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The Plight of Lebanon's Children Four-year-old Malaika was in her home in southern Lebanon's Mayfadoun when Israel's bombs began to hit on March 2. Her mother made an immediate attempt to flee, grabbing Malaika and her younger sister Sara, putting the latter in the back seat of her car, and Malaika in the front passenger seat. The mother sat in the driver's seat. Then a strike hit near the car. Malaika woke up in a hospital hours later, with burns on her forehead and damage to her left eye that hospital staff say will require surgery. Sara was also wounded, but not as badly as Malaika. However, their mother – who the family did not wish to name for privacy reasons – was killed in the strike. Almost 1,000 Children Wounded Israel intensified its war on Lebanon on March 2, launching attacks that came after Hezbollah had responded just hours earlier to the February 28 killing of Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, ending more than a year of restraint despite daily Israeli attacks on southern Lebanon. Israel has since killed at least 3,613 people in Lebanon, including at least 245 children, according to the Lebanese Ministry of Health. "Children continue to bear a disproportionate burden of the conflict," Elissar Gemayel, response director for World Vision Lebanon, told Al Jazeera. Violations of International Law War disrupts children's routines, pulling them from the perceived safe spaces of their homes, their rooms, their gardens, and their schools. And even those who have not been physically injured have their routines disrupted and their sense of safety shattered, potentially leading to serious psychological effects. Marianne Abboud is the mental health and psychosocial support adviser for War Child, an international humanitarian organisation focused on the rights of children living with violence or armed conflict. Societal Impacts and Government Response Humanitarian workers who spoke to Al Jazeera praised the Lebanese government for taking the lead on the response to the humanitarian crisis, in contrast to previous crises. Still, with so many people and children displaced, they maintained that there were inevitably gaps. Part of that is the result of funding cuts. The United Nations appealed in March for $308.3m for humanitarian assistance, but has only been able to reach half of its target so far. Slow Healing It has now been three months since the attack that killed her mother and left her badly wounded, and Malaika sits in a playroom at the office of the Ghassan Abu Sittah Children's Fund (GASCF) in Beirut, where her surviving family has relocated. Wounds still mark Malaika's forehead and left cheek. Her father and uncle sit on a couch nearby as she uses a yellow crayon to colour an image of a duck.

The Lead: Tabloid Ethics at Their LowestIn 1987, at the height of Britain's tabloid press era, the Sunday Sport, owned by pornography baron David Sullivan, began a disturbing practice of counting down to the 16th birthdays of schoolgirls like Natalie Banus, when they could legally be pictured topless. This controversial feature, which described 15-year-olds as "the age of the nymphet," pushed legal and ethical boundaries by publishing semi-nude images of minors, revealing a dark chapter in tabloid journalism that would continue for over 15 years.The Ethical Boundaries: Exploiting Legal LoopholesThe Sunday Sport, launched in 1986 in a blaze of controversy, meticulously navigated legal restrictions on publishing indecent images of under-16s. The newspaper maintained compliance by featuring 15-year-old girls with their chests obscured only by their arms, while explicitly anticipating their "legal" topless photos upon turning 16. Banus, described as "the sexiest 15-year-old in Britain" with measurements "a fantastic 40-22-34," became the centerpiece of this countdown strategy. The publication also encouraged readers to call premium-rate chat lines to hear her voice, further monetizing her underage status.The Impact on Subjects: Psychological Toll on Young WomenAlmost 40 years after her tabloid debut, Natalie Banus reflected on her experience in her memoir "Dark Star," published earlier this year. She revealed that she wept when reading the pieces published in anticipation of her 16th birthday, including an account of an alleged incident in a changing room where she feared sexual assault. After turning 16, the Daily Star ran topless pictures of her "all week … always paired with some nonsense story about me being so proud of my tits, getting groped or fantasising about sex." This exposure led to more work with Sullivan's publications, with some explicit shoots taking place in his former Essex home.The Legacy: From Tabloid Pages to Football BoardroomsThe relationship between the Star and the Sport lasted just eight weeks, with advertisers and journalists protesting against the seedy influence of Sullivan. However, he remained undeterred, continuing the practice of celebrating teenage girls' 16th birthdays with topless photos for more than 15 years. Other young models like Linsey Dawn McKenzie were similarly featured, with newspapers encouraging readers to imagine their topless appearances. This weekend, Sullivan's career in the adult entertainment industry has been thrown into sharp focus as he announced his resignation from West Ham to fight "false allegations" about his personal conduct, though Banus has always maintained that he treated her with "courtesy and kindness" in their dealings.

