: when a perfectly beautiful theory produces results that cannot be real, he argued, then we should not discard the theory but reconsider what is real.Since the 1970s, Terry Winters has been rebuilding that bridge between art and science. Taking inspiration from disciplines including botany – his early paintings, particularly, evoke sprouting pods and tangled roots – engineering, computer modelling and cybernetics, his paintings might be understood as diagrammatic approximations of the patterns that govern everything from the division of cells to the constellation of stars. If every era has to renew its standards of beauty to reflect new understandings of how the world is constructed, then Winters comes as close to providing that model as any living painter.Mathematical Patterns in Visual ArtThese eight new works take their titles from the language of geometry and mathematics: Area, Array, Field, Locus, Point, Scope, Sequence and Set. Each is composed of overlapping patterns that pull each other out of shape according to invisible laws of attraction and repulsion. Field is indicative: on a sooty pink ground, a dense grid of dusty blue cells bends inwards like a trampoline beneath a bowling ball, while an intersecting arrangement of larger circles swells outwards. The disorienting effect of this push-pull is exaggerated by an optical illusion, created by ragged phosphorescent orange haloes around the blue circles, that makes them appear to be craters sunk into the crust of paint. You have to walk up to the surface to be reassured that it is flat.Point shows a teeming landscape of cells bulging outwards at the centre, as if a scum of frogspawn had been skimmed off a pond and placed under a paperweight microscope. In Sequence, a storm of pink interference skims through a yellow circle split like a brain into hemispheres, while a nebulous weather system sweeps in from the right. In Scope, vaguely symbolic arrangements of freshwater blue and desert orange nodules move across the familiar circle-within-a-square geometry of Leonardo's Vitruvian Man. Where that famous demonstration of sacred geometries exudes stillness and calm, the systems that run through Winters' worlds are wild and strange. Here, as much importance is given to the subjective factors of perception and consciousness as the objective principles of logic and proportion.Optical Illusions and Sensory ExperienceAll of this should not distract from the pure sensory pleasure afforded by these pictures. In Locus, another optical illusion seems to lift the red edge of the painting off the canvas like a clumsy wooden frame, squeezing the pockmarked sphere at its centre so that it balloons outwards, threatening to burst. The same cadmium red, so sandy that the pigment seems barely to have been suspended in oil, turns carmine pockets into rock formations that climb off the surface of Set. These sleights of hand evoke the more secular movement of op art, in which patterns are manipulated to exploit the idiosyncrasies of human perception rather than to uncover deeper truths. Which begs the question: is this all just a conjuring trick?Rediscovering the Renaissance ApproachThere is something magical about these works. Even though Winters is generally credited with having extended the lineage of modernist American painting into the present, his practice is in this sense pre-modern. In its rejection of the idea that art should be separated from science, it resembles the Renaissance attitude according to which painting is no less a tool for understanding the world than mathematics, and magic is just the name for things we don't yet understand. His commitment to synthesising diverse spheres of knowledge, his alchemist's commitment to materials, and his sheer technical ability certainly mark him out in a scene recently overwhelmed by chancers and charlatans, bandwagoners and snake-oil salesmen. That his work is enjoying a revival might be taken as an encouraging sign.Beauty as a Path to TruthDirac, incidentally, was proved right. He formulated a theory that was so beautiful it couldn't possibly be wrong, even though it implied the existence of phenomena that everyone agreed must be impossible. He stood by it, and a few years later, someone else discovered anti-matter. Winters' paintings likewise offer a flash of those secret patterns that underpin the physical world, and which science has yet to illuminate. Which is to say, they're beautiful.Exhibition DetailsTerry Winters: Along the River is at Modern Art, London, until 11 July

