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The Lead Iran's foreign minister, Abbas Araghchi, has stated that ships entering the Strait of Hormuz must cooperate with Iranian naval forces. This comes after a ship was seized outside a UAE port and taken towards Iranian waters. Iran's New Shipping Rules Araghchi described Iran as invincible and said: "In our view, the strait of Hormuz is open to all commercial ships, but they must cooperate with our naval forces." He made these comments during a meeting of the Brics group of nations in India. The Data Analysis The Strait of Hormuz previously carried about a quarter of the world's seaborne supply of oil and gas. However, Iran has largely closed the strait since the start of the US-Israeli bombing campaign. Last month, the US imposed a counterblockade of Iranian ports, stranding thousands of ships. The Impact Analysis Araghchi called on Brics nations to condemn what he described as violations of international law by the US and Israel. He also stated that regional instability is a lose-lose situation for all parties, including the aggressors themselves. The Prediction Iran is trying to fend off a large rebuff at the UN, where more than 110 nations are co-sponsoring a security council resolution tabled jointly by Bahrain and the US condemning the Iranian blockade. A previous resolution was vetoed jointly by Russia and China on 7 April.

The Dangers of Eliminating State Income Tax Hannah Rejali, a mother of four from Missouri, lived through the failed "Kansas Experiment" in the 2010s, when the Republican governor cut the state's income tax, resulting in a $900m budget shortfall and forcing at least eight school districts to end their academic year early. The Event Details Missouri is now considering a constitutional amendment to eliminate the state income tax, which would be the first such move in over a century. Advocates argue it would attract new businesses and put extra money in residents' pockets, while critics argue it would hurt lower- and middle-income residents and only help the wealthy. The Data Analysis Eliminating an income tax could lead to a reduction in state funding for schools, with some experts warning it could be "devastating" for public education. In Kansas, five years after the income tax cuts, the Republican-led legislature voted to roll back most of the tax cuts, overcoming the governor's veto. An Institute on Taxation and Economic Policy analysis found that people making between $49,000 and $80,000 would pay an average of $535 more annually if Missouri increases its sales tax to recoup the revenue lost to its reduction in income taxes. The Impact Analysis Experts warn that eliminating state income taxes could have significant impacts on lower- and middle-income residents, who would likely see their taxes increase through other means, such as sales tax expansions. The move could also lead to a decrease in state funding for public services, including education. The Prediction If the trend of eliminating state income taxes continues, it could lead to a "frog in boiling water" situation, where the quality of public services gradually degrades over time. Experts argue that the evidence that reducing or eliminating state income taxes attracts new businesses is mixed, and that the benefits of such a move are often overstated.

The LeadRenowned actress Linda Bassett reflects on her distinguished career spanning decades of theatre work, her celebrated collaboration with playwright Caryl Churchill, and her upcoming role in Alexander Zeldin's "Care" at the Young Vic. Known for her understated yet powerful performances, Bassett shares insights into her approach to acting and the profound impact of theatre on her life.The Career JourneyBassett's path to acting wasn't conventional. Despite coming from a non-theatrical family, she discovered her passion at age four when she was unexpectedly thrust into a Sunday school Easter play. "I was in bliss," she recalls. Her formative years included ushering at the Old Vic during Laurence Olivier's legendary tenure, where she witnessed groundbreaking performances and even sold ice creams during intermissions.After briefly studying English at Leeds University, where she focused on drama rather than academics, Bassett began creating devised work in Leeds and Coventry. This experience, she suggests, "made me a bit gobby," developing her confidence to make suggestions as an actor, though she admits she sometimes oversteps when working with certain playwrights.The Churchill ConnectionBassett's most significant artistic relationship has been with playwright Caryl Churchill, beginning with "Fen" in 1983 and continuing through to "What If If Only" in 2021. She describes auditioning for Churchill as "enormous" because it launched her on a particular trajectory. Her disconcerting clarity has made her a peerless interpreter of Churchill's work, which some audiences find forbidding."They're not hard to watch," Bassett protests of Churchill's plays. She recalls her iconic monologue in "Escaped Alone" where the phrase "terrible rage" is repeated 25 times in succession. "It was the only thing to say at that point. The words fed the feeling, and it was the audience who felt it, not me, which is ideal." Churchill's writing, she notes, is "so distilled, no excess baggage," requiring actors to find "the one way" to play them.From Call the Midwife to CareDespite notable film roles including "East Is East" and "Calendar Girls," many audiences know Bassett as stern nurse Phyllis in the BBC's "Call the Midwife." "Complete strangers come up and say, I love you. My wife loves you, my mother loves you. It's extraordinary," she remarks of the public's connection to the character. Despite playing Phyllis for over a decade, she found fresh aspects to explore, learning "how to be" more matter-of-fact and practical than her natural disposition.Currently rehearsing Alexander Zeldin's "Care" at the Young Vic, Bassett plays Joan, a woman who after caring for her family begins showing signs of dementia and needs care herself. "She's convinced, as many people are, that she's just in for respite. She never loses the idea that she's going home," Bassett explains. The role draws from personal experience; after a heart attack, she spent two weeks recuperating in a care home, giving her "an insight into what it's like when you become helpless."The Actor's Philosophy"Every part is an education," Bassett states. "That's the glory of being an actor. You learn about human feelings and frailty and rottenness. The writer puts their soul on the page, and you inhabit that. I've always felt I was a writer's actor." This philosophy has guided her selective approach to roles, resulting in a "remarkably free of crap" CV despite turning down numerous opportunities.Though she hasn't performed as many classics as she might have hoped—"I think I'm seen as a working-class actress"—Bassett values the authenticity she brings to her roles. With Zeldin directing "Care," she appreciates his desire for "absolute truthfulness," which "suits me down to the ground." As she prepares for this new challenge, she acknowledges the nerves: "Every new part you're starting again. It's a bit scary, but I think we'll be all right."The Future of TheatreAs a veteran performer who has witnessed theatre's evolution, Bassett remains committed to the medium's power. She recalls the impact of Ronald Pickup's messenger speech in Peter Brook's production of Seneca's "Oedipus": "People fainted every night. You didn't see anything, his voice was enough. That's the power of theatre, isn't it?"Looking ahead, Bassett continues to seek roles that challenge her and explore the human condition. Whether through her meticulous interpretation of complex playwrights like Churchill or her willingness to portray the vulnerability of aging in "Care," she remains dedicated to the craft that has defined her life. "Every part is an education," she reiterates, and with each new role, Linda Bassett continues to learn, grow, and enrich the theatrical landscape.

