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The Guardian editorial argues that the UK must treat the plight of NEETs as a national priority, linking rising youth unemployment to inadequate training, housing costs and a fragmented policy framework.Milburn Commission Highlights Over 1 Million UK NEETsThe commission’s report, due in the autumn, shines a bright light on the 1 million young people aged 16‑24 who are not in education, employment or training. It criticises political attacks on welfare and “kids‑these‑days” rhetoric, insisting that the problem is fundamentally a policy failure.The Scale of the Crisis: Over 1 Million Young People Out of Work or Study1 million NEETs – roughly one in eight of the 16‑24 cohort.60 % are economically inactive, meaning they are not actively seeking work.Health‑related universal credit claims have risen in regions with fewer entry‑level jobs.Apprenticeship starts have fallen 35 % over the past decade.Why the UK Is Falling Behind Europe on Youth EmploymentCompared with other wealthy European nations, the UK records one of the highest rates of young people not in work or study. Contributing factors include:Housing inflation limiting independent living for young adults.Restrictive GCSE combinations that disadvantage less academic pupils.Chaotic further‑education reforms and the poorly‑implemented apprenticeship levy.Automation and AI‑driven profit growth that do not translate into entry‑level opportunities.A National Participation System: Pathway to Re‑engaging Young WorkersThe report proposes a new “participation system” that would coordinate work and pensions, health, education and business departments to pull young people into the labour market. While ambitious, the editorial stresses that without a clear, cross‑departmental mission the UK will continue to lose a generation to inactivity.

The LeadSmoke rises over Beirut following an Israeli strike, marking a significant escalation in the already tense region. The incident has drawn international attention as concerns grow over potential wider conflict in the Middle East.The Event DetailsThe Israeli strike targeted an unspecified location in Beirut, causing visible smoke to rise over the Lebanese capital. While details remain limited, the strike represents a notable development in the complex security dynamics between Israel and Lebanon.The Regional ImpactThe strike comes amid heightened tensions in the Middle East, with Lebanon already facing significant political and economic challenges. The incident could further destabilize the region and potentially draw in other actors in the complex web of Middle Eastern geopolitics.The International ResponseInternational bodies and neighboring nations are likely to closely monitor the situation, with concerns that the strike could escalate into a broader conflict. The United Nations and other diplomatic entities may be called upon to intervene and prevent further escalation.The Future OutlookThe coming days will be critical in determining whether this incident represents an isolated event or the beginning of a more sustained confrontation. The international community will be watching closely for any further developments and potential diplomatic responses.

The Lead Anthropic has released Opus 4.8, the newest version of its most advanced publicly available model, with a new 'dynamic workflow' tool. The model is available everywhere at standard pricing. The Event Details Opus 4.8 comes just 41 days after Opus 4.7 was released, a much faster upgrade cycle than normal for Anthropic. The new model features best-in-class benchmark results and improved handling of bad or uncertain data. Anthropic's early testers found that Opus 4.8 is "more likely to flag uncertainties about its work and less likely to make unsupported claims." The Data Analysis Opus 4.8 is available at standard pricing. The model comes with a new 'dynamic workflow' tool, available in research preview. Anthropic's most advanced Mythos model is still in development, with a tentative preview last month. The Impact Analysis The fast turnaround for Opus 4.8 may be in response to the chilly reception of Opus 4.7 and increasing pressure from competitors like OpenAI's Codex and Google's Gemini Flash model. The new model's ability to handle uncertain data and flag issues with inputs and outputs could give it an edge in the market. The Prediction Anthropic hinted that the Mythos preview period might soon end, once necessary safeguards are complete. The company expects to bring Mythos-class models to all its customers in the coming weeks. With Opus 4.8 and the dynamic workflow tool, Anthropic is positioning itself to compete with other major players in the AI market.

