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The prosecution: MelanieI want to live a healthier life too, but removing all plastics is unrealistic and unaffordableMy girlfriend, Amy, has become increasingly concerned about microplastics and environmental toxins, and it is starting to feel a little too much. It all began after she watched online content about how plastics affect fertility, and has escalated into a broader effort to remove anything she considers “toxic” from our home.We have thrown out hundreds of pounds’ worth of cleaning products and replaced toothbrushes and dental floss. I came home from work to find all our plastic food containers had been binned, and now she wants to discuss replacing furniture, like swapping our white plastic dining table for an oak one.In principle, I understand it will be better for us. I share her desire to live a healthier lifestyle, especially as we are trying for a baby using a donor and I will be the one carrying the pregnancy. However, the pace and the intensity of the change feels a bit unmanageable.If I pick up a plastic bottle of water, Amy will snatch it from my hands and say it’s poisonousWe can’t realistically eliminate all plastics and find alternatives overnight. Unfortunately, the world is full of plastic and so is our home: we have polyester cushions, plastic shoes and appliances that I’m not prepared to chuck out. Attempting a total removal feels financially and emotionally unsustainable. Buying a new dining table won’t be easy on our wallets.We are both self‑employed and saving for a baby, so we need to be frugal. Plastic‑free products are often deemed as specialist and it’s hard to get cheap alternatives. When I found Amy had splurged on all these organic cleaning products I was shocked, because they cost about £200.At the moment, it feels as if any “normal” behaviour is deemed to be unsafe by her. If I pick up a plastic bottle of water, Amy will snatch it from my hands and say it’s poisonous.I support her decision to live with fewer toxins, but her level of vigilance is harming our wellbeing. I want us to make healthier choices, but to do so gradually and realistically, rather than through sweeping changes that leave us feeling anxious and restricted.The defence: AmyI’m conscious of what we’re exposed to as we’re trying for a baby and I want the best for themPlastics and chemicals are everywhere. I’m not pretending we can eliminate them all, but I’d like to make some changes. I don’t think the only rational response when presented with all the information about toxins and plastics is to shrug and accept it without question.It’s not that hard to make some changes. Mel says: “Microplastics are everywhere, so where does it end?” But she should be saying: “What can we do to start?”Small changes help improve our health. I watched a documentary and it really scared me: I learned that just brushing my teeth with my normal toothbrush was releasing hundreds of thousands of microplastics into my mouth every day. These are linked to illness and altered brain functionality.Mel hasn’t heard all of the facts. If she watched the same documentary, she would feel the sameI didn’t start looking into endocrine disruptors and microplastics because I wanted to overhaul our home overnight. It was because we’re trying for a baby and that makes me more conscious of what we’re exposed to. If we have a child, I want them to have the best start in life and be as healthy as possible.Sometimes Mel acts as if I’m trying to dismantle our entire life, but I’m just trying to make things better. Switching cleaning products and replacing plastic food storage with glass will benefit us for years. When I threw our cleaning products away, it was because I had done the research and knew how much better nontoxic ones would be for us. That wasn’t a gradual adjustment, but I don’t regret it.I feel overwhelmed sometimes, but being told to “calm down” or “take it slow” doesn’t help. I don’t want to make our lives miserable. I want us to make informed choices together.Not drinking from plastic bottles is an easy change we can make, as is using better cleaning products. Mel and I need to work together on this, and active participation is important to me. If my decisions seem rash, it’s only because Mel hasn’t heard all of the facts. If she watched the same documentary she would feel the same. I don’t want to scare her, but making our home safer for our unborn child is a priority.The jury of Guardian readersGetting rid of plastic won’t make Amy and Melanie’s home healthier if they replace it with pressure and resentment. Amy’s pursuit is noble, but her cold‑turkey approach risks alienating Melanie from the cause.Estelle, 27They both want to live with fewer toxins, but Amy shouldn’t decide the pace at which they do this without agreement from Melanie. Amy throwing out all plastic containers and cleaning products without any discussion contradicts her claim that she wants “to make informed choices together”.Val, 68Life’s too short to make it hard for yourself. Carrying containers everywhere and only going to specialist retailers? No one’s got time for that when there’s work and chores to be done. Changing your life after one documentary is extreme, and Amy should consider