The Lead: Jury Begins Deliberations on OpenAI’s FutureNine California jurors are now deliberating the case that pits Elon Musk against OpenAI co‑founder Sam Altman and Microsoft. While the trial has covered the 2018 founder split, Altman’s 2023 firing and rehiring, the jury’s focus narrows to specific contractual and charitable‑trust issues. The Core Legal Questions Before the JuryWhether the $10 billion Microsoft investment in 2023 breached Musk’s intent for a nonprofit‑focused AI entity.If Musk’s donations, used before August 5, 2021, can be considered a charitable trust that was later violated.Whether the for‑profit affiliate’s $200 billion equity value truly supports the nonprofit mission. Financial Stakes and Valuations Highlighted in TestimonyOpenAI’s for‑profit arm generated roughly $200 billion in equity value, cited as support for the nonprofit foundation.Founders’ stakes (e.g., Brockman, Ilya Sutskever) and Microsoft’s holdings were presented as evidence of personal benefit.Musk’s last donations occurred in 2020, with all funds reportedly allocated by the nonprofit before that date. Strategic Implications for AI Governance and Corporate StructureThe trial underscores tension between rapid commercial AI development and the original nonprofit safety mission. If the jury sides with Musk, OpenAI could be forced to restructure or dissolve its for‑profit arm, potentially limiting its ability to fund large‑scale compute and talent. Conversely, a verdict for the defendants would reaffirm the current hybrid model, validating Microsoft’s veto rights and the for‑profit’s role in advancing AI safety. Projected Outcomes and Next Legal StepsThe judge will hold new hearings next week to explore the practical consequences of any verdict. A negative verdict for Musk could render those hearings moot, while a favorable ruling may trigger extensive restructuring, affecting investors, partners, and the broader AI ecosystem.

The Final France 2026 World Cup Roster UnveiledDidier Deschamps confirmed a 26‑man squad on 14 May 2026, mixing veteran experience with a wave of new faces. The list confirms France’s intent to chase a third title in North America (June 11 – July 19).Attacking Firepower: Mbappé, Dembélé and Emerging TalentsThe forward line is anchored by Kylian Mbappé (likely captain despite a recent thigh injury) and Ballon d’Or winner Ousmane Dembélé. Supporting them are rising stars such as Desire Doué, Michael Olise, Rayan Cherki (making his World Cup debut after a breakthrough season at Manchester City) and Maghnes Akliouche.Mbappé – 27, La Liga star, recovering from thigh strainDembélé – 27, PSG winger, Ballon d’Or winnerCherki – 22, Manchester City attackerDoué – 22, Rennes forwardSquad Composition Numbers: Depth Across PositionsThe roster balances experience and youth:Goalkeepers: Mike Maignan, Brice Samba, Robin Risser (Ligue 1 breakthrough)Defenders: 9 players, including Lucas Hernandez, Theo Hernandez, William Saliba, Dayot UpamecanoMidfielders: 5 players, featuring N’Golo Kanté and Aurelien TchouaméniForwards: 9 players, highlighted aboveStrategic Implications for France’s Title QuestDeschamps’ selection signals a dual strategy: retain the core that reached the 2022 final while injecting fresh energy. The inclusion of Robin Risser rewards Lens’ defensive solidity, offering a reliable third‑choice keeper. Offensively, the blend of Mbappé’s pace, Dembélé’s creativity and the versatility of players like Olise gives Deschamps tactical flexibility against Group I opponents Senegal, Iraq and Norway.Looking Ahead: What to Expect from Les Bleus in North AmericaWith a balanced squad, France enters the tournament as a favourite but faces a condensed schedule across three host nations. Key factors will be Mbappé’s fitness, the integration of debutants such as Cherki, and how Deschamps adapts his formation to counter diverse playing styles. If the attacking unit clicks and the defence maintains Lens‑level cohesion, Les Bleus could realistically aim for a third World Cup crown.

