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The Charges and Investigation Australia has charged a woman with alleged links to the ISIL (ISIS) group after she returned from Syria, as authorities intensify investigations into nationals repatriated from detention camps. Police said the 34-year-old arrived in the country in September alongside another woman and is due to appear in a Melbourne court on Thursday. She faces charges of being a member of a “terrorist” organisation and entering a declared conflict zone. Federal police Assistant Commissioner Hilda Sirec said both offences carry potential sentences of up to 10 years in prison. The Woman's Background and Detention Sirec said the woman travelled to Syria in 2013 or 2014 and was later detained by Kurdish forces in 2019 before being held in al-Hol camp along with her family. Authorities announced the charges as more women and children returned to Australia this month after years in Roj camp in northeast Syria, where families of ISIL fighters have been held since 2019 without a formal legal process. Additional Charges and Investigations Among the latest arrivals, three women face additional charges, including crimes against humanity. Police have also charged Kawsar Ahmad and Zeinab Ahmad, a mother and daughter who arrived earlier this month, with enslavement-related offences. Another returnee, Janai Safar, has been charged with entering a declared conflict zone and joining ISIL. The Repatriation Debate The repatriations have caused political debate, with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese saying the government did not assist their return and warning, “If you make your bed, you lie in it.” Advocacy groups argue Australia must uphold the right of its citizens to return, particularly for children who, they say, should not bear responsibility for their parents’ actions.

The US Strikes Near Bandar Abbas The United States has carried out new strikes near Iran's Bandar Abbas port, targeting what it described as military threats to its forces and maritime traffic in the Strait of Hormuz, according to reports. Iranian media said the explosions caused no casualties or property damage. Escalating Tensions in the Strait of Hormuz The latest developments come amid rising tensions around the Strait of Hormuz, a key global shipping route that has become a major flashpoint in negotiations and confrontations involving Iran and the US. Iran's Response to the Strikes Iranian state media reported explosions near Bandar Abbas port and the Strait of Hormuz for the second time since Tuesday, amid rising tensions in one of the key flashpoints in Iran-US negotiations. Iran's Tasnim news agency, quoting a military source, said the IRGC Navy fired on a US tanker, accused of crossing the Strait of Hormuz with its radar turned off. Diplomatic Efforts and Sanctions US President Donald Trump said Iran would receive no sanctions relief under any agreement and insisted Tehran would surrender its enriched uranium stockpile, despite Iran repeatedly rejecting those demands. The US Treasury Department added Iran's Persian Gulf Strait Authority to its sanctions list, targeting the body Tehran created to manage ship transit requests through the Strait of Hormuz. Regional Reactions and Developments Kuwait's military said its air defences intercepted 'hostile' missiles and drones as warning sirens sounded across the country. The Israeli military ordered residents of parts of Tyre city and Zaqqoq al-Mufdi in southern Lebanon to vacate the area immediately and move north of the Zahrani River.

