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Monarch Collective believes that a number of Women’s Super League (WSL) clubs remain “afterthoughts” for their owners, receiving only marginal capital and expertise. Co‑founder Kara Nortman highlighted this concern during a recent interview.Last month, Monarch became the first women’s multi‑sport group by acquiring a minority stake in the Cleveland WNBA franchise, joining an ownership portfolio that already includes NWSL sides San Diego Wave and Boston Legacy, as well as German club Viktoria Berlin.Since establishing Monarch in 2023—four years after launching Angel City FC with Natalie Portman and Julie Uhrman—Nortman has held informal talks with roughly a dozen English clubs, though no deal has yet materialised. She declined to comment on ongoing negotiations with West Ham United’s women’s side, noting that finding the right English partner has proven “challenging”.Recent years have seen a wave of international interest in WSL clubs, yet many prospective investors perceive the women’s teams as a compliance tool for profitability and sustainability mandates rather than a growth engine. In the past twelve months, clubs such as Chelsea, Aston Villa and Everton have sold stakes in their women’s sides to related‑party entities, while US‑based Bay Collective recently secured majority ownership of Sunderland Women in the WSL2.Monarch’s latest $250 million funding round equips it with the capital to act when a suitable opportunity arises. Nortman explained, “If owners truly believe in their women’s team, they should invite us to ‘supercharge’ it with our cross‑sport expertise. If they only want a token boost, that’s a different story.”Beyond capital, Monarch offers advisory services. Nortman recounted a humorous encounter with fans at Crystal Palace, where a supporter asked if she was a “Wag”, prompting a light‑hearted response that underscored the firm’s community‑focused ethos.Reflecting on Angel City’s trajectory, Nortman noted that Monarch initially invested about $1 million to help the club join the NWSL in 2020. Four years later, Angel City was sold to Disney CEO Bob Iger and his wife for a reported $250 million, making it the world’s most valuable women’s franchise.Looking ahead, Monarch is broadening its scope beyond football and basketball, exploring opportunities in cricket and rugby union. The firm recently opened a London office, led by former Manchester City executive Katharine Curran, to deepen its engagement with the UK sports market.

Los Angeles residents are facing sticker shock over the presale ticket prices for the 2028 Olympics, with many expressing frustration over the high costs. The tickets, which went on sale for local residents on April 2, range in price from $28 to thousands of dollars.Many residents found that the lower-priced tickets quickly sold out or were unavailable for popular sports like gymnastics and track and field, leaving them with more expensive options. A 24% service fee was also added to the ticket prices, which some residents found excessive.One resident, Kathy Dorn, spent around $1,200 on tickets to watch the rhythmic and artistic gymnastics preliminaries and the sailing finals. She was deterred from buying a ticket to a swimming event due to the high price of $558 per ticket for a two-hour event.Another resident, Tony Anthony, spent $11,000 on eight tickets for track and field events, with nearly $400 going toward the service fee. He noted that the lower-priced tickets were not available during his time slot.The LA Olympics committee has defended the ticket prices, stating that most of the $28 tickets went to purchasers in southern California and Oklahoma City. They also noted that the ticket prices are meant to ensure that the Games can break even without burdening the city with costs.The high ticket prices have raised concerns among residents, particularly in Inglewood, where the opening ceremony and some events will take place. Some residents are worried that they will be priced out of attending the Games and will have to bear the burden of traffic, congestion, and noise during the events.

Rory McIlroy, the world's No 2 golfer, secured his second Masters win at Augusta National, a triumph he largely attributes to the support of his parents, Rosie and Gerry McIlroy. In a heartwarming display of family devotion, McIlroy had to convince his parents to attend the tournament, as they feared their presence might jinx his title defense. The McIlroy family has a remarkable story of sacrifice and dedication. Rory's parents worked multiple jobs, including graveyard shifts, to support their son's golfing ambitions. Gerry, 66, managed a bar and worked as a cleaner, while Rosie, 65, worked late nights at a factory. Their unwavering support and refusal to pressure Rory into playing golf have been instrumental in his success. During his final round, McIlroy admitted to thinking about his parents and fighting back tears. After securing his win, he turned to his family, including his wife Erica and daughter Poppy, and expressed his gratitude to his parents. 'Mum and Dad, I owe everything to you. You’re the most wonderful parents,' he said, visibly emotional. This victory cements McIlroy's stature as one of golfing's greats, with his sixth major win. His parents' presence at the tournament made the moment even more special, with Rosie sporting a handbag adorned with newspaper reports from his 2025 win. As McIlroy looks to the future, he hopes to emulate his parents' example, stating, 'If I can be half the parent to Poppy as you were to me then I’ll know I’ve done a good job.'

