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The Record-Breaking Summit A 52-year-old British climber, Kenton Cool, has set a new record as he summited Mount Everest for a 20th time. Cool became the first non-Nepali climber to conquer the world’s highest peak 20 times before dawn on Friday. Cool's Achievement and Its Significance Cool is expected to reach the base camp over the weekend after his latest summit. In a statement carried by the Reuters news agency, he said climbing Mount Everest never gets “any easier or any less frightening. It’s the tallest mountain in the world and with it comes an incredible sense of majesty. “I rely on every bit of experience ⁠I have to move safely in this environment. Standing on the summit for the twentieth time is incredibly special.” The Data Behind the Record Kenton Cool's 20th Everest summit First non-Nepali climber to achieve this feat Cool's first Everest summit was in 2004 He has taken an expedition almost every year since then The Impact on Everest Climbing Cool’s achievement follows on the heels of another record. On Wednesday, more than 270 climbers ascended via Nepal’s southern route, the most in a single day. That came amid calls for action to prevent overcrowding and improve safety. Two Indian climbers were reported on Friday to have reached the peak, but to have died during their descent after they “fell ill”, Nivesh Karki, director at Pioneer Adventure, told the AFP news agency. Authorities are trying to bring the bodies down from the summit. Officials said the incident brings the death toll during this Everest season to five. The Future of Everest Climbing Kami Rita Sherpa, or “Everest Man” climbed the summit for the 32nd time – extending the world record – on Sunday. He expressed concern about the experience of climbers, saying, “The government should regulate this a bit. They should let in only climbers of quality; there should be a limit.”

Manchester United confirmed on Friday that Michael Carrick has been appointed permanent manager, ending his interim spell that sparked a dramatic turnaround in the club’s fortunes.From Interim to Permanent: Carrick’s Rapid AscensionAfter Ruben Amorim was dismissed in January, Carrick stepped in as caretaker. Within weeks the team shifted from uncertainty to conviction, climbing the league table and re‑establishing a competitive edge.Interim appointment: January 2026Permanent contract signed: 22 May 2026Key tactical change: reverted to a traditional back‑fourStatistical Turnaround Under Carrick’s TenureResults under the former midfielder have been striking:11 wins from 16 Premier League matchesOnly 2 defeatsUnited accumulated more league points than any other side during the same periodVictories over Manchester City, Arsenal, Liverpool and ChelseaThe resurgence lifted United from a 15th‑place finish the previous season to the brink of a third‑place finish and secured Champions League qualification with games to spare.Reviving Club Culture and On‑field PerformanceBeyond the numbers, Carrick has reset the dressing‑room atmosphere. Players cite clarity, communication and a calm leadership style.Harry Maguire highlighted the confidence gained after early wins against Arsenal and City.Kobbie Mainoo praised Carrick’s trust, noting his own rise to a Premier League Young Player of the Season finalist.Bruno Fernandes returned to an advanced role, matching the league record for assists with one game remaining.The shift has also quietened external noise, replacing it with a renewed sense of excellence.What Lies Ahead for United Under CarrickCarrick does not promise a revolution, but his focus on stability provides a platform for sustainable growth. The club now looks to:Consolidate a top‑three league finish and deepen the Champions League run.Continue developing young talent such as Mainoo.Maintain the cultural reset that has restored player confidence.If the current trajectory holds, United could re‑establish themselves as a perennial title contender while preserving the calm, intelligent ethos that defines Carrick’s leadership.

