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Approximately two dozen Democratic‑led states and the District of Columbia have lodged a federal lawsuit against President Donald Trump to block a newly issued executive order that would sharply limit mail‑in and absentee voting. The filing, submitted on Friday, comes as voting‑rights groups warn the measure is designed to make voting harder ahead of the 2026 midterm elections, which will decide control of both chambers of Congress. New York Attorney General Letitia James, representing 23 states and D.C., said the order "exceeds the president’s constitutional authority" and undermines the principle that states set the times, places and manner of elections. "Free and fair elections are the cornerstone of our democracy, and no president has the power to rewrite the rules on his own," James stated. The contested order, signed on Tuesday, directs the Department of Homeland Security to compile a nationwide list of eligible voters and instructs the United States Postal Service to deliver ballots only to individuals on a "State‑specific Mail‑in and Absentee Participation List." Critics argue the list would be incomplete and would place an undue burden on the USPS. Voting‑rights advocates note that mail‑in voting surged after the COVID‑19 pandemic, with one‑third of all 2024 ballots cast by mail, a trend that cuts across both Republican and Democratic states. In their complaint, the states contend that only Congress, not the president, may impose new restrictions on election administration, and that implementing such changes so close to the November vote would generate significant logistical chaos. President Trump maintains the action is needed to combat "rampant voter fraud," a claim repeatedly debunked by independent monitors, including the Heritage Foundation, which reports fraud rates are exceedingly low. Beyond the lawsuit, the Justice Department has pursued separate legal actions to obtain voter data, and the FBI’s recent raid on a Georgia election office has heightened concerns about election integrity. Trump is also urging Congress to pass the "SAVE America Act", which would require proof of U.S. citizenship—such as a birth certificate or passport—and a photo ID for ballot casting. Rights groups warn the proposal could disenfranchise many voters, including women who have changed their surnames after marriage.

The United States has long honored past presidents by naming airports, dams and monuments after them, but President Donald Trump is pushing the practice to an extreme, seeking to become the most commemorated leader in American history. Less than a year and a half into his second term, Trump’s brand has proliferated across government buildings, federal agencies and even consumer platforms. In February, the administration unveiled TrumpRx, a prescription‑drug website that listed only 43 medications—most of which are available as cheaper generics elsewhere—yet proudly displayed the former president’s signature and logo. Just weeks later, the White House and the U.S. Navy announced a new "Trump class" of battleships, billed as the "largest ever built." A Pentagon release noted that the Navy has not used battleships in combat for 35 years, suggesting the project is more a vanity exercise than a strategic necessity. Federal institutions have not been spared. In December 2025 the U.S. Institute of Peace was renamed the "Donald J. Trump United States Institute of Peace," a move the White House framed as a reminder of "strong leadership" for global stability—just weeks before the administration launched a military strike on Iran. Trump’s influence extended to the arts when, in February 2025, he appointed a new board to the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts and installed himself as chair. The board voted in December to rename the venue the "Donald J. Trump and John F. Kennedy Center," a change that immediately faced a legal challenge. Republican lawmakers have largely embraced the naming spree. One congressman introduced legislation to carve Trump’s likeness onto Mount Rushmore, while another proposed naming a major airport after him, underscoring the party’s willingness to reward the president’s personal brand. Political scientist Steven Levitsky of Harvard warned that Trump operates "unconstrained" by advisers or party elders, noting that today’s Republican ambition often hinges on pleasing the president, including attaching his name to public projects. Visual propaganda has also surged. Giant banners bearing Trump’s image now hang from the Department of Justice and the Department of Labor buildings, a rarity for a sitting president and a practice more typical of authoritarian regimes, according to Princeton sociologist Kim L. Scheppele. Beyond buildings, the administration has pursued numismatic honors. A 24‑karat gold coin featuring Trump standing over a desk was approved by a hand‑picked arts commission, and drafts of a new $1 coin displayed an air‑brushed profile of the former president. The Treasury Department announced that Trump’s signature will appear on U.S. paper currency later this year, a move Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent described as a "powerful way to recognize historic achievements" of the nation. Critics argue that the public does not share the president’s enthusiasm. The 2026 National Parks Pass, which traditionally showcases natural scenery, sparked outrage when a draft featured Trump’s stern face with a spectral George Washington behind him. A cottage industry of stickers emerged to cover the image, forcing the National Park Service to warn that such alterations could void the pass. White House spokesperson Davis Ingle defended the branding, claiming it reflects Trump’s “vast accomplishments,” including the largest tax cut in history and border security measures. Yet scholars and opponents contend that the relentless self‑promotion blurs the line between public service and personal aggrandizement. As the branding campaign continues, legal challenges, public pushback, and questions about fiscal priorities suggest that Trump’s quest to name everything after himself may soon encounter more than just decorative resistance.