Chala Chala Nav Bala (Maze Baal, 1943) marks the debut of Asha Bhosle, who entered the film world at ten years old. Paired with her sister Lata Mangeshkar, her bright falsetto captures the youthful innocence of the Marathi romance, foreshadowing the emotive style that would define her career. Aaiye Meherbaan (Howrah Bridge, 1958) showcases Bhosle’s rise during Hindi cinema’s golden age, thanks to her partnership with composer O.P. Nayyar. The song’s sultry vibrato and lush orchestration set the tone for the film’s noir atmosphere, establishing her as a leading‑lady playback voice. Aao Huzoor Tumko (Kismat, 1968) became a chart‑topping hit, featuring intricate vocal runs over a flamenco‑style guitar. Bhosle’s lower‑register chorus broke the conventional shrillness of female playback, while her nuanced phrasing added depth to the on‑screen heroine’s drunken allure. Dum Maro Dum (Hare Rama, Hare Krishna, 1971) stands out as her most successful crossover, later sampled by Western rappers. The track, produced with R.D. Burman—her future husband—blends psychedelic Beatles‑inspired grooves with Hindi lyrics, demonstrating her ability to bridge Eastern and Western pop sensibilities. Piya Tu Ab To Aaja (Caravan, 1971) pushes the fusion further into jazz‑cabaret territory, with bold horn sections and cinematic guitar reverb. Bhosle’s breathy, suggestive delivery sparked controversy, yet the performance remains a masterclass in balancing sensuality with technical agility. Chura Liya Hai Tumne Jo Dil Ko (Yaadon Ki Baaraat, 1973) epitomises the “masala” film soundtrack, merging drama, romance, and crime. Over a gentle guitar backdrop, Bhosle’s tender humming conveys quiet longing, contrasting with the film’s high‑octane narrative. In Ankhon Ki Masti (Umrao Jaan, 1981) sees Bhoske venture into Urdu ghazals with composer Khayyam. Her lower, huskier timbre—adjusted a half‑step down—highlights her continued artistic experimentation even as she approached fifty. Bow Down Mister (1991) illustrates her early 1990s foray into international collaborations, lending wordless, soaring vocals to Boy George’s post‑Culture Club project. The track transforms into a rave‑infused anthem, underscoring Bhosle’s versatility across genres. Radha Kaise Na Jale (Lagaan, 2001) pairs Bhosle with a young A.R. Rahman, reaffirming her status as an elder stateswoman of Indian music. The duet with Udit Narayan blends tabla and flute with powerful vocal runs, marrying traditional Hindustani scales to contemporary film scoring. The Way You Dream (2002) features an unexpected partnership with REM frontman Michael Stipe on the 1 Giant Leap project. The eight‑minute piece weaves tabla rhythms, subtle guitar, and a dramatic breakbeat, proving that Bhosle’s voice can seamlessly inhabit New Age and electronic soundscapes.

