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The Return of a Legend At the end of July, the Durutti Column will release their first new music in 16 years: the stunningly beautiful Renascent. It's a prime time for Vini Reilly, Bruce Mitchell and Keir Stewart to return as the Durutti influence is everywhere: sampled by Blood Orange on his latest album Essex Honey; cited by Harry Styles on his new LP Kiss All the Time. Disco, Occasionally, as well as by Mark William Lewis and Yung Lean; played on The Bear. The Enduring Legacy Not that the group need the endorsements: since 1978, they have been one of the UK's most distinctive acts, their dreamy instrumentals offering a sunlit alternative to the crags of post-punk, as last year's reissue of their debut, The Return of the Durutti Column reminded us. The record's deviation from the norms of the era, wrote Alexis Petridis in a five-star reappraisal, "ultimately worked in its favor: other than the sound of the primitive rhythm tracks, there's nothing to tie the music here to a specific era, which means it hasn't dated." The Comeback Story You can ask Reilly about being the first act to sign to Factory Records, having that debut album compiled against his will by producer Martin Hannett, working with Morrissey, learning to play guitar again after suffering a stroke, and quite how this new album came about. "I've got a good excuse to stop now because I've got arthritis," he told us in 2023 – yet here we are, with as gorgeous a record as they've ever made. Join the Conversation Post your questions in the comments by the end of 23 June and the best answers will appear on Guardian music soon.

The Clash Between Fossil Fuel Revenue and Player WelfareClimate activists, including former and current professional athletes, are mounting a significant challenge to FIFA's commercial strategy, specifically targeting the oil giant Saudi Aramco as the tournament's exclusive energy sponsor. The core argument centers on a perceived conflict of interest: by accepting funding from the world's largest corporate carbon emitter, FIFA is undermining its own mandate to safeguard player welfare in an increasingly volatile climate. Former English footballer David Wheeler argues that sport has the power to inspire billions and that FIFA is failing to use this influence to address the climate crisis effectively.Global Protests Targeting Major StadiumsThis Sunday, a coordinated Day of Action will see protesters gather at or near four 2026 World Cup stadiums and seven other major sporting arenas across North America. The demonstrations aim to draw attention to the broader issue of "sportswashing" and demand an end to fossil fuel sponsorships. Key locations for the protests include SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles and Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, with additional demonstrations planned in New Jersey, Seattle, and Dallas.Protest Locations: SoFi Stadium (LA), Hard Rock Stadium (Miami), MetLife Stadium (NJ), Lumen Field (Seattle), AT&T; Stadium (Dallas).Targeted Organizations: FIFA, Major League Baseball teams, and Portland Timbers.Supporting Groups: Sierra Club, Third Act, Hip Hop Caucus.Heat Risks and Climate DataThe urgency of the protests is underscored by climate data indicating that this year's tournament will likely be the hottest since the competition began nearly a century ago. Research by Climate Central reveals that nearly all 2026 host stadiums are experiencing more extreme heat during June and July than they did during previous North American World Cups. Activists argue that fossil fuel companies like Aramco are directly responsible for this warming trend, which forces players to compete in dangerous conditions.The Future of Sports SponsorshipsFIFA has defended its partnership with Aramco, stating that sponsorship revenues are reinvested into the game and that the organization values its commercial partners. However, the activists' message signals a growing trend where environmental and human rights concerns are increasingly clashing with traditional sports revenue models. As the world grapples with the physical realities of climate change, the pressure on sporting bodies to align their commercial interests with sustainability goals is expected to intensify, potentially reshaping the landscape of global sports marketing.