The Nuclear Buildup in Eastern Europe Earlier this week, Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko for the first time took part in the "rehearsal" of Russia's use of tactical and strategic nuclear weapons. Between Tuesday and Thursday, he and Russian President Vladimir Putin presided over joint military drills covering the area from Eastern Europe to the Pacific, involving hundreds of Russian missile launchers, warplanes, warships and nuclear submarines. "We threaten absolutely no one," said Lukashenko, who has helmed Belarus since 1994. "But we have such weapons, and we're ready in every possible way to defend our common fatherland from [the western Belarusian city of] Brest to [Russia's Pacific port of] Vladivostok." Russia's Nuclear Drills and Capabilities "It's important to further boost the level of readiness of strategic and tactical nuclear forces," Putin stated during the exercises. Both leaders ordered the launch of the intercontinental, hypersonic Yars missile capable of carrying three independently targetable nuclear missiles, which flew 5,750km (3,573 miles) from the Plesetsk Cosmodrome in northwestern Russia to the Pacific Kamchatka Peninsula in less than 20 minutes. As part of the drills, Moscow supplied Minsk with modified Su-25 fighter jets and Iskander-M ballistic missiles with a range of up to 500km (310 miles). Nuclear weapons are reportedly stored at the Asipovichi military range, less than 200km (124 miles) north of the Ukrainian border. Geopolitical Implications The drills come amid heightened tensions between Russia and NATO. NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte warned that if Moscow uses nuclear weapons against Ukraine, the alliance's response would be "devastating." The exercises are clearly timed to a summit of NATO foreign ministers in Sweden's Helsingborg, a venue symbolic as Sweden joined the alliance after Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine. "The events develop suddenly, seemingly without any external reasons," noted Nikolay Mitrokhin, a researcher with Germany's Bremen University. "Something big is taking place, something that will be significant for international politics in general, and for mass media, including the very supply of nuclear arms." Belarus's Calculus While Belarus enjoys economic preferences and cheap hydrocarbons from Russia, Lukashenko has resisted Putin's attempts to merge Belarus with Russia as part of "union state" deals dating back to the 1990s. In recent months, ties between Belarus and the United States have also warmed, with Lukashenko joining United States President Donald Trump's Board of Peace. "We're not going to get sucked into the war in Ukraine. There's no need for it, neither civil nor military," Lukashenko stated, signaling his readiness to meet with Ukrainian President Zelenskyy. "If [Zelenskyy] wants to discuss something, seek advice, or anything else, he's welcome. I'm ready to meet him anywhere in Ukraine or Belarus." Future Scenarios Ukrainian President Zelenskyy has warned that the drills may be part of Moscow's preparations to launch a new offensive against northern Ukraine and Kyiv after Russian troops failed to capture sizeable areas in eastern and southern Ukraine this year. However, the current concentration of Russian forces in Belarus is "insufficient" for a new offensive, according to the head of the Kyiv-based Penta think tank. "Attacking Ukraine with Belarusian forces alone may end very badly for Lukashenko," said Volodymyr Fesenko. "For him, involving Belarus in the war is too big a risk." Despite this, analysts acknowledge that "unfortunately, there is such a risk" of Belarus becoming more directly involved in the conflict, though most believe Lukashenko will avoid such a development.

Michael Carrick has been confirmed as the permanent head coach of Manchester United, signing a two‑year contract after an interim spell that lifted the club to third in the Premier League and clinched Champions League qualification with three games to spare. Carrick Secures Permanent Role After Impressive Interim Tenure The 44‑year‑old former midfielder took over from Ruben Amorim in January when United were seventh in the league and out of both domestic cups. Within weeks he delivered a 2‑0 home victory over Manchester City and guided the side back to Europe, recording 11 wins and 3 draws from 16 games as interim manager. Statistical Snapshot: United’s Turnaround Under Carrick League position improved from 7th to 3rd. Secured Champions League spot with three matches remaining. Interim record: 11 wins, 3 draws, 2 losses in 16 games. Key victories: 2‑0 over Manchester City. Implications for United’s Domestic and European Ambitions United now face a considerably busier schedule, balancing Premier League challenges with a return to the Champions League. The squad, however, remains thin after the summer departure of influential midfielder Casemiro, meaning recruitment and squad depth will be critical. What Lies Ahead for Carrick and Old Trafford Having previously been sacked by Middlesbrough in June 2025, this is Carrick’s first permanent managerial role. Player backing is strong – Kobbie Mainoo praised his leadership and Matheus Cunha publicly supported the appointment. The coming months will test Carrick’s ability to translate interim success into sustained silverware contention.