The Escalation of a Local Dispute into National PolicyA local conflict over swimmers and swans at Hampstead Heath has rapidly evolved into a significant policy issue. The incident, which occurred during a period of extreme heat, involved crowds of people ignoring "no swimming" signs in a wildlife pond, disturbing nesting birds and clambering over protected habitats. This behavior was captured on video, sparking widespread public outrage and media condemnation.Government Intervention Over Wildlife DisturbanceIn response to the viral footage and public outcry, Environment ministers have intervened. Over the weekend, they wrote to the City of London Corporation, which oversees the heath, expressing "deeply concerned" views regarding the footage of crowds in the water. This marks a shift from local enforcement to a potential national-level scrutiny of how public spaces are managed during climate emergencies.Key Event: Viral video of revellers in a wildlife pond disturbing nesting birds.Official Response: Environment ministers wrote to the City of London Corporation expressing concern.Public Reaction: Headlines labeled the swimmers "selfish" and "appalling".The High Cost of a Heatwave: Safety and MortalityBeyond the immediate ecological damage, the context of the heatwave highlights a critical human safety crisis. The article notes that the water-related death toll during the recent heatwave was 16, with many victims being teenagers. This statistic underscores the intense pressure on urban populations to find relief from rising temperatures, often leading to risky behavior in open water.The Privatization of Nature and Access to WaterThe author argues that the debate extends beyond simple selfishness. There is a growing sentiment that natural water is being "monetized" and fenced off. While the well-known bathing ponds operate on an honesty system (now with queues and potential costs), the wildlife pond remains off-limits, creating a sense of exclusion. The piece suggests that the public feels a sense of entitlement to natural spaces that are increasingly being restricted or commercialized.Future Outlook: Designated Spaces and EducationAs climate change drives temperatures higher, the demand for accessible swimming spots will only increase. The article predicts a future where the focus must shift from punitive fines to education and infrastructure. There is a call for clearer signage explaining the risks and benefits of swimming, as well as the creation of more designated swimming locations to manage demand and protect wildlife.

The Lead In the midst of Gaza's genocide, seven university students have found a way to pursue their education and offer a glimmer of hope to their community. They have opened an ice cream shop, Flora, on the coastal road in Khan Younis, southern Gaza. The Ice Cream Shop's Genesis The students, four studying medicine, two dentistry, and one software engineering, came up with the idea of opening the shop to fund their university courses. With Gaza's higher education system largely nonoperational since the genocide began in October 2023, the students saw this as their only chance to stay enrolled. The Financial Struggle The shop's initial investment was over $25,000, borrowed from family and friends. One student's mother sold a gold bracelet worth $1,000 to contribute to the shop. The team also used materials salvaged from their destroyed homes to construct the shop. The Impact Analysis The ice cream shop, Flora, not only provides a means for the students to fund their education but also offers a sense of normalcy and hope in a region devastated by war. The shop sells products at competitive prices, ranging from $1 to $7, making it accessible to the local community. The Prediction As the students continue to run the shop, they face challenges such as sourcing ingredients and managing debt. However, they remain determined to succeed, seeing their venture as a way to rebuild their lives and their community. The success of Flora could serve as a model for other young entrepreneurs in Gaza, showing that even in the face of adversity, resilience and determination can lead to a brighter future.

The Appointment of Martin O'Neill Celtic are expected to confirm the appointment of Martin O’Neill as the club’s permanent manager after the 74-year-old agreed a one-year contract to remain in Glasgow. O’Neill led Celtic to the domestic double during the second of two interim spells he undertook this season. The Backlash Against Robbie Keane Robbie Keane had been prominent in the thoughts of the Celtic hierarchy and held talks with Dermot Desmond, the club’s principal shareholder, earlier this week. But the potential appointment of Keane was met with a furious backlash by an element of the Celtic support, who objected to his managerial spell in Israel. Keane was in charge of Maccabi Tel Aviv before switching to Hungary and Ferencvaros, from whom he resigned at the end of May. The Details of O'Neill's Contract O’Neill had sought time to consider his position after the Scottish Cup final win over Dunfermline. However, the sense always was that the Northern Irishman would be keen on the role on a longer-term basis. It is understood his deal will include the option for a second year. Remarkably, it comes 26 years after Desmond first coaxed O’Neill to Celtic from Leicester. That first spell proved hugely successful, with Celtic winning three Scottish titles, three Scottish Cups and two Scottish League Cups under the former midfielder, as well as reaching the 2003 Uefa Cup final, which they lost to José Mourinho’s Porto. O'Neill's Previous Stints at Celtic O’Neill stepped in on a short-term basis after Brendan Rodgers resigned last October. Wilfried Nancy duly replaced O’Neill, with the Frenchman’s disastrous tenure lasting a mere eight games. O’Neill returned to successfully defend Celtic’s Premiership title.