The LeadArsenal will kick off their Premier League title defense against promoted Coventry City on August 21. The Premier League fixtures for the 2026-27 campaign were released on Friday, with the Gunners' home game against Frank Lampard's Coventry among the highlights in the opening round of matches.The Title Defense KickoffCoventry are back in the top flight for the first time in 25 years after winning the Championship last season. Arsenal, champions for the first time since 2004, face a testing period after they host Coventry, with subsequent away games at Villa and a home match against Chelsea.New Managers, New ChallengesSeveral managerial changes will shape the new season. Andoni Iraola's first Premier League game as Liverpool manager will be at Newcastle United on August 23. Manchester City start life after Pep Guardiola at home to Bournemouth on August 23, with former Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca expected to replace Guardiola. New Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso begins his reign with a west London derby at Fulham on August 24.Key Fixtures to WatchThe weekend of September 12 brings the first Manchester derby of the post-Guardiola era, while Liverpool host Manchester United on November 21. City and Arsenal do not face each other until November 28 at the Emirates Stadium. The first Merseyside derby of the season between Everton and Liverpool is scheduled for November 28 at the Hill Dickinson Stadium. Roberto De Zerbi will get his first taste of the north London derby on December 5 when Tottenham host Arsenal.Season StructureThe start and end of the upcoming season are later than usual due to the FIFA World Cup 2026, which finishes just 34 days before the Premier League begins. The final day of the Premier League will take place on May 30, with Arsenal at home to Brighton, while City travels to Sunderland and Liverpool hosts Bournemouth. Arsenal will face FA Cup winners City in the Community Shield, which serves as the curtain raiser to the top-flight season, on August 16.

US‑Iran Peace Deal Threatened by Israeli Bombardment of LebanonThe fragile United States‑Iran peace agreement, signed earlier this week, is hanging by a thread after Israel launched a fresh wave of bombings in southern Lebanon, killing at least 18 people and prompting U.S. Vice President JD Vance to cancel his flight to the scheduled Swiss talks. Escalating Israeli Airstrikes Disrupt 60‑Day Negotiation ClockUnder the memorandum, the two sides have a 60‑day period to negotiate a formal cease‑fire and broader settlement. Talks were slated to begin at the Burgenstock Resort in Switzerland on Friday, but both delegations have postponed travel pending visible implementation of the cease‑fire clause that includes Lebanon. Key Figures Highlight the Human and Diplomatic Stakes18 civilians killed in the latest Israeli raid.More than 3,000 people killed since the conflict escalated in March.Over 1 million displaced from their homes in Lebanon.Israel currently occupies roughly one‑fifth of Lebanese territory.The agreement triggers a 60‑day negotiation window starting Thursday. Implications for Regional Stability and U.S. Foreign PolicyThe cease‑fire clause obliges both parties to respect the “territorial integrity and sovereignty of Lebanon,” yet Israeli officials have publicly vowed to maintain a security strip in the south, with statements such as “all of Lebanon must burn.” This contradiction threatens to derail any broader Middle‑East de‑escalation and places the United States in a diplomatic bind between its Iranian partner and a key ally. What the Next Weeks Could Mean for the DealAnalysts like Ali Vaez of the International Crisis Group argue that the survival of the memorandum now rests on President Donald Trump’s willingness to leverage American influence over Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. If Washington fails to curb Israeli operations, Iran may deem the agreement void, potentially reigniting full‑scale hostilities. Conversely, decisive U.S. pressure could force a pause in Israeli bombardments, allowing the Swiss talks to resume before the 60‑day deadline expires.

