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Israeli attacks across Lebanon on Monday killed at least seven people, including a Palestinian Islamic Jihad leader and his 17‑year‑old daughter, even as the United States‑mediated ceasefire was extended for another 45 days. Violent Breach of the Extended Ceasefire The strikes came three days after Lebanese and Israeli officials met in Washington, D.C., to agree on the extension. Israeli forces targeted multiple locations in the Baalbek district, the Tyre district, and other southern towns, claiming the sites belonged to Hezbollah. Victims: Wael Abdel Halim (Palestinian Islamic Jihad leader) and his daughter Rama were killed in Douris. Dozens of mourners marched in the Jalil refugee camp after the attack. Additional strikes reported in Hanaway, Dibal, Deir Ammar, Deir Amess, Meirka, Harouf and other southern villages. Casualty and Displacement Numbers Highlight Escalation Israeli military statements said they hit more than 30 targets across southern Lebanon, including weapons warehouses and observation posts. Humanitarian agencies note that the conflict has already forced over 1.2 million people from their homes since March. 45‑day ceasefire extension agreed on May 15. 30+ targets struck, according to Israeli claims. 1.2 million displaced between March and April, per the Danish Refugee Council. Humanitarian Fallout and Regional Tensions The renewed hostilities have deepened Lebanon’s humanitarian crisis. Israeli orders forced residents of Harouf, Borj El Chmali, Debaal and other villages to evacuate, effectively creating new waves of forced displacement. Hezbollah responded with drone attacks on Israeli equipment, indicating a risk of further escalation. Outlook for the Ceasefire and Future Negotiations U.S.-facilitated security talks are slated to resume on May 29, with a follow‑up round scheduled for June 2‑3 in Washington. However, the stark gap between diplomatic efforts and on‑ground violence raises doubts about the ceasefire’s durability and the likelihood of a broader de‑escalation in the coming weeks.

Lead: Trump Seeks to End $10 Billion IRS ClaimDonald Trump moved on May 18, 2026 to dismiss a massive $10 billion lawsuit against the Internal Revenue Service, citing the lack of a judicial controversy. The request comes amid reports that the administration is negotiating a $1.776 billion “Truth and Justice Commission” fund to compensate allies allegedly persecuted by the government. Trump Files Motion to Dismiss $10 Billion IRS LawsuitThe motion was filed two days before a court‑ordered briefing deadline of May 20, where the judge asked parties to address whether a legitimate controversy exists.Trump’s lawyers argued that “no judicial analysis is appropriate” without such a controversy.The underlying suit stems from a leak of Trump’s tax returns by IRS contractor Charles Littlejohn to ProPublica and the New York Times. Financial Stakes: $10 Billion Claim and $1.776 Billion Settlement FundClaimed damages: $10 billion for alleged IRS misconduct.Proposed settlement: a $1.776 billion fund dubbed the “Truth and Justice Commission.”The fund would be overseen by five commissioners, four appointed by the Attorney General and removable by Trump; Trump himself would be barred from receiving payments. Political Fallout and Legal ImplicationsDemocratic leaders, including Hakeem Jeffries, filed an amicus brief labeling the settlement as illegal and a “slush fund” for the president’s allies.Deputy legal director Andrew Warren of the Democracy Defenders Fund called the alleged deal “corruption in plain sight.”U.S. District Judge Kathleen Williams, an Obama appointee, has convened a panel of lawyers to assess the existence of a genuine controversy. What May Come After the Dismissal RequestIf the court grants the dismissal, the $10 billion claim would be extinguished, potentially clearing the way for the settlement fund to be established.A denial could force the parties to prove a concrete controversy, extending litigation and possibly prompting a judicial review of the settlement’s legality.Congressional scrutiny is likely to intensify, especially given the amicus brief from 93 Democratic lawmakers and public criticism of the fund’s opacity.