Clarke's Contract Extension: A Calculated Risk or Strategic Masterstroke? The summit of Scottish football provides a wonderful environment for those who value long-term career stops. Neil Doncaster, chief executive of the Scottish Professional Football League, arrived at the then Scottish Premier League in 2009. Ian Maxwell, bizarrely headhunted from relegation-bound Partick Thistle, has been the Scottish Football Association's chief executive since 2018. Scot Gemmill's tenure as the nation's under-21 manager has lasted a decade despite underwhelming results. Glass half full or half empty; either this is a domain that delivers admirable continuity or one in which no one makes sufficient progress to appeal to those in bigger ponds. The Extension and Its Timing Amidst Controversy Against this backdrop, Steve Clarke's four-year extension as Scotland manager is really no surprise. "It's pretty staggering for anyone to say that giving him a new contract is a gamble," said Maxwell. The Scottish FA's president, Mike Mulraney, delivered standard bluster when assessing the deal. "I don't need other people to vindicate my decision," insisted Mulraney. Maxwell and Mulraney lauded Clarke before Scotland toiled at Euro 2024. All three were nowhere to be seen, with no explanations offered, as a footballing nation recoiled with anger at the manner of the team's tournament exit. The Scottish FA has never given the sense of being anything other than beholden to Clarke, or that it is the manager himself who determines his own future. Despite sentiment to the contrary, affording Clarke fresh terms immediately before the World Cup was a bold – and dangerous – call. It at least leaves the impression that finals performance does not matter when, in this one, it absolutely does. The rush to disregard that obvious fact is curious. If Clarke's qualification record was sufficient to earn him a new contract, it should have been actioned immediately after the extraordinary victory over Denmark that secured a World Cup berth. Instead, the topic disappeared until Clarke made plain before March's friendlies that he was uncomfortable with his contractual position. Scotland's Tournament Record Under Clarke The 62-year-old had earlier seemed content to leave after the World Cup until a change of heart that will, in theory, take his reign to 11 years. Cynics may suggest Clarke and his paymasters deduced it will be far more difficult for Scotland not to qualify for Euro 2028 – for which they are a host nation – than to feature in the event. The manager has doubled his salary by way of bonus each time Scotland exited a qualifying phase. Clarke has been a superb Scotland manager. He has massively enhanced standards and attitudes. Three tournament qualifications in four attempts have arrived in different ways, which point towards a multi-dimensional coach. In the past two years Clarke has been more hands-on than ever on the training ground with players responding exceptionally well. Scotland's World Cup Hopes and Managerial Strategy Scotland's World Cup, their bid to make history, essentially boils down to their opening Group C game. Comprehensive victory against Haiti would almost certainly be enough to seal a knockout berth for the first time. Anything else and the situation will feel immediately grim, with Morocco and Brazil lying in wait. Haiti turned heads with a 4-0 dismissal of New Zealand on Wednesday. Still, they are ranked outside the world's top 80 national teams, with their World Cup absence since 1974 making Scotland's 28-year wait appear brief. There will be no excuse for Scotland, armed with five-star facilities, a small army of staff and a playing contingent for whom this World Cup arrives in a career sweet spot, not seizing this moment. Scotland are a decent team rather than