Escalation of Israeli Airstrikes in Southern LebanonSince June 19, 2026, the Israeli Defense Forces have intensified air and artillery attacks on positions in southern Lebanon, targeting what they describe as Hezbollah infrastructure. The operations persist despite diplomatic headlines surrounding a new US‑Iran nuclear accord.Actors: Israel, Hezbollah, Lebanese governmentLocation: Southern Lebanon, near the Israeli borderTimeline: Attacks reported throughout the day on June 19, 2026Geopolitical Context: US‑Iran Nuclear Deal and Regional TensionsThe United States and Iran announced a tentative nuclear agreement earlier this month, aiming to curb Tehran’s enrichment program. Both Israel and its allies have expressed skepticism, arguing that the deal does not address Iran’s support for proxy groups such as Hezbollah.Humanitarian Data Gaps: No Confirmed Casualty FiguresAt the time of reporting, reliable casualty numbers have not been released. Local hospitals and NGOs are still assessing the impact, and the lack of data hampers a full evaluation of the humanitarian cost.Strategic Implications for Lebanese SovereigntyThe renewed bombardment threatens Lebanon’s fragile political balance. Continued Israeli pressure could force the Lebanese government to confront Hezbollah more directly, risking internal instability.Future Outlook: Diplomacy Versus Military PosturingAnalysts warn that unless the US‑Iran deal translates into concrete constraints on Iranian arms transfers, Israel may maintain its current level of force. International observers are calling for a monitoring mechanism to ensure that diplomatic progress is not undermined by on‑the‑ground violence.

The joint parliamentary committee in Canberra heard that KPMG breached its own ethical walls by sharing unredacted Optus information with a team pursuing a Telstra audit contract, and by searching a whistleblower’s computer. The revelations have led to executive departures, hefty severance payments and a looming legal battle with long‑time client Lendlease. The Optus Confidential Leak Exposes KPMG’s Ethical Breach Partners leaked Optus data to colleagues bidding for Telstra’s audit work. Whistleblower’s laptop was searched on 30 May 2024, with follow‑up searches on 21 Nov 2024 and 26 Nov 2024. Chair Martin Sheppard confirmed the breach publicly for the first time at the hearing. Former CEO Andrew Yates resigned in May 2026, citing the leak as a catalyst. Financial Fallout: Executive Payouts and Potential Reimbursements Yates received $1.7m for his notice period and $2.4m on retirement under the partnership agreement. Lendlease, after a 68‑year audit relationship, will seek a new auditor and is pursuing reimbursement for costs incurred due to the scandal. The Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand are investigating Yates and 11 other partners, potentially exposing further financial liabilities. Repercussions for Australia’s Audit Landscape The breach undermines confidence in the “ethical divider” that separates audit teams from commercial pursuits. Clients such as Westpac and Lendlease are reassessing their auditor relationships, and regulators are tightening oversight of audit‑firm conduct. What’s Next for KPMG and Its Clients? Analysts expect KPMG to face intensified regulatory scrutiny, possible fines, and a prolonged reputational recovery. The firm must overhaul its whistle‑blower handling processes and restore trust with major corporates to retain market share in the Australian audit sector.

The Controversy Surrounding RFK Jr's Letter Robert F Kennedy Jr, the US health secretary, is facing criticism for a letter he sent to the scientific journal Toxicology Reports, which recently retracted a study suggesting a link between vaccines and sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). The journal removed the paper after editors determined it was seriously flawed and could harm patients. The Retracted Study and Its Flaws The study, published in 2021 by Neil Z Miller, used reports from the federal government's Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS) to suggest a causal relationship between vaccination and SIDS. However, critics identified many methodological problems with the paper, including that Miller, who is not a scientist, misunderstood the nature of the data in VAERS. The Backlash Against Kennedy's Letter Kennedy's letter asked the journal to identify the experts who conducted the investigation into the paper and answer several questions about its decision. Public health advocates immediately criticized the move, saying Kennedy appeared to be trying to intimidate and influence the journal's editorial process. "If he is trying to use his position to bully a journal, he is stepping close to violating their first amendment rights," Dorit Reiss, an expert in vaccine law at UC Law San Francisco, wrote in reply to his post on X. The Impact on Public Health and Scientific Inquiry The controversy highlights the challenges of balancing scientific inquiry with public health concerns. While Kennedy has portrayed himself as pro-free speech, critics argue that he is using his position to pressure the journal into reconsidering its decision. The incident raises questions about the role of politics in scientific publishing and the potential consequences for public health. The Future of Vaccine Research and Debate The debate over vaccine safety and efficacy is likely to continue, with Kennedy and his allies pushing for more scrutiny of vaccine studies. However, experts warn that such scrutiny must be balanced with the need to protect public health and prevent the spread of misinformation. As the controversy continues, it remains to be seen how the scientific community will respond to Kennedy's actions and what implications they will have for future vaccine research and debate.