the benefits of plastic.Ivan, 29We can’t live perfect lives, but that doesn’t mean we shouldn’t try to make better choices. I think they plan together what can change now and what can wait, Melanie might feel part of it instead of feeling it is something being done to her.Michael, 39Amy is valiant in trying to live a healthier lifestyle, but not making it a joint decision with Melanie seems to be detrimental to their relationship, and they need to be working together when they have a child. I wonder if Amy’s obsession might be masking a deeper issue.Jon, 50Now you be the judgeIn our online poll, tell us: should Amy bin her hatred of plastics?The poll closes on Wednesday 3 June at 9am BSTLast week’s resultsWe asked, should Martin stop telling his wife how to mop the floor?98% of you said yes – Martin is guilty2% of you said no – Martin is innocent

The Holy Celebration Amidst Conflict Muslims in Gaza attempted to observe Eid al-Fitr, the festival marking the end of Ramadan, under the shadow of continued Israeli military operations. Despite the significance of the religious holiday, celebrations were muted as families grappled with safety concerns, displacement, and limited access to basic necessities. Restricted Festivities in War-Torn Region Traditional Eid activities, including communal prayers, family gatherings, and festive meals, were severely hampered by the ongoing conflict. Many Gazans remained in shelters or avoided public spaces due to the constant threat of airstrikes and ground operations. The usual joy and communal spirit of the holiday were replaced by anxiety and uncertainty as residents navigated the dual challenges of observing religious traditions while ensuring their safety. Humanitarian Crisis Deepens The conflict has exacerbated an already dire humanitarian situation in Gaza, with critical shortages of food, clean water, medical supplies, and fuel. International aid organizations have reported increasing difficulties in delivering assistance as infrastructure continues to be damaged. The Eid period, typically a time of abundance and sharing, has instead highlighted the scarcity and suffering experienced by the civilian population. Regional Tensions Escalate The timing of the Israeli operations during Eid has drawn condemnation from various regional actors and international observers. The conflict has contributed to rising tensions across the Middle East, with neighboring countries expressing concern over the potential for wider regional destabilization. The situation has also sparked renewed debates about the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the prospects for a lasting peace agreement. International Response and Future Outlook Global powers have called for de-escalation and increased humanitarian access to Gaza, though diplomatic efforts have yet to produce a ceasefire. The continuation of hostilities during Eid has complicated international mediation efforts and may influence future relations between Israel and neighboring countries. As the conflict persists, the immediate future remains uncertain for Gazans caught between religious observance and the harsh realities of war.

The Grim Reality of Eid in Gaza For many Palestinians in Gaza, Eid al-Adha is a time for celebration, family gatherings, and traditional rituals. However, this year, the holiday has been overshadowed by the devastating impact of Israel's genocide, which has killed nearly 73,000 people and left many more displaced and traumatized. The Loss of Tradition The Baroud family, like many others in Gaza, has been severely affected by the war. Of the 22 faces that filled their annual family photo, 13 are now gone, killed in successive Israeli strikes. The family's Eid celebrations have been replaced by mourning and condolences. An Excess of Loss and Sorrow Widow Hajja Shama al-Zorbatli lives in a small tent on the pavement, shielded from passersby only by a hanging piece of cloth. She has lost both her husband and her home and describes the Eid as 'the Eid of the martyrs, passing without joy and with an excess of loss and sorrow'. Her tent lacks basic necessities like electricity, phone, and internet. The War Has Crushed Us Elderly Palestinian Mohammed Obeid welcomes Eid alone in his tent, after the war cost him his wife, his legs, and his home. He describes the Eid as like any other day, with no difference, and reveals that 'the war has crushed us.' No Sacrifices This Eid The traditional sacrificial animal ritual has been disrupted in Gaza, with the price of a single sheep jumping to between $4,500 and $6,000. The Ru'ya charitable foundation has turned to distributing frozen meat instead of live sacrificial animals, but even this is out of reach for many families. Diminished Preparations Eid preparations in Gaza's shops and markets are more subdued than ever, with unemployment rampant and cash scarce. Many families are limiting themselves to essentials, and shipping costs have risen to about eight times what they were before the war. Price Shock Citizens' purchasing power has fallen drastically, as priorities have shifted towards securing food and necessities. The Eid season is nothing like previous ones, with customers coming in just to ask about prices, then leaving in shock without buying.

