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El Salvador has introduced a new law that permits life imprisonment for minors as young as 12 for serious crimes such as homicide, terrorism, and rape. The law, which takes effect on April 26, is part of a broader crackdown on gang violence in the country. The move has drawn criticism from human rights groups, who warn that it could lead to grave human rights abuses and perpetuate long-term consequences for child and adolescent development. The law's passage is seen as a continuation of President Nayib Bukele's hardline policies, which have included a state of emergency that has suspended certain civil liberties since March 2022. Under this state of emergency, over 90,000 people have been imprisoned, with some detainees held without charges and others processed in mass trials. Human Rights Watch estimates that nearly 1.9% of El Salvador's population is behind bars, one of the highest rates in the world. The new law allows for periodic sentence reviews and the possibility of supervised release, but UNICEF has expressed deep concern about the prospect of children being sentenced to life behind bars. The organization argues that such measures contradict the standards enshrined in the Convention on the Rights of the Child, which prioritizes rehabilitation and reintegration over punishment. Critics have repeatedly called on Bukele and the Salvadoran government to end the state of emergency and related anti-crime measures, citing violations of fundamental human rights. A recent report by the International Group of Experts for the Investigation of Human Rights Violations alleged that crimes against humanity had been committed over the last four years, with Bukele himself acknowledging that at least 8,000 detainees were innocent.

Peru's general election has entered its third day without a clear outcome, leaving voters increasingly frustrated and skeptical about the legitimacy of the results. The closely watched presidential race has seen leftist candidate Roberto Sanchez move into second place as the vote count continues.The delayed results have fueled concerns about the country's ability to conduct a free and fair election. Keiko Fujimori is leading with 17 percent of the vote, but the second spot remains undecided, with Sanchez holding 12.04 percent and Rafael Lopez Aliaga close behind with 11.9 percent.The confusion over the voting process and its results has spiked public skepticism, with many voters expressing frustration and disappointment. Candidates, including Lopez Aliaga, have suggested that they will not accept the results as legitimate, citing concerns about electoral fraud.Observers have cautioned against unsubstantiated claims of fraud, stating that there is no firm evidence of foul play. However, the European Union Election Observation Mission to Peru has noted that there have been serious problems with the electoral process.The delayed results have also highlighted growing rates of disillusionment among Peruvians about the state of the country's democracy. A recent poll found that about 84 percent of respondents were unsatisfied or very unsatisfied with how democracy was functioning in Peru.The country's political instability has been a major concern, with Peru shifting through nine presidents in just 10 years. The situation has been further complicated by rising concern about issues such as crime and corruption, which have been cited as major concerns by voters.

Pellegrino Matarazzo, the coach of Real Sociedad, has had an extraordinary journey from New Jersey to Seville. Born to Neapolitan émigrés, Matarazzo's love for football was ignited at a young age. He earned a degree in applied mathematics from Columbia University but chose to pursue a career in football instead of investment banking.Matarazzo's journey took him from playing in Germany's third and fourth tiers to coaching in the Bundesliga. He successfully led Stuttgart back to the Bundesliga and Hoffenheim back to Europe. His impressive track record made him an attractive candidate for Real Sociedad, a team he joined in December.Under Matarazzo's leadership, Real Sociedad has experienced a remarkable turnaround. The team had just 17 points in 17 games and was on the brink of relegation. However, Matarazzo's impact was immediate, and they are now within reach of a Champions League place and feature in a cup final, having defeated Athletic en route.Matarazzo attributes his success to his ability to adapt to different cultures and his willingness to connect with the people and history of the region. He emphasizes the importance of understanding the club's values and identity, which has earned him the appreciation of the fans.As Real Sociedad prepares to face Atlético Madrid in the Copa del Rey final, Matarazzo expresses his excitement and gratitude for the opportunity. He acknowledges the significance of the moment, not just for the team but also for the city and the fans, who have been waiting 39 years for a cup final.