Italian football fans are being encouraged to put their national team's World Cup 2026 qualification failure behind them – by backing co-hosts Canada instead. Canada Soccer, the national governing body for the sport, is offering a free jersey swap on Saturday for fans in Toronto's Little Italy district.“Dear Italian soccer fans, Don't wait four more years. Swap your jersey for Canada,” read a post on X. The initiative aims to tap into Canada's large Italian diaspora, with around 1.5 million Canadians having either full or partial Italian ancestry.Italy would have faced Canada in Group B had they won their qualifying playoff against Bosnia and Herzegovina – but the Azzurri lost on penalties, missing out on the men's World Cup finals for the third tournament in succession. Instead, Jesse Marsch's team will face Bosnia and Herzegovina, Qatar, and Switzerland in their group games.“Canada Soccer is inviting Italian-Canadians to get behind the home team,” read a further statement. “On Saturday 4 April from 10am to 2pm (EST), Canada Soccer will be outside Cafe Diplomatico on College Street in Toronto, offering fans the chance to swap their Italy colours for a Canada jersey and join the momentum heading into the Fifa World Cup 2026.”T icket prices for Canada's World Cup opener against Bosnia and Herzegovina on 12 June have soared, with all unsold tickets listed at $3,125 and most resale seats costing a similar price. Saturday's free jersey swap may be the most affordable way that local Italian fans can get involved with the World Cup this summer.

Will Sherman, a 22‑year‑old second‑row forward for Anthem Rugby Carolina, is quickly being labelled the next cornerstone of US rugby. The Charlotte‑based player combines a deep family legacy with a modern development pathway that could shape the national team ahead of the 2031 Rugby World Cup. Sherman’s rugby pedigree begins with his father, Wade Sherman, a member of the 1990s Cal Berkeley champion side that featured Mark Bingham – one of the heroic passengers on Flight 93. Wade’s own introduction to the sport came after a teenage trip to Australia’s Bondi Beach, where he and friends first saw the game and later founded a high‑school team in northern California before playing for Cal and BYU. He now serves as Will’s first coach. Raised in Utah’s vibrant Pacific Islander community, Sherman attended East High School, a hub for the state’s long‑standing rugby culture. Standing 6 ft 4 in and capable of playing both lock and flanker, he attributes his physicality and work ethic to the “hard‑knock” lessons learned on Utah pitches. After a stint at UCLA—where the club side operates with varsity‑level commitment but without the same resources—Sherman caught the eye of Australian coach Harry Bennett. Bennett’s mentorship helped Sherman earn a place on the US under‑23 tour of South Africa, a tour overseen by Argentine coach Agustín Cavalieri, now head coach at Anthem. In his MLR debut against the California Legion, Sherman logged roughly 50 minutes, received a yellow card for repeated infringements, and recorded 19 tackles. While impressive, it was eclipsed by the 36 tackles he made in a single match for Australia’s storied Randwick club last season, underscoring his rapid adaptation to elite competition. Anthem, backed by World Rugby as a development vehicle for the 2031 World Cup, endured a winless first two seasons (0‑32). The team finally broke the streak with a 39‑26 victory over the Legion, a game in which Sherman’s performance earned him the nickname “Wreck‑It Will” from college friends. Reflecting on the win, Sherman said the moment was “an amazing honor” and highlighted the broader significance: “Every game now feels like a first—our first win at home, our first win against Chicago—so the motivation keeps building.” He also praised the experience of matching up against veteran lock and Eagles captain Jason Damm, calling it “an honor to play against someone I’ve looked up to for so long.” Looking ahead, Anthem’s schedule includes a clash with the Chicago Hounds on ESPN+, a key step in the club’s quest to become a consistent pipeline for American talent ahead of the 2031 World Cup.

