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Rising Governance Concerns at NationwideNationwide Building Society is facing mounting pressure to address "emerging governance issues" across the building society sector, amid concerns that executives are bundling voting options and failing to allocate board seats for members. The Stockport Labour MP Navendu Mishra has sent a formal letter to the chair of Nationwide, Kevin Parry, outlining growing unease over how executives engage with members who ultimately own their building societies.Specific Governance Issues RaisedThe MP's letter highlights several specific concerns about governance practices at Nationwide and across the building society sector. These include the use of "quick vote" options that critics say nudges members to simply back all board recommendations with one click at annual general meetings (AGMs). Mishra, who is a Nationwide member himself, acknowledged that while this option is "convenient," there are concerns it could "reduce scrutiny and advantage incumbents."Additionally, the letter criticizes the growing adoption of online-only AGMs, which may exclude members who struggle to use the internet and has raised concerns about question-filtering. The letter also takes aim at Nationwide's refusal to hold binding member votes on executive pay, despite similar practices being standard at listed banks such as Barclays, NatWest and Lloyds.Nationwide's Financial Growth and ScaleThese governance concerns come amid significant growth for Nationwide. The building society confirmed it was holding £382bn worth of assets after its £2.9bn takeover of Virgin Money. Mishra acknowledged that "their growth is exponential, which is fantastic," but emphasized the need to ensure that democratic values keep pace with this expansion.The timing of these concerns is particularly noteworthy, as they emerge just weeks before Nationwide's annual general meeting, which will feature its first member-nominated candidate up for boardroom election this century. James Sherwin-Smith, a Nationwide member, has formally asked Nationwide to suspend its use of quick vote at the upcoming AGM.Impact on the Building Society SectorThe concerns raised by Mishra reflect a wider debate about governance in the mutual sector. While the Labour government has been pushing ahead with reforms meant to deliver a manifesto pledge to double the size of the mutual sector, critics have raised concerns that some building societies, including Nationwide, have been letting their democratic values slip."There is a wider question as to whether building societies should allocate seats on boards to member-nominated directors in order to strengthen direct member representation," the MP's letter stated. "Where members are the owners, it is reasonable to ask why direct member voice in the boardroom remains the exception rather than the norm."Future Outlook for Nationwide's GovernanceThe upcoming AGM represents a critical moment for Nationwide's governance practices. The building society's chief executive, Debbie Crosbie, said during a media call that the board "haven't made a final decision" on suspending the quick vote option. In a statement, a Nationwide spokesperson defended the practices, noting that while pay votes were non-binding, 95% of votes cast were in support of the remuneration policy.The spokesperson also defended the use of online-only AGMs, stating they have reversed declining attendance and represent the fairest way to get millions of members to participate. Regarding the quick vote tool, they noted that most feedback from members was that it was "clear and easy to use" and similar systems are used by all building societies and listed companies."The chair will make these and other points in writing back to the MP in the next few days," the spokesperson added. As the AGM approaches, all eyes will be on whether Nationwide addresses these governance concerns and how it balances its growth with its mutual, member-owned principles.

Deadly Security Breach Near White HouseA man has been shot dead by United States Secret Service officers after opening fire on a security checkpoint near the White House, and a bystander has been wounded in the gunfire. The incident occurred shortly after 6pm (22:00 GMT) on Saturday when the suspect approached a Secret Service checkpoint at the intersection of 17th Street and Pennsylvania Avenue in Washington, DC, pulled a weapon from his bag and began shooting at officers posted there.President Donald Trump was in the White House during the incident but "no protectees or operations were impacted," according to the Secret Service. The White House was immediately placed under lockdown following the security breach.Gunman's History and Approach to Security CheckpointSeveral US media outlets have identified the gunman as Nasire Best, a 21-year-old man from the neighboring state of Maryland who was known to the Secret Service and had a documented history of mental health conditions. Best had previously attempted to approach the White House on multiple occasions.According to CNN, Best blocked an entry lane to the White House in June last year and was detained by the Secret Service. He claimed to be Jesus and said he wanted to be arrested, resulting in a mental evaluation at the Psychiatric Institute of Washington. CBS News reported that Best again tried to gain access to the White House in July and was arrested nearby by Secret Service agents, once again being sent to a psychiatric ward.CNN also noted that social media accounts linked to Best included posts that appeared to threaten violence against Trump and another in which he wrote: "I'm actually the son of God."Recent Pattern of Security ThreatsThis incident is part of a concerning pattern of security threats against President Trump. The attack comes just one month after the White House Correspondents' Dinner shooting, where shots were fired near the security screening area inside the Washington Hilton hotel while Trump, journalists, cabinet officials and guests were attending the event.Earlier this year, Trump has faced multiple suspected assassination attempts:In July 2024, 20-year-old Thomas Crooks fired multiple shots from a nearby rooftop during an outdoor campaign rally near Butler, Pennsylvania. Trump's right ear was grazed, and one audience member was killed before Secret Service agents neutralized the attacker.In September 2024, Ryan Wesley Routh hid near the Trump International Golf Club in West Palm Beach, Florida, with a rifle while Trump was golfing. He was later arrested and convicted, receiving a life sentence.On April 25, shots were fired near the security screening area inside the Washington Hilton hotel during the White House correspondents' dinner. The accused shooter, Cole Tomas Allen, was subdued by Secret Service agents and arrested.Heightened Security Concerns at Presidential ResidencesThe intersection of 17th Street and Pennsylvania Avenue, where the shooting occurred, is on the northwest edge of the White House complex—approximately 300 meters (980ft) from the main White House building. Despite multiple layers of security, the gunman was able to approach and open fire on officers, raising questions about current security protocols.In his response on Truth Social, Trump emphasized the importance of enhanced security measures: "This event is one month removed from the White House Correspondents' Dinner shooting, and goes to show how important it is, for all future Presidents, to get, what will be, the most safe and secure space of its kind ever built in Washington, D.C. The National Security of our Country demands it!"Future Implications for Presidential Protection ProtocolsThe incident is likely to prompt a comprehensive review of security procedures around the White House and other presidential residences. With multiple security breaches occurring within a relatively short timeframe, there may be increased pressure to implement additional protective measures, potentially including expanded security perimeters, enhanced screening technologies, and revised protocols for handling individuals with known mental health issues who exhibit threatening behavior near protected locations.The Secret Service has not yet indicated whether any procedural changes will be implemented following this latest incident, but the pattern of security breaches suggests that current measures may require reassessment and enhancement to ensure the safety of the President and other protectees.

The Lead US Senator Marco Rubio has announced that 'significant progress' has been made in negotiations between the United States and Iran. This development suggests a potential shift in diplomatic relations between the two nations. Details of the Negotiations While specific details of the negotiations remain scarce, Rubio's statement indicates that there have been meaningful discussions aimed at addressing key issues between the two countries. The nature of these issues and the specifics of the progress made have not been disclosed. Implications of the Progress The announcement of significant progress in US-Iran negotiations could have far-reaching implications for both bilateral relations and the broader geopolitical landscape. Improved relations could lead to increased cooperation on various fronts, including but not limited to, nuclear agreements, economic ties, and regional security issues. Future Outlook As the situation develops, it will be crucial to monitor the trajectory of these negotiations and their outcomes. The success or failure of these talks could have significant impacts on global politics, particularly in the Middle East. Further statements from Rubio or other officials are anticipated to provide more insight into the negotiations and their potential consequences.

The Final Day ShowdownHello, good morning and good day. We're back with another Matchday live for the final day of the Premier League season!After Arsenal wrapped up the title on Tuesday after Manchester City drew with Bournemouth, eyes turn to the bottom of the table where we'll finally discover who survives out of West Ham and Tottenham. There's also the small matter of who pinches the final Champions League spot between Liverpool and Bournemouth. All ten matches start at 4pm so set your watches.We'll also be covering the major stories of yesterday, including Hull's dramatic injury-time winner to seal promotion to the Premier League, as well as Celtic securing the domestic double, and Charlton beating Leicester on penalties to gain promotion to the WSL.And finally, if you weren't happy with England's World Cup squad, I've got good news. Pep Guardiola hasn't ruled out one day managing the national side. Stick with us for the latest updates and news from around the football world and send me an email with your thoughts.Today's Premier League FixturesBrighton v Manchester UnitedBurnley v WolvesCrystal Palace v ArsenalFulham v NewcastleLiverpool v BrentfordManchester City v Aston VillaNottingham Forest v BournemouthTottenham v EvertonSunderland v ChelseaWest Ham v LeedsKey Points to WatchOur writers have done the rounds on the ten things to keep an eye on during the final day of the season. Many things to keep an eye out for (ten, to be precise) but I'm with Will Unwin that the real jeopardy is to be found at Turf Moor where Burnley and Wolves will duke it out to see who finishes rock bottom of the table.

A Historic Double Victory at CannesNineteen years after his searing abortion drama "4 Months, 3 Weeks and 2 Days" won the top prize at the Cannes film festival, Romanian director Cristian Mungiu has repeated the triumph with his English-language debut "Fjord." The 58-year-old filmmaker becomes only the 10th director in history to receive two Palme d'Or awards, joining an elite group that includes Francis Ford Coppola, Michael Haneke, and Ken Loach.The Making of 'Fjord': A Cross-Cultural Drama"Fjord" presents a compelling narrative starring Renate Reinsve and Sebastian Stan as Romanian religious parents who relocate to Norway, only to find themselves accused of child abuse. The film marks Mungiu's first venture into English-language cinema, demonstrating his ability to transcend linguistic and cultural boundaries while maintaining his signature exploration of complex social issues.Festival Highlights and Other Major WinnersThe 79th Cannes film festival featured several notable award winners beyond the top prize:Grand Prix: Andrey Zvyagintsev's "Minotaur," a dark satire of corruption and infidelity in contemporary RussiaJury Prize: Valeska Grisebach's Bulgaria-set drama "The Dreamed Adventure"Best Director (tied): Pawel Pawlikowski for "Fatherland" and Javier Calvo and Javier Ambrossi for "The Black Ball"Best Actress (jointly awarded): Virginie Efira and Tao Okamoto for Ryusuke Hamaguchi's "All of a Sudden"Best Actor (jointly awarded): Valentin Campagne and Emmanuel Macchia for queer first world war drama "Coward"The Shifting Landscape of International CinemaThis year's Cannes festival was notably "slightly muted," with a distinct absence of Hollywood glitz. The two US films in competition—James Gray's "Paper Tiger" and Ira Sachs' "Aids musical 'The Man I Love'"—were both overlooked by the judges. This trend continues a pattern of European and international films dominating the festival, with US distributor Neon acquiring "Fjord"—their seventh consecutive year taking the top spot.The Future of Award-Winning CinemaWith Neon's acquisition of "Fjord," there's a clear pattern emerging of independent distributors capitalizing on Cannes victories. Following Sean Baker's "Anora," which progressed from taking the Palme two years ago to sweeping the 2025 Oscars, "Fjord" is positioned for significant distribution impact. The festival's continued recognition of socially conscious, boundary-pushing cinema suggests that international audiences will continue to gravitate toward films that tackle complex cultural and social issues with nuance and depth.

The Rise of Female Tent Pegging in Pakistan In a country where traditional sports like tent pegging have long been dominated by men, a growing number of women are saddling up and demanding equal respect. Anum Shakoor, a 30-year-old rider from Rawalpindi, is at the forefront of this movement. She is part of Pakistan's first female-only tent-pegging club, Bint-e-Zahra Club, which was formed in 2025 to provide women riders with a platform for training and community-building. Breaking Down Barriers Shakoor and her fellow riders face significant challenges, including social pressure and financial obstacles. Many families in Pakistan still view horse riding as a masculine pursuit, and women who participate in the sport often face skepticism and criticism. Additionally, the cost of owning and maintaining a horse is prohibitively expensive for many women, making it difficult for them to access the sport. The Impact of Social Media Despite these challenges, social media has played a crucial role in promoting female tent pegging in Pakistan. Riders like Ayesha Khan and Zoya Mir have gained millions of followers on Instagram and TikTok, where they share videos of their sporting victories and challenge traditional stereotypes about women in sports. A New Era for Pakistani Sports As more women take up tent pegging and other traditionally male-dominated sports, there is a growing recognition of the need for greater inclusivity and equality. Khan, who captains Pakistan's only all-women tent pegging team, believes that the sport has the power to bring people together and challenge social norms. "We want equal respect," she says. "We want to be recognized as players, not just as women riders." The Future of Female Tent Pegging As the popularity of female tent pegging continues to grow in Pakistan, there is a sense of excitement and optimism about the future of the sport. With the support of organizations like the Equestrian Federation of Pakistan and the International Tent Pegging Federation, women riders like Shakoor and Khan are poised to take their place on the world stage and inspire a new generation of female athletes.

Record Numbers Face Extreme Heat in MeccaMore than 1.5 million Muslim pilgrims have gathered in Mecca, enduring extreme temperatures as they prepare for the annual Hajj pilgrimage. The faithful are facing one of the hottest Hajj seasons on record, with temperatures soaring above 45°C (113°F) in some areas.The Pilgrimage Amid Record TemperaturesThe Hajj, one of Islam's five pillars and mandatory for able-bodied Muslims at least once in their lifetime, is taking place under extraordinary heat conditions. Pilgrims are performing the Tawaf, the circumambulation of the Kaaba, and other rituals while dealing with the intense Meccan heat. Saudi authorities have implemented measures to protect pilgrims, including misting fans, expanded shade structures, and extended operating hours for public transportation.Health Challenges and Safety MeasuresThe extreme temperatures have led to health concerns, with reports of heat-related illnesses among pilgrims. Saudi health authorities have reported hundreds of cases of heat exhaustion and dehydration. Emergency medical teams have been deployed at key sites, with field hospitals established to handle the influx of patients. The Saudi government has also issued public health advisories, urging pilgrims to stay hydrated, avoid peak sun hours, and wear appropriate clothing.Economic Impact on Saudi ArabiaThe Hajj generates significant economic activity for Saudi Arabia, with an estimated $12 billion in annual revenue from the pilgrimage. The influx of pilgrims supports various sectors including hospitality, transportation, retail, and religious services. This year's Hajj comes as Saudi Arabia continues its Vision 2030 development plan, which aims to diversify the economy beyond oil and increase religious tourism.Climate Challenges for Future PilgrimagesClimate change is increasingly affecting the Hajj experience, with rising temperatures in Mecca posing long-term challenges. Scientists predict that without significant mitigation measures, temperatures during Hajj could become life-threatening within decades. Saudi Arabia is exploring technological solutions, including climate-controlled facilities and alternative scheduling, to ensure the pilgrimage's sustainability in the face of global warming.Global Significance and Religious ObservanceThe Hajj represents one of the largest annual human gatherings worldwide, symbolizing unity among Muslims from diverse backgrounds and nationalities. Despite the challenging conditions, pilgrims expressed determination to complete their religious obligations, describing the experience as spiritually transformative. The event underscores the intersection of religious tradition and environmental challenges in the 21st century.

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."

The Lead: Hull's Unlikely Triumph Amidst ControversyA freezing night in Berlin. Silence. Mist. Breath steams above a gaggle of grey-faced men, collars upturned. An unbearable tension in the air. Binoculars trained across the River Havel from Wannsee to Potsdam. An officer reaches into the pocket of his greatcoat to take a bite of schnapps. Another smokes nervously. And then, at last, a light on the east side of the Glienicke Bridge. The exchange is on. There is almost a sense of relief as the action begins. This is the moment in the spy film after the espionage is over, the mole exposed, and the agonising denouement can begin.On a roasting May afternoon, Wembley did not, admittedly, look much like Berlin in November, but there was a similar sense of tension, of the working out of murky games, of a victory that could not help but be compromised. The demands of integrity meant that Southampton had to be punished but their espionage has tainted the Championship playoffs as a whole. In the world of shadows there are few moral absolutes – although a consensus seems rapidly to have emerged on Tonda Eckert.The Event Details: Championship Final Amidst Espionage ScandalThe Hull owner, Acun Ilicali, had said before the game that he would take legal action if Middlesbrough were to be victorious – arguing that as Boro had not won their semi-final, but had been awarded Southampton's place after their expulsion, they had no business being in the final. "Our legal team says we have to go for action, that's for sure," he told Radio Humberside. "We have no doubt about it." Perhaps Hull did have a case – certainly they had a point that they had been disadvantaged by having to prepare for two possible opponents, whereas both of those opponents knew who they would be facing if they were in the final – but, equally, it felt slightly unseemly. The Football League must have been relieved they didn't have to find out how strong that case was.At the final whistle Ilicali dissolved into tears. His too is an unlikely, and not uncontroversial, story. He was a sports reporter who became a major television celebrity in Turkey with a travel show he presented. He invested in other shows and became such a major media player that he has been one of Turkey's 100 most taxed people since 2008.The Data Analysis: Tactical Masterclass in AdversityIf the uncertainty did hamper Sergej Jakirovic's preparations, though, there was no sign of it. No side in the Championship has had more possession that Boro this season, and Hull essentially let them have the ball, denying them passing options in the final third. Although Boro had 13 shots in the game, none of them were on target. Given Hull conceded 66 goals this season, more than relegated Oxford, that was a striking statistic. Jakirovic cites Jürgen Klopp and his dynamic hard-pressing football as his model; it's fair to say he played against type here.It was an oppressive afternoon, so hot that long passages of play went by in a soporific daze and every slight knock was taken as an opportunity to take on fluids. Nobody could run, nobody could think. As a football match it was drab, featuring only one shot on target – a gentle floater from Mohamed Belloumi – before Oli McBurnie's winner, but as an occasion the stakes maintained a dreadful tension until the fateful error.The Impact Analysis: Manager's Journey to Premier League HistoryJakirovic is the definition of a journeyman: as a centre-back he played for 19 different clubs, three of them twice. As a manager, he is already on his eighth position and he doesn't turn 50 till December. He will now become the first Bosnian manager in Premier League history. The job he has done is remarkable. Last season Hull avoided relegation to the third tier only on goal difference after burning through Tim Walter, Rúben Selles and Liam Rosenior in a year. They've been operating under a transfer embargo imposed for late payments on a loan fee to Aston Villa for Louie Barry and yet somehow they've dragged their way into the Premier League.The Prediction: Hull's Uphill Battle in the Premier LeagueThere will have to be major investment if this squad is to have a chance of matching the achievements of Sunderland and Leeds in staying up, but that is a consideration for another day. This was a joyful afternoon that, after all the intrigue and debate, will live in Hull memories for ever. If Eckert, even in his absence, was the main character, the second-biggest was the temperature. It was an oppressive afternoon, so hot that long passages of play went by in a soporific daze and every slight knock was taken as an opportunity to take on fluids. Nobody could run, nobody could think. As a football match it was drab, featuring only one shot on target – a gentle floater from Mohamed Belloumi – before Oli McBurnie's winner, but as an occasion the stakes maintained a dreadful tension until the fateful error.It was that sort of film. There were few moments of high drama, more an incessant intensity, a constant anxiety building to the dramatic finale. McBurnie was released by Sheffield United when they were relegated from the Premier League in 2023-24, and picked up on a free by Hull from Las Palmas. But he's back from the wilderness, he's crossed the bridge as an improbable hero and, for now, everybody can relax. For Hull, peering through the fraught night, this was mission accomplished.