The prosecution: MelanieI want to live a healthier life too, but removing all plastics is unrealistic and unaffordableMy girlfriend, Amy, has become increasingly concerned about microplastics and environmental toxins, and it is starting to feel a little too much. It all began after she watched online content about how plastics affect fertility, and has escalated into a broader effort to remove anything she considers “toxic” from our home.We have thrown out hundreds of pounds’ worth of cleaning products and replaced toothbrushes and dental floss. I came home from work to find all our plastic food containers had been binned, and now she wants to discuss replacing furniture, like swapping our white plastic dining table for an oak one.In principle, I understand it will be better for us. I share her desire to live a healthier lifestyle, especially as we are trying for a baby using a donor and I will be the one carrying the pregnancy. However, the pace and the intensity of the change feels a bit unmanageable.If I pick up a plastic bottle of water, Amy will snatch it from my hands and say it’s poisonousWe can’t realistically eliminate all plastics and find alternatives overnight. Unfortunately, the world is full of plastic and so is our home: we have polyester cushions, plastic shoes and appliances that I’m not prepared to chuck out. Attempting a total removal feels financially and emotionally unsustainable. Buying a new dining table won’t be easy on our wallets.We are both self‑employed and saving for a baby, so we need to be frugal. Plastic‑free products are often deemed as specialist and it’s hard to get cheap alternatives. When I found Amy had splurged on all these organic cleaning products I was shocked, because they cost about £200.At the moment, it feels as if any “normal” behaviour is deemed to be unsafe by her. If I pick up a plastic bottle of water, Amy will snatch it from my hands and say it’s poisonous.I support her decision to live with fewer toxins, but her level of vigilance is harming our wellbeing. I want us to make healthier choices, but to do so gradually and realistically, rather than through sweeping changes that leave us feeling anxious and restricted.The defence: AmyI’m conscious of what we’re exposed to as we’re trying for a baby and I want the best for themPlastics and chemicals are everywhere. I’m not pretending we can eliminate them all, but I’d like to make some changes. I don’t think the only rational response when presented with all the information about toxins and plastics is to shrug and accept it without question.It’s not that hard to make some changes. Mel says: “Microplastics are everywhere, so where does it end?” But she should be saying: “What can we do to start?”Small changes help improve our health. I watched a documentary and it really scared me: I learned that just brushing my teeth with my normal toothbrush was releasing hundreds of thousands of microplastics into my mouth every day. These are linked to illness and altered brain functionality.Mel hasn’t heard all of the facts. If she watched the same documentary, she would feel the sameI didn’t start looking into endocrine disruptors and microplastics because I wanted to overhaul our home overnight. It was because we’re trying for a baby and that makes me more conscious of what we’re exposed to. If we have a child, I want them to have the best start in life and be as healthy as possible.Sometimes Mel acts as if I’m trying to dismantle our entire life, but I’m just trying to make things better. Switching cleaning products and replacing plastic food storage with glass will benefit us for years. When I threw our cleaning products away, it was because I had done the research and knew how much better nontoxic ones would be for us. That wasn’t a gradual adjustment, but I don’t regret it.I feel overwhelmed sometimes, but being told to “calm down” or “take it slow” doesn’t help. I don’t want to make our lives miserable. I want us to make informed choices together.Not drinking from plastic bottles is an easy change we can make, as is using better cleaning products. Mel and I need to work together on this, and active participation is important to me. If my decisions seem rash, it’s only because Mel hasn’t heard all of the facts. If she watched the same documentary she would feel the same. I don’t want to scare her, but making our home safer for our unborn child is a priority.The jury of Guardian readersGetting rid of plastic won’t make Amy and Melanie’s home healthier if they replace it with pressure and resentment. Amy’s pursuit is noble, but her cold‑turkey approach risks alienating Melanie from the cause.Estelle, 27They both want to live with fewer toxins, but Amy shouldn’t decide the pace at which they do this without agreement from Melanie. Amy throwing out all plastic containers and cleaning products without any discussion contradicts her claim that she wants “to make informed choices together”.Val, 68Life’s too short to make it hard for yourself. Carrying containers everywhere and only going to specialist retailers? No one’s got time for that when there’s work and chores to be done. Changing your life after one documentary is extreme, and Amy should consider the benefits of plastic.Ivan, 29We can’t live perfect lives, but that doesn’t mean we shouldn’t try to make better choices. I think they plan together what can change now and what can wait, Melanie might feel part of it instead of feeling it is something being done to her.Michael, 39Amy is valiant in trying to live a healthier lifestyle, but not making it a joint decision with Melanie seems to be detrimental to their relationship, and they need to be working together when they have a child. I wonder if Amy’s obsession might be masking a deeper issue.Jon, 50Now you be the judgeIn our online poll, tell us: should Amy bin her hatred of plastics?The poll closes on Wednesday 3 June at 9am BSTLast week’s resultsWe asked, should Martin stop telling his wife how to mop the floor?98% of you said yes – Martin is guilty2% of you said no – Martin is innocent