New research indicates that individuals carrying the red‑hair allele have been evolutionary winners in Europe for more than 10,000 years. The study, led by Harvard scientists, examined DNA from nearly 16,000 ancient remains and over 6,000 living Europeans, providing robust proof that human biology continues to evolve long after farming began. Researchers identified 479 genetic variants that show clear signs of positive selection. Among these are genes linked to red hair and fair skin, as well as variants that affect susceptibility to coeliac disease, diabetes risk, baldness and rheumatoid arthritis. The authors suggest that the advantage of red hair may stem from its association with lighter skin, which enhances vitamin D synthesis in low‑sunlight environments—a crucial benefit for early European farmers. Prior to this work, only about 21 traits had been documented as having risen through natural selection, such as lactase persistence. The scarcity of earlier examples had led some to argue that directional selection was rare after modern humans left Africa. By leveraging an unprecedented volume of ancient genomic data and advanced computational methods, the team demonstrated that selection pressures intensified during the transition from hunter‑gatherer societies to agricultural ones, reshaping hundreds of genes across West Eurasia. "With these new techniques and the sheer scale of ancient DNA, we can now observe how selection sculpted our biology in near real‑time," said Dr. Ali Akbari, the study’s first author. Beyond vitamin D, the rise of certain disease‑related alleles poses intriguing puzzles. A mutation that heightens the risk of coeliac disease emerged around 4,000 years ago and has steadily increased, implying that carriers may have enjoyed other survival advantages despite the autoimmune threat. Similarly, the immune‑regulating gene TYK2, which markedly raises tuberculosis susceptibility, grew in frequency between 9,000 and 3,000 years ago before declining, hinting at a complex balance between pathogen defense and disease risk. The analysis also uncovered negative selection against genetic profiles that promote a high body‑fat percentage, supporting the classic “thrifty genes” hypothesis: traits advantageous for storing energy during scarce hunter‑gatherer periods became detrimental once agriculture ensured a steadier food supply. "This work lets us assign both place and time to the forces that have shaped us," noted Prof. David Reich, senior author and Harvard Medical School geneticist. While the findings are confined to West Eurasian populations, they raise broader questions about whether similar evolutionary dynamics occurred elsewhere. The full study appears in Nature.

Reed Hastings, the co-founder of Netflix, is leaving the streaming service's board of directors after 29 years. Hastings will not stand for re-election at the company's annual meeting in June and plans to focus on philanthropy and other pursuits.In a letter to investors, Netflix said Hastings' decision to step down is not a result of any disagreement with the company. The company's stock dropped about 8% on the news of Hastings' departure.Hastings co-founded Netflix in northern California and led it through its pivot from a mail-order DVD company to a leading streaming TV service. He stepped down as CEO in 2023.Netflix reaffirmed its mission to entertain the world, providing movies and series for many tastes, cultures, and languages. The company's full-year financial outlook remained unchanged. Revenue rose to $12.25 billion, an increase of 16% from the year-ago period, modestly exceeding analyst forecasts.The company plans to use technology to improve the user experience and monetization, with advertising revenue on track to reach $3 billion in 2026, a twofold increase from a year ago. Netflix also highlighted areas of future growth, including video podcasts and live entertainment.

The sports world is reeling from the news that Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF) is pulling back its financial support for LIV Golf, a rebel tour that has been a key vehicle for the kingdom's ambitious attempts to become a leading global sports destination.Conservatively estimated to have cost Saudi Arabia over $10bn in the past five years, the slowdown in lavish spending on sport was expected, but the withdrawal of PIF's support has sent shockwaves throughout the industry. This move was first communicated to LIV executives on Monday, leaving many employees fearing for their jobs.The uncertainty is not limited to golf, with other sports administrators worried that similar cuts could be coming their way. LIV Golf's future is now in doubt, with the tour's chief executive, Scott O'Neil, failing to address the possibility of PIF's withdrawal in an email to staff on Wednesday evening.Sports executives outside golf have expressed concerns about the future, stating, 'We all went running to Saudi for a quick payday and are now wondering what the future holds.' The PIF's investment strategy now focuses on domestic benefits and building real businesses, with LIV Golf being seen as vulnerable due to its lack of profitability.The PIF's financial strategy for 2026-2030 emphasizes 'value realisation through performance, innovation, and private sector engagement.' While sport is not listed as one of PIF's six investment pillars, it will be included under the tourism, travel, and entertainment portfolio.The move towards privatization is evident, with PIF selling a 70% stake in Al-Hilal, one of its Saudi Pro League clubs, to a private company owned by Prince Al Waleed bin Talal Al Saud. Other sports, such as Esports, boxing, and mixed martial arts, are expected to continue receiving investment due to their popularity and potential for growth.The implications of PIF's shift in strategy extend beyond golf, with Newcastle United and other sports organizations potentially affected. As Saudi Arabia continues to invest heavily in certain sports, the future of others, like LIV Golf, remains uncertain.