London Debut Marks a Milestone for Tulsa BalletThe Oklahoma‑based company made its first UK appearance at the Linbury Theatre, Royal Opera House in London, performing its “Made in America” triple‑bill until 17 May 2026. Under artistic director Marcello Angelini, the troupe demonstrated why its 70‑year legacy continues to resonate internationally.Triple‑Bill Programme Showcases Choreographic RangeThe evening opened with Classical Symphony by Ukrainian choreographer Yuri Possokhov, set to Prokofiev and interpreted by lead couple Nao Ota and Jun Masuda. The second piece, Divenere by Nicolo Fonte, paired Ludovico Einaudi’s pop‑classical piano with a lyrical solo for Masuda. The finale, Remember Our Song, was choreographed by Broadway veteran Andy Blankenbuehler, condensing a wartime narrative into a 15‑minute burst of swing and Charleston.Performance Metrics and Audience ReachVenue: Linbury Theatre, Royal Opera House, LondonRun: 14 May – 17 May 2026Seating capacity: approx. 400 seats per performanceCritical reception: praised for technical precision, musicality, and versatilityImplications for American Ballet on the Global StageThe successful London run signals growing appetite for American regional companies abroad. By blending neoclassical works with contemporary pop‑classical scores and Broadway‑style storytelling, Tulsa Ballet positions itself as a versatile ambassador for U.S. dance, potentially influencing programming choices at other European houses.Future Prospects for Tulsa Ballet’s International TouringBuoyed by the positive press, the company is likely to schedule additional European dates in the 2026‑27 season, possibly targeting festivals in Paris and Berlin. Continued collaborations with choreographers like Possokhov and Blankenbuehler could cement Tulsa Ballet’s reputation as a conduit for cross‑Atlantic artistic exchange.

Ronda Rousey and pioneering MMA star Gina Carano will finally meet in the cage on Saturday, May 16, 2026 as the centerpiece of Netflix’s inaugural MMA broadcast from the Intuit Dome in Los Angeles.The Historic Netflix MMA Card Takes ShapeThe fight is part of the first MMA card ever streamed on Netflix, produced by Most Valuable Promotions. The main event pits the former UFC champion against the former Strikeforce headline‑maker, with a heavyweight bout between Francis Ngannou and Philipe Lins and a clash of veterans Nate Diaz vs Mike Perry rounding out the main card.Key Numbers: Timing, Odds, and Ticket PricingMain card kick‑off: 9 pm Eastern (01:00 GMT)Prelim start: 6 pm Eastern (22:00 GMT)Ticket price: $68 (Intuit Dome)Betting line: Rousey –600 (≈86 % win probability), Carano +425Industry Ripple Effects: Streaming Platforms and Women’s MMABy delivering a full‑fight card on a global streaming service, Netflix challenges traditional pay‑per‑view models and could accelerate the migration of combat sports to subscription platforms. The matchup also revives the narrative of women’s MMA, spotlighting two athletes who helped legitimize the sport in the early 2010s.Looking Ahead: What This Fight Means for Future MMA BroadcastsIf the Netflix card draws strong viewership, other streaming giants may pursue similar deals, potentially reshaping revenue streams for promoters and fighters. Moreover, a successful Rousey‑Carano showdown could spur more high‑profile retiree comebacks, reinforcing the commercial appeal of legacy matchups.

