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Spotify Announces Adoption of Apple’s HLS Video Streaming Spotify confirmed on Thursday that it will support Apple’s HTTP Live Streaming (HLS) technology, first rolled out on Apple Podcasts, to power video podcasts hosted on its platform. The integration enables creators to publish and monetize video episodes on Apple Podcasts while keeping their existing Spotify setup unchanged. Technical Integration of HLS into Spotify’s Podcast Platform HLS automatically adjusts video quality in real time based on the listener’s network conditions, delivering smooth playback over Wi‑Fi or cellular connections. Spotify plans to roll out the HLS upgrade later in 2026, ensuring a consistent high‑quality experience for all video podcast listeners. Scale of Video Podcast Consumption on Spotify As of November 2025, nearly half a million shows have streamed video podcasts on Spotify. More than 390 million users have accessed video podcast content. Cross‑Platform Opportunities and Competitive Landscape The HLS adoption removes a technical barrier between Spotify and Apple’s podcast ecosystems, expanding creator reach without requiring additional infrastructure. It also complements Spotify’s recent initiatives, such as direct sales options and new partner integrations, and supports hosting providers—including Libsyn, Podigee, Audioboom, Audiomeans, and Podspace—to publish video podcasts directly to Spotify. Future Outlook for Video Podcast Monetization By simplifying distribution and enhancing video quality, Spotify positions itself to capture a larger share of the growing video‑first podcast audience. The combined effect of broader platform access and expanded revenue tools suggests accelerated growth in video podcast production and a tighter competitive race with Apple for creator loyalty.

Espanyol ended a 143‑day drought on May 14, 2026, winning 2‑0 against Athletic Club in the 92nd minute of their 19th league game. The dramatic finish gave the Catalan side a lifeline in one of the season's most congested relegation fights. The 92nd‑Minute Turnaround: Espanyol's 2‑0 Victory Over Athletic Club Substitute Kike García, the only squad member born in the 1980s, scored the decisive goal after just six minutes on the pitch, sending the crowd of 29,943 into a frenzy. Goalkeeper Unai Simón could not stop the finish, and the scoreboard read 2‑0 at 91.06 seconds remaining. Points, Position and Attendance: The Numbers Behind the Win Current league position: 14th Total points after the match: 42 Wins this season: 11 Attendance at the match: 29,943 Relegation Battle Implications: How the Win Shifts La Liga Dynamics The victory narrows the gap between 12th and 19th places to just three points, tightening an already volatile relegation race. While Manolo González described the result as a “great liberation,” coaches from rival clubs warned that the battle is far from over. Looking Ahead: What Espanyol Must Do to Secure Survival With only a handful of games remaining, Espanyol must convert the momentum into consistent points. Analysts suggest focusing on defensive solidity and capitalising on the striking form of players like Kike García to avoid slipping back into the danger zone.

The EFL's Warning to SouthamptonThe English Football League has indicated that Southampton could be kicked out of the playoffs and that the date of the Championship playoff final may be delayed if the club are found guilty of breaching regulations. Southampton have been charged by the EFL for allegedly spying on Middlesbrough's training within 72 hours of their first-leg meeting and for not acting "with the utmost good faith."The Spy Allegations Against SouthamptonBefore Saints beat Boro in Tuesday's second leg, the club confirmed they had launched an internal review into the allegations of misconduct. The independent disciplinary commission will hear the case by Tuesday 19 May, five days before the scheduled playoff final at Wembley. It is thought the hearing is scheduled for Friday.Contingency Plans and Ticket ArrangementsIn a statement released on Thursday providing an "interim update", the EFL said: "The commission will issue its decision as soon as possible following consideration of the relevant submissions and evidence." The EFL reiterated the commission, rather than the league, controls the proposed timetable, adding: "Supporters should, however be aware that the outcome of the disciplinary proceedings may yet result in changes to the fixture. The EFL has a number of contingency plans should they be required, which also includes consideration of any appeal process, if required."The EFL said Hull and Southampton would share ticket sale information on Thursday and that "supporters should consider the situation when booking any associated travel and accommodation".Hull's Frustration Amid UncertaintyHull, guaranteed a place in the Wembley showpiece, are understood to be frustrated at being limbo, with increasing doubts over their final opponents and the possibility the game could be postponed. This unprecedented situation has created significant uncertainty for all parties involved in the Championship playoff final.Future of the Championship Playoff FinalThe outcome of the disciplinary proceedings will determine whether the Championship playoff final proceeds as scheduled on May 24, 2026, or if it will be delayed to accommodate any potential appeal process. The EFL has emphasized that supporters should be prepared for possible changes to the fixture, highlighting the complex nature of the situation and the need for flexibility in planning.