Tiger Woods, the 50-year-old golf legend, has been in a tumultuous situation after his DUI arrest on March 27. According to court filings released recently, Woods told police that he had taken several prescription medications, including Vicodin, on the day of the crash. He claimed to have taken these medications for high blood pressure, cholesterol, and pain management. Woods denied drinking alcohol, and a breath test confirmed that there was no alcohol in his system. However, he refused a urine test for drugs. Prosecutors are seeking access to Woods's prescription records from the months leading up to the crash, but his attorneys have objected, citing privacy concerns. In a series of bizarre remarks, Woods told officers at the scene that 'all the drones' were flying over his home and referenced '10 to 15 drones coming over my … car' with 'GoPros on 'em'. He then claimed to have spoken to 'the president' in a conversation that was cut short. Woods has pleaded not guilty to DUI charges stemming from the crash and is due back in court next month. His attorney has requested a protective order to limit the use of any records obtained. Woods has been in a relationship with Vanessa Trump, former daughter-in-law of Donald Trump, for over a year. Donald Trump himself stated that he had spoken with Woods since the incident, noting that the golfer 'lives a life of pain' due to his injuries. Woods has been involved in previous high-profile car incidents, including a life-threatening 2021 crash in Los Angeles and a 2017 DUI arrest linked to prescription medication use. He has struggled with chronic pain and injuries in recent years, including a seventh back procedure and a ruptured achilles tendon.

Nottingham Forest has advanced to the Europa League semi-finals, setting up an all-English clash with Aston Villa. The match against Porto was marked by Jan Bednarek's early sending off and a decisive goal from Morgan Gibbs-White.The game started with Porto showing intent, but Stefan Ortega's strong goalkeeping kept Forest in the game. The hosts took control after Bednarek's red card, with Gibbs-White scoring from 20 yards out, deflected off Pablo Rosario, to give Forest a crucial lead.Despite dominating possession, Forest struggled to create clear chances, wasting opportunities through poor finishing. Porto had moments of pressure, including William Gomes hitting the bar, but ultimately couldn't equalize.The win marks Forest's first European semi-final appearance in 42 years, a significant milestone for the club. However, manager Vítor Pereira will be concerned about injuries to key players ahead of their upcoming Premier League match against Burnley.

Manchester City captain Bernardo Silva has confirmed that he will be leaving the club at the end of the season. Silva, who joined Manchester City from Monaco in July 2017 for £43.5m, has been a key member of Pep Guardiola's team, contributing significantly to their success.During his nine-year tenure, Silva has won an impressive array of honors, including six Premier League titles, two FA Cups, five League Cups, the Champions League, and two Fifa Club World Cups. He has made 451 appearances for the club, scoring 76 goals and providing 77 assists. This season, Guardiola made him captain, highlighting his importance to the team.Silva expressed his gratitude to the club, stating, “When I arrived 9 years ago, I was following a dream of a little boy, wanting to succeed in life, wanting to achieve great things. This city and this club gave me much more than that. What we won and achieved together is a legacy that will forever be cherished in my heart.”He also thanked the fans for their support, saying, “To the fans, your unconditional support throughout the years is something that I will never forget. My main goal as a player was to always play with passion so you guys could feel proud and well represented on the pitch. I arrived as a Man City player, I leave as one more of you, a Man City supporter for life.”The club has announced that Silva will be given an official farewell. As he departs, Silva urged the fans to continue supporting the young team, expressing confidence that they will bring new memories in the future.