The Graduation Backlash Against AI OptimismWhen Jacob Pagel graduated from Middle Tennessee State University this spring, predictions about artificial intelligence already had him questioning the value of his degree. Then a music executive started preaching about AI's transformative power during a commencement speech."This industry will change on you in a heartbeat. It has already changed more in the last 10 years than in the 50 years prior … AI is rewriting production as we sit here," said Scott Borchetta, CEO of the record label Big Machine. After a few stray boos from graduates, he doubled down: "Deal with it."The students' jeering grew louder, but Borchetta barreled through: "You can hear me now or you can pay me later … then do something about it. It's a tool. Make it work for you." He continued: "The things you learned in your first year here may already be obsolete."Multiple Universities, Same Student FrustrationBorchetta's speech is one of several at commencement ceremonies this spring that have revealed a disconnect between the executives championing AI and students, eliciting derision in real time even for Google's former CEO. Recent graduates at the University of Central Florida and the University of Arizona booed speakers who compared the advent of AI to the Industrial Revolution and the development of the laptop and smartphone.At the University of Arizona, 20-year-old Arian Chavez, was angry about his school's decision to let ex-Google CEO Eric Schmidt speak, even before he got on stage. Chavez, a junior studying chemical engineering, is part of a group called Students for Socialism, and helped them organize an online petition to remove Schmidt as a commencement speaker."I know what many of you are feeling about that. I can hear you," Schmidt said, amid a chorus of boos. "There is a fear in your generation that the future has already been written, that the machines are coming, that the jobs are evaporating, that the climate is breaking, that politics is fractured, and that you are inheriting a mess that you did not create, and I understand that fear."Public Sentiment: AI's Poor ReceptionThe students at these ceremonies "are a mouthpiece for the population at large", according to Cornell University professor Sarah Kreps, who has studied societies' reactions to new technology. "These tech executives are not reading the room … These kids have spent hundreds of thousands of dollars on a degree that they don't know will serve them well."While they may feel AI's disruptive effects acutely as entry-level job seekers, AI has proved unpopular among the general US public. A national survey conducted for NBC News earlier this year polled 1,000 registered voters and found only 26% view AI positively and 46% view it negatively. AI scored worse than US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Donald Trump and Kamala Harris on the same poll, but better than the Democratic party and Iran.Anger against AI is palpable across the country – from communities protesting against datacenters powering the AI boom, to workers disputing their CEOs' claims that AI can, effectively, replace them.The Economic Reality Behind the Student AnxietyPagel and his peers are entering a job market where AI's efficiency is already being used to justify mass layoffs. While it's unclear which jobs may be entirely replaced by AI – and whether AI could eventually create more career pathways than it destroys – recent graduates are feeling betrayed."We've been pushed our entire lives to get our diplomas. Then you pulled the rug out from underneath us, and said: 'Oh, you know those four years you spent learning how to do very specific things, you don't need to do it any more,'" Pagel says. "We can get a computer to do it for two-thirds the price."CEOs' graduation speeches about AI have become a preventable PR disaster, according to Parry Headrick, founder of Crackle PR, a tech public relations agency that has worked with startups. Executives should have acknowledged and reassured students' anxieties, while also advising them to adapt."What in the heck is anybody who is young and in school supposed to do when you have these tech executives beating their chests about the next Industrial Revolution when they can't afford to buy groceries or pay for rent?" Headrick asks. Nearly half of college students said their financial stress made it hard to concentrate on their coursework, according to a 2026 report from Trellis Strategies, a research group focused on postsecondary education.AI's Practical Impact on Education CeremoniesAt Glendale Community College in Arizona, it wasn't a graduation speaker that drew students' ire, but the AI-powered machine reading out their names. Turns out, it missed some.College president Tiffany Hernandez apologized and told graduates towards the end of the ceremony: "Here's what's happening. We're using a new AI system as our reader," she said, as boos roared through the arena. Hernandez paused for a few seconds and let out a few nervous laughs. "That's a lesson learned from us."Aidan Benjamin, who is graduating from Glendale Community College this summer with an associate's degree in accounting, was at the ceremony to support his cousin. He thought she would be walking the stage. She never did, because the AI announcement system never called her name."I was booing because I was like, this sucks. This is such a big moment for students." Benjamin said they both laughed about the malfunction afterwards. "But it just didn't feel good at the end of the day, like, it shouldn't have happened that way," he says.The Future of AI in Education and CareersPagel is considering a career in helping children undergoing medical treatment, or entering politics – perhaps running for office, or working as a liaison for federal agencies. "That sphere depends on human face-to-face interaction. No computer can take that," he says, calling AI-generated campaign ads "the cheap route"."It's up to us as engineering students to use our knowledge for the service of the planet and not billionaires," says Arian Chavez, who wants to work in the environmental regulation of chemical plants.As AI continues to reshape industries and education, the graduation protests may represent an early indicator of a generational shift in how technology is perceived – not as an unqualified good, but as a force that requires careful management to avoid displacing workers and devaluing human expertise.

The Sudden Departure of Andrew Abdo National Rugby League chief executive Andrew Abdo is set to make one of the great leaps across Australia’s sporting divide with reports linking him to a job with Tennis Australia. The Leadership Transition at NRL Abdo replaced Todd Greenberg as NRL chief executive in 2020 having spent much of the preceding decade in a commercial role at the organisation. Alongside influential Australian Rugby League Commission chair Peter V’landys, Abdo has consolidated rugby league’s financial health and expanded the competition’s footprint into Papua New Guinea and Western Australia. The Financial Impact of Leadership Changes Abdo's departure comes as negotiations intensify over the next NRL broadcast and player pay deals. Tennis Australia revenues are now around $700m per year, behind only the AFL and NRL among Australian sporting organisations. The Impact on Australian Sports Landscape Craig Tiley, chief executive at Tennis Australia, announced earlier this year he would be taking on the same role with the US Tennis Association. International executive recruitment firm Egon Zehnder has been responsible for finding Tiley’s replacement since his departure was announced in February. The Future of Tennis Australia Speculation around contenders to replace him included Tom Larner, the current chief tennis officer, chief of events Stephen Farrow, as well as Tennis Queensland chief executive, Cameron Pearson. Tiley’s departure, after more than two decades with Tennis Australia, represents a significant shift in the country’s sporting landscape.

The Relegation and Its Immediate AftermathWest Ham United has been relegated to the Championship after a dramatic final day of the season, despite securing a victory over Leeds. This marks a significant low point for the club, as it is the first time since 2011 that a side has been relegated with 39 points to their name.Manager Nuno Espírito Santo took full responsibility for the outcome, expressing deep remorse for the team's performance and the impact on the supporters. "It’s the day to understand the moment of sadness of our fans... and apologise," he stated, emphasizing that the focus must remain on the club's return to the Premier League.Financial Strain and Contractual UncertaintyThe club's financial health is a critical factor in this transition. West Ham posted losses of £104.2m last year, a figure that suggests the club is in a precarious position. This financial pressure, combined with the relegation, puts the squad under scrutiny.£104.2m in losses reported for the previous year.West Ham is free to part company with Nuno without compensation.Key players like Jarrod Bowen and Crysencio Summerville are potentially available for transfer.The Leadership Void: Manager and CaptainThe most pressing question for West Ham now is the future of its leadership. Nuno, who replaced Graham Potter in September, refused to commit to staying for the next season. He stated, "It’s not about me," and indicated he would not discuss his future until the immediate emotional fallout of relegation subsides.Similarly, club captain Jarrod Bowen has refused to discuss his future, calling it disrespectful to the club and the fans. Bowen reiterated his commitment to the club's vision of returning to the top flight, stating, "My vision is to get this club back in the Premier League."Future Outlook: A Championship RebuildThe road ahead for West Ham is steep. The club faces the dual challenge of managing a squad that may be broken up due to financial constraints and finding a manager willing to lead a promotion push from the Championship. With the squad potentially losing key assets and facing a harsher financial reality, the club's hierarchy must act decisively to ensure survival in the second tier.

The Lead: Spygate Fallout at WembleyKim Hellberg lamented the recent spygate saga as the "toughest two weeks" of his life after his reinstated Middlesbrough side missed out on Premier League promotion at Wembley. Boro became the first team in Football League history to be defeated in both the playoff semi-final and final, after his team replaced Southampton, who were thrown out of the competition for spying on rivals' training sessions.The Championship Final DramaHull's 1-0 win, courtesy of Oli McBurnie's injury-time goal, returned them to the Premier League after a nine-year absence, with Hellberg left to rue a "rollercoaster" for his Middlesbrough side. "It has been tough," he said. "It's been draining emotionally. But there is no excuse. Hull scored a goal today and you have to congratulate them. We were ready to play the game. It's been two heartbreaking losses in one week. When the game ends you feel very empty."The Spygate ControversySergej Jakirovic had described his Hull team as "collateral damage" in a spying episode in which they played no part. Having prepared to face Southampton for a week, he had to switch plans a few days before the final. Nonetheless, he insisted he saw the funny side of a saga that means Southampton begin next season with a four-point deduction."When I heard for the first time, I start to laugh because what you can spy?" he said. "To send a guy to do this, I don't understand."Hull's Unexpected JourneyHull's promotion came just a year after avoiding relegation to League One on goal difference, and operating with a two-window transfer fee embargo that left them able to sign only free agents. Concentration will now turn to the Premier League and how to avoid the instant relegation they experienced last time they played in the top flight."We will try to add better players than we have right now," said Jakirovic. "But I think these main players who bring us to the Premier League can stay and help us as well. We just have to add better players than we have. Sunderland's recipe is great because they brought dynamic players with pace and speed. I'm ready for everything. We have a nice budget. We will see."

Executive Summary: Reeves' Bid to Remain ChancellorRachel Reeves is mobilising backbench support to keep her chancellorship if Keir Starmer is replaced, arguing her credibility with bond markets is essential for the UK’s fiscal stability.Backbench Lobbying Intensifies as Labour Leadership ShiftsLabour MPs are being urged to back Reeves in the event that Andy Burnham wins the Makerfield by‑election and succeeds Starmer as prime minister. Allies warn that a switch to Ed Miliband would unsettle the bond market.Reeves’ supporters claim she is the only candidate who can safeguard the country’s finances.Burnham is reportedly considering Miliband for chancellor.MPs express concern over a “double change” in leadership.Economic Indicators Strengthen Reeves' PositionRecent data provide a factual backdrop to the political maneuvering:International Monetary Fund raised its UK growth forecast to 1% for 2026, up from 0.8%.Inflation fell to 2.8%, outpacing expectations.Government borrowing in April exceeded forecasts, highlighting fiscal pressure.Political Ramifications and Market PerceptionThe chancellor’s lobbying has sparked debate within Labour:Supporters stress the importance of fiscal predictability for bond‑market confidence.Critics argue Reeves bears responsibility for unpopular policies such as cuts to winter fuel payments.Analysts note her “Great British Summer Savings” plan and surprise VAT cut on family attractions as attempts to bolster public support.Bond‑market observers warn that a sudden leadership change could raise borrowing costs, while unions fear a shift toward a less market‑friendly chancellor.Looking Ahead: Scenarios for the TreasuryIf Burnham ascends to the premiership, the chancellor’s seat could become a focal point of intra‑party negotiation. Potential outcomes include:Reeves retains the role, providing continuity for markets.Ed Miliband is appointed, prompting a reassessment of fiscal strategy.A prolonged leadership contest that stalls key economic reforms.Analysts suggest that Reeves’ ability to navigate both economic data and internal party dynamics will determine whether the Treasury maintains its current course or pivots toward a new fiscal direction.