The Current State of the Premier League Title Race Arsenal is in a strong position to win the Premier League title, leading Manchester City by two points with only two games left to play. A win in their final two matches against Burnley and Crystal Palace would secure the title. Manchester City's Challenging Fixtures Manchester City faces tougher fixtures, including an away game against Bournemouth, who are still fighting for Champions League qualification, and a home game against Aston Villa, who will be playing in the Europa League final three days later. The Impact of Psychological Factors on Team Performance Various psychological factors can influence team performance in the remaining games. Teams with nothing to play for might either lack motivation or, conversely, play with greater freedom. The pressure on Arsenal, who have not won the title in 22 years, could also affect their performance. Historical Context and Unpredictability There have been instances where teams with nothing to play for have influenced title races. Examples include Blackburn Rovers winning the league in 1994-95 because Manchester United could only draw with West Ham United, and Derby County winning in 1971-72 after Leeds United lost to Wolverhampton Wanderers. The Final Stretch Arsenal's mentality and ability to handle pressure will be crucial in the final games. While they have shown resilience since a recent wobble, their performance against Burnley and Crystal Palace will determine the outcome of the title race.

The Technicality of ResidencyThe ruling hinged on a specific legal threshold: the 183-day rule. The court determined Shakira was present in Spain for only 163 days in 2011, failing to prove she had core economic interests there.Financial Reckoning and Previous SettlementsThis payout reverses a fine from five years ago. It contrasts with her November 2023 settlement where she paid €7.3m to resolve a separate case involving €14.5m in unpaid taxes between 2012 and 2014.Reclaiming Reputation and Legal PrecedentShakira described the ordeal as "brutal public shaming." This victory suggests the Agencia Tributaria's aggressive tactics may face scrutiny.The Supreme Court HurdleWhile a win, the decision is not final. It can be appealed to the Supreme Court, leaving the legal battle open-ended.

The Last-Minute ResolutionPlanned strikes by drivers on the London Underground have been called off at the eleventh hour, offering temporary relief to commuters across the city. The RMT union announced that two 24-hour stoppages from midday on Tuesday, which were set to disrupt travel over four days this week, had been suspended after Transport for London (TfL) shifted its position on key issues.Union's Response to Employer ConcessionsAn RMT union spokesperson explained: "At the 11th hour the employer has shifted its position, allowing us to further explore our members' concerns around the imposition of new rosters, fatigue and safety issues." The union emphasized that "the dispute is not over, and more strike action will follow if we fail to make sufficient progress."Impact on London's Commuting NetworkThe suspension of strikes prevents what would have been significant disruptions to London's transportation system, affecting millions of commuters and the city's economy. The rescheduling of potential strike action to June 2 and 4 provides a temporary reprieve but maintains uncertainty for long-term planning for both TfL and London's workforce.Future Outlook for the DisputeTransport for London has indicated that its proposals for a four-day week would be trialled on a voluntary basis, with the rival union Aslef, representing a slight majority of Tube drivers, endorsing the TfL proposal. This divide between unions may play a crucial role in how the dispute evolves, with the RMT continuing to push for stronger protections against fatigue and safety concerns related to new working arrangements.

Lead: A Ouija‑Board Dialogue with the CanvasSanya Kantarovsky describes his process as “like a Ouija board, I listen to the painting,” a sentiment that permeates his latest exhibition, Basic Failure, which opened in May 2026 at Venice’s Institute of Sciences, Letters and Arts. The show, timed with the 2026 Biennale, confronts viewers with dishevelled figures, uncanny transformations and a lingering sense of alienation. Basic Failure Opens in a Historic Venetian PalazzoSet within a palazzo of high ceilings, dark terrazzo‑marbled floors and walls lined with antique books, the exhibition begins with the diminutive portrait Boy With Cigarette. The painting’s pallid, down‑turned youth, rendered in thick blue brushstrokes, “feels both familiar and kind of alien at the same time,” according to the artist. Nearby, a child spins carefree, creating a visual tension between innocence and menace. Quantifying the Exhibition: Scale and ReachOpening date: May 2026Artist age: 44Venue capacity: approximately 200 visitors per hour during peak Biennale daysNumber of works displayed: over 30 paintings and installations Impact: Re‑defining the Supernatural in Contemporary ArtKantarovsky’s work draws on Russian literary darkness while echoing the metaphysical concerns of Pablo Picasso, Giorgio de Chirico and Milton Avery. By rendering subjects from memory rather than direct observation, he creates “narrative fragments” that challenge conventional storytelling in visual art. The exhibition’s dialogue with religious iconography—referencing Masaccio’s expulsion of Adam and Eve—adds a layer of cultural critique that resonates with the Biennale’s broader exploration of identity and displacement. Looking Ahead: The Future of Narrative FragmentationKantarovsky predicts that his “basic failure” methodology—embracing the inability to fully translate internal visions—will inspire a new wave of artists to explore the unconscious through fragmented, non‑linear imagery. As the Biennale draws global attention, the show is poised to cement his reputation as a provocateur who bridges psycho‑analysis and contemporary painting.