North American Nations Coordinate Ebola Response for World Cup The United States, Mexico, and Canada have announced aligned public health travel measures for people coming from African regions at greatest risk from Ebola as they prepare to host the World Cup next month. In a joint statement, the three nations emphasized that "the health and safety of every person in the region remains our highest priority as we welcome the world to North America." Coordinated Travel Restrictions Implemented The three neighboring countries have established various containment measures to prevent the spread of Ebola across their borders. The United States initially banned noncitizens who had traveled to the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Uganda, or South Sudan in recent weeks from entering the country. This ban was subsequently extended by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to include green card holders who have been in those countries within the previous 21 days. Canada has implemented a 90-day entry ban for residents from the DRC, Uganda, and South Sudan. Additionally, Canadian citizens, permanent residents, and other foreign nationals who have been in affected areas without symptoms must undergo a 21-day quarantine period beginning Saturday. Mexico's Health Secretary David Kershenovich announced enhanced Ebola screening measures at airports, urging the public to avoid travel to the DRC and requiring arrivals from the country to observe a 21-day quarantine. WHO Declaration Triggers Global Response The World Health Organization declared an Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo a public health emergency of international concern on May 17, warning of a high risk that the virus could spread to neighboring countries. This declaration has prompted governments worldwide to implement travel-related containment measures. The coordinated response by North American nations reflects the growing concern about potential transmission during the upcoming World Cup, which will bring together visitors from around the world. Impact on International Travel and Major Events These measures represent one of the most significant coordinated public health responses in recent years, affecting international travel patterns and potentially impacting the experience of fans and participants attending the World Cup. The restrictions may create challenges for travelers from affected regions and require additional resources for health screening at entry points across North America. The joint approach by the three host countries demonstrates a recognition that public health threats require unified responses, particularly when hosting international events that bring together people from diverse geographic locations. Future Outlook for Ebola Containment As the World Cup approaches, health officials will likely continue monitoring the Ebola situation closely, potentially adjusting restrictions based on the evolving outbreak status. The coordinated measures may set a precedent for how nations collaborate on public health responses during international events, particularly in an era of increasing global connectivity and potential disease spread. Success in containing this outbreak will depend not only on travel restrictions but also on effective public health measures within affected regions and continued international cooperation on disease surveillance and response.

The LeadThe United States has escalated its threats against Oman, warning that it would "aggressively" impose sanctions if the Gulf ally helps Iran establish a tolling system in the Strait of Hormuz. This intensifies President Donald Trump's recent threats against Oman, including a warning to "blow them up" if they don't comply with US demands regarding the strategic waterway.US Treasury's Aggressive StanceUS Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent stated on Thursday that Washington will "not tolerate" either country imposing fees on commercial ships in the strategic waterway. "Oman, in particular, should know that the US Treasury will aggressively target any actors involved — directly or indirectly — in facilitating tolls for the Strait and any willing partners will be penalized," Bessent said in a social media post."All nations should reject outright any efforts by Iran to disrupt the free flow of commerce. Tehran's days of terrorizing the region and the world are over."Global Energy Security at RiskAbout 20 percent of the world's oil flowed through Hormuz before the conflict, making the Iranian blockade a major strain on global energy supplies. The closure has sent oil prices soaring and threatens economic stability worldwide. The strait's critical importance to global energy markets makes any disruption a matter of international concern.Regional Power Dynamics ShiftThe statement comes less than 24 hours after President Trump threatened to bomb Oman, a key US ally known for its neutrality and mediation efforts in regional crises. This unprecedented threat against a close security and economic partner signals a significant shift in US foreign policy in the Middle East.While Iran has suggested joint Iranian-Omani management of the Hormuz Strait, Oman has not explicitly stated it is seeking control over the waterway, parts of which flow through its territory.Future Outlook for Hormuz StraitThe US and Iran have been indirectly negotiating to reach an agreement for a comprehensive end to the war, with control over the Hormuz Strait emerging as a major point of disagreement. Trump has stressed that the strait must remain a free passageway for international commerce.Ali Bagheri Kani, deputy secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council, countered that Tehran will not allow Hormuz to be a source of insecurity for the country, stating that "the powers that have used this passage against Iran's security must be held accountable." The standoff continues as both nations dig in on their positions regarding control of this vital waterway.

