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Great Britain is on the verge of a record‑breaking summer of wind and solar generation, creating the possibility of the first zero‑carbon electricity periods in the nation’s power system.The government’s ambition to achieve a 95% gas‑free grid by 2030 underpins this push, as electrified transport, heat pumps and low‑carbon industry will need a clean power supply to meet climate targets.National Grid ESO (Neso) forecasts that on sunny weekend afternoons the grid could have more renewable power than demand, leaving excess capacity that would otherwise be wasted.To turn surplus into savings, Neso is urging households and businesses to shift flexible loads—such as charging electric vehicles, running dishwashers or doing laundry—to those high‑renewable windows.Leading suppliers Octopus Energy and British Gas have confirmed participation, offering special tariffs that reward consumers for using electricity when it is abundant.British Gas’s “PeakSave” scheme, for example, provides half‑price electricity from 11 am to 4 pm on Sundays, with an even cheaper “Super Sunday” option from 9 am to 5 pm. The company says the tariff has saved over £45 million for more than 1 million customers since its 2023 launch. Octopus Energy reports helping 2 million households save about £11 million, including £3 million in free electricity during periods of high renewable output.Other providers—including Ovo Energy and EDF Energy—offer similar “time‑of‑use” tariffs that charge higher rates when renewables are scarce, giving price‑sensitive users a clear incentive to shift consumption.Beyond bill reductions, flexible demand curtails the need for “constraint payments” to wind and solar farms—payments that reached almost £1.5 billion last year. By encouraging consumers to “turn up” rather than forcing generators to “turn down,” the grid can avoid these costly curtailments.Businesses are also joining the flexibility movement. Tech firms report that adaptable energy use can cut datacenter grid costs by up to 5% and slash emissions by as much as 40%. Danish engineering group Danfoss estimates that if datacentres operated flexibly for just 1% of the time, the pipeline of new facilities expected by 2035 could be accommodated without overloading the grid.In short, leveraging surplus renewable power now—through smart tariffs and demand‑shifting—offers a cheaper, faster alternative to massive storage or grid‑upgrade projects, while delivering tangible savings for consumers and a decisive step toward a low‑carbon British electricity system.

Andoni Iraola has formally notified AFC Bournemouth that he will step down when his contract runs out at the close of the 2025‑26 campaign. The 43‑year‑old manager is expected to explore other Premier League opportunities over the summer.While a move back to his boyhood club Athletic Bilbao remains a possibility, the club’s preferred candidate to replace Ernesto Valverde appears to be former Borussia Dortmund boss Edin Terzic.At Bournemouth, the race to replace Iraola is already heating up. Marco Rose, who succeeded Terzic at Dortmund and most recently managed RB Leipzig, is widely tipped as the leading candidate. Kieran McKenna of Ipswich Town, despite being under contract until 2028, is also generating interest.Players were informed of Iraola’s impending exit after a Tuesday training session, ending months of speculation that kept his staff in the dark. The manager maintained regular contact with director of football Tiago Pinto and technical director Simon Francis throughout the 15‑month negotiation period.In a club‑issued statement, Iraola said, "I feel this is the right moment for me to step away, but I will always carry fantastic memories of this club." Bill Foley, Bournemouth’s owner and chair, praised Iraola’s impact, noting he brought “intensity, innovation, and a clear philosophy that elevated AFC Bournemouth both on and off the pitch.”Despite a recent victory over Arsenal and a push for the club’s best Premier League finish, Bournemouth accepted that retaining Iraola was unlikely. The board is now accelerating the search for a successor, with a new appointment expected within the next fortnight.Iraola’s tenure has been marked by historic achievements: last season he guided Bournemouth to a record points total, matching the ninth‑place finish recorded by Eddie Howe in 2016‑17. He also oversaw the sale of key players – Dean Huijsen, Illia Zabarnyi, Milos Kerkez, Dango Ouattara, and Antoine Semenyo – for a combined fee exceeding £250 million, demonstrating his ability to balance on‑field success with financial prudence.A former Athletic Bilbao full‑back with 510 appearances, Iraola has long expressed affection for the Basque side, though he has hinted he would prefer to preserve his legacy after a 12‑year playing career there.Crystal Palace publicly lauded Iraola after confirming manager Oliver Glasner’s departure, but most analysts agree the former will attract interest from larger clubs.Earlier this season, Iraola hinted to the Guardian that the campaign could be his last at Bournemouth, saying, "Sometimes there is a moment after some seasons where you feel maybe the message does not go the same way to the players."Bournemouth’s next fixture is against Newcastle United at St James’ Park, where manager Eddie Howe has yet to defeat his former club.

