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A recent investigation by The Sentry has uncovered that Libyan businessman Ahmed Gadalla facilitated hundreds of millions of dollars in loans to support Khalifa Haftar's failed 2019-2020 assault on Tripoli. The report alleges that Gadalla, a key enabler for Haftar family members, secured $300m in loans from a minor bank based in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates (UAE), ahead of the offensive. The months-long campaign by forces loyal to Haftar to seize the Libyan capital from the United Nations-recognised government resulted in hundreds of deaths and displaced hundreds of thousands of people. The cost of the campaign was significant, with an estimated $700 million effort mobilised upfront. The investigation suggests that the money likely helped finance operations, including payments to Russia's mercenary Wagner Group, which supported Haftar's offensive. After Haftar's offensive collapsed, the loans remained largely unpaid, leaving the Libyan public to bear the financial burden. Gadalla has faced no accountability, and the report warns that he has since expanded his influence across eastern Libya's financial system, exerting control over key banks and facilitating large-scale letter-of-credit fraud and laundering illicit profits. The Sentry's report also links Gadalla to efforts to procure and transfer military equipment to Sudan, in violation of a UN arms embargo. The group has called on Western governments to impose targeted sanctions on Gadalla and his network, warning that without concerted international action, Libya faces the continued erosion of its economic foundations.

On Halloween night in 2022, the 33‑year‑old Los Angeles‑based musician Angelo De Augustine collapsed at home, experiencing a cascade of sensory failures that left him unable to see, hear or move properly. Family members rushed him to the hospital, where doctors ran extensive tests but could not pinpoint a diagnosis, ultimately sending him home with a warning to return only if he became completely deaf or blind. Faced with a semi‑incapacitated body, De Augustine’s sole focus became completing the album he had been crafting for the previous year, Toil and Trouble. He admits he believed he might not survive the illness, yet he pushed through the pain, hoping to finish the record before his presumed death. De Augustine’s career had been gaining momentum. After his 2014 debut Spirals of Silence, he joined Sufjan Stevens’ label Asthmatic Kitty for 2017’s Swim Inside the Moon and later co‑produced the acclaimed 2021 collaboration A Beginner’s Mind. A 2019 track, “Time,” from the album Tomb, amassed over 31 million streams after featuring in Zach Braff’s film A Good Person, but the artist was too ill to capitalize on its success. Recovery was gradual and arduous. Over three years De Augustine relearned basic functions—walking, speaking, hearing, and playing instruments. Those challenges informed his newest work, Angel in Plainclothes, an album that contemplates mortality and the fleeting nature of life through ethereal soundscapes. Musically, the record draws on influences ranging from Nick Drake’s wistfulness to early Paul Simon’s lyricism. Tracks such as “Spirit of the Unknown” celebrate simple joys, while the lead single “Mirror Mirror” uses a reflective metaphor to describe his feeling of being a ghost watching life from the sidelines. He records from a studio he calls “A Secret Place,” emphasizing the intimate, introspective tone of the project. Recent research, De Augustine notes, suggests that chronic stress can overload the central nervous system, causing the body to shut down—a possible explanation for his 2022 episode. He points to the relentless pressures of the music industry as a likely source of that prolonged anxiety. Born to musical parents—his mother Wendy Fraser sang on the Dirty Dancing soundtrack—De Augustine originally pursued soccer before injuries redirected him toward music. Largely self‑taught, he began writing original material without formal lessons, a factor he believes gives his songs a distinctive edge. During his convalescence he moved back in with his mother, unable even to prepare meals. A breakthrough came when he discovered that immersion in water alleviated his symptoms, prompting a deeper awareness of his stress levels. A disciplined regimen of physical and mental exercises helped rewire his nervous system, gradually restoring his ability to play guitar and sing. When his health permitted, De Augustine returned to the studio, this time enlisting collaborators such as string arranger Oliver Hill, harpist Leng Bian, producer Thomas Bartlett (aka Doveman), and his mother on percussion. Drummer Jonathan Wilson contributed drums and offered his Topanga Canyon studio for the track “The Cure,” a song that likens illness to addiction. The album’s sonic palette is enriched by antique instruments—a bowed psaltery, aquarion, Marxophone, bass recorder, train whistle, 1960s German guitaret, miniature accordion, and a 1990s synthesiser version of a Japanese koto harp—underscoring De Augustine’s penchant for unconventional textures. After a five‑year hiatus from live performance, he returned to the stage last year, describing the experience as “amazing” despite its challenges. Though he acknowledges he is not yet fully healed, he feels he is emerging as a blend of his former self and a newly humbled individual who no longer takes life for granted. Reflecting on his journey, De Augustine says, “For so long my only focus was to be a great songwriter, and perhaps I paid the price for that. Now I’m trying to live a good life rather than chase outcomes.” Angel in Plainclothes was released via Asthmatic Kitty on 24 April, offering listeners a glimpse into his renewed perspective and artistic resilience.