an excellent one and the next step on their World Cup journey comes with Saturday evening's warm-up against Bolivia in New Jersey. That night against Denmark was highly rare in that it dipped into the spectacular. Other sides of the same ilk – Australia, the USA, Denmark and Algeria – have progressed from groups in recent World Cup finals. It is apt for the Tartan Army to celebrate their return to this environment but that should not overshadow a serious competitive goal, to show they have learned from shortcomings in 2021 and 2024. What's Next for Scottish Football Post-World Cup? Clarke shot a glance towards the future by involving Tyler Fletcher in his World Cup squad. The Manchester United midfielder has a far higher ceiling than those he edged out for a seat on the plane. Lennon Miller will feel hard done by but the Udinese midfielder, once lauded in Scotland's top flight, can appear one-paced in elite company. Fletcher is precisely the player Scotland can build a future team around. This was an astute Clarke move. So, too, was penning his latest contract; no wonder Scotland's manager looks in high spirits. Whenever he does leave, the challenge will be to fund a coach who Scotland's squad hold in similar esteem. That successor is not readily identifiable, which gives the Scottish FA a slight pass when it comes to sticking to who they know. The narrow-minded obsession with a Scot in the dugout limits their options. Berti Vogts was a long time ago. It would have been judicious for the Scottish FA to wait and see how the World Cup plays out. The standing of managers is a movable feast, rather that one based on guarantees because of prior achievement. If there is trauma, those Scottish FA officials will be in an invidious position. It leaves the rest wonder why on earth they flirted with such needless risk.

Discovering New Voices in Poetry A recent review roundup from The Guardian showcases a diverse selection of poetry collections, each offering unique perspectives and styles. The review highlights six exceptional works, providing insight into the world of contemporary poetry. Haunting the Black Air by Anthony Joseph Joseph's follow-up to his TS Eliot prize-winning Sonnets for Albert sees his poetic approach become more radical. He pays homage to avant-garde writers such as Will Alexander and Nathaniel Mackey, while exploring themes of nostalgia, grief, and magnetic feelings. Selected Poems by Leontia Flynn Flynn's collection is a glorious reintroduction to her mordant wit, imaginative image-making, and unerring ability to puncture pretension. Her poems remain fresh and relevant, even after more than 20 years of publishing. You Must Live: New Poetry from Palestine This anthology features over 30 poets living in Gaza and the West Bank, with work written in the last few years. The poems testify to the resilience of the artists and the role that poetry still has to give voice and bear witness in times of crisis. Melete by Jennifer Lee Tsai Lee Tsai's debut is a sprawling mix of poetry and prose exploring second-generation Chinese identity in the UK. The book feels roughly hewn, fiercely articulating the need to write and create something beautiful. Sparrow on the Rooftop by Rachel Long Long's second collection has replaced the playfulness of her debut with a directness of diction and image. The poems pull you up with their unflinching gaze, tackling topics such as alcoholism, eating disorders, and grief. Somebody Should Have Pressed Record by Galia Admoni Admoni's narrative poem explores the premise of starting a relationship with an imaginary version of an actor. Her tone is reminiscent of Georges Perec, both in its jabs at contemporary living and in what it reveals about the difficulties we have in making sense of ourselves in the absence of others.