Nelson Mandela once claimed sport could spark hope where despair prevailed – a sentiment that now feels overly optimistic as climate change threatens every arena, from football pitches to alpine slopes.Extreme weather events are already cancelling competitions and rendering venues unplayable through floods, wildfires and storms. Rising heat and air‑pollution expose athletes to heat‑related illnesses, asthma and cardiovascular strain, while also increasing injury risk and diminishing performance for officials and spectators alike.Countries most vulnerable to climate impacts face the harshest sporting challenges. As Barbados Prime Minister Mia Mottley warned, athletes must compete on the conditions that exist, not on idealised pitches, while wealthier nations and governing bodies often look the other way.Historian David Goldblatt estimates sport’s carbon footprint rivals that of a small‑ to medium‑sized nation – roughly the emissions of Cuba to Poland. Yet the industry continues to chase growth, attracting sponsorship from fossil‑fuel giants and even entities reminiscent of the tobacco era.A 2024 “Dirty Money” report by the New Weather Institute revealed that state‑owned and private fossil‑fuel companies have poured at least $5.6 billion (£4.2 billion) into global sport across 205 active deals. The recent Milan‑Cortina Winter Olympics relied on oil major Eni to fund artificial snow, while the upcoming men’s football World Cup – labelled the “most polluting ever” by Scientists for Global Responsibility – will be plastered with ads from Aramco, the world’s largest corporate greenhouse‑gas emitter, with emissions projected to be 92 % higher than typical tournaments between 2010‑2022.Fans and grassroots organisations are pushing back. Groups such as Surfers Against Sewage, Fossil Free Football, FrontRunners and Protect Our Winters are mobilising, while clubs like Forest Green Rovers and athletes such as Australian cricket captain Pat Cummins are publicly denouncing fossil‑fuel ties.Alternative sponsorships are emerging: Northern Rail backs the Rugby Super League, Metrobank partners with cricket, and Oxford United’s limited‑edition shirt celebrates John Ruskin’s “Study of a Wild Rose,” linking sport to environmental heritage.“The Hotspot” aims to surface the most compelling stories, analyse data, and chart a path forward for sport in a warming world. As the planet races toward a climatic finish line, sport must deliver its own last‑second victory.This excerpt is from the inaugural issue of The Hotspot newsletter. To subscribe, visit this page and follow the instructions.

A recent study has confirmed what many people can already feel: summers are getting longer, and the trend is particularly pronounced in Sydney. The research, published in the journal Environmental Research Letters, found that summer conditions are arriving earlier, lasting longer, and feeling more intense due to human-induced global heating.The study, conducted by PhD candidate Ted Scott from the University of British Columbia, analyzed data from 10 global cities and found that the length of summer is increasing on average by six days every decade. However, in Sydney, Australia, the summer period is growing at a rate of about 15 days every decade.In Minneapolis, Minnesota, the summer length is increasing by nine days every decade, while Toronto in Canada is adding a little over eight days to its summer every decade. Paris and Reykjavik are adding 7.2 days to their summer periods.The research also found that the shift from one season to another is becoming more abrupt, with summer-like conditions arriving more suddenly rather than gradually warming up. Sydney's summer period has grown from 65 days in the 1960s to 125-130 days in recent years, with the summer starting almost a full month earlier on November 27 and ending on March 28.The study's findings have significant implications for various aspects of life, including school terms, sporting seasons, and crop planting. The researchers emphasize that the trend is driven by human-induced global heating and that reducing fossil fuel usage is crucial to mitigating the effects of climate change.