The Rise of a Dynasty: Houston's Unexpected WNBA Reign Fran Harris remembers a late-night dinner in Sacramento. Her Houston Comets squad had just dispatched the lowly Monarchs by 10 points. To celebrate, she and a few teammates, including Cynthia Cooper, Tammy Jackson and Kim Perrot, decided to grab a bite. Cooper had scored 44 in the 25 July 1997 contest, and her talents dazzled even her dinner companions. "I said to Cynthia, 'I just cannot believe how great you're playing – and I know how great you are!'" Harris tells the Guardian. "And she goes, 'I know!' She was just, like, Yeah, I'm the motherfucker! I was like, 'You absolutely are!'" From Underdogs to Champions: The Comets' Unexpected Journey Cooper, an eventual two-time WNBA MVP and four-time champion, was not supposed to be the league's top player. She'd played in Europe for a number of seasons after winning college championships at USC in the mid-1980s. But when the WNBA began in the summer of 1997, she was already 34. In fact, her entire Houston Comets team, who would win the league's first championship – as well as the next three – were predicted to finish last by many ahead of the inaugural campaign. (They could get a chance to add to their tally: on Wednesday the WNBA confirmed a franchise will return to Houston in 2027, 19 years after the original Comets folded.) "They were very unimpressed with our roster for some reason," says Harris, now a television analyst for the WNBA's Dallas Wings. "When we read that, we were like, 'This shit is funny! That is hilarious.'" The League's Precarious Foundation: Women's Basketball Before the WNBA When the WNBA began, professional women's basketball was in a precarious state. The WBL, the first pro women's league in the US, started nearly 20 years prior. But it folded within three years. After that, several more leagues popped up, including the ABL, which launched in 1996. That year, the US boasted an all-time Olympic team, and the league wanted to capitalize on the enthusiasm around their gold medal. But things didn't go to plan for the ABL. Harris, who had won a NCAA championship in 1986 with Texas, had heard about the ABL and was interested, but a former teammate working as a college coach warned her against joining, with the NBA getting ready to launch the WNBA. Harris took note. The ABL, without big-money backing, folded after two seasons. Building a Team: Tryouts and Team Chemistry Tryouts for the Comets' inaugural season kicked off on Mother's Day weekend. "It was just survival of the fittest," says Yolanda Moore. "It was a free-for-all. We did your basic three-man-wave – that kind of stuff. But really we were just put into teams and played basketball. And at the end of every session, they would make cuts." The Comets' first coach was Van Chancellor. A veteran of the college ranks, he'd been Moore's coach at Mississippi. Still, he told her that she had a "snowball's chance in hell" to make the Comets, she says. Moore, who graduated with a degree in journalism, initially wanted to be "Robin Roberts Jr". When she heard about the WNBA, though, she had to jump for it. She also didn't listen to her coach's negative attitude. Moore's perseverance landed her a spot on the Comets' practice team, and later one on the main roster. The Legacy of the Comets: Paving the Way for Future Generations Thinking back on the year, Harris vividly remembers the Comets' first regular-season game. It was on the road in Cleveland with an official attendance of 11,455. "It was sold out," she says. "I was like: 'Woah!' The crowd for that moment was a big deal." In a way, Harris says, that entire first year was like a dream. The WNBA marked the first time longtime women's basketball stars could play against one another professionally in the US. "We had all played against each other in college," Harris says. "Now, here we were playing against each other in a pro league. It was incredibly surreal." "Not only were we trying to prove ourselves in the league," says Moore, a bench player in her first season before blossoming into a top backup center, "but we were women trying to prove ourselves to this sport, that we deserved to have this space. We were proving that this was our time." The Return of the Comets: Houston's WNBA Future The announcement that a WNBA franchise will return to Houston in 2027 marks a significant moment for the league and the city. The original Comets folded in 2008 after winning four championships in the league's first four years. The return of professional women's basketball to Houston comes nearly two decades later, reflecting both the growth of the WNBA and the enduring legacy of the original team. As the league approaches its 30th season, the return to Houston symbolizes how far women's professional basketball has come since the Comets' early dominance. The team's legacy continues to inspire new generations of players and fans, proving that the electric atmosphere the Comets created in Houston can be reignited in the coming years.

The Comeback Victory Lionel Messi scored his 10th and ‌11th goals and had an assist, while German Berterame scored the go-ahead goal in the ⁠84th minute, as Inter ⁠Miami took advantage of two defensive blunders in a 5-3 victory over host Cincinnati. Messi's Impact on the Game Messi and Silvetti contributed assists during the rally, and Rodrigo ⁠de Paul had two assists on the night as Miami again finished victorious in a rematch of their 4-0 win in Cincinnati in the 2025 Eastern Conference semifinals. The Data Analysis Messi's 10th and 11th goals of the season Inter Miami's fifth straight win on the road in Major League Soccer (MLS) Inter Miami's seventh consecutive away win across all competitions Cincinnati's six-match unbeaten run snapped The Impact Analysis The win cements Inter Miami's position in the MLS standings, while Cincinnati's loss ends their unbeaten run. Messi's performance continues to impress, with his 11th goal in as many games. The Prediction Inter Miami will look to continue their winning streak in their next match, while Cincinnati will aim to bounce back from their loss. Messi's form will be crucial in determining the outcome of future matches.