Executive Summary The Financial Conduct Authority has launched civil proceedings seeking an injunction against former fund manager Neil Woodford and his UAE‑registered firm W4.0 for providing regulated investment advice without authorisation. FCA Files Injunction Against Woodford and UAE‑Based W4.0 The regulator alleges that Woodford’s subscription platform www.w4pz.com is delivering financial promotions and advice that fall under UK regulation, despite his ban from senior manager roles following the 2019 collapse of his equity fund. Financial Stakes: £10bn Fund Peak, £46m FCA Fine, 30,000 Investors Affected Woodford’s equity fund peaked at £10bn before collapsing in 2019. The FCA fined Woodford and his investment company a total of £46m in 2025. Approximately 30,000 investors suffered losses when the fund was wound down. Regulatory Implications for Subscription‑Based Investment Services The case highlights the FCA’s focus on emerging digital advisory models that bypass traditional fund structures. By targeting a subscription‑based service operating from the United Arab Emirates, the regulator signals that UK consumer protection rules may extend to cross‑border platforms that market to UK investors. Potential Outcomes and Future Oversight of Unauthorised Advice Platforms If the injunction is granted, W4.0 would be forced to cease all promotional activities aimed at UK residents, and Woodford could face additional civil penalties. The proceedings may also prompt the FCA to issue clearer guidance on the authorisation requirements for online advisory services, influencing how former fund managers structure future offerings.

The PlanAustria's plan has been remarkably stable for years. Personnel have shifted here and there, but the spine has barely changed: Marcel Sabitzer in an attacking role, Nicolas Seiwald and Xaver Schlager in central midfield, and a defence built around Philipp Lienhart, Konrad Laimer and Stefan Posch. Continuity is one of their strengths.The CoachRalf Rangnick has restored something close to footballing pride in Austria, after years of inflated expectations. His authority lies in his directness: no sugar-coating, no empty phrasing, praise when it is deserved and criticism when it is needed.Star PlayerKonrad Laimer, who has just turned 29, is one of the team's established stars. He can play at left-back, right-back or in central midfield, and do all three at the highest level. His awareness, passing quality, pace and strength in the tackle make him arguably Austria's most sought-after footballer at the moment.One to WatchPaul Wanner had made his choice and he had picked Austria over Germany. Born in Austria to an Austrian mother and a German father, and holding dual nationality, Wanner had long been regarded as one of the brightest young talents around.Unsung HeroNicolas Seiwald rarely attracts the same attention as Austria's more eye-catching midfielders, but he may be one of the team's most important players. In Rangnick's system, he does much of the unseen work: closing spaces, sustaining the press, winning second balls and giving the side its structure.Probable Starting XIThe probable starting lineup for Austria includes a mix of experienced players and young talents, with a focus on teamwork and strategy.

The Takeaway: Preparation Still Holds the EdgeWhen the 2026 tournament kicks off, teams will recall that the 1970 edition in Mexico was anything but a textbook preparation exercise. Some squads relied on crude altitude camps, while others, notably Brazil, turned to science and detailed logistics. The contrast offers a clear lesson: a disciplined, data‑driven approach can tilt the odds in a competition where randomness is high.Altitude, Heat, and the 1970 Mexico ExperimentBulgaria sent its squad to the Pirin Mountains, hoping to mimic Mexico’s altitude, but the freezing temperatures forced a shift to dehydration training—a tactic that backfired as they lost their first two matches and exited early.England responded to heat fears by hiring Neil Phillips and physiologist Dr Griffith Pugh, while manager Alf Ramsey imposed strict controls on food and water, even burning imported meat. The team’s pre‑tournament schedule included three weeks in Mexico City, altitude friendlies in Bogotá and Quito, and a dramatic incident where captain Bobby Moore was briefly detained in Colombia.Brazil embraced a scientific plan: coach João Saldanha consulted army officers Cláudio Coutinho and Lamartine Da Costa on biometeorology, measured fitness with the Cooper test, and spent 100 days in army facilities with custom‑made kits designed to manage sweat.Hard Numbers from the 1970 CampaignBrazil arrived in Mexico City 32 days before their opening match.Players logged 100 days of controlled training at army sites.12 of Brazil’s 19 goals in the tournament were scored in the second half, highlighting superior stamina.England’s preparation spanned three weeks in Mexico City plus altitude friendlies.From 1970 to 2026: Shifting Preparation ParadigmsThe 1970 story shows that ad‑hoc altitude camps without scientific backing are insufficient. Modern teams have access to sports‑medicine, climate modelling, and nutrition expertise that were unavailable to Ramsey or the Bulgarian federation. The lesson for 2026 is that preparation must be holistic—covering climate, altitude, hydration, and recovery—rather than relying on a single variable.What 2026 Teams Should PrioritiseLooking ahead, squads should invest in:Data‑driven acclimatisation programmes that simulate heat and altitude while monitoring hydration.Custom equipment and apparel designed for the host nation’s climate.Integrated medical and physiological support, echoing the role of Dr Griffith Pugh in 1970.Flexible scheduling that respects domestic calendars yet allows sufficient isolation for conditioning.In short, the 1970 experience proves that preparation isn’t a guarantee of victory, but a stronger starting point dramatically improves a team’s chance of success in the unpredictable world of World Cup football.