Rachel Zegler has hailed the accessibility of Evita's free balcony scene, which became a landmark moment for London sightseers during the show's run last summer. The scene, which featured Zegler performing 'Don't Cry for Me Argentina' from the balcony of the London Palladium to crowds gathered on the street below, was a groundbreaking moment in theatre. At the Olivier awards on Sunday night, Zegler delivered the song again – this time on the stage of the Royal Albert Hall – and took home the award for best actress in a musical. Host Nick Mohammed noted that Zegler had become 'a new landmark for London sightseers' during Evita's run, allowing people who hadn't bought a ticket to watch the performance live for free on a giant screen. Zegler described Evita's director, Jamie Lloyd, as a 'genius' for staging the scene in such a way, giving 'a piece of theatre, just in the street' to young people who may not be able to afford West End ticket prices. 'It's so beautiful that Jamie Lloyd made such an accessible moment of theatre for people to walk by and witness something really, really cool,' she said. The actor, whose musical films include West Side Story and Snow White, praised Londoners for making her feel welcome and described those who had waited outside to watch the balcony scene as being 'so giving with their energy and love'. Zegler also acknowledged the difficulty of replicating the balcony scene, but she and Andrew Lloyd Webber have spoken of their hope that Evita will transfer to Broadway. Evita picked up two awards from five nominations at the Olivier awards, with choreographer Fabian Aloise also recognised for his work. The show was beaten to the prize for best musical revival by Into the Woods at the Bridge theatre.

Recent CDC data reveal a dramatic 1,200% increase in kratom‑related poisonings across the United States over the last ten years, with the most pronounced surge recorded in 2025. Researchers link this rise to the growing presence of 7‑hydroxymitragynine (7‑OH), a synthetically produced compound that mimics kratom’s effects but carries opioid‑like risks. Walter Prozialeck, pharmacology professor at Midwestern University, said the trend was expected, noting that the synthetic alkaloid has entered the market through energy drinks and other products since 2024. Christopher McCurdy of the University of Florida warned that marketing 7‑OH as “enhanced kratom” blurs the line for consumers, turning poison‑control calls into a conflated metric for both natural and synthetic products. By contrast, natural kratom (Mitragyna speciosa)—a Southeast Asian plant used for centuries as a pain reliever—has demonstrated a relatively favorable safety profile in animal and human studies. A 2018 statement from then‑HHS Secretary Brett Giroir rejected the DEA’s push to schedule kratom as a Schedule I substance, citing insufficient evidence of harm. Despite the scientific distinction, several states have moved to implement or propose blanket bans on all kratom products, prompting concern from clinicians and patient advocates. A recent user survey indicated that about 50% of respondents rely on kratom for chronic pain, while roughly 40% use it during addiction recovery. Personal testimonies underscore the plant’s therapeutic role. Jeff Maslan, a 68‑year‑old Californian with severe osteoarthritis, credits kratom with easing opioid withdrawal after multiple surgeries. Similarly, “Steven,” a disabled California resident, describes how kratom eliminated unbearable oxycodone withdrawal symptoms without producing the euphoric “warm fuzzy” feeling typical of opioids. Researchers emphasize that 7‑OH carries genuine opioid hazards, including addiction, severe withdrawal, and respiratory depression that can lead to fatal overdose. In animal models, 7‑OH demonstrated the same respiratory‑depression risk as classic opioids, whereas kratom’s primary alkaloid did not. Prozialeck and colleagues explain that kratom’s pharmacology is more nuanced: it partially activates opioid receptors while also engaging adrenergic and serotonin pathways, resembling a hybrid of a weak opioid and an SNRI‑type antidepressant. This multimodal action likely accounts for its lower euphoric potential and the reported boost in energy among users. Nevertheless, experts caution that kratom is not without risk. Fatal poisonings often involve co‑ingestion of potent opioids such as fentanyl, suggesting that some users may cycle between kratom and stronger substances, raising overdose danger due to reduced opioid tolerance. Additionally, heavy‑metal contamination has been detected in certain kratom batches, though the source—soil, processing, or storage—remains unclear. Given these complexities, the consensus among scholars like Austin Zamarripa (Johns Hopkins) is that natural kratom should remain accessible, while concentrated 7‑OH products merit stricter regulation. “These products may offer meaningful benefits to some individuals, and those benefits could be lost if access is restricted too broadly,” Zamarripa said, urging a differentiated policy approach. As the debate unfolds, patients like Steven worry that a sweeping ban would ignore the nuanced safety profile of the plant. “There’s corn on the cob, there’s high‑fructose corn syrup, there’s whiskey— all derived from corn but fundamentally different,” he remarked, highlighting the need for targeted, evidence‑based regulation rather than a one‑size‑fits‑all prohibition.