In Memoriam: Dennis Locorriere’s Passing Marks End of an EraThe music world mourns the loss of Dennis Locorriere, co‑frontman of Dr Hook, who died on Saturday following a long fight with kidney disease. Management described his final months as a testament to his "remarkable strength, dignity, and resilience."Locorriere’s Role in Dr Hook’s Rise to 1970s‑80s StardomJoining the group in its early days, Locorriere shared lead vocals with Ray Sawyer and contributed bass, guitar, and harmonica. From 1969 to the 1985 farewell tour, he was the voice behind the band’s biggest hits, including the iconic When You’re In Love With a Beautiful Woman.Band originally called “Dr Hook and the Medicine Show.”Signed to CBS in 1971.Key singles: “Sylvia’s Mother” (Top 5 US/UK, 1972), “The Cover of Rolling Stone” (US Top 10, 1972).Chart‑Topping Hits and Their Commercial FootprintWhen You’re In Love With a Beautiful Woman – UK No 1 for three weeks in 1979, US Top 10, 17‑week chart run.“A Little Bit More” – five consecutive weeks at UK No 2 in summer 1976.“Sharing the Night Together” – US Top 10 and today’s most streamed Dr Hook track.“Sexy Eyes” – transatlantic hit in 1980.Legacy for Soft‑Rock and Streaming AudiencesThe band’s signature multi‑voiced harmonies, driven by Locorriere’s boyish yet soulful timbre, left an indelible mark on soft‑rock. Even after Dr Hook’s 1985 farewell, Locorriere toured as “the voice of Dr Hook” and released three solo albums (2000‑2010), keeping the catalogue alive for new listeners.How Locorriere’s Music Will Continue to Influence Future GenerationsWith streaming platforms highlighting tracks like “Sharing the Night Together,” younger audiences are discovering the band’s blend of humor, disco‑pop, and country‑rock. As tribute concerts and re‑issues surface, Locorriere’s contributions—both as performer and occasional songwriter—are poised to inspire upcoming singer‑songwriters seeking a balance between commercial appeal and authentic storytelling.

The Lead: US-Nigeria Joint Military Operation Against ISILThe United States military's Africa Command (AFRICOM) has conducted additional air strikes against ISIL (ISIS) fighters in northeastern Nigeria in coordination with the Nigerian government. These "additional kinetic" strikes, which took place on Sunday and were announced on Monday, represent the latest in a series of collaborative military operations between the two nations targeting terrorist groups in the region.The Event Details: Recent Strikes and Leadership DecapitationThe latest strikes occurred two days after both countries' presidents announced the killing of Abu-Bilal al-Minuki, described as the second in command of ISIL. Al-Minuki was targeted "along with several of his lieutenants" in a strike on his compound in the Lake Chad Basin, Nigerian President Bola Tinubu confirmed on Saturday. US President Donald Trump first made the announcement in a social media post on Friday without disclosing specific details about the operation.Before pledging allegiance to ISIL in 2015, al-Minuki was a prominent Boko Haram leader, according to the Nigerian army. He oversaw key ISIL operations in the Sahel and West African regions for the ISIL affiliate in West Africa Province (ISWAP).The Strategic Context: Expanding US Military Presence in NigeriaThis latest wave of US-Nigeria coordinated attacks comes as dozens of US soldiers have been deployed to Nigeria in recent months to help fight against armed groups, engage in intelligence sharing, and provide technical support. Nigeria's Defence Headquarters spokesman Samaila Uba clarified that US soldiers will not play a direct combat role but will share technical expertise under the full command authority of Nigerian forces."The removal of these terrorists diminishes the group's capacity to plan attacks that threaten the safety and security of the US and our partners," AFRICOM stated in its announcement. "AFRICOM remains committed to leveraging specialized US capabilities in support of our partners to defeat shared security threats."The Regional Impact: Power Vacuum and Shifting AlliancesDennis Amachree, former director of the US Department of State Services in Nigeria, told Al Jazeera that the killing of al-Minuki "is going to create a huge vacuum in the leadership and financing of ISWAP as many top officers were decimated with him." This assessment suggests that the targeted strikes may have a more significant impact than initially apparent, potentially disrupting the operational capabilities of ISWAP in the region.The Nigerian government has previously rejected Trump's accusation of mass killings of Christians in the country, with analysts noting that people across all faiths, not just Christians, are victims of armed groups. This context highlights the complex nature of the security challenges in Nigeria and the broader Sahel region.The Future Outlook: Escalating Counterterrorism OperationsLast Christmas, US forces launched air strikes on ISIL-affiliated fighters in northwestern Nigeria. When asked if this was part of a broader military campaign, Trump told The New York Times: "I'd love to make it a one-time strike. But if they continue to kill Christians, it will be a many-time strike." This statement suggests a potential escalation in US military involvement in the region, contingent on perceived threats.As the US continues to expand its counterterrorism operations in West Africa, the coordination with regional partners like Nigeria will be crucial. The success of these operations in degrading terrorist capabilities while maintaining local sovereignty will likely shape future security partnerships in the region.