UCLA secured a hard-fought 51-44 win over Texas on Friday night, advancing to the national championship game of the women's NCAA Tournament for the first time. The Bruins, with a stellar season record of 36-1, were led by Lauren Betts, who scored 16 points and made a pivotal block in the final minutes to thwart Texas's late surge.The Bruins dominated their way to another national semi-final, boasting the best season in program history. Their path to the title game had to go through Texas, the only team to beat them this season. UCLA turned the tables on Texas, shutting down All-American Madison Booker and building a 13-point lead midway through the fourth quarter.Despite Texas's strong defensive showing, which included a 12-2 run that cut UCLA's lead to 47-44, Betts's crucial block with 20 seconds left halted the Longhorns' momentum. Kiki Rice then hit two free throws, securing the win and sending coach Cori Close's team into the title game.The grinding win earns the Bruins a spot in Sunday's title game against South Carolina, the three-time national champions who ended reigning champion UConn's undefeated season. This sets up an exciting matchup, especially after Geno Auriemma and Dawn Staley had a tense postgame exchange following South Carolina's shock win over UConn in the Final Four.For Texas, Madison Booker had a tough finish to an otherwise stellar season, hitting her first shot, missing her next 17, and finishing with six points on 3-of-23 shooting.

Italy’s national team confirmed that head coach Gennaro Gattuso has left his post "by mutual consent" after the Azzurri failed to qualify for the 2026 World Cup in North America.The Italian Football Federation issued a statement on Friday, thanking Gattuso for his "dedication and passion" during the nine months he oversaw the side.Italy’s hopes were dashed on Tuesday when a penalty‑shootout loss to Bosnia and Herzegovina in the qualifying playoff ended their tournament aspirations.In his farewell note, Gattuso wrote, "With a heavy heart, having failed to achieve the goal we set for ourselves, I consider my time in charge of the national team to be over." He added that the Azzurri shirt is "the most precious asset in football," and that an immediate technical review was warranted.Appointed in June on a one‑year contract, Gattuso replaced Luciano Spalletti after Italy’s 3‑0 opening defeat to Norway. Under Gattuso, Italy won five consecutive group matches, but Norway’s superior goal difference forced a playoff route.Historically, Italy has stumbled at the playoff stage for the past two World Cups, losing to Sweden and North Macedonia. This campaign seemed promising after a 2‑0 semifinal victory over Northern Ireland, yet the team surrendered a 1‑0 lead in the Bosnia match and ultimately fell in the shootout.The coaching change follows a turbulent week for Italian football leadership: federation president Gabriele Gravina resigned, and former goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon stepped down as the national team’s delegation chief.Analysts note that Gattuso’s exit underscores the pressure on Italy to restore its status among Europe’s elite. The federation now faces the task of appointing a successor capable of rebuilding a squad that has missed three consecutive World Cups.

A Malta‑flagged container ship named Kribi, owned by French shipping giant CMA CGM, successfully navigated the Strait of Hormuz on April 2. This marks the first time a Western‑registered vessel has traversed the strategic waterway since Iran began restricting traffic following the US‑Israeli war that started on February 28.According to vessel‑tracking data from Marine Traffic, the Kribi is the first French‑owned ship to make the passage in the current conflict. The ship, sailing south along Oman’s coast, altered its declared destination to “Owner France” in LSEG shipping data, a move interpreted as a signal to Iranian authorities about its national affiliation before entering Iran’s territorial waters.The vessel was originally bound for Pointe‑Noire, Republic of the Congo, but the change in routing facilitated the safe crossing. No immediate comment was received from CMA CGM regarding the maneuver.Since March 1, only about 150 vessels—including tankers and container ships—have transited the strait, according to Lloyd’s List Intelligence. The majority were linked to Iran and to regional partners such as China, India and Pakistan. Beijing publicly expressed gratitude after three Chinese ships, including two Cosco‑owned container vessels, passed through the waterway earlier in the week.The strait historically carries roughly one‑fifth of global oil and liquefied natural gas shipments. Its effective blockage has contributed to a sharp rise in worldwide fuel prices, intensifying the ongoing energy crisis.U.S. President Donald Trump asserted that gasoline prices would drop quickly once hostilities end, but offered no concrete plan to reopen the passage, instead urging skeptical allies to take action themselves. French President Emmanuel Macron cautioned that a military operation to force open the strait would be unrealistic, emphasizing that only diplomatic efforts could restore free navigation.Macron is coordinating with European and other partners to form a coalition that would guarantee safe passage after the conflict subsides. In a commentary for *Foreign Affairs*, former Iranian foreign minister Mohammad Javad Zarif suggested Tehran could negotiate a deal with the United States—curbing its nuclear program in exchange for sanctions relief and the reopening of the strait—thereby ending the war and preventing future confrontations.