The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame has revealed its list of 2026 inductees, showcasing a diverse range of artists who have made significant contributions to the music industry. Phil Collins, known for hits like 'In the Air Tonight' and 'One More Night', will be inducted, despite already being part of the hall as a member of Genesis. Collins has earned eight Grammys, including album of the year in 1985 for 'No Jacket Required'.Oasis, the iconic Britpop band, will also be inducted, marking a significant recognition of their impact on the music scene. Sade, the soul-jazz vocalist, is another notable inductee, known for songs like 'Smooth Operator' and 'The Sweetest Taboo'. This will be her second nomination, following her first in 2024.The Wu-Tang Clan will be recognized as rap innovators, having released their game-changing debut album 'Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers)' in 1993. Other inductees include Iron Maiden, who helped power the new wave of British heavy metal, and Luther Vandross, who sold over 25m albums and inspired artists like Kendrick Lamar and SZA.The induction ceremony will take place on November 14 at the Peacock theater in Los Angeles. In addition to the performer category, the Hall of Fame will also celebrate contributions across three special categories: early influence, musical excellence, and the Ahmet Ertegun non-performer award.This year's early influence category will honor Queen Latifah, Celia Cruz, Fela Kuti, MC Lyte, and Gram Parsons. The musical excellence category will recognize songwriter Linda Creed and producers Arif Mardin, Jimmy Miller, and Rick Rubin. The Ahmet Ertegun non-performer award will go to Ed Sullivan, the legendary host of the eponymous TV show that launched many musical icons of the 1950s and 1960s.

National Gas announced that the United Kingdom will have enough gas to satisfy summer demand despite recent tensions in the Strait of Hormuz. The network, which runs the country’s gas pipelines, says domestic and Norwegian supplies will cover the low‑usage months, meaning liquefied natural gas (LNG) imports will be minimal this summer. The real challenge lies ahead. While renewable rollout is accelerating, gas will remain a core part of the UK’s energy mix for at least the next two decades. It accounts for about 37% of total gas consumption in 2024, with domestic heating being the largest single use. Replacing millions of boilers with heat pumps cannot happen quickly, especially given the current sluggish pace. Government plans for 2030 still require the full 35 GW of gas‑fired generation capacity to stay online as backup. Energy department data released in early 2025 showed gas demand “broadly stable” for the third consecutive year, representing roughly half of the nation’s 75.2% fossil‑fuel dependency. In the debate over new North Sea drilling licences, the key question is where future gas will come from. Oxford energy economist Sir Dieter Helm, speaking on a Chatham House podcast, warned that gas will dominate the energy supply for the next decade or two and that the cheapest, least polluting option is pipeline gas—not LNG. Analysis from Wood Mackenzie confirms this hierarchy. Pipeline gas from modern Norwegian platforms has the lowest carbon intensity, followed by UK North Sea pipelines. By contrast, LNG adds significant emissions during liquefaction and regasification, and US LNG is the most carbon‑intensive because much of it originates from shale gas with higher methane leakage. Wood Mackenzie’s import forecasts to 2045 paint a stark picture: if domestic production wanes, the UK could rely on US LNG for over 60% of its total gas supply by 2035. The firm notes that Middle‑East gas is geared toward Asian markets, while US cargoes are increasingly directed to Europe, raising concerns about over‑reliance on a single supplier. These projections underpin the argument for expanding UK North Sea extraction. More domestic drilling would reduce dependence on US LNG—a geopolitical risk given the United States’ tendency to use energy as a foreign‑policy lever—and would also lower the overall carbon footprint of the gas supply chain. Critics often claim that North Sea output is exported, so it does not improve national security. Two counter‑points are clear: first, gas delivered directly via pipeline to the UK network is inherently more secure than trans‑Atlantic cargoes; second, the UK could negotiate long‑term, fixed‑price contracts with producers, a model that worked well in the early days of North Sea development. None of this diminishes the importance of renewables and nuclear power. Electrification remains the long‑term goal, but gas will stay in the energy basket for years to come. Offshore Energies UK estimates that, with a pragmatic licensing approach, reliance on LNG could be limited to 6% of total gas supplies by 2035. Assuming political stalemate eases, the pending approval of the Jackdaw field—accounting for roughly 6% of current domestic production—could spark a more nuanced debate about the UK’s gas procurement strategy, moving beyond the simplistic “renewables vs. gas” narrative. Reflecting on the recent Iran‑UK conflict, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak highlighted the need for “secure, homegrown energy”. The logical follow‑up is twofold: accelerate electrification to cut gas demand, and while gas remains essential, avoid turning the UK into an “energy prisoner of the US”. Beyond the geopolitical and environmental benefits, expanding North Sea output would also support jobs, tax revenue, and the balance of payments.