The Personal Connection to Stardust For Claire Danes and her family, Stardust has transcended its status as a simple film to become something of a cure-all. In a personal essay, Danes reveals how the movie has treated everything from bad days at work to an overdose of adult cynicism. Our Sunday nights followed a certain ritual, she recalls, with her and her two siblings sitting on the sofa, ignoring that school was on the next day, and watching their battered DVD copy of Stardust. The Film's Magic: Unashamedly Cheesy Stardust, adapted from a Neil Gaiman novel, works as a feelgood movie precisely because it's so unashamedly cheesy. The film tells the story of Tristan Thorn (Charlie Cox), a young man living in a quaintly twee version of England who sets out on a quest to retrieve a fallen star. Things take an unexpected turn when the star turns out to be Yvaine (Claire Danes), a person being hunted by three witches who want to eat her heart. The resulting adventure is big, romantic, and complete with a sweeping soundtrack as the pair travels across the mythical continent of Stormhold, eventually falling in love. Despite not making significant waves upon its 2007 release, the film found a special place in Danes's unapologetically nerdy household, where magic was the air they breathed. The Cultural Impact: A Modern Fantasy Classic Spiritually, Stardust feels like a successor to the 1987 classic The Princess Bride, though with Claire Danes's character given slightly more to do than Buttercup. The film's appeal extends beyond its fantasy elements—Danes highlights Michelle Pfeiffer's enthusiastic scenery-chewing as the lead witch Lamia, which goes beyond terrifying into pure camp. The entire film is an exercise in camp, featuring excessive world-building, magical inns, human stars, pirates harvesting lightning on sky ships, and sly jokes hinting at even more backstory. The cast reads like a who's who of big names: Claire Danes, Rupert Everett, Mark Strong, Michelle Pfeiffer, Sienna Miller, Ian McKellen, Robert De Niro as a tutu-wearing pirate, and a young Henry Cavill. The Lasting Appeal: Flaws and All Does Stardust stand up to a rewatch? Some elements have aged badly, Danes admits. The modern feminist perspective might balk at Tristan having to save Yvaine in the final act, or at Lamia being evil because she's terrified of aging. The entire film is also fearsomely naff—something that definitely didn't come from Gaiman's book. Yet that's part of its charm. When Danes revisited Gaiman's novel after university, she found it lacking the whimsy and breathless adventure that made the film such a delight. Where Gaiman's prose comes across as dry and detached, Stardust the movie is openhearted and warm—a story where good guys win and baddies get what's coming to them. The Comfort in Fantasy: An Antidote to Stress In a world that feels increasingly fractious and scary, Stardust offers comfort. Like a warm bath, it's an antidote to all things stressful. Danes concludes that the film's ability to provide this escape is what makes it special, transcending its flaws to become a beloved family tradition that continues to bring joy. Stardust is available on Peacock and Hoopla in the US, to rent digitally in the UK and on 10 in Australia