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The future of Pacific rugby talent hangs in the balance as Moana Pasifika, a Super Rugby Pacific franchise, is set to be disbanded at the end of the season. The team's ownership confirmed it would not continue funding the 'unviable' operation, sparking fears that the region's talent will gravitate to rugby league.Tana Umaga, the team's coach and All Blacks great, expressed concerns about the impact on Samoan and Tongan Test teams, which are struggling to develop into competitive rugby nations. 'The gap between where we [Samoa and Tonga] are currently, internationally, to where we need to get to, is very big,' Umaga said. 'Without Moana to bridge that gap, it's going to be tough.'The team's players, including utility back William Havili, are devastated by the news and worry about the opportunities for emerging players. 'This team gave me a chance in Super Rugby and I got to debut for my country, my dad's country of birth and then I got to go to a World Cup,' Havili said.The looming threat of Pacific players being lost to rugby league is a significant concern. 'That's the real risk,' Umaga said. 'What is the answer if it's not us, then what? If we're not there, then what for Samoa and Tonga?'Despite the uncertainty, players and staff are holding onto hope that a new investor could snap up the team's license and revive Moana Pasifika. 'There's a glimmer of hope for us and that's what we've got to look forward to and we've just got to keep pushing forward,' Umaga said.

Iran's foreign minister, Abbas Araghchi, has announced that the Strait of Hormuz is now fully open to commercial vessels. This development has sparked hopes for an end to the conflict in the Middle East and led to a significant decrease in oil prices.US President Donald Trump celebrated the reopening, claiming that Iran had agreed never to close the strategic waterway again. However, this claim has not been verified, and Iran's parliamentary speaker warned that the strait could be shut again if the US blockade continues.The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has reinforced its authority in Tehran during the war, and commercial vessels are only allowed to travel through the strait along a determined route and with the permission of the IRGC navy. The US blockade of Iranian ports and shipping remains in place, making it uncertain when normality will return.

Iran’s foreign minister Abbas Araghchi announced on Friday that the Strait of Hormuz is "completely open" for commercial traffic, aligning the decision with the newly‑instated ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon. President Donald Trump echoed the statement on social media, insisting the waterway is ready for business but also stressing that the U.S. naval blockade on Iranian ports will remain in full force until a comprehensive agreement is reached. In Paris, France and the United Kingdom convened a summit of roughly 40 countries to discuss a coordinated effort to restore freedom of navigation in the strait once the broader U.S.–Iran conflict subsides. The strait channels about 20 % of the world’s daily crude oil flow; its blockage had previously pushed fuel prices upward worldwide. The latest announcement prompted an immediate plunge in oil prices, offering a brief reprieve for markets. United States: Trump posted on Truth Social that the strait is "completely open and ready for business," yet reiterated that the blockade will stay in effect "until our transaction with Iran is 100 % complete." He later told AFP the deal to end the war on Iran is "close" with "no sticking points" remaining. Iran: Araghchi shared the opening on X, tying it to the 10‑day ceasefire. However, later state media quoted a senior IRGC official saying only non‑military vessels would be permitted, subject to IRGC Navy approval, highlighting internal ambiguity. United Kingdom: Prime Minister Keir Starmer co‑hosted the Paris summit with French President Emmanuel Macron, welcoming the reopening but urging that any solution be "lasting and workable." He pledged a "strictly peaceful and defensive" multinational mission to protect navigation when conditions allow. France: Macron called for an "immediate and unconditional" reopening by all parties and warned against any attempts to "privatise" the strait or impose tolls. His office outlined potential coalition roles, including intelligence, mine‑clearing, military escorts, and communication with coastal states. Germany: Chancellor Friedrich Merz offered German mine‑clearance and intelligence support, pending parliamentary approval and a UN Security Council mandate. He expressed a desire for U.S. participation, a request Trump publicly dismissed. Finland: President Alexander Stubb, attending the summit, praised Iran’s announcement but emphasized that durable solutions require diplomatic effort. United Nations: Secretary‑General António Guterres welcomed the opening as "a step in the right direction," while the International Maritime Organization began verifying compliance with freedom‑of‑navigation standards. Shipping industry: The Norwegian Shipowners’ Association, representing 130 firms and 1,500 vessels, called the development welcome but said practical details—such as mine presence and Iranian conditions—must be clarified. Germany’s Hapag‑Lloyd and Denmark’s Maersk both indicated they are reassessing risks but remain cautious about immediate transits. Markets: Analysts noted the announcement’s swift impact on oil markets. "This is the biggest development so far during the ceasefire and gives hope that the war will end soon," said Kathleen Brooks, research director at XTB.