The Lead: World Cup 2026 Entering Critical PhaseThe World Cup 2026 is entering a critical phase as teams begin to solidify their positions in the tournament. Scotland prepares for a challenging match against African champions Morocco, while Mexico has already secured their place in the knockout stages. Meanwhile, Switzerland's impressive victory over Bosnia and Herzegovina, highlighted by Johan Manzambi's double, has shifted the dynamics in Group B.The Event Details: Tournament DevelopmentsSeveral significant matches have shaped the tournament's early stages. Mexico became the first team to secure passage to the knockout stages with their victory over South Korea. Switzerland dominated Bosnia and Herzegovina with a 4-1 victory, featuring Johan Manzambi's impressive double. In other matches, Czechia and South Africa played to a draw, while Canada secured a rout despite an injury to Koné.The Data Analysis: Rising Stars and Market ValuesThe tournament has already impacted player valuations, with Johan Manzambi's stock rising significantly after his performance against Bosnia and Herzegovina. The 20-year-old Freiburg midfielder, who came off the bench to score twice, is now valued at approximately €60m, potentially even more after his World Cup display. This surge in value could lead to significant transfer interest this summer.The Impact Analysis: Team Dynamics and Psychological FactorsTeam dynamics are playing a crucial role in the tournament. Switzerland's captain Granit Xhaka addressed criticism within the squad after his pointed "blah-blah" celebration following his penalty. The experienced midfielder emphasized his commitment to honest assessment and leadership, stating that criticism should be directed at him first. Meanwhile, South Africa's coach Hugo Broos expressed frustration after their draw with Czechia, highlighting the emotional investment coaches have in tournament performance.The Prediction: Knockout Stage ImplicationsAs the group stage progresses, several teams are positioning themselves for successful knockout campaigns. Scotland's match against Morocco could be pivotal for their advancement, while Switzerland's strong start in Group B gives them momentum. The USA's upcoming match against Australia will be crucial for their qualification hopes. With injuries like Koné's already affecting team compositions, squad depth will become increasingly important as the tournament progresses.

UK public finances showed a sharp jump in borrowing for May 2026, with net borrowing reaching £23.3bn, well above the Office for Budget Responsibility’s forecast and pushing national debt to its highest share of GDP since the early 1960s. May Borrowing Surpasses OBR Forecasts The Treasury reported that May’s borrowing was £5.4bn higher than a year earlier and £5.6bn above the Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) projection of £17.7bn. This marks the largest May‑month borrowing since the 2020 Covid‑19 lockdown. Fiscal Numbers Reveal Record Debt Levels Fiscal year borrowing (April‑June) now stands at £46.3bn, £7.7bn over the OBR’s forecast. National debt has risen to 95.1% of GDP, a ratio not seen since the early 1960s. Debt‑interest payments jumped by £4.1bn to £11.7bn due to higher RPI‑linked inflation. Central government spending on goods and services increased by £2.2bn to £39.6bn. Net social benefits rose by £1.2bn to £28.4bn, driven by inflation‑linked and earnings‑linked pension adjustments. Implications for UK Fiscal Policy and Markets The widening gap between actual borrowing and the OBR’s outlook raises concerns that the government could breach the fiscal rules set by Chancellor Rachel Reeves. Analysts warn that higher debt servicing costs and limited fiscal space may constrain future policy choices, increase pressure on gilt yields, and heighten market scrutiny ahead of the Autumn Budget. Outlook: What Next for Government Borrowing? Unless there is a significant shift in spending discipline or a boost in tax receipts, borrowing is likely to remain above forecast for the remainder of the financial year. The upcoming budget will be pivotal in determining whether the Treasury can rein in the deficit, adjust fiscal rules, or resort to additional borrowing to meet public‑service demands.