Joey Barton appeared by video link from Liverpool prison at Liverpool Crown Court to deny assaulting a man outside a north‑west England golf club.During the plea hearing, the 43‑year‑old former Manchester City and Newcastle United midfielder pleaded not guilty to causing grievous bodily harm with intent to Kevin Lynch on 8 March.The court noted that Barton’s co‑defendant, Gary O’Grady, was not required to enter a plea at this stage.Earlier proceedings revealed the defendants had been drinking with Lynch at Huyton & Prescot Golf Club before the alleged attack, after which Lynch, a former non‑league football manager and founder of the special‑education NexGen Academy, suffered serious eye injuries.Judge Andrew Menary scheduled a trial for 1 September, estimating the case will span seven days. The 15‑minute hearing also addressed administrative matters.Barton remains remanded in custody, while the judge renewed conditional bail for O’Grady, who was supported in court by several family members.In his playing career, Barton earned a single England cap and also featured for clubs such as Rangers and Marseille.

Harry Styles has announced the full programme for this year’s Meltdown Festival at the Southbank Centre, positioning the pop star as curator of a multi‑genre celebration that runs from 11 June to 21 June. In addition to headlining a solo show on 16 June at the Royal Festival Hall, Styles will perform amid his ongoing Wembley Stadium tour, while the festival showcases a broad spectrum of talent ranging from jazz to electronic dance music. The jazz segment features two sets by acclaimed US saxophonist Kamasi Washington: one dedicated to his album Fearless Movement and another titled “Jazz Legends Reimagined,” where he will reinterpret classic jazz compositions. Ethiopian‑born pioneer Mulatu Astatke returns after a farewell‑tour appearance, and the UK scene is represented by drummer Yussef Dayes and reed virtuoso Shabaka, who will join a collective of collaborators. Indie and rock offerings include LA band Warpaint (performing their sole gig of the year), British singer‑songwriter Nilüfer Yanya, and a mix of emerging and veteran acts such as Bar Italia, Stephen Fretwell and Getdown Services. Former Maccabees frontman Orlando Weeks will deliver a hybrid set of music and storytelling, while Devonté Hynes (known as Blood Orange) will present a classical‑inspired performance with musicians Adam Tendler, Cæcilie Trier and Tariq Al‑Sabir. On the pop front, rising stars Erika de Casier and Fousheé will provide some of the season’s most forward‑thinking tracks. The electronic roster spans ambient pioneer Beverly Glenn‑Copeland, an improvised collaboration featuring Jon Hopkins, Maddie Ashman and Leo Abrahams, high‑tempo EDM from Australia’s Ninajirachi, and a DJ set by James Murphy of LCD Soundsystem. A parallel programme of free, family‑friendly events will showcase “a mix of appearances from Styles’ favourite artists beyond music,” according to the Southbank Centre. Speaking about the festival, Styles said: “Music is my life; every artist involved in this year’s Meltdown festival means so much to me, both as a fan, and a musician. It’s a true honour to host legends who have paved the way for the generations that follow them, as well as new acts that have inspired me to push my creative boundaries.” Tickets become available on 9 April for Southbank members and 10 April for the general public, with the event promising a unique blend of established icons and cutting‑edge talent.

Rohan Dennis took to Instagram on Monday night to condemn what he called a "false narrative" spun by the press following the death of his wife, fellow Olympian Melissa Hoskins, in a car accident near their Adelaide home. In his post, the former world‑time‑trial champion wrote that the media wanted to portray him as "the husband who abused his wife," a characterization he vehemently denies. In May 2025, Dennis received a 17‑month suspended sentence after pleading guilty to an aggravated act likely to cause harm. He was not held criminally responsible for Hoskins' death, but the court imposed a $100 fine, a two‑year good‑behaviour bond, and a five‑year licence suspension. Earlier this year, Dennis sparked further controversy by posting a photo of a black Porsche with the caption "What an absolute weapon," prompting South Australia’s victims’ rights commissioner, Sarah Quick, to label the post "deeply offensive." He later shared a picture of his two children, calling them "two absolute weapons," which intensified media scrutiny. Denning’s Instagram statements accuse journalists of harassing his family, claiming they asked him if he was a murderer and how he felt "knowing he killed his children’s mother." He asserted, "I have ALWAYS been against any sort of abuse against women, especially the one who gave birth to my children." During sentencing, Judge Ian Press emphasized that Dennis was not charged with causing Hoskins' death, noting that she "held on to the car as you accelerated" before falling. The judge’s remarks underscored the legal distinction between the aggravated act and the fatal outcome. Denis’s career highlights include two world titles in the road time trial, a silver medal in the team pursuit at the 2012 Olympics, and a bronze in the road time trial at the Tokyo Games. Hoskins herself was a two‑time Olympian, competing in the team pursuit in 2012 and 2016 and contributing to Australia’s 2015 world‑title squad. By calling the coverage "pathetic journalism" and urging media outlets to "back off and leave my family alone," Dennis seeks to shift public focus from the tragedy to what he perceives as sensationalist reporting.