The White House Council of Economic Advisers released an analysis estimating that the United States faces a shortage of roughly 10 million homes. The report argues that easing regulatory burdens could unlock a construction surge, stabilise home prices, expand home‑ownership and accelerate overall economic growth. President Donald Trump signed two executive orders in March directing federal agencies to reduce housing‑regulation costs and to facilitate mortgage lending by smaller banks. Yet, critics note that the administration has been slow to prioritize high housing costs amid falling approval ratings tied to tariffs, the US‑Israel conflict with Iran, and unmet inflation‑reduction promises. Mortgage rates have risen from just under 6 % to 6.37 % for a 30‑year loan, further inflating the cost of home purchase. Trump has publicly defended higher home prices to protect existing owners, stating, “I don’t want to drive housing prices down… I want to drive housing prices up for people that own their homes.” The housing chapter of the annual Economic Report of the President, obtained by the Associated Press, outlines a blueprint showing how increased homebuilding could benefit the middle class and the broader economy, providing a potential political narrative for the president. According to the report, if homebuilding had continued at its pre‑2008 pace, the nation would have **10 million more houses** today. The 2008 crisis, driven by risky lending and a housing bubble, still casts a long shadow. Home prices have surged **82 % since 2000**, while median incomes have risen only **12 %**, a disparity previously softened by historically low mortgage rates. The post‑COVID inflation spike and higher rates have made affordability a top concern for voters under 40. Regulatory costs—dubbed the “bureaucrat tax”—are estimated to add **over $100,000 per new home** through updated building codes, compliance fees and zoning approvals. The report projects that trimming these costs could enable the construction of **up to 13.2 million homes**, potentially delivering an **average 1.3 percentage‑point boost to annual GDP** over the next decade and supporting **two million manufacturing and construction jobs**. One administration official, speaking on condition of anonymity, suggested that federal funding to states could be tied to regulatory reductions, creating a financial incentive for local governments. The analysis also criticises the green‑energy housing standards introduced under former President Joe Biden, which mandate more efficient HVAC systems and water‑heater requirements. Citing a 2021 National Association of Home Builders study, the report claims these standards could add **up to $31,000** to a new home’s price, with a **payback period of up to 90 years** for homeowners via lower utility bills. While rolling back such standards might lower upfront costs, the report acknowledges potential long‑term utility‑bill increases for owners. Legal challenges further complicate the picture: a Texas federal judge recently sided with 15 Republican‑led states, deeming the Biden‑era standards for federally backed housing **unlawful**. Overall, the White House’s proposal positions regulatory reform as a lever to address the housing deficit, stimulate economic growth, and generate jobs, while navigating the political and environmental trade‑offs inherent in the debate.