The Lead: A Deadly Attack That Remains UnexplainedOn June 8, 1967, at least 34 US sailors were killed and 171 others were wounded in an Israeli attack on the USS Liberty, a United States Navy technical research ship stationed in the Mediterranean Sea off Egypt's Sinai Peninsula. Israel claimed it was a case of mistaken identity, but survivors and researchers have disputed this version, lamenting that successive governments did little to bring out the truth behind one of the deadliest attacks on the US Navy by its closest ally.The Event Details: The Attack on the USS LibertyIsraeli air and naval forces bombarded the intelligence-gathering vessel in international waters near the Sinai Peninsula during the 1967 war, when Israel captured Egypt's Sinai, Gaza and the West Bank. The assault began when Israeli jets attacked the vessel, striking the ship's deck with anti-personnel weapons and armour-piercing bullets. This was followed by a devastating strike from Israeli torpedo boats that blew a massive hole in the ship's starboard side, instantly killing 25 men in the lower research spaces.The crew had been flying the US flag and had even exchanged waves with low-flying Israeli aircraft earlier that morning, making their identity clear. Israel has long maintained the strike was a tragic error, claiming exhausted pilots mistook the US naval vessel for an Egyptian warship.The Cover-Up Allegations: Classified Records and Congressional InactionNearly 60 years on, records related to the attack remain classified, survivors and advocates say. Richard Brooks, chief engineer on the vessel, told Al Jazeera in a 2015 interview that "it wasn't a tragic accident" but "a deliberate attack" where Israel "knew who we were" and "tried to sink us." A naval board of inquiry was hastily convened while the severely damaged ship was dry-docked in Malta, but the proceedings concluded swiftly.Ernie Gallo, president of the USS Liberty Survivors Group, dismissed Israel's "mistaken identity" excuse as a lie and accused the US government of complicity for accepting the false narrative. The US Congress never formally questioned the attack or formed a committee to investigate the tragedy.The Political Impact: Renewed Attention and Congressional ActionThis year, the attack has come under renewed attention after US Representative Thomas Massie announced he would deliver a speech on the floor of the House of Representatives to honour and memorialise the crew of the USS Liberty. Massie has described the incident as an "unprovoked attack by Israel" and noted that several survivors planned to attend his memorial speech as guests in the congressional gallery.The Historical Context: Israel's Espionage Against the United StatesIsrael shares close military and intelligence ties with the US, with Washington providing billions of dollars in military assistance for decades. The USS Liberty attack remains a dark chapter, but it is not the only instance of Israel taking aggressive action or conducting intelligence operations against the US. Recently, the Pentagon's Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA) elevated the counterintelligence threat posed by Israel to its highest level of "critical."The warning follows reports of Israeli intelligence agencies intensifying efforts to collect information on US military personnel and government officials to intercept policy discussions. Other examples of Israeli espionage against the US include the covert installation of spyware on the mobile phones of US defence personnel operating inside Israel and the case of Jonathan Pollard, a US Navy civilian intelligence analyst arrested in 1985 for passing classified information to Israel.The Future Outlook: Demands for AccountabilityDespite decades passing since the attack, survivors and advocates continue to demand a full official inquiry into the USS Liberty incident. The renewed attention from Representative Massie and other officials suggests that the long-suppressed story may finally receive the congressional scrutiny that survivors have sought for nearly 60 years. As more information becomes available and political dynamics shift, the truth behind one of the most controversial incidents in US-Israel relations may finally come to light.