Juba, South Sudan – Growing up, Khloe Nyanda was taught to stay small and avoid taking up space. Defying that lesson, the 21‑year‑old law student at the University of Juba pursued modeling after being inspired by South Sudanese supermodel Adut Akech, whose refugee‑to‑runway story she describes as a "crown".Nyanda’s ambition mirrors that of a new generation of South Sudanese talent, with 95% of models from the country naming Akech as their spark. She began modeling in 2023, but her family remained skeptical, fearing the clash between academic responsibilities and a fashion career.Her personal journey has been marked by familial estrangement after she rejected an arranged marriage and a modelling coach’s advances, leading to loss of support from her stepbrother and other relatives.Beyond social pressures, Nyanda faces systemic obstacles. Since 2023 she has endured multiple visa rejections despite contracts with agencies in London, Paris, and Italy. An attempt to attend Milan Fashion Week was denied by the Italian embassy in Nairobi over bank‑statement issues, while two separate applications to the French embassy in Kampala were also turned down. The absence of South Sudanese embassies in France and Italy forces hopeful models to obtain travel documents from neighboring countries, inflating costs and delays.Another emerging model, 20‑year‑old Alek Mayen Garang, balances her senior‑year studies with runway aspirations. Born in Greater Jonglei and raised in Renk, she spent part of her childhood in Kampala before returning to South Sudan amid the 2016 conflict. Garang draws inspiration from Anok Yai, the American‑South Sudanese model named Model of the Year at the 2025 British Fashion Awards.Unlike Nyanda, Garang found an ally in her elder sister, who accompanied her to her first runway show and helped negotiate parental approval. Her early challenges were technical—learning to walk in heels, maintaining strict diet and skincare regimens—and the lingering fear of rejection at auditions.Both women are part of a broader South Sudanese surge in global fashion. Nine of the world’s top 50 models on models.com hail from South Sudan, underscoring the country’s deep talent pool. Former models have transitioned to design and entrepreneurship, founding South Sudan Fashion Week and creating bespoke wedding gowns.Industry veterans now coach new talent, urging them to prioritize education alongside modeling. Yet a new anxiety looms: the potential rise of AI‑generated Black models, which could further destabilize already precarious careers.Within South Sudan, the Ministry of Culture, Museums and National Heritage has been criticized for its limited engagement with the modeling sector. Advocates argue that official endorsement could shift parental attitudes and legitimize modeling as a respectable profession.Garang recently won the “creativity” award at the national Miss Junub beauty pageant, expanding her vision from personal success to mentoring emerging designers and models. Nyanda, meanwhile, envisions a future beyond the runway: she plans to invest her earnings in establishing a credible mother agency, as well as a school and hospital for orphans, aiming to reinvest in her homeland.“South Sudan is not a place I am running from; it is the place I am running for,” Nyanda declares, embodying a resolve to reshape societal expectations and create pathways for the next generation of South Sudanese talent.

The recent Lebanon ceasefire has garnered significant attention globally, with various countries weighing in on its implications. In Israel, the ceasefire has sparked a range of reactions, reflecting the complex dynamics at play in the region. While specific details about Israel's official stance on the ceasefire are not provided, the development is likely to have significant security implications for the country. Israel has historically been concerned about the presence of militant groups in Lebanon, particularly Hezbollah, which has been involved in conflicts with Israel. The ceasefire, facilitated by international efforts, aims to reduce tensions and promote stability in the region. However, the long-term impact of this agreement on Israel-Lebanon relations and broader regional dynamics remains to be seen. As the situation continues to unfold, international observers are closely monitoring developments, seeking to understand the ceasefire's implications for regional peace and security.

In the midst of escalating tensions, a heart-wrenching story emerges from Gaza. Inaam al-Dahdouh, a 62-year-old mother, sits in her makeshift tent with her six grandchildren, clinging to a photograph of her three sons, who have been detained by Israeli forces for two years. As Palestinian Prisoners' Day is marked on April 17, Inaam's anguish deepