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At the Oxford Brookes Headington campus, a group of over 100 students are working tirelessly to build the fastest and best-designed race car possible for this year’s Formula Student competition.The Oxford Brookes Racing (OBR) team, the UK’s most prestigious Formula Student team, has won more design awards than any other UK university and frequently secures top spots in the international race held annually at Silverstone.Success in the competition is crucial as it gets the team noticed by the industry, where a handful of engineering jobs can have upwards of 10,000 applicants. Several OBR alumni are currently working in every Formula One team.“A lot of the coverage on TV is based around the drivers, but not really the actual engineers,” said Thomas Cawdery, a team manager and third-year motorsports technology student. “This is what you don’t see in Formula One. The engineers who make it happen.”The OBR team is entirely run by students and operates out of two buildings, where scores of people are working hard – cutting and shaping carbon fibre chassis by hand, and running simulations on computers. Students of all ages are teaching and learning from one another.While actual Formula One cars have much more power than the students are allowed for safety reasons, the complexity of the cars is very similar. “They’re the same if not more complex than Formula One cars,” Cawdery said.The OBR team surpasses industry expectations in some aspects, particularly in terms of gender balance. Unlike most Formula One teams, where only about 10% of engineers are women, OBR has a much better gender balance.Emma Deery, a first-year mechanical engineering student, finds the inclusive environment encouraging. “In the industry, a lot of women find themselves the only woman on their team. Here it’s different. We have a lot more women and a lot of women in leadership roles.”The OBR team will compete for the top spot this summer against 102 other teams from 27 countries. The competition is a useful recruitment tool for big industry names, as it showcases innovative engineering skills.Ross Brawn, the legendary former team principal, once said, “There are two really innovative forms of motorsport left. One of them is Formula One and the other one is Formula Student.”

Rising fortunes among the ultra‑rich under the Trump administration have ignited a wave of tax‑reform campaigns across the United States. In California, volunteers like Karen Sanchez are gathering signatures for a one‑time 5% wealth tax targeting the state’s 200‑plus billionaires to offset federal cuts to hospitals, education and food‑assistance programs.At least ten states are exploring similar measures. Washington recently enacted its first income‑tax aimed at roughly 20,000 millionaire households, while Massachusetts and Minnesota already channel wealth‑tax proceeds into preschool, K‑12 meals and transportation infrastructure.On the federal front, Senators Bernie Sanders and Representative Ro Khanna have introduced the “Make Billionaires Pay Their Fair Share Act,” proposing an annual 5% levy on billionaire net worth. Khanna argues that the ultra‑wealthy fund private health insurers, defense contractors and political campaigns, creating a stark fairness gap.Data from Oxfam shows that in the twelve months after Trump’s re‑election, billionaire fortunes grew at a rate three times faster than the average annual growth of the previous five years. Meanwhile, the federal minimum wage has remained stagnant at $7.25 for fifteen years, underscoring the widening economic divide.A Data for Progress poll released last fall found that 70% of Americans believe the economic system favours corporations and the wealthy. “People are angry and want change,” says Amy Hanauer of the Institute on Taxation and Economic Policy (ITEP), noting that activists are leveraging every level of government to seek relief.The movement draws on a two‑decade history of class‑based activism, from the Occupy Wall Street protests to Senator Sanders’ 2016 campaign that foregrounded wealth‑tax proposals. Yet inequality has deepened: CEOs of the five largest U.S. firms now earn, on average, **$52 million** annually—over a thousand times the typical worker’s salary.Political spending by billionaires has also exploded. A recent New York Times analysis reveals that billionaire contributions rose from **0.3% of campaign funds in 2008** to **19% in 2024**, amounting to more than **$3 billion** from roughly 300 ultra‑rich donors, many of whom supported candidates opposing wealth taxes, including former President Donald Trump.The war in Iran has further inflamed resentment, with the United States spending **$11.3 billion** in the first week of bombardment—far exceeding the annual budgets of agencies such as the CDC, EPA and the National Cancer Institute.Local victories are feeding the momentum. New York City’s mayoral race saw Zohran Mamdani win on a platform that includes taxing the rich to fund affordable housing, groceries and transit. Councilmember Chi Ossé led a 1,500‑person march to the state capitol, urging Governor Kathy Hochul to permit a city‑level millionaire tax, a move that now has backing from some state Democrats.Beyond New York, states like Rhode Island, Hawaii, Pennsylvania, Virginia, Illinois and New Mexico are debating various wealth‑tax mechanisms, including the popular “mansion tax” on high‑value home sales. Currently, **17 localities** have adopted such taxes, most passed between 2018 and 2023.California’s gubernatorial race has become a flashpoint. Billionaire‑backed candidates Matt Mahan and Tom Steyer are vying to replace Governor Gavin Newsom, with the tech elite—such as Sergey Brin and Joe Lonsdale—pouring money into campaigns opposing the billionaire tax. Of the 30 billionaires who have contributed to the race, **25 supported Mahan**, who has positioned himself as a staunch anti‑tax candidate.For Sanchez, the stakes are personal. The proposed tax seeks to replace **$100 billion** in federal health‑care funding cut by Trump’s “One Big Beautiful Bill Act,” which threatens hospital closures and layoffs in the nation’s fourth‑largest economy. She aims to collect **875,000 signatures** by late June to secure the initiative on the November ballot.“It’s creating a network of groups all working toward a common good,” Sanchez says, reflecting a broader sentiment that collective action could finally translate the public’s demand for fiscal fairness into concrete policy.

The latest Supergirl trailer has generated significant buzz, hinting at a fresh take on the iconic DC character. Director Craig Gillespie has revealed that the film will feature a nine-world structure and a considerable amount of planet-hopping, setting it apart from previous superhero films.Building on the success of James Gunn's Superman, which offered a unique twist on the Man of Steel, Milly Alcock's Kara Zor-El is poised to bring a new level of excitement to the DC Universe. The trailer showcases Alcock's character navigating alien landscapes and battling foes with a swagger reminiscent of a cosmic gunslinger.What sets this film apart is its exploration of Kara's vulnerabilities when she's away from Earth's yellow sun. In the comic book series Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow, Kara encounters a world under a green sun that drains her powers, making her physically ill. This element could add a layer of complexity to the story, as Kara searches for an antidote across multiple planets.The film's setup has a video-game-like quality, with Kara's power levels potentially fluctuating as she navigates different environments. This mechanic could sharpen the drama and create a sense of tension, as Kara faces challenges that test her abilities.While there are risks involved in this bold new direction, the prospect of seeing a more vulnerable and dynamic Supergirl on the big screen is an intriguing one. As the DC Universe continues to evolve, fans are eager to see how this new take on a classic character will unfold.

In a recent analysis, the author argues that Lebanon’s accession to the International Criminal Court (ICC) would mark a pivotal step toward greater accountability and international legitimacy. By becoming a State Party, Lebanon could align its judicial framework with the global standards set by the Rome Statute, thereby enhancing the credibility of its legal institutions. The piece highlights three core benefits: first, the ICC’s jurisdiction would provide a mechanism to investigate and prosecute serious crimes such as war crimes, crimes against humanity, and genocide that have historically plagued the region. Second, joining the Court would signal Lebanon’s commitment to the rule of law, potentially attracting foreign investment and diplomatic support by demonstrating a stable, rights‑respecting environment. Third, participation could facilitate cooperation with other ICC members, fostering regional dialogue on justice and reconciliation. While acknowledging the political complexities surrounding accession, the author stresses that the long‑term gains—greater judicial independence, deterrence of future atrocities, and improved international relations—outweigh short‑term challenges. The article concludes that embracing ICC membership would not only serve victims of past abuses but also position Lebanon as a proactive contributor to the global fight against impunity.

In a picturesque woodland setting, a remarkable partnership between a 12-year-old mare named Etty and her handler, Toby Hoad, showcases the effectiveness of horse logging. This traditional yet sustainable method of extracting tree trunks causes minimal disturbance to the environment compared to mechanized approaches. Etty, a stocky chestnut mare, works in tandem with Toby, requiring a deep understanding and trust between them. Toby explains that building a strong relationship with his equine partner is crucial: 'You've really got to build up a relationship; you've got to build up trust. I can drop the reins, and she will pull out the log for me if it's in a tight spot.' The use of horsepower for logging offers several advantages. Equines are more maneuverable, can work in restricted spaces, don't compact the ground, and cope well with wet conditions without damaging the forest floor. These benefits make horse logging an attractive alternative to traditional methods. Toby, one of only a handful of professionals doing this job full-time, uses the French Comtois draught breed for their strength and suitability for the task. The breed's compact size and robust nature make them ideal for navigating woodland terrain. Toby notes that traditional UK heavy horses, such as shires, would be too large for this work. As the seasons change, Toby and Etty are nearing the end of their current project, removing diseased ash trees from a coppice. The work will resume in September, with the team taking a break to participate in agricultural shows and engage in other activities like bracken rolling, a non-chemical method of controlling fern growth.

The Unicorn Theatre's production of 'A Midsummer Night's Dream' is a playful and punchy adaptation of Shakespeare's romantic comedy, made accessible to a young audience. Co-directors Rachel Bagshaw and Robin Belfield have trimmed down the original language while incorporating slapstick comedy and playful captions.The production feels like the start of a brilliant venture, still finding its feet. The editing is smart, but could have been more radical. The framing story in Athens has been cut down but not excised, making it harder to understand.The magical elements are kept low-key and gently engaging, with Titania's fairies conjured up using childlike voiceovers, Holly Khan's delicate soundscape, and Will Monks' entrancing word projections. Joséphine-Fransilja Brookman's Puck is an impish schoolkid who climbs up balconies, jumps on tyre swings, and causes mischief.The standout star is Emmy Stonelake as Bottom, a natural comic and talented Shakespearean who raises big laughs without compromising the language. When Bottom is turned into a donkey, Stonelake cries out: “This is to make an ass of me!” and is met with big laughs and heavy sighs.The most lucid and enjoyable scenes are those with the rude mechanicals as they rehearse their (terrible) play. There's a whiff of the CBeebies panto to these encounters, with the actors dressed in neon costumes and delivering their gags with gusto. The hard-working ensemble jump from playing heartsick lovers to hammy actors with real aplomb.At the Unicorn theatre, London, until 10 May.

The Lead Apple has rolled out critical security updates for older iPhone and iPad models to counter a sophisticated web-based attack known as DarkSword. The release of iOS 18.7.7 and iPadOS 18.7.7 is a direct response to a leaked set of hacking tools that can compromise devices running versions 18.4 through 18.7. Understanding the DarkSword Vulnerability DarkSword is a sophisticated exploit kit that operates through a 'drive-by download' mechanism. Attackers do not need to trick users into clicking suspicious links; instead, simply visiting a legitimate website that has been breached can trigger the malicious code. This allows the toolkit to break into Apple devices and install spyware without the user's immediate knowledge. The Data Impact of the Exploit The capabilities of the DarkSword toolkit pose a significant threat to user privacy. Once a device is compromised, attackers gain access to a wide range of sensitive information, including: Private messages Browser history Location data Cryptocurrency wallet credentials Security researchers have observed these tools being used in targeted attacks across China, Malaysia, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, and Ukraine. User Friction and Update Resistance Despite the severity of the threat, Apple notes that millions of users remain vulnerable because they have chosen not to update their devices. The primary driver for this resistance is the user experience; many users have opted out of the latest software updates to avoid the new 'liquid glass' interface, prioritizing familiarity over security patches. The Role of Lockdown Mode For users who remain at high risk, Apple’s optional Lockdown Mode offers a robust defense. The company has confirmed that this feature effectively blocks attacks that would bypass standard protections, including those from government-sponsored spyware campaigns. Future Outlook on Web-Based Threats The publication of the DarkSword toolkit on the open web signals a worrying trend. As these tools become more accessible, we can expect an increase in low-cost, high-impact cyberattacks targeting older device versions that lack the latest security protocols.