Lead: A Dog‑Led Camera Takes on the Third ReichThe short film Blondi premiered in Brixton, using a seven‑month‑old German shepherd, Lexie, as the on‑set cinematographer. Producer Pablo Álvarez‑Hornia and director Jack Salvadori strapped a camera to the dog’s back, creating a uniquely unsettling perspective on the final days of the Nazi regime.Lexie the German Shepherd Becomes the World’s First CinemadographerFor the first time in cinema history, a non‑human animal operated the camera, capturing shaky, low‑angle shots that mirror the chaos of the bunker. Salvadori described the result as “freaky angles” that make viewers feel uncomfortable, a deliberate choice to reflect the grim reality of the era.Film title: BlondiDirector: Jack Salvadori (29, Italian‑born)Producer: Pablo Álvarez‑Hornia (27, Spanish‑born)Dog‑cinematographer: Lexie, a seven‑month‑old German shepherdScript writer: Peter GreenawayCinematography advisor: Roger DeakinsHow a Dog‑Led Camera Challenges Conventional FilmmakingThe experiment forces actors to react to an unpredictable, animal‑driven lens, stripping away traditional blocking and creating a theatre‑like spontaneity. It also raises ethical questions about using a living creature to convey historical horror, while highlighting the dog’s ability to “capture energies” that human operators might miss.What This Experiment Means for Future Documentary TechniquesBy handing visual control to an animal, the filmmakers suggest a new frontier where subjectivity is literal rather than metaphorical. If audiences respond to the visceral discomfort, we may see more projects that embed cameras in unconventional carriers—animals, drones, or even wearable tech—to achieve raw, unmediated perspectives.

The Lead: US-Cuba Relations Reach Critical PointUnited States President Donald Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio have issued new threats of military action against Cuba, escalating tensions between the two nations. The Trump administration, with Cuban-American Rubio at the forefront, has been increasing pressure on the communist-led island in what appears to be an attempt to institute "regime change," including a fuel blockade that has pushed the Cuban economy toward collapse.The Escalation: Military Buildup and Legal ActionsThe push against Cuba has accelerated in recent days, with the US indicting Cuba's former President Raul Castro and gathering military forces in the Caribbean. Since returning to office, Trump has implemented numerous sanctions against Cuba, including a fuel blockade that has caused blackouts and protests across the island.On Thursday, Adys Lastres Morera – sister of a high-ranking executive of the Grupo de Administracion Empresarial SA (GAESA) conglomerate, controlled by Cuba's military – was arrested. The US military has also announced that several navy ships, including an aircraft carrier, have arrived in the Caribbean to participate in maritime exercises with partners in Latin America.The Rationale: National Security ConcernsRubio told reporters that Cuba has been a national security threat for years due to its ties with US adversaries Russia and China. Rejecting suggestions of "nation building," Rubio emphasized that the issue is one of "national security." While stating that a negotiated agreement is the US "preference," he indicated that the path of diplomacy with Cuba is "not high.""Their economic system doesn't work. It's broken, and you can't fix it with the current political system that's in place," Rubio said. He added that Cuba has historically "bought time and waited out" previous administrations, but "they're not going to be able to wait us out or buy time. We're very serious, we're very focused."The Presidential Stance: Trump's Personal CommitmentPresident Donald Trump separately told reporters that US presidents have considered intervening in Cuba for decades, but that he appears likely to be "the one that does it." Trump expressed willingness to take action, stating he would be "happy" to intervene militarily in Cuba if necessary.International Response: Condemnation and SupportIn response to the US actions, Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez criticized Rubio for falsely labeling Cuba a threat. "The US secretary of state lies once again to instigate a military aggression that would provoke the shedding of Cuban and American blood," Rodriguez said.Both China and Russia have criticized the US pressure on Cuba. China stated it "firmly supports" Cuba and urged the US to de-escalate tensions and "stop threatening force." Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov commented that "under no circumstances should such methods – which border on violence – be used against either former or current heads of state."Historical Context: The Venezuela PrecedentAnalysts suggest that Trump and Rubio may be considering a similar approach in Cuba to the regime change operation conducted in Venezuela earlier in 2026. In January, Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife were kidnapped in a military operation and brought to the US, where Maduro was charged with "narcoterrorism."Future Outlook: Aid Offers and Potential EscalationRubio noted that Cuba had tentatively accepted an offer of $100 million in aid in return for reforms, though it remains unclear if the US would accept Cuba's terms, as Washington insists on circumventing the military-backed conglomerate GAESA. The situation remains volatile, with both sides digging in their positions as the US continues its military buildup in the region.