Harry Maguire has committed his future to Manchester United by signing a contract extension that will keep him at the club until 2027, with the option for a further year. The defender, who joined from Leicester in 2019, was due to reach the end of his deal this summer.Maguire expressed his delight in extending his stay at the club, stating: “Representing Manchester United is the ultimate honour. It is a responsibility that makes myself and my family proud every single day. I am delighted to extend my journey at this incredible club to at least eight seasons and continue to play in front of our special supporters to create more amazing moments together.”He also highlighted the club's ambition, saying: “You can feel the ambition and potential of this exciting squad. The determination throughout the whole club to fight for major trophies is clear for everyone to see and I am confident that our best moments together remain ahead of us.”

In the hills of Mount Lebanon, a school has been transformed into a shelter for families displaced from southern Lebanon due to Israeli attacks. The schoolyard, once filled with students, is now a hub for aid deliveries, with empty swings and slides a stark reminder of the disruption to daily life.Families like Aymane Malli's have fled their homes, seeking safety in the mountains. Malli, a 49-year-old father of five, described the traumatic experience of leaving his home in Habbouch, near Tyre, after Israel began bombing Lebanon on March 2. 'It's very difficult,' he said, 'but for me, it's OK because I have to survive. I have to take care of my family.'The humanitarian situation is dire, with over 1.1 million people forced from their homes and more than 1,300 killed, including 120 children. Aid groups, such as Action Against Hunger, are struggling to provide support, with over 400 people turned away from the Qabr Chamoun school due to overcapacity.Conditions in shelters are deteriorating, with water leaks, gastrointestinal illnesses, and eye infections reported. The destruction of key infrastructure, particularly bridges and access routes, is exacerbating the crisis, making it difficult for families to flee and for aid to reach them.The future remains uncertain for these displaced families, with concerns about long-term food security and the possibility of a prolonged Israeli security presence or occupation in southern Lebanon. As Mohammed al-Mustafa, a sweets seller from Tyre, poignantly noted, 'It's not the material things I worry about leaving behind. It's the memories. We lived in that house for 40 years. Old photographs, our lives.'

Yemen's civilians are bracing for the worst as the country's Houthi rebels have entered the war against Iran, sparking fears of a new chapter of suffering in a nation already grappling with a critical humanitarian situation. The involvement of the Houthis, who control the capital city of Sanaa, has raised concerns among locals about potential Israeli retaliation, which could trigger displacement, fuel shortages, and inflation. Yasser, a 45-year-old ice cream shop owner in Sanaa, expressed his worries about the impact on his business and family. “The moment Israel begins its military response to the Houthis, we will lose the little comfort we have today. Fear, price hikes, and fuel shortages will suffocate us. The end of the conflict is unpredictable,” he said. The Houthis' decision to enter the war has been met with a mix of fear and support from civilians. While some, like Ammar Ahmed, a 28-year-old taxi driver, are worried about the safety of their families and the potential for Israeli attacks on residential areas, others, like Mohammed Ali, a 26-year-old university graduate, have expressed their support for the Houthi leadership and their faith in their ability to withstand the conflict. Economists warn that Yemen's already crippled economy would decline further if the country becomes a new front in the widening conflict in the region. Wafiq Saleh, a Yemeni economic researcher, noted that the escalation will drive up prices for essential imports, including food, fuel, and medicine, as shipping and insurance costs rise. The humanitarian situation in Yemen is already dire, with United Nations reports indicating that the escalating conflict in the wider region risks exacerbating the country's economic situation and disrupting vital humanitarian and commercial supply chains.

The global oil trade is facing a chokepoint crisis, with Libya's oil disputes mirroring the situation in the Hormuz Strait. The Strait of Hormuz, a critical waterway for oil transportation, was briefly closed after US and Israeli strikes on Iran in late February, causing Brent crude oil prices to soar to nearly $120 a barrel.Libya, with its strategically located oil terminals on the northeastern coast, has become a crucial player in the global oil trade. The country's light, sweet grades of oil are particularly valuable to European refiners. However, Libya's political instability and factional oil deals are threatening to disrupt oil supplies, with Europe's energy security hanging in the balance.The Libyan National Army (LNA), led by Khalifa Haftar, controls the territory where Libya's oil is located, while the Government of National Unity (GNU) in Tripoli signs oil contracts. This has led to a situation where Tripoli may sign oil contracts, but Haftar decides whether oil actually flows. The Arkenu agreement, a private oil company linked to the Haftar family, was recently terminated due to corruption allegations, leaving the future of Libya's oil supplies uncertain.The US is attempting to broker new talks between Tripoli and Haftar's camp, but a deal is not yet certain. Meanwhile, European energy security is at risk, with the Mediterranean Sea becoming a battleground for proxy wars between Russia and Ukraine. The sabotage of oil infrastructure and attacks on tankers are exacerbating the situation, highlighting the need for a stable and secure oil supply to Europe.