The LeadFIFA faces a subpoena from the states of New York and New Jersey as part of an investigation surrounding ticket pricing and accuracy of seat locations for the 2026 World Cup. In a joint news release on Wednesday, New York Attorney General Letitia James and New Jersey Attorney General Jennifer Davenport said prices for the 2026 World Cup matches "far exceeded the prices for any previous World Cup tournament".The Ticket Pricing ControversyFIFA has detailed the first-time use of "dynamic pricing" to adjust ticket costs based on demand. This approach has led to significantly higher prices compared to previous tournaments. When pressed to explain why prices of tickets, which went on sale in October, were so high, FIFA President Gianni Infantino defended the governing body on multiple fronts by pointing to the limited ticket supply for an event with worldwide demand.The Fan ComplaintsFan complaints and allegations of paying for tickets in one location of the stadium but receiving a less-desirable seat caught the attention of state officials. FIFA contributed to elements of the seating location confusion with the late introduction of a premium ticket option, or "Front Category", after initial tickets had already been sold. Watchdogs called on government officials for guidance to resolve disputes from fans who said they had selected a seat in one category of the four available at MetLife Stadium only to be assigned seats farther back from the playing surface.The Legal InvestigationThe state attorneys general confirmed they are seeking information regarding the general event pricing structure, location pricing structure, seat locations and other details related to the eight World Cup matches scheduled to be played at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, in the United States. The July 19 final as well as group stage matches and early knock-out round games are to be held at MetLife Stadium. "New Yorkers have been waiting years for the World Cup to come to their backyard, and they deserve a fair shot at affordable tickets," James said in a release. "No one should be manipulated into paying sky-high prices for seats, and fans should be able to trust that the tickets they purchased will be the ones they receive."The FIFA Response"FIFA has turned buying a ticket to the World Cup into a gauntlet of confusion, fake scarcity and impossibly high prices – all at the expense of consumers and hard-working New Jerseyans," Davenport said in the statement. The investigation seeks to soothe concerns for fans who've purchased – or hope to have an opportunity to purchase – tickets but feel misled about the final product.

The Star Player: Khadija ShawKhadija 'Bunny' Shaw has been named the best player in the WSL 2025-26 season. The Jamaica international scored 21 goals in 22 games, becoming the first player in WSL history to score more than 20 goals in three different seasons. Her impressive performance earned her the Golden Boot for a third consecutive year.The Mastermind: Andrée JeglertzManchester City's manager, Andrée Jeglertz, has been named the best manager of the season. He led the team to their first WSL title since 2016, transforming the squad's mentality and creating unity. Jeglertz's tactics and ability to manage ambitious individuals were key to the team's success.Best Goal of the SeasonThe best goal of the season was a subject of debate among writers, with Oona Siren's long-range volley and Jess Park's swerving strike being mentioned as top contenders.

The Lead: From Revenge to Redemption Clarck Ntambwe's journey began with a desire for revenge after her father was murdered, but through boxing, she found a path to healing and purpose. Her powerful story is now documented in the film "Fight Like a Girl," directed by Matthew Leutwyler, which captures how boxing helped her rebuild her life in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The Event Details: A Boxing Club in Goma The film is based on Ntambwe's real-life experience at a women's boxing club in Goma founded by Kibomango, a former child soldier turned boxing champion. Kibomango trained women who were victims of sexual violence, using boxing as a means for them to regain independence. Ntambwe became one of Kibomango's star fighters, eventually reaching the final of the African Boxing Championships. Tragically, Kibomango was killed by M23 rebels while helping Leutwyler evacuate 41 children from a village under attack. The Impact Analysis: Healing Through Sport "Fight Like a Girl" demonstrates the transformative power of sport for trauma survivors. The film features a mix of professional actors and ordinary people from Goma, lending authenticity to the story. Ntambwe herself makes an impressive acting debut, playing the role of Aisha, the most serious fighter in the gym. The film challenges stereotypes about female boxing, redefining what it means to "fight like a girl" from an insult to a badge of honor and resilience. The Future Outlook: Beyond the Ring Now living in Seattle, Ntambwe continues to be inspired by boxing, though she misses the sport due to expensive gym costs in North America. The film's release brings international attention to the work of Kibomango and the women of Goma who found strength through boxing. As Ama Qamata, who plays the lead role, notes, the film shows how women who have endured tremendous hardship can emerge as powerful inspirations to others.

