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Inter Milan's manager, Christian Chivu, celebrated a hard-fought victory over Como, acknowledging the significance of the win but playing it coy when discussing the title race. Inter Milan now sits nine points clear of second-placed Napoli, who were held to a 1-1 draw by Parma. Scott McTominay scored for Napoli, highlighting his importance to the team with eight goals from midfield this season. Napoli's title defense looks increasingly unlikely to succeed, especially considering their investments in new players who have not made the desired impact. The team has struggled with injuries and inconsistent form, and their defensive record has deteriorated, conceding four more goals than in the previous season. The future of Napoli's star player, Romelu Lukaku, remains uncertain amid reports of tension between him and the club. Lukaku has played only 40 minutes of Serie A football this season and has been rehabbing in Belgium, sparking speculation about his potential departure. Inter Milan's ruthless performance against Como, with Marcus Thuram and Denzel Dumfries each scoring twice, underscores their strong position in the league. They have scored 75 goals in 32 games, significantly more than any other team in Serie A. The Serie A table shows Inter Milan at the top with 75 points, followed by Napoli with 66 points. The top five teams are: Inter Milan - 75 points Napoli - 66 points AC Milan - 63 points Juventus - 60 points Como - 58 points

Recent CDC data reveal a dramatic 1,200% increase in kratom‑related poisonings across the United States over the last ten years, with the most pronounced surge recorded in 2025. Researchers link this rise to the growing presence of 7‑hydroxymitragynine (7‑OH), a synthetically produced compound that mimics kratom’s effects but carries opioid‑like risks. Walter Prozialeck, pharmacology professor at Midwestern University, said the trend was expected, noting that the synthetic alkaloid has entered the market through energy drinks and other products since 2024. Christopher McCurdy of the University of Florida warned that marketing 7‑OH as “enhanced kratom” blurs the line for consumers, turning poison‑control calls into a conflated metric for both natural and synthetic products. By contrast, natural kratom (Mitragyna speciosa)—a Southeast Asian plant used for centuries as a pain reliever—has demonstrated a relatively favorable safety profile in animal and human studies. A 2018 statement from then‑HHS Secretary Brett Giroir rejected the DEA’s push to schedule kratom as a Schedule I substance, citing insufficient evidence of harm. Despite the scientific distinction, several states have moved to implement or propose blanket bans on all kratom products, prompting concern from clinicians and patient advocates. A recent user survey indicated that about 50% of respondents rely on kratom for chronic pain, while roughly 40% use it during addiction recovery. Personal testimonies underscore the plant’s therapeutic role. Jeff Maslan, a 68‑year‑old Californian with severe osteoarthritis, credits kratom with easing opioid withdrawal after multiple surgeries. Similarly, “Steven,” a disabled California resident, describes how kratom eliminated unbearable oxycodone withdrawal symptoms without producing the euphoric “warm fuzzy” feeling typical of opioids. Researchers emphasize that 7‑OH carries genuine opioid hazards, including addiction, severe withdrawal, and respiratory depression that can lead to fatal overdose. In animal models, 7‑OH demonstrated the same respiratory‑depression risk as classic opioids, whereas kratom’s primary alkaloid did not. Prozialeck and colleagues explain that kratom’s pharmacology is more nuanced: it partially activates opioid receptors while also engaging adrenergic and serotonin pathways, resembling a hybrid of a weak opioid and an SNRI‑type antidepressant. This multimodal action likely accounts for its lower euphoric potential and the reported boost in energy among users. Nevertheless, experts caution that kratom is not without risk. Fatal poisonings often involve co‑ingestion of potent opioids such as fentanyl, suggesting that some users may cycle between kratom and stronger substances, raising overdose danger due to reduced opioid tolerance. Additionally, heavy‑metal contamination has been detected in certain kratom batches, though the source—soil, processing, or storage—remains unclear. Given these complexities, the consensus among scholars like Austin Zamarripa (Johns Hopkins) is that natural kratom should remain accessible, while concentrated 7‑OH products merit stricter regulation. “These products may offer meaningful benefits to some individuals, and those benefits could be lost if access is restricted too broadly,” Zamarripa said, urging a differentiated policy approach. As the debate unfolds, patients like Steven worry that a sweeping ban would ignore the nuanced safety profile of the plant. “There’s corn on the cob, there’s high‑fructose corn syrup, there’s whiskey— all derived from corn but fundamentally different,” he remarked, highlighting the need for targeted, evidence‑based regulation rather than a one‑size‑fits‑all prohibition.

The ongoing conflict in Iran has created a perilous situation where the threat of nuclear war and climate disruption have converged into a single, catastrophic crisis. This crisis will persist long after the war subsides, emphasizing the need for immediate and decisive action. For over a decade, climate change has been recognized not just as an environmental issue but as a fundamental threat to national and global security. The current situation demands that governments conduct thorough risk assessments and treat climate change with the same urgency as military threats. The war on Iran has several alarming features: Unilateral action: The US and Israel launched a large-scale war against a sovereign nation without consulting major allies, creating a diplomatically isolated conflict with no clear exit strategy. Escalation threats: There are credible threats of escalation from both sides, with Donald Trump issuing ultimatums and Iran threatening to target critical infrastructure. Catastrophic miscalculation: The conditions for miscalculation are ripe, with erratic leadership, intelligence failures, and extreme pressure on decision-makers. The conflict has significant implications: Global energy shock: The closure of the Strait of Hormuz has caused an acute global energy shock, with higher oil prices likely to accelerate inflation and economic instability. Climate impact: The war is consuming military resources and political attention, with no climate dividend, and may pressure countries to extend fossil fuel use. Australia, as a regional power and signatory to the NPT, has responsibilities to the international order. The author, Admiral Chris Barrie, calls on the Australian government to take four key steps: Conduct and release a nuclear escalation risk assessment. Use diplomatic channels to counsel restraint. Refuse any form of complicity in nuclear use. Champion de-escalation at the NPT review conference. Australia can play a crucial role in addressing these threats by acting on evidence, speaking plainly about risks, and leading rather than following events.

German club Union Berlin broke new ground on Sunday by appointing Marie‑Louise Eta as interim manager, the first female to head a Bundesliga side and the inaugural woman to coach a top‑flight men’s team in a major European league. Eta, 34 years old, previously made history as the Bundesliga’s first female assistant coach. She will steer the team for the remainder of the campaign after the dismissal of Steffen Baumgart, whose tenure ended following a 3‑1 loss to bottom‑placed Heidenheim that underscored a stagnant second half of the season. In a statement, Eta expressed her enthusiasm: “I am delighted the club has entrusted me with this challenging task.” Sporting director Horst Heldt welcomed the decision, noting that Eta will transition to lead Union’s women’s Bundesliga squad in the summer as originally planned. Union’s recent form has been troubling: the side has secured only two victories since Christmas and currently sits seven points above the relegation playoff zone. Heldt described the situation as “absolutely disappointing” and emphasized the urgent need for points to avoid a drop. Eta brings a distinguished playing résumé, having won the 2010 UEFA Women’s Champions League and three Bundesliga titles with Turbine Potsdam. Her coaching résumé includes stepping in for head coach Nenad Bjelica during a three‑game suspension in 2024, showcasing her readiness for senior responsibilities. While women have managed men’s teams in Germany’s lower tiers—such as Sabrina Wittmann at Ingolstadt FC—Eta’s appointment marks the first instance at the top level. France’s former second‑division side Clermont also benefited from a female coach, Corinne Diacre, between 2014 and 2017. The historic move not only reflects Union Berlin’s immediate need for a turnaround but also signals a broader shift toward gender diversity in elite football management.

A heartfelt tribute has been paid to Dame Jenni Murray, a renowned figure in British radio, known for her exceptional broadcasting skills and generosity of spirit. The author recalls her kindness and guidance when they appeared as a guest on Woman's Hour in the 1990s, discussing their novels on topics such as motherhood and dieting. Dame Jenni shared valuable insights into the art of radio broadcasting, including the importance of not discussing the main topic in the green room to save the best lines for the show. She also emphasized the need to turn off mobile phones before entering the studio, a lesson she occasionally forgot herself, much to the frustration of her producers. Her warm and approachable nature made her a beloved figure, both on and off the air. The author fondly remembers her staying on for a glass of wine in the BBC canteen after shows and her remarkable charity work, particularly with the Young Oncology Unit at the Christie hospital in Manchester. Dame Jenni's infectious humor and big-heartedness inspired others to get involved in charitable initiatives, leading to successful fundraising dinners and a significant impact on the community.

The Artemis II astronauts received a thunderous welcome home on Saturday after completing a record-breaking flyby of the moon. The crew of four, consisting of commander Reid Wiseman, pilot Victor Glover, Christina Koch, and Canada's Jeremy Hansen, arrived at Ellington Field near NASA's Johnson Space Center and Mission Control in Houston. During their nearly 10-day mission, the astronauts voyaged deeper into space than the moon explorers of decades past, reaching a maximum distance of 252,756 miles (406,771km) from Earth. They also captured views of the lunar far side never witnessed before by human eyes. The mission revealed a new side of our planet with an Earthset photo, showing our blue marble setting behind the gray, pockmarked moon. Koch described the experience, saying, "Honestly, what struck me wasn’t necessarily just Earth, it was all the blackness around it. Earth was just this lifeboat hanging undisturbedly in the universe," Koch said. "Planet Earth, you are a crew." The homecoming was poignant, as they returned to NASA's Houston base on the 56th anniversary of the launch of Apollo 13. The Artemis II mission is a crucial step towards NASA's goal of landing astronauts on the moon by 2028. Wiseman issued a rallying cry to the rows of blue-flight-suited astronauts at Saturday's celebration, saying, "It is time to go and be ready – because it takes courage. It takes determination, and you all are freaking going and we are going to be standing there supporting you every single step of the way in every possible way possible."

Birmingham City defeated Wrexham 2-0 at St Andrew’s, a result that pushes the Red Dragons further from the Championship playoff places. The loss leaves Wrexham four points behind sixth‑placed Hull City with only four games remaining.After a 5-1 drubbing by Southampton, the defeat marks Wrexham’s first back‑to‑back losses since August. Manager Phil Parkinson tried to steady the mood, saying, “We’ve had a tough week, but we’re not down and out yet. People may write us off, but inside the dressing room we’re still fighting.”Goals came from Carlos Vicente, who headed in his third goal for Birmingham since joining in January, and Christoph Klarer, who added a second‑half strike to seal the win.Wrexham’s attack was virtually silent – they failed to register a single shot on target, and goalkeeper James Beadle had little to do. In contrast, Birmingham’s keeper Arthur Okonkwo made several first‑half saves, keeping the hosts in control.The victory gave Birmingham their first win in over a month and lifted them to 15th place in the league table. The hosts dominated possession, forcing early saves from Okonkwo and creating chances for Ibrahim Osman and August Priske, though those early efforts were thwarted.In the second half, a well‑timed delivery from Kai Wagner allowed Vicente to rise highest at the far post and head home. Later, a corner from Paik Seung‑ho found Klarer, who muscled past Max Cleworth and finished confidently.Substitutes Josh Windass and Nathan Broadhead were introduced by Parkinson in a bid to spark Wrexham’s attack, but the visitors could not muster any meaningful threat in the final quarter.Birmingham manager Chris Davies praised his side’s performance: “We were excellent throughout. When the opposition doesn’t have a shot on your goal and you score two – we could have scored five – that’s everything.”

The recent 10-day space mission of the Artemis II crew has garnered attention, but the true test of endurance might not be in space, but in an office setting. Commander Reid Wiseman, mission specialists Christina Koch and Jeremy Hansen, and pilot Victor Glover spent time in a capsule described as “not much bigger than a family tent”. While they navigated the challenges of confined space, their experience pales in comparison to the complexities of office politics.Anyone who has worked in an office can attest that surviving with colleagues in a confined environment is a significant test of endurance. The Artemis II crew had to get along without time off, which would be challenging even for experienced professionals. The quirks and habits of colleagues can become amplified in such settings, leading to increased tension and stress.The writer of this piece reflects on their own experience in a mundane office job at a stationery firm. They recall the boredom and impotence that led to a fixation on trivial matters, such as a dispute over a window being open or closed. This petty feud became an all-consuming battle that defined their time at the office.The writer notes that, unlike the Artemis II crew, they had the option to leave the office at the end of the day. However, their obsession with the window dispute led them to spend more time at their desk, avoiding breaks and social interactions. The comparison between the crew's space test and the writer's office experience highlights the universal challenges of working with others.Ultimately, the Artemis II crew's achievement is impressive, but it also underscores the importance of interpersonal skills and conflict resolution in any confined or high-stress environment. As the writer concludes, surviving an office job can be just as challenging as surviving in space.

Following a recent policy shift, Israel has eased the restrictions that limited Christian access to Jerusalem’s Church of the Holy Sepulchre. The change permits believers to once again visit the revered site for worship and pilgrimage. The relaxation of these measures marks a significant development in the nation’s approach to religious freedom, potentially improving relations with Christian communities worldwide. Authorities have not disclosed detailed timelines for the new access guidelines, but the immediate effect is a renewed flow of pilgrims to the historic cathedral.