Graham Potter arrived in Stockholm with a bruised résumé – dismissed from Chelsea and West Ham – only to inherit a Swedish side that had languished at the bottom of their qualifying group.Against the odds, the duo have now clinched a place at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, thanks to a dramatic playoff victory over Poland that Potter described as “the best night I’ve had in football”.The story reads like a script: a manager dismissed twice in quick succession, a national team rescued by the repechage mechanism of the Nations League, and a last‑minute strike from striker Viktor Gyökeres that sealed the win.Sweden’s qualifying record was bleak – two draws and four defeats in six matches, leaving them behind Switzerland, Kosovo and Slovenia. The team’s fortunes changed only after the Nations League granted a second‑chance pathway for the four best group winners who had not qualified directly.The system, designed to give emerging nations a shortcut past the coefficient hurdle, unintentionally benefited Sweden. After being relegated to League C in 2022‑23, they topped their 2024‑25 group ahead of Slovakia, Estonia and Azerbaijan, earning a spot in the World Cup playoffs.Potter acknowledged the luck of the draw but emphasized that Sweden made the most of the opportunity, turning a “darkest hour” into a dawn of redemption.When Potter took over, the squad was plagued by injuries and a three‑game winless streak. His own career had stalled after a brief, high‑profile stint at Chelsea – highlighted by a Champions League win over Borussia Dortmund – and an unfulfilling spell at West Ham.Sweden’s early results under Potter were mixed: a 4‑1 loss to Switzerland and a 1‑1 draw with Slovenia. However, decisive victories over Ukraine and then Poland in the playoffs propelled them to Qatar.Fans in Stockholm now regard Potter with near‑heroic reverence, recalling his earlier triumphs with Östersund, where he guided the modest club from a 50,000‑person town to three promotions and a Swedish Cup win.During the post‑match press conference, Potter brought his children – decked in Swedish kits – to the front row, describing Gyökeres’s late winner as an “out‑of‑body experience”. Yet he remained modest, crediting the staff and the collective effort of the squad.“We stripped everything back to the basics, got the team together and let the talent speak,” Potter said. “It’s a team game – individual brilliance only shines when the whole unit clicks.”Poland may question how two playoff wins outweigh six qualifying matches, but the narrative underscores the power of redemption in sport. Potter summed it up: “My career has had amazing nights, but reaching the World Cup – wow, this is incredible.”

Ukraine is facing a critical spring as the country's situation continues to deteriorate. US financial support has dried up under Donald Trump, making European aid crucial. However, Hungary's Prime Minister Viktor Orbán is blocking a €90bn EU loan to Kyiv, causing exasperation for Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.Orbán's opposition is driven by his nationalist base and allegations of collusion with Russia to undermine European decision-making. With US attention shifting to the Middle East, Ukraine has become more vulnerable and reliant on European support. Higher oil prices and the lifting of restrictions on Russian oil have boosted Vladimir Putin's war economy, while stocks of US Patriot missile interceptors are dwindling.Meanwhile, peace negotiations with Moscow have paused, and the White House's priorities in the Gulf are taking precedence over Kyiv's needs. Ukraine's president has stated that future US security guarantees are being linked to the surrender of unoccupied territory in the Donbas. Europe must develop stronger mechanisms to counter blocking tactics like Orbán's and provide crucial financial support to Ukraine.