The Threat of Extreme Heat at World Cup 2026 Sweaty, shirtless football players lying on the pitch have seldom raised eyebrows as they did last week when photographs of European players struggling to train in the heat sparked concerns over sweltering US summer temperatures at the World Cup. Expert Warnings and Concerns Scientists have long cautioned that extreme heat could disrupt sporting events. Last month, climate experts warned that one in four World Cup games could be played in very hot conditions, affecting fans and players alike. The Data Analysis: Heat Risks and Venue Concerns Approximately 26 of the 104 matches could reach at least 26C in the Wet Bulb Globe Temperature (WBGT) index — which measures how effectively the body can cool itself — while five games are expected to be played in conditions of 28C WB or higher, according to World Weather Attribution (WWA), a network of climate scientists. More than a third of the games with a one in 10 chance of exceeding 26C will be in venues without air conditioning. 17 matches will be played in stadiums with cooling systems, reducing risks for players and fans. The Impact Analysis: Effects on Athletes' Performance Heat stress due to increased humidity, exposure to solar radiation and the effects of wind speed will impact players running around in direct sunlight. “All this makes it harder for the body to cool down as it becomes harder for sweat to evaporate as quickly,” said Everton Fox, a senior meteorologist with more than 30 years of experience. The Prediction: Future Outlook and Precautions FIFA said it has carried out heat-risk planning, with measures including three-minute hydration breaks in each half of games, cooling infrastructure for fans and players, adapted work-rest cycles, and enhanced medical readiness that scale according to real-time conditions. “The hydration breaks probably need to be longer to gain full benefit, but then you risk turning it into a game of four quarters,” Fox said jokingly, although he argued that FIFA could have confined games to northern parts of the US and Canada.

The European World Cup Dominance When it comes to winning World Cups, no continent knows how to do it better than Europe. Outside of Argentina, Brazil and Uruguay, only European teams have lifted the trophy. France: The Top Contender With an extraordinary depth of talent in every position, France have a serious shot at being crowned World Cup winners for a third time. Kylian Mbappe will lead the line, supported by Ballon d'Or winner Ousmane Dembele and his Paris Saint-Germain teammate Desire Doue – both fresh from consecutive UEFA Champions League titles. France coach Didier Deschamps will step down after the tournament after 12 years in charge. Before that, he will hope to emulate West Germany between 1982 and 1990, and Brazil from 1994 to 2002, in reaching three consecutive World Cup finals. Spain: The World's Ranked Best Ranked number one in the world, while also holding the title of European champions, Spain are the favourites for the tournament. Lamine Yamal is the poster boy for the side, and his second successive La Liga title with Barcelona was capped with the recognition of the Player of the Season award. Their only World Cup win, at Germany 2010, came two years after claiming the European crown, and Luis de la Fuente will hope that will be an omen for his side once more. Germany's Comeback Challenge The four-time winners have failed to make it out of the group stage at the last two editions. For the perennial contenders, this marks a mini crisis. Should Julian Nagelsmann's side not progress from a group of Ivory Coast, Ecuador and World Cup debutants Curacao, then a serious inquiry into Germany's run will surely ensue. Florian Wirtz and Jamal Musiala point to a bright future, while Joshua Kimmich and Antonio Rudiger remain experienced stalwarts. England's Kane Factor Harry Kane is simply his country's one great hope. England's record scorer with 79 goals in 113 appearances, he is also renowned for dropping deep and linking up the play. For a third successive season, the striker has also finished as the Bundesliga top scorer – netting 36 times in this campaign. At 32, this could be his last shot at handing England their second World Cup trophy, but the aforementioned group of death must be overcome before the knockouts – and the English bane of penalties – should be considered. Netherlands: The Bridesmaids with Ambition Forever the bridesmaids, Netherlands last missed the bouquet in 2010. Virgil van Dijk is the foundation, while Memphis Depay and Frenkie de Jong offer the flair accustomed with the total football of the Dutch masters of old. Coach Ronald Koeman has already made clear his ambition: "Our goal is to win the World Cup." Whether Koeman has the necessary tools to deliver remains to be seen. There is a growing belief, however, that a squad that are more than the sum of their parts could upstage their more illustrious opponents with their stellar lineups. Portugal's Ronaldo Farewell A