Executive Summary: Labour’s Post‑Brexit CrossroadsTen years after the referendum, the UK remains divided over Brexit, and Labour has suffered a sweeping loss in recent elections across England, Scotland and Wales. Columnist Larry Elliott contends that the party’s indecision—trying to straddle both the pro‑remain and pro‑leave camps—will continue to erode its support unless it adopts a clear, singular approach.Brexit’s Ten‑Year Political Aftermath and Labour’s Recent DefeatThe 2016 vote reshaped British politics, breaking the two‑party duopoly and creating new fault lines. Keir Starmer’s government, elected with a massive majority in 2024, was humbled by a “record defeat” in 2026, losing seats to the Green Party in remain‑leaning areas and to Reform UK in former Brexit strongholds.2019: Conservatives win landslide.2024: Labour secures large parliamentary majority.2026: Labour suffers massive losses in England, Scotland and Wales.Electoral Numbers and Economic Indicators Highlighting the CrisisWhile the article provides limited hard data, several trends are evident:Living standards have been flat‑lining for almost two decades, fueling voter discontent.Growth is expected to slow and inflation to rise as global conflicts in Iran and Lebanon impact the UK economy.The financial services sector, the sole Brexit beneficiary, continues to thrive under a lighter‑touch regulatory regime championed by former Chancellor Jeremy Hunt and current Chancellor Rachel Reeves.Why Labour’s Ambiguous Brexit Strategy Risks Further MarginalisationLabour’s current “middle way” seeks closer EU ties without re‑joining the single market or customs union, while also avoiding a second referendum. This approach, according to Elliott, pleases neither remain voters nor leave supporters, leaving the party without a compelling narrative.The EU remains the UK’s biggest trading partner, and the Greens have captured remain‑leaning voters, while Reform UK has consolidated the Brexit‑loyal electorate. Labour’s failure to present a decisive plan means it cedes ground to both sides.Potential Paths Forward: Re‑embrace Brexit or Rejoin the EUElliott outlines two coherent options:Exploit Brexit freedoms: Use tariffs, subsidies, government procurement and capital controls to rebuild manufacturing, mirroring successful East Asian models.Reverse Brexit: Treat the EU exit as a mistake and campaign for re‑entry, aligning with the economic arguments of remain‑leaning voters.Without committing to one of these routes, Labour risks further electoral erosion as voters seek parties with clear, actionable policies.

The LeadThe FIFA World Cup 2026 is set to be the biggest tournament in its 96-year history, featuring 48 teams from across six confederations. This expansion brings both opportunities and challenges for the global game. The Event DetailsThe participating nations are divided into 12 groups of four teams each, replacing the previous 32-team, eight-group format. The top two teams in each of the 12 groups, plus the eight best third-placed teams, will advance to the round of 32. From there on, it's a straightforward knockout format, followed by the last-16, quarterfinals, semifinals, and the final. The Data AnalysisAccording to a FIFA release, the World Trade Organization (WTO) estimated that the expanded tournament will produce $80.1bn in gross output, including $30.5bn to the cohost, the United States. FIFA President Gianni Infantino expects to generate $11bn in revenue from the tournament, which will be ploughed back into the game. The Impact AnalysisThe expansion offers more opportunities for smaller nations, with four nations making their debut in North America: Curacao, Cape Verde, Jordan, and Uzbekistan. However, this could also lead to a rise in low-stakes, potentially one-sided match-ups, diluting the intensity and quality of group stage fixtures. The PredictionAs the World Cup continues to evolve, it's clear that the 2026 tournament will be a significant milestone. With more teams and more matches, the competition is expected to be fiercer than ever. However, the short post-tournament recovery window for players could be a challenge, with most top European leagues beginning their 2026-27 season just a month after the World Cup final.

Defence Minister Condemns Yamal’s Flag GestureIsrael Katz, Israel’s defence minister, blasted Lamine Yamal after the 18‑year‑old waved a large Palestinian flag from an open‑top bus during Barcelona’s victory parade, labeling the act as "inciting hate" while Israeli forces combat Hamas.Flag Wave During Barcelona Victory ParadeThe flag was displayed on Monday, May 12, 2026, as Barcelona celebrated clinching the Spanish league title. Yamal posted photos of himself holding the flag on Instagram, sparking immediate backlash from Israeli officials.Scale of Public Turnout and Political BackdropApproximately 750,000 spectators lined the streets for the parade, according to local authorities.The Gaza conflict has already claimed more than 72,000 Palestinian lives, fueling worldwide criticism of Israel.Spain is one of five nations boycotting this year’s Eurovision Song Contest in protest of Israel’s participation.Repercussions Across Sports and International RelationsThe incident adds to a growing pattern of sports‑related protests, from disrupted cycling events in the Spanish Vuelta to calls for boycotts of Israeli‑backed teams. It highlights the increasing pressure on athletes to navigate geopolitical tensions while representing their clubs and countries.What Lies Ahead for Yamal and Spanish FootballYamal is slated to feature for Spain at the 2026 World Cup in North America. How the Spanish federation and sponsors respond could set a precedent for handling political expression on the field, potentially influencing future disciplinary policies across European football.