Jorginho, the Flamengo footballer, has clarified his comments on last month's incident between his 11-year-old stepdaughter and a security guard in Brazil, calling his previous claims against Chappell Roan “a misunderstanding”.“I made my initial statement in the heat of the moment, after hearing that my child and wife had been approached by an adult male security guard in an intimidating way,” Jorginho wrote on Instagram. “I reacted as any father would. My priority is, and always will be, protecting my family, and that is exactly what I did.”Chappell Roan was in Brazil to perform at Lollapalooza festival, two years after reportedly drawing one of the biggest crowds in the festival’s history.“At the time, we acted on the information that was available to us,” Jorginho said. “Since then, I have become aware of new information that has changed my understanding of parts of what happened. Chappell Roan made a public statement, reached out privately to [my wife] Catherine, and our teams also spoke directly. It became clear that she had no knowledge of what took place at breakfast and had not asked anyone to approach them. She was understanding and sympathetic to what had happened to our child.”Previously, the ex-Chelsea player had said that his stepdaughter was “extremely shaken and cried a lot” after Roan’s security spoke “in an extremely aggressive manner” to her and his wife when they saw the singer at a São Paulo hotel. Roan denied that the security guard was part of her team, saying: “No one came up to me, no one bothered me, I was just sitting at breakfast at my hotel.”Following Roan’s response, security guard Pascal Duvier spoke up about the events, saying: “I take full responsibility for the interactions on March 21st. I was at the hotel on behalf of another individual, and I was not part of the personal security team of Chappell Roan.”Noting Duvier’s comments, Jorginho said: “While we still do not know what prompted him to approach them, and do not believe an 11-year-old at breakfast could reasonably be seen as any kind of security threat, it is now clear that he was not acting on behalf of Chappell.“It was, ultimately, a misunderstanding in that respect, and I am glad to set the record straight. It’s important to me that this is clarified fairly and accurately. I regret the impact this situation has had on Chappell Roan, Catherine Ada, and our family.”Jorginho ended his statement by drawing a line under the incident. “As far as I am concerned, this matter is closed.”

More than 1,000 film and television professionals have signed an open letter opposing Paramount’s pending acquisition of Warner Bros Discovery, a deal valued at $111 billion. The signatories include high‑profile names such as Joaquin Phoenix, Ben Stiller, Mark Ruffalo, Yorgos Lanthimos, Kristen Stewart, Jane Fonda, and Emma Thompson.The letter, published on BlocktheMerger.com, warns that the merger would undermine the integrity, independence and diversity of the U.S. media sector, consolidating the number of major studios to just four and jeopardising a "vibrant future" for what it calls America’s "single most significant export" – its cultural content.Signatories argue that media consolidation already weakens competition, leading to fewer mid‑budget films, reduced independent distribution, higher production costs and fewer jobs across the ecosystem. They stress that competition is essential for both a healthy economy and a healthy democracy.Among the notable supporters are directors Denis Villeneuve, Boots Riley, Mimi Leder and Nicole Holofcener, as well as TV veterans David Chase, Noah Wyle, Ramy Youssef, Rob Delaney, Jason Bateman and Ted Danson. The letter also praises California Attorney General Rob Bonta and other state officials for scrutinising the deal.Paramount CEO David Ellison, who outbid Netflix for Warner Bros, claims the merger will boost creative output, pledging to release 30 theatrical titles annually and invest in both studios. Critics, however, remain skeptical, pointing to the Ellisons’ political ties and the risk of fewer politically‑engaged films.Recent accolades underscore the stakes: Warner Bros productions captured a record 11 Oscars in March, while Paramount films earned no nominations. The industry fears that the combined entity could further diminish quality and lead to significant job losses.Paramount has responded with a statement emphasizing that the transaction will “create a company that can greenlight more projects, back bold ideas, support talent across multiple stages of their careers, and bring stories to audiences at a truly global scale—while strengthening competition.” The letter’s authors remain unconvinced, urging regulators to block the merger to preserve competition, protect jobs, and safeguard the cultural export that defines American cinema.