side with Cristiano Ronaldo and Bruno Fernandes has a chance of winning any match. Joao Neves and Vitinha also make things tick in midfield, but it is two of Portugal's greatest that will need to lead the side if they are to reach a final for the first time. This tournament is set to be Ronaldo's farewell – a record-equalling sixth finals, which will be matched by his career-long rival Lionel Messi of Argentina. Whether the 41-year-old can add the last trophy missing from his glittering career may come down to Roberto Martinez pushing one of the greatest of all time for one last tilt. Croatia's Modric Era The runners-up medal in 2018 was followed by a third-place finish in Qatar, but time is against Croatia and, in particular, their 40-year-old maestro Luka Modric. Coach Zlatko Dalic will at least be able to build upon the central defensive pairing of the highly regarded and youthful Josko Gvardiol, 24, and Luka Vuskovic, 19, for years to come. England, Ghana and Panama serve up perhaps the most competitive group at the tournament. Emerging European Contenders Beyond the traditional powerhouses, several European teams are making their mark. Norway returns to the World Cup after a 28-year absence, led by Erling Haaland's extraordinary 16 goals in qualifying. Austria makes a comeback after 28 years, with veteran forward Marko Arnautovic leading the line. Scotland arrives at their first World Cup since 1998 off the back of a hard-fought qualifying group that needed a final-day win against Denmark to progress. Czech Republic returns to the global stage for the first time in 20 years, with Bayer Leverkusen striker Patrik Schick expected to provide the spark. Bosnia's Youth-Veteran Combination Penalty shootout success against Wales and Italy in the playoffs steered Bosnia to the World Cup, where Edin Dzeko and Kerim Alajbegovic will provide one of the more interesting forward lines at the finals. The former is aged 40 and his strike partner a mere 18 years of age – Alajbegovis was not even born when Dzeko made his international debut. The Road to Glory As Europe's finest prepare for the World Cup 2026, the continent's rich history of success suggests another European team will likely join the elite group of multiple winners. With France showing the strongest combination of current form, squad depth, and tournament pedigree, they appear best positioned to claim Europe's next World Cup triumph.

The Year-Long Setback for Tata Steel's Green Transition Trade unions have called for the government to intervene to speed up Tata Steel's connection to the electricity grid in south Wales, after the company said its new furnace would be delayed by up to a year. The delay threatens the UK's decarbonization goals and the economic future of Port Talbot, where 2,000 workers were already made redundant when the old blast furnaces were shut down. Grid Connection Complications Force Industrial Project Delays Tata Steel last month told investors that National Grid had said it would face a six- to eight-month delay for the crucial electricity connection. That could stretch to 12 months amid unexpected engineering difficulties including unsuitable ground conditions, and planning and environmental issues. The companies are looking at options to speed up the connection including changing the order of works, and installing a smaller, interim electricity supply so that Tata Steel can begin testing. Financial Implications of the Industrial Transition The Indian conglomerate has been pledged £500m in government subsidies to build the 3m tonne electric arc furnace, which will notably reduce the UK's carbon emissions. The project represents a significant investment in the UK's industrial future, with the new furnace originally expected to be operating by late 2027. National Grid, a £60bn member of the FTSE 100, has faced persistent criticism over the length of the backlog of projects waiting for connections. Regional Economic Transformation at Risk The delay adds to the problems facing Tata Steel's UK business, after a fire last week destroyed part of the remaining Port Talbot operations, known as the pickle line, that removes surface impurities. Nobody was hurt in the large fire, and Tata is now looking to reopen another pickle line in Llanwern, near Newport, in south Wales. The Community, Unite and GMB unions representing steelworkers have expressed concerns about the impact on jobs and livelihoods in the region. Future Outlook for UK Steel Industry and Energy Infrastructure As the UK continues its industrial transition, the delays at Port Talbot highlight challenges in balancing decarbonization goals with reliable energy infrastructure. The unions have called for government intervention, with some even suggesting National Grid should be nationalized to prioritize national economic interests over shareholder returns. The situation underscores the complex interplay between private energy providers, industrial transformation, and regional economic development in the UK's net-zero transition.