The Familiar FinalYou could be forgiven for having a sense of deja vu before a fourth Champions League final between the Spanish champions, Barcelona, and French champions, Lyonnes, on Saturday evening.The three-time champions and eight-time champions played each other in the final of Europe's premier competition three times in six years between 2019 and 2024, with Lyonnes earning a 4-1 win over the Catalan giants in 2019 and a 3-1 win in 2022 before Barcelona delivered a 2-0 defeat of the French side in 2024.However, predicting the outcome could not be harder and Barcelona's talismanic No 11, Alexia Putellas, said there is little that can be discerned from those previous meetings. "We can't compare seasons and we can't compare finals," said the two-time Ballon d'Or winner. "Our squad has evolved a lot, so previous finals don't have an influence on the final we are playing tomorrow."The Tactical Chess MatchA lot has changed. Most notably, Lyonnes are now managed by Jonatan Giráldez, who was a coach at Barcelona as they claimed their maiden UWCL title and at the helm for their second and third. Few managers are better equipped to return Lyonnes to the top of European football after a three-year hiatus than the man who understands the way Barça work and exactly how they ended the domination of the French side.As a result, the tactical approach of those on the sidelines is perhaps the most interesting piece of the puzzle in Oslo's Ullevaal Stadion.Giráldez said of Barça's development since he left: "They have some different players but their identity remains the same; this will to dominate and apply pressure. Not thinking about the result as much as about the show and the performance, that's their identity. I feel privileged to face Barcelona as I'm grateful for the experience I had there and I wish them the best – except when we have to win!"Master and ApprenticeOne of Giráldez's two assistants, Pere Romeu, replaced him when he departed for Washington Spirit in June 2024. "We are the two teams that have done the most in this competition to reach the final in recent years," said Romeu. "Tomorrow is going to be a very demanding match. Tomorrow is going to be a match with a lot of quality from both teams. Tomorrow is going to be a match that, as in all finals, is going to be decided by small details. We are going to try to take care of and control it to the maximum."The 32-year-old Barcelona manager won a domestic treble in his first season in charge, but fell short in the Champions League final last season as Arsenal delivered a shock defeat."I see a team that is more mature than last season," said Romeu. "I see a team with greater capacity to change things during the game than last season and I think we have reached a good point."Putellas described Romeu as a "complete coach", before the showdown on Saturday. "We've been working together for several seasons now and he has always tried to help me evolve as a player, which I'm very grateful for," she said. "He's the most complete coach. This season I've tried to do the best I possibly can without forgetting my own qualities in order to help the team."Romeu is relishing the master-apprentice battle in such a significant game. "I, as a coach, am super-excited to be able to face this match against a former coach of the club in Jonatan," he said. "I'm sure we'll both do everything we can to keep our teams' identities and keep doing the best we can to win."Dominate DomesticallyBarcelona secured another domestic treble on Saturday with a 3-1 Copa de la Reina final win over Atlético Madrid in their final game before travelling to Norway. Meanwhile, Lyonnes are one game away from their own domestic treble, having dispatched Nantes with an emphatic 8-0 win in the semi-final of the Premiere Ligue play-offs, with the final between the holders and Paris FC, taking place next Friday.The Lyonnes midfielder Lily Yohannes told Uefa that the club "just have so much hunger in us," after their three-year European dry spell. "We have so much fight. No matter what happens, we stick together, we rise above the challenges, and we just have such a winning mentality in the group."The 35-year-old centre-back Wendie Renard, who has been involved in each of the club's record eight Champions League wins, similarly spoke about a togetherness and desire in the team after a disappointing European run last season."If I had to sum up our journey this season: dedication," she told Uefa. "A Champions League campaign never comes easy, from one game to another. We've also had doubts and fears at times, but the squad has remained strong, and we've kept focusing on work and humility and performed well together."The Midfield BattleThe midfield battle will be key, with the impact of Melchie Dumornay, who was the difference maker in their semi-final fightback against Arsenal, critical for Lyonnes and Barcelona unsure of the readiness of the three-time Ballon d'Or winner Aitana Bonmatí, who is "feeling better every day", according to Romeu, but has not played 90 minutes for the team since November and only played 18 minutes of the Copa de la Reina final.Contrasting StylesThe Champions League final will ultimately be a contest between two different ways of playing, Barcelona's slick tiki-taka football and the more aggressive way Lyonnes play. Both cannot dominate possession in this game, one will have to cede it and find a different way to win. That is what makes it an enthralling fixture.