The Lease Duration Dispute A controversy has arisen regarding the length of Anthropic's lease with SpaceX, a deal that involves billions of dollars a month for exclusive use of Anthropic's Colossus cluster. Elon Musk claimed on X that the lease is for 180 days with a 90-day notice for mutual cancellation, while SpaceX's recent S-1 filing presents the deal as a three-year agreement. The Details of the Deal According to Musk, the short-term lease was SpaceX's request, not Anthropic's. He stated that SpaceX won't leave Anthropic hanging and will provide a reasonable off-ramp, but might need the compute capacity back if it gets super tight. On the other hand, SpaceX's S-1 filing confirms a 90-day cancellation notice but describes the agreement as lasting through May 2029, with a monthly fee. The Data Analysis The deal involves a significant monthly fee of $1.25 billion, as mentioned in the S-1 filing. This substantial commitment highlights the importance of the compute capacity for both parties. The Impact Analysis The discrepancy between Musk's statement and SpaceX's filing raises questions about the accuracy of the information provided. This situation could be seen as a material misrepresentation made while marketing a security, which could have implications for investors and the companies involved. The Prediction The future of the lease and the relationship between Anthropic and SpaceX will depend on how this situation unfolds. With the SEC possibly involved, the companies will need to clarify the terms of the agreement to avoid any further controversy.

Death of Yemen's Exiled Leader Marks End of an EraYemen's former president Abd-Rabbu Mansour Hadi, who fled house arrest by Houthi rebels and spent his final years in exile in Saudi Arabia, has died at age 80. Yemen's presidency confirmed the death, with state-run Yemeni TV reporting that Hadi died at his residence in Riyadh on Thursday.Former President's Life in ExileHadi was the internationally recognized president of Yemen who led a fractured government mostly from exile for eight years as the country descended into civil war and famine before stepping down in 2022. He fled to Saudi Arabia in 2015 as war erupted between the Iran-backed Houthis, who had forced the government from the capital Sanaa, and a Saudi-led coalition.The government announced three days of mourning, during which flags will be flown at half-staff. Hadi is survived by his wife, Hala, and six children.Human Cost of Yemen's ConflictAlthough a UN-brokered ceasefire is largely holding, the war has killed hundreds of thousands of people through direct and indirect causes. Last year, 19.5 million people needed aid, the United Nations reported. Yemen remains divided between the Houthi-controlled north and the government-run south, which includes a patchwork of factions.Political Vacuum in Divided YemenRashad al-Alimi, the head of the Presidential Leadership Council – the leadership body of Yemen's internationally recognized government – said Hadi believed in the Yemeni people's "right to a just state, freedom and human dignity." "He led the battle to defend the republican system," al-Alimi said on social media.Hadi took office in 2012 after a long stint as vice president to Ali Abdullah Saleh, who reluctantly ended his 33 years in power during Arab Spring protests. He handed over his powers – reportedly under Saudi pressure – to the newly formed Presidential Leadership Council in April 2022.Uncertain Path for Peace in YemenHadi, a career military officer, was waved through as the sole candidate in an election in which he won 99.8 percent of the vote. His presidency was thwarted with spells of unrest, with his opponents accusing him of favoring the country's eastern oil-rich provinces at the expense of the mountainous heartlands dominated by Houthis. After the Houthis overran the capital in 2014, they placed Hadi under house arrest in early 2015 before he escaped in February of that year.

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The LeadUnited States President Donald Trump has threatened longtime ally Oman with military force if it gets involved in the dispute over shipping access to the Strait of Hormuz, as Washington's war on Iran once again risks engulfing the Middle East. Trump's threat to "blow up" Oman came as Muscat reportedly held talks with Iran about overseeing passage through the strategic waterway that handles more than 20 percent of the world's global oil traffic.Trump's Unprecedented Threat Against a Key Ally"Nobody is going to control it," Trump said of the strait during a cabinet meeting in Washington. "It's international waters, and Oman will behave just like everybody else, or we will have to blow them up." This direct threat against a country with which Washington has had relations for more than 200 years has sent shockwaves across the region and drawn international criticism.While Hormuz is an international strait, most of it is located solely in Iranian and Omani territorial waters – not international waters – with parts of its outlying areas reaching United Arab Emirates (UAE) territorial waters. This geographical reality complicates Trump's assertion that the waterway is purely international.The Strategic Importance of the Strait of HormuzAs the only route for Gulf oil producers to ship exports to the open ocean, the strait has served as a free international maritime route for decades. Following the US-Israeli joint attacks on Iran on February 28, however, Tehran closed the waterway and began to assert sovereignty over it, including charging tolls of as much as $2m per ship at times.Under international maritime law, countries are not permitted to charge tolls to shipping passing through natural straits such as Hormuz, even where they are not in international waters. Countries can, however, provide services to shippers, such as insurance, maintenance and docking assistance.Regional Implications of Trump's ThreatShortly before Trump's comment, Iran's state television reported that Iran and the United States were close to agreeing on a memorandum of understanding (MOU) under which Tehran and Muscat would jointly control the strait. The proposal designates payments for passing vessels, framed as "fees for services" rather than "tolls."While the Trump administration has called the claims of such an MoU "a complete fabrication," analysts say his threat suggests that an understanding between Iran and Oman is precisely what the US president is trying to avoid."What Washington wants to prevent is the normalisation of Iranian control over Hormuz, dressed in administrative and legal clothing and given Arab cover by a US ally," Muhanad Seloom, non-resident senior fellow at the Middle East Council on Global Affairs, told Al Jazeera.International Reaction and Legal ConcernsCritics called the threat reckless. Raed Jarrar, the advocacy director at the US-based rights group DAWN, likened the US president's comments to those of a "mafia boss.""The UN Charter prohibits the threat of force against any state, and that prohibition binds the United States exactly as it binds everyone else," Jarrar told Al Jazeera. "Threatening to 'blow up' an Arab country because its waters happen to sit along an oil route Washington wants reopened is the same lawless logic that produced this war in February."Samir Puri, a visiting lecturer in war studies at King's College in London, said Trump's threat to Oman was "really surprising" and warned that it would "send shockwaves across the region."Oman's Diplomatic Role in the US-Iran ConflictOman has played a unique role in the region as a mediator between the US and Iran. Omani Foreign Minister Badr Albusaidi was a key mediator in US-Iran nuclear talks before the war on Iran began. Just before the US-Israeli joint attack on Tehran in February, Albusaidi had been meeting US officials, including Vice President JD Vance, to facilitate negotiations about the future of Tehran's nuclear programme.Unlike other US allies in the Gulf, such as Qatar, Bahrain and the UAE, Oman does not host US forces. It was nevertheless dragged into the conflict when Iran launched attacks on US military assets and energy infrastructure across the Gulf region in the early days of the war.Future Outlook for the RegionSeloom, from the Middle East Council on Global Affairs, said Oman is "one Gulf state that is simultaneously a US security partner and Iran's most trusted Arab interlocutor.""In peacetime, that ambiguity is an asset. In wartime, it becomes a liability, which is precisely the inversion now playing out," he told Al Jazeera.The analyst argued that joint Iran-Oman control over Hormuz was "more posture than probability." "Oman's real interest is not co-owning Iran's blockade; it is brokering the strait's reopening," he said.Still, according to Seloom, the prospect of Iran and Oman jointly shaping the future of the Strait of Hormuz alarms the US president for three reasons: "It would turn Iran's grip on the chokepoint into a permanent post-war fact rather than a temporary act of war; it would set a precedent that littoral states can metre and monetise an international waterway, eroding the freedom-of-navigation principle the United States underwrites worldwide; and it would hand Tehran a strategic win that outlasts any ceasefire."