The Plant-Based Paradox: Growing Alternatives vs. Meat Dominance Should I tuck into a juicy steak or stick a tofu patty in a bun and call it a burger? Twenty years ago, that question was largely seen as a moral dilemma influenced by grim conditions in factory farms and slaughterhouses. Back then, animal rights activists were the loudest campaigners arguing for people to abstain from meat. They had limited success because vegetarians and vegans made up less than 5% of the population in rich countries – and the best fake meats were bland replicas of real flesh. The word flexitarian had not yet made it into the dictionary. The debate has shifted sharply. The pollution from animal agriculture, which makes up 12-20% of planet-heating gas, is now part of public discourse around eating meat. A dramatic rise in rates of obesity and diseases linked to red meat have made health concerns part of individual decisions to eat less of it. Meanwhile, some plant-based alternatives have improved in texture and taste to the point where even meat lovers struggle to tell that they did not come from an animal. The Rise of Plant-Based Alternatives: Market Transformation In one sense, there is a powerful story of personal action to tell. The tiny market share of vegetarians in the early 2000s provided the demand that companies needed to invest in making substitutes taste better. These alternatives are now helping meat eaters reduce their intake – an easier sell than convincing people to give it up entirely. Add that to a growing awareness about the environmental harm that livestock cause, and a rise in public support for stopping climate breakdown, and you have the ingredients for what could be a major societal shift away from damaging levels of meat-eating. Early signs of the trend are visible in countries such as Germany, a sausage-hungry nation where about one in 10 people are vegan or vegetarian and a further 37% describe themselves as flexitarian. Plant-based alternatives have become so common that a third of the population buy them regularly, a government survey found in November, and discount supermarkets have launched their own brands. Village cafes in far-right regions seem perfectly happy to serve oat milk with coffee. The Meat Consumption Data: Global Trends and Statistics The broader picture, though, is still dominated by animals. Data in a new report from the UN's Food and Agriculture Organisation suggests the average person eats six times as much chicken and twice as much pork as their grandparents did, with global meat supply having risen fourfold in the last 60 years. Much of the growth has taken place in poor countries in which better access to meat has helped counter hunger and malnutrition. But consumption is projected to keep rising, albeit at a slower rate, even in rich countries, where climate scientists and doctors recommend cutting down. Livestock are expected to contribute the vast majority of the projected 7.6% rise in global agricultural emissions over the next decade, at a time when global emissions from other parts of the economy, such as electricity generation, are set to fall. Industry Resistance and Consumer Behavior Patterns It is too early to tell whether the backlash signals a reversal or stalling of efforts to shift diets toward plants. In the UK, YouGov data shows the proportion of people who are vegetarians and vegans peaked in 2021 at 10% and has since fallen to 7%, while survey data in many other European countries suggests little change or even continued growth. The meat industry, meanwhile, is working hard to safeguard its dominance. In March, EU politicians voted to ban meaty names such as steak and bacon for plant-based alternatives. In the US, the "Make America Healthy Again" campaign from the Trump administration has enthusiastically promoted eating more meat, including many cow products such as beef tallow, going against medical advice. The pro-meat movement may also benefit from the protein obsession that has gripped rich countries, as well as growing fears about the health risks of ultra-processed food. Doctors are sceptical of the former – protein deficiencies in rich countries are rare, unlike fibre deficiencies – while there is little evidence to say much about the health impacts of processed plant-based products compared with processed meat ones. Future Outlook: Environmental and Health Implications The calculation is made more concerning by the indirect health impacts of meat-heavy diets, which stretch well beyond the risks to the person following them. Knock-on effects from the livestock industry range from stronger extreme weather events caused by climate breakdown to antimicrobial resistance that spreads superbugs. On Wednesday, an FAO report found that the use of antibiotics on livestock would rise by nearly a third in the next 15 years without government intervention, with potentially disastrous consequences for protection from disease. Health research is full of contradictory studies, and some advocates of meat-free diets have made sweeping claims that are not supported by the science. But what is clear, at a population level, is that people in rich countries are eating more meat and fewer plants than doctors consider healthy. And at a global level, the environmental harm from animal agriculture is likely to rise at a time when the planet needs it to fall.

The Lead: Knicks' Historic Finals Return Echoes Inside Rikers IslandOn 3 June 2026, as the New York Knicks stepped onto the court for Game 1 of the NBA Finals, a group of roughly 30 men in tan uniforms settled into the common area of the George R. Vierno Center on Rikers Island to watch the same broadcast that was filling bars, living rooms, and streets across the five boroughs.Inside the George R. Vierno Center: A Prison “Honors House” Turns Into a Fan ZoneThe inmates gathered around a folding table piled with snacks, dragged plastic chairs closer to the flat‑screen televisions, and settled into a space that also houses classrooms, a recording studio, and a barbershop. The area, described by correction officials as an “honors house,” is reserved for those who have gone at least 120 days without violence or disciplinary incidents and have shown a sustained commitment to rehabilitation programs.Numbers That Frame the Moment: Capacity, Time Since Last Finals, and Inmate Eligibility850‑bed jail complex, one of eight active facilities on Rikers Island.Approximately 30 inmates watching the game.The Knicks’ first NBA Finals appearance since 1999, ending a 27‑year drought.Inmates qualify for the “honors house” after 120 days of good behavior; many have gone six months or longer without an infraction.Why This Matters: Sports Unity Extends Into New York’s Most Isolated InstitutionThe event turned a notoriously hidden correctional facility into a participant in a city‑wide civic ritual. Inmates like Luis Guzman, a 43‑year‑old from the Bronx, voiced the same optimism and rivalry heard on the streets, illustrating how sports can foster a sense of community and shared identity even behind razor‑wire fences.Looking Ahead: What the Knicks’ Success Could Mean for Incarcerated CommunitiesIf the Knicks capture the title, the moment may reinforce the value of “honors house” programs that reward good behavior with privileges such as extended lock‑in times and communal activities. The shared experience could encourage correctional authorities to expand similar initiatives, using major cultural events to boost morale and support rehabilitation efforts.

The Lead: EU Fuel Supply Remains Stable Amid Regional Conflict Despite growing concerns among holidaymakers about potential fuel shortages due to the Middle East crisis, the European Union's transport commissioner has assured there are no signs of jet fuel shortages in Europe currently or in the coming months. This assurance comes as airlines continue to operate with some adjusting routes and raising prices to offset higher fuel costs. The Transport Commissioner's Assessment: Current Fuel Supply Situation European Union Transport Commissioner Apostolos Tzitzikostas has explicitly stated that "There is currently no jet fuel shortage in Europe. We have no signs that we will have a shortage in the coming period." This assessment comes despite the ongoing Middle East conflict and lack of progress to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, a critical shipping lane for oil supplies. Tzitzikostas noted that high jet fuel prices have prompted airlines to cut uneconomic routes, explaining: "This is why we see that some airlines are choosing to cancel some of their routes that didn't make any economic sense." In May alone, airlines cut two million airline seats from their schedules, representing less than 2% of global aviation capacity. The Market Response: Airlines Adjusting to Higher Fuel Costs The aviation industry has responded to soaring fuel prices through several strategies: Route optimization and cancellation of unprofitable routes Increased ticket prices to pass on higher fuel costs Reduced demand through higher fares These measures represent a form of "demand destruction" as high energy costs naturally reduce consumption. British Airways, for example, has implemented fare increases attempting to offset a £1.7 billion fuel cost hit, demonstrating the significant financial pressure airlines face. The Future Outlook: Potential Crisis by Year-End While current fuel supplies remain stable, Tzitzikostas offered a warning about the longer-term outlook: "It's critical that the war stops and that the Strait of Hormuz opens and this needs to happen as soon as possible.... We should always keep in mind that Europe is prepared. We have the emergency stocks in our member states." The commissioner suggested that "the situation would be 'very difficult' by the end of the year if Middle Eastern supplies remained disrupted." This cautionary note comes seven weeks after the head of the International Energy Agency warned that Europe had only six weeks of jet fuel remaining before potential shortages would hit. Regional Economic Impact: Consumer Behavior and Market Stability The broader economic impact of the fuel situation extends beyond aviation. Recent data shows UK consumers returning to high streets as spring sunshine brought relief to retailers who have faced spending constraints since the US-Israel war on Iran began. Consumer confidence surveys indicate a rebound in May as shoppers adjusted to the sharp rise in petrol and diesel prices linked to the Middle East conflict that began in late February. Despite these challenges, European authorities maintain that current market conditions reflect "a certain degree of stability" with emergency stocks available if needed. The situation continues to evolve as the summer travel season approaches, with both consumers and airlines closely monitoring developments in the Middle East and global fuel markets.