The Revival of Sugar Bob Mould has never seemed to have much interest in looking back. The bridges to a Hüsker Dü reunion were burned long before drummer and songwriter Grant Hart died in 2017; the notion that Mould might revive Sugar, the band who scored three unlikely UK Top 10 albums of ferocious alt-rock in the mid-90s, seemed ridiculous. But here we are: after three New York shows, Mould, David Barbe and Malcolm Travis are touring the UK and Ireland. The Performance Some things have changed: the seething sea of moshers at 90s shows is now a placid lake of the nodding middle-aged. Travis, 73, seems to drum with the minimum amount of movement possible, wisely given the searing heat inside the Forum. Others haven’t: JC Auto, which closes the main set, remains brutal and churning, thrillingly intense. Mould still stomps in circles around the stage like a man furiously searching for his lost remote control. The Music Mould, arguably, is the man who brought melody to American hardcore punk, and Sugar continued his desire for big tunes and searing guitars. When he plays alone, it can be hard sometimes to pick out the melodies behind the trebly sheets of guitar, but the ballast of the rhythm section holds the tunes in place, and the pop smarts of If I Can’t Change Your Mind and Gee Angel burst out of the PA. The Vocal Dynamics The songs sung by Barbe don’t fare quite so well – his voice is smooth and high and gets a little lost in the mix. You can hear he’s singing during Company Book, but it’s more a texture than a selection of words, floating atop the guitars. That same texture, though, adds depth to his harmonies, giving Sugar a warmth that not all their contemporaries could manage. The Future There’s no time for messing around, just a furious charge through 23 songs in 90 minutes, including two recorded for the reunion – Long Live Love and House of Dead Memories – suggesting that Sugar might stick around to do more than tour gen X nostalgia. We can only hope. Sugar play Ulster Hall, Belfast, 26 May; then tour the UK and Ireland until 4 June

The Lead Senegal's parliament speaker, El Malick Ndiaye, has resigned, deepening the country's political crisis. Ndiaye's decision comes two days after his close ally, Ousmane Sonko, was fired as prime minister by President Bassirou Diomaye Faye. The Event Details Ndiaye announced his resignation on Facebook, stating it was a 'personal choice, guided above all by my notion of institutions, public responsibility and the greater interest of the nation.' This move paves the way for Sonko, whose Pastef party holds a strong majority in parliament, to potentially run for the post of head of parliament. The Impact Analysis The ongoing political tensions complicate reform efforts and may delay Senegal's negotiations with the International Monetary Fund (IMF). The IMF had frozen a $1.8 billion lending program due to misreported debt, pushing the country's end-2024 debt level to 132 percent of its economic output. President Faye's dismissal of Sonko risks further delaying a new agreement with the IMF, which is crucial for addressing Senegal's debt crisis. The Prediction Sonko's potential ascension to a leadership role in parliament could further complicate governance and the passage of reforms needed to secure IMF support. With Pastef dominating the National Assembly, the party's influence may shape Senegal's political and economic trajectory in the coming years.

The Financial Impact of Managerial ChangeManchester United have taken a £22m hit from the sacking of former manager Ruben Amorim but cut their losses in half thanks to improved performance on the pitch and the cost-cutting zeal of their co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe. The Portuguese manager and his back-room staff received a payoff of up to £16.7m, with an associated £5.2m non-cash impact of writing off costs relating to their contracts.Revenue Boost from Champions League QualificationUnited's successful pursuit of Champions League football under Michael Carrick drove a 57% rise in broadcast income during the third quarter of the financial year to nearly £65m, as more of the club's games were picked for TV. The extra cash helped the club to increase its forecast for full-year revenue to between £655m and £665m, up from £640m-£660m predicted before.Ratcliffe's Cost-Cutting RevolutionAs well as boosting income, the club have embarked on a ruthless cost-cutting drive since Ratcliffe bought a minority stake in 2024 and took charge of sporting operations. Even as the club spent about £260m on players in 2025-26, the petrochemicals billionaire pressed on with cost-cutting that has led to the axing of hundreds of staff, the closure of the staff canteen, and the substitution of free lunches with fruit.Financial Results and Profitability ImprovementThe result of the cuts has been a £19m decrease in operating expenses for the first nine months of the year, to £525m. Overall, rising revenue and falling costs delivered an improvement in profitability. The club reported a £37.7m profit in the first nine months, compared with a £3.2m loss in the same period of 2025. The club still made an overall loss before tax of £18m, factoring in costs such as £20m in payment of interest on debt.New Revenue Streams and Future OutlookThe online gambling company Betway has agreed to sponsor United's training kits next season, when Premier League clubs have agreed not to advertise gambling on the shirts they play in. The deal is thought to be worth £20m, while experts expect United could earn about a further £80m thanks to qualification for the Champions League under Carrick, who was given the permanent manager position.