The Lead The Royal Exchange's 50th anniversary season production, 'Even These Things', is a bold attempt to encapsulate the complex history of Manchester. The play explores themes of identity, community, and belonging through three seemingly unrelated scenes. MAPPING MANCHESTER'S HISTORY The play is built from three scenes, each set in a different time period. The first scene is set in 1846 and features a heavily pregnant Irish immigrant, Annie Donovan, who brushes shoulders with Friedrich Engels on her way to a fist fight. The second scene is set in 1996 and describes the city-centre life of an ordinary Saturday, with a community cast playing out whimsical vignettes. The final scene takes place after the IRA bomb outside the Arndale Centre and features a tender exchange between two strangers of Irish heritage. THE POWER OF COMMUNITY The play's cumulative meaning may be tricky to grasp, but as the scenes rub up against each other, what emerges is a thoughtful, rich and complex picture of home. The connections between the scenes are elliptical, but they ultimately reveal a city with a shared history and a strong sense of community. THE FUTURE OF MANCHESTER The play suggests that, however difficult, a future is possible. The final scene's chat about miscarriage and childbirth between two strangers of Irish heritage meeting in the park some months after the attack on an Ariana Grande concert brought the city together, implies that the city can heal and move forward. CONCLUSION 'Even These Things' is a bold and ambitious production that successfully maps Manchester's complex history. The play's themes of identity, community, and belonging are timely and thought-provoking, making it a must-see for anyone interested in theatre and the city of Manchester.

The Ousting of CHP Leader Ozgur Ozel A court in Turkey has annulled the 2023 leadership election of the main opposition Republican People's Party (CHP), in a sharp escalation against the country's embattled opposition. The ruling overturned the result of a leadership election that brought in current party head Ozgur Ozel, with the court naming the party's former chair, Kemal Kilicdaroglu – who lost the election to Ozel – as interim leader. The Impact on Turkish Politics The case was seen as a test of Turkey's shaky balance between democracy and increasingly centralised power, and the ruling may throw the opposition into further disarray and possible infighting. It could also boost Erdogan's chances of extending his more than two-decade rule of the big NATO member country and major emerging market economy. The CHP's Response to the Court Ruling The CHP rejected the ruling as an “attempted coup”, while the government – which denies criticism that it uses courts to target political opponents – said it renewed Turks' faith in the rule of law. Ali Mahir Basarir, CHP deputy parliamentary group chair, told the Reuters news agency the ruling “is an attempted coup carried out through the judiciary [and] a blow against the will of 86 million people”. Economic Fallout and Future Implications Turkey's Borsa Istanbul .XU100 dropped 6 percent in response, triggering a market-wide circuit breaker, while government bonds slid. The central bank sold billions of dollars in forex to ease the fallout, four traders said. Investors said the latest political turmoil would be watched for similar risks. The Future Outlook for CHP and Turkey The pro-Kurdish DEM Party (Peoples' Equality and Democracy Party), parliament's third-largest, called the court decision a “black stain” on Turkish democracy. The reinstated CHP leader Kilicdaroglu, who had largely faded from public view since his electoral defeat three years ago, called for calm and common sense, saying he hoped Turkey would benefit from it.

The Deadly Attacks in Honduras Two incidents of gun violence have shaken Honduras, killing at least 16 people in the Central American country. On Thursday, gunfire was first reported on a remote palm farm in Rigores, part of the municipality of Trujillo in the country’s north. The Attack on the Palm Farm A spokesperson for Honduras’s National Police, Edgardo Barahona, said that as many as 10 workers were shot dead at the site, though the number is expected to rise. Barahona explained that some distraught family members had come to collect their loved ones’ bodies before investigators could secure the crime scene. Local media indicated that armed suspects fired indiscriminately on labourers, including some who had gathered at a local church. Photos showed bodies, some wearing thick rubber boots for work, strewn on the ground outside. According to one report, three sisters were among the dead. The Ambush of Police Officers Separately on Thursday, a second deadly incident unfolded in another part of northern Honduras, the Cortes department, near the border with Guatemala. In that case, police officers had travelled from the capital Tegucigalpa to Omoa, in Cortes, to carry out an anti-gang operation. But authorities describe what happened next as an ambush. According to reports, the officers entered a building to search for suspects and were fired upon. Six officers were killed, including a deputy commissioner named Lester Amador, according to the National Police. They were from the Anti-Maras, Gangs and Organised Crime Police Directorate (DIPAMPCO), a unit within the police force. Suspects may have also been killed or injured in the attack. The Government's Response After the two attacks, the National Police issued a statement, saying it “will proceed immediately with a direct intervention in the affected areas”. “The state will act firmly to capture those responsible, protect vulnerable communities and guarantee comprehensive justice for all affected victims,” it added. Honduras was under a years-long state of emergency to combat crime starting in 2022. Critics, however, denounced the emergency measures as weakening civil liberties and awarding law enforcement inordinate power, allowing it to carry out human rights abuses.