Booking.com, a leading accommodation reservation website, has suffered a significant data breach that has exposed customer information to unauthorized parties. The company, which lists over 30 million accommodation venues worldwide, detected suspicious activity involving unauthorized access to some guests' booking information.Upon discovering the breach, Booking.com took immediate action to contain the issue and updated the PIN numbers for affected reservations. The company has also informed affected customers about the breach. According to Booking.com, financial information was not accessed during the breach.The breach is the latest in a series of cybercrime attempts on Booking.com, which has recently struggled with a rising number of online scams on its platform. In 2018, the company reported a breach that exposed the booking data of over 4,000 people. Booking.com was fined €475,000 for reporting the breach 22 days late to the Dutch privacy regulator.The company, owned by Booking Holdings, a $137 billion US company, employs over 24,000 people worldwide. The breach highlights the growing concern of fake listings on booking websites and the need for increased cybersecurity measures in the industry.

‘Departures’ arrives in UK and Irish theatres on 17 April, offering a sharply observed portrait of a man navigating the aftermath of a breakup. The story centers on Benji, a thirty‑something who, after parting ways with his charismatic trainer Jake, plunges into a haze of parties, substance use and fleeting encounters in an attempt to dull the ache of lost love. The film tackles weighty subjects—body‑image insecurity, familial rejection and the pressures of toxic masculinity—yet it avoids sentimentality by leaning into a darkly comic tone and a poppy visual palette. Its elliptical editing stitches together present‑day self‑destruction with fragmented memories of Jake, creating a nonlinear rhythm that mirrors the disorienting experience of a broken heart. Ey​re‑Morgan not only co‑writes and co‑directs but also embodies Benji, delivering a performance that feels both self‑deprecating and raw. His on‑screen chemistry with David Tag’s Jake provides the emotional anchor of the film, allowing the audience to glimpse the genuine connection that fuels Benji’s subsequent turmoil. Despite its strengths, the movie leans heavily on voice‑over narration, which at times hampers momentum, especially during emotionally charged scenes. The tendency to verbalise feelings rather than let the cinematography speak can feel redundant, and the multiple flashbacks occasionally drift into over‑exposition. Overall, ‘Departures’ stands as a thoughtful exploration of love, identity and the search for authenticity, while also showcasing the burgeoning talent emerging from northern England’s film scene.

Experts are closely monitoring climate patterns in the Pacific Ocean, which indicate a high chance of El Niño developing this summer. A strong El Niño event could lead to severe weather conditions, including super-charged rainstorms and droughts, depending on the region. A 'super El Niño' could push 2027 to break global heat records, according to climate scientists. This phenomenon occurs when ocean surface temperatures in the central and eastern tropical Pacific Ocean warm up, leading to significant impacts on global weather patterns. El Niño is characterized by warming of the ocean surface in the central and eastern tropical Pacific Ocean. It's one of three states scientists observe: La Niña, conversely, happens when sea surface temperatures are below average, and neutral conditions are defined when neither El Niño or La Niña are present and surface temperatures are about average. The 'El Niño-southern oscillation' (Enso) tends to develop during spring in the northern hemisphere and shifts every three to seven years. Warming and cooling at sea surface during El Niño and La Niña can range from 1C to 3C, and have enormous effects on precipitation, drought, heat, and climate disasters in different regions. Conditions are currently shifting from La Niña to a neutral pattern, according to the latest outlook from the US Climate Prediction Center. Models show a 62% chance El Niño will emerge this summer and linger until at least the end of the year. A super El Niño that occurred in 2015 brought severe drought in Ethiopia, water supply shortages in Puerto Rico, and smashed records after unleashing a vicious hurricane season in the central North Pacific. A 'super' El Niño means one that is stronger, typically defined by sea surface temperatures spiking up to at least 2C. Noaa scientists have given a 1 in 4 chance that this could happen by fall or winter, with the caveat that spring forecasts are sometimes muddled. Transitions in conditions that happen in the spring can make outcomes a bit harder to predict. Experts warn that a strong or super El Niño could lead to drought and heat across Australia, southern and central Africa, India, and parts of South America. Heavy precipitation, meanwhile, could hit the southern tier of the US, parts of the Middle East, and south-central Asia.