Cuba’s government declared a humanitarian amnesty for 2,010 prisoners ahead of Easter’s Holy Week, a decision it says follows a careful review of each inmate’s conduct, health, and time served. The announcement, made by state media on Thursday, represents the second such amnesty this year and the fifth large‑scale pardon since 2011, bringing the total to more than 11,000 released individuals. While Havana officially denies acting under U.S. pressure, the timing aligns with what analysts describe as the most aggressive Washington campaign against the island in decades. The move comes a day after Cuba’s top diplomat in Washington invited the United States to assist in overhauling the island’s “crippled” economy, part of ongoing talks that have yet to produce concrete outcomes. U.S. officials, including President Trump’s administration, have repeatedly called for a change of government in the communist‑run state, with the president even musing about “taking” the island. Yet recent diplomatic exchanges suggest a nuanced shift: both sides have held talks, and scholars note that the amnesty could be a tangible sign of progress, however modest. University of Miami Cuban‑studies chair Michael Bustamante told AFP, “It seems not far‑fetched to think that this is a sign that some of the conversation between both governments is advancing… To where? Unclear.” He added that the political significance will depend on the profile of those released. The Cuban presidency did not disclose the names or crimes of the pardoned individuals, but indicated the group includes young people, women, and inmates over 60 who are slated for early release within the next six to twelve months. Foreign nationals and Cuban expatriates are also among those granted clemency. Importantly, the amnesty excludes anyone convicted of murder, sexual assault, drug‑related offenses, theft, illegal livestock slaughter, or crimes against state authority. Earlier in March, the government freed 51 prisoners as a “good‑will” gesture toward the Vatican, which often mediates between Washington and Havana. The current pardon is framed as part of the “humanitarian legacy of the Revolution” and is presented as customary practice during Holy Week. The release coincides with Russia’s announcement of a second oil tanker bound for Cuba, following a recent easing of the U.S. oil blockade that allowed the first shipment. Bustamante speculated that the timing may not be coincidental, suggesting a possible link between U.S. policy shifts and Cuba’s diplomatic overtures. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, a Cuban‑American critic of Havana, reiterated on Fox News that Cuba’s economic woes cannot be solved without political reform, warning that the island faces “a lot of trouble.”

Iranian footballer Mona Hamoudi had one ambition when she boarded the flight to Australia for the Women’s Asian Cup: to play well. However, the tournament became a test of her skills, patience, and ability to make difficult decisions under enormous pressure.Hamoudi, a 32-year-old midfielder, was part of the Iranian national squad that travelled to Australia in early March. The trip unravelled into one of the most scrutinised episodes in the history of Iranian women’s sport. The squad had remained silent during the national anthem ahead of their Asia Cup opener against South Korea on March 2, two days after the United States and Israel went to war with Iran and killed Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.Their silence was perceived by some as a protest against the Iranian government, and Iran’s state television branded the women as “traitors”. The players sang the anthem at their next two matches, but fears for their safety grew further after it was reported in the media that they were being monitored by Iranian government and football officials.Following Iran’s elimination at the group stage, five players – Hamoudi among them – claimed asylum and were granted humanitarian visas by the Australian authorities. However, after the rest of the squad left Australia on March 10, five of the seven later reversed course and said they would return to Iran – including Hamoudi.Hamoudi and teammate Zahra Sarbali describe the decision to return to Iran as inseparable from a sense of duty; to family, teammates, and “national obligation”, rather than a purely free choice made in calm and safety. They faced harassment and constant following from media and social media, and the expectations and pressure from the Iranian-Australian community.The journey back to Tehran was marked by fear and tension, with the media attention that had followed them throughout the tournament only intensifying once they were back in Iran. The football federation offered formal support, and the players appeared on national television after their return and resumed training as normal.On March 19, the team were met in Tehran with a hero’s welcome from the public, with several thousand people gathering in Valiasr Square, many holding Iranian flags. However, fears remain over the consequences for their careers and how their every future action might be interpreted.Maryam Irandoust, a former head coach of the Iranian women’s national team, said these experiences will carry a psychological weight onto the pitch, directly affecting performances in training and in matches. Adel Ferdosipour, a veteran Iranian sports journalist, warned that any punishment of the players could deter future footballers from representing Iran.