The Diplomatic Opening in BeijingOne day into US President Donald Trump's visit to China for trade talks, both he and Chinese President Xi Jinping have exchanged toasts at a state banquet at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, and hailed their relationship as the world's most "consequential". On Thursday, following a visit to the Temple of Heaven, a 600-year-old landmark in the Chinese capital, Xi spoke of a "shared US-China future", while also warning that failure to handle this bond would create a "very dangerous situation"."We must make it work and never mess it up," he said.The Personal Diplomacy Between LeadersThe US president described his Chinese counterpart as "my friend" in his opening remarks at the state banquet that Xi hosted for the American leader. "We are going to have a fantastic future together. I have such respect for China, for the job you've done. You are a great leader," he told Xi.Trump also invited Xi and First Lady Peng Liyuan to pay a return visit to the White House on September 24. For his part, the Chinese president said he was "very happy" to meet Trump in Beijing at a time of "historic turbulence" when "the world stands at a new crossroads".Xi posed a series of questions to the US president: "Can we join hands to address global challenges and inject greater stability into the world? Can we uphold the wellbeing of our respective peoples and the shared future of humanity, working together to create a bright future for our bilateral relationship?"China's reception underscored how highly Xi regards this visit. Trump was welcomed at the Great Hall of the People, the seat of power in China, "the equivalent of the White House and all other important centres of power combined". Additionally, Vice President Han Zheng greeted Trump at the airport when he landed in Beijing on Wednesday, making him the highest-ranking Chinese official to ever welcome a US president.Strategic Framework for Bilateral RelationsXi and Trump agreed to frame their relationship as "constructive, strategic and stable" in a new positioning that is intended to guide US-China ties for the next three years and beyond, according to a Chinese Foreign Ministry statement about talks between the two.Trump said the relationship between the two countries went back to the founding of the US, noting that the early American traders who visited China were described, by the Chinese, as "the new people". Today, he said, the two countries' bilateral ties were among "the most consequential" in the world.The Chinese president said the two countries should become partners, rather than rivals, adding that "mutual respect is key to stable China-US ties". "I have always believed that the common interests between China and the US outweigh the differences," Xi said. "Let 2026 be a historic and landmark year for Sino-US relations to carry on the past and open up the future."Trade and Economic NegotiationsTrump and Xi discussed trade, with Xi saying that China's door of opportunity will open wider. What this means is not explicitly clear yet, but Trump will be hoping it includes a Chinese pledge to buy US soya beans, beef and aircraft. Officials in the Trump administration also hope to move towards setting up a Board of Trade with China to manage commercial disputes between the two countries.Xi also met with US business leaders who have accompanied Trump on this trip on Thursday. The US and China entered a tariff threat standoff last year, with each side imposing retaliatory tariffs on each other's exports. China also restricted exports of some rare-earth metals, which are crucial for technology manufacturing, in April. Later in the year, it announced plans to restrict several others. Those later plans are on pause since a truce was agreed between the two presidents in October last year on the sidelines of the APEC summit in South Korea.In return for China's agreement to pause restrictions on rare-earth metal exports, Trump dropped a threat of 100 percent tariffs on Chinese goods.The Taiwan ChallengeThe Taiwanese government maintains that the self-governing island of 23 million people is a sovereign state. During the meeting on Thursday, Xi reportedly warned Trump that the issue of Taiwan – which China regards as its own territory – could lead to conflict between Washington and Beijing if it is not handled carefully.However, Taiwan was not mentioned in a joint statement following the meeting, and Trump notably ignored a question from reporters about his stance on Taiwan. This is a tricky issue for the US. While the US government officially acknowledges that China views Taiwan as part of its territory, it does not explicitly state whether or not it agrees with that stance.The US formally severed official diplomatic ties with Taiwan – also known as the Republic of China – decades ago, but remains committed under the 1979 Taiwan Relations Act to supporting the defence of the self-governing democracy. That law has enabled Washington to supply Taiwan with billions of dollars' worth of weapons and to deepen cooperation in areas such as military training and intelligence sharing, moves Beijing regards as meddling in its internal affairs.Xi has told Trump that the "Taiwan question is the most important issue in China-US relations", Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning posted on X on Thursday. "If it is handled properly, the bilateral relationship will enjoy overall stability. Otherwise, the two countries will have clashes and even conflicts, putting the entire relationship in great jeopardy," she wrote.Taiwan's Foreign Ministry released a statement saying that China is "currently the sole risk to regional peace and stability", after Xi warned Trump. "Beijing has no right to make any claims on behalf of Taiwan internationally," the statement added.Global Security CooperationThe US-Israel war on Iran, which entered its 76th day on Thursday, also came up in the meeting between Trump and Xi. In their joint statement, Trump and Xi agreed that the Strait of Hormuz must remain open and Iran should never have nuclear weapons.US officials have previously said that they might need China's help in convincing Iran to open the Strait of Hormuz. But analysts say Beijing will want concessions from the US, likely regarding Taiwan, in exchange for any aid in resolving the crisis.Future Outlook for US-China RelationsTrump and Xi may meet again on at least two other occasions this year – the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) leaders' meeting, in Shenzhen, China, in November; and the Group of 20 (G20) summit in Miami, Florida in the US in December. It would be unprecedented for the US president to travel to China twice in one year.The tone set during these initial talks suggests both sides recognize the importance of managing their complex relationship carefully. Xi's warning about not "messing it up" indicates the high stakes involved, while Trump's personal approach and emphasis on friendship suggests he may be seeking a personal channel for diplomacy alongside official channels.As both nations navigate differences on trade, Taiwan, and global security issues, the framework they've established as "constructive, strategic and stable" will be tested in the coming months. The frequency of their planned meetings suggests both sides understand the need for constant communication to prevent misunderstandings that could escalate into conflict.

The Strategic Partnership Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF) has been named an official tournament supporter in North America and Asia for this year's World Cup, as the country deepens its ties with international football ahead of hosting the 2034 tournament. Details of the Partnership The 2026 World Cup – the first edition of the global showpiece to feature 48 teams – will be co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico from June 11 to ‌July 19. The partnership includes support for initiatives worldwide, spanning grassroots programmes, youth and women’s football, education projects, and efforts to enhance infrastructure and technical expertise, PIF and FIFA said. Financial Implications and Future Plans No financial details or specific activations were disclosed. The deal builds on PIF’s partnership with FIFA for the Club World Cup 2025 and highlights the fund’s deepening commercial ties with global football ahead of ⁠Saudi Arabia hosting the 2034 World Cup. The Impact on Football “PIF continues to ⁠accelerate the growth of football globally by expanding access to the game and creating opportunities that benefit players, fans and the wider football ecosystem,” said Mohamed AlSayyad, head of corporate brand ⁠at PIF, in a statement. PIF's Sports Investments PIF, which has spent more than $5bn on LIV Golf since it launched in 2022, ⁠said last month that it would cut funding ⁠at the close of the 2026 season, leaving the breakaway circuit scrambling for new backers.

Es Devlin’s collective selfie portrait challenges Britain’s fragmentationAt the National Portrait Gallery, artist Es Devlin presents a constantly evolving digital collage built from ordinary people’s selfies. The work is framed as a quiet, non‑verbal invitation for the nation to coexist.How the living portrait merges thousands of UK selfiesParticipants upload a selfie via the project website.Each image is rendered in Devlin’s smoky charcoal‑and‑chalk style.The stylised portraits rotate on a framed screen, appearing and fading in a perpetual carousel.The installation deliberately leaves imperfections – mismatched beards, overlapping features – to reflect the difficulty of seamless unity.Technology behind the portrait: Google Arts & Culture Lab’s AI modelWorking with engineers at Google Arts & Culture Lab, Devlin trained an image‑generation model on her hand‑drawn portraits. The AI translates raw selfies into drawings that retain the tactile feel of charcoal, rather than a simple filter.While the project showcases AI’s creative potential, Devlin acknowledges the paradox of offering her artistic “shadow” to a corporate tech platform amid broader debates over artists’ rights.Why a crowd‑sourced portrait matters for British social cohesionThe timing is significant: Britain is experiencing heightened political fury, algorithmic echo chambers, and loneliness. By foregrounding ordinary faces, the work challenges the dominance of celebrity and political imagery in national narratives.Devlin hopes the fleeting intimacy of a shared glance can prompt a pause in the “age of destruction, fragmentation, separation, isolation” she describes.Future steps: workshops, regional roll‑outs and the debate over AI in artBeyond the gallery, Devlin will run free portrait‑drawing workshops and online classes, with plans to bring the installation to town halls, libraries and schools across the UK.The project also sparks discussion about the role of AI in cultural production – whether it is a tool of industrial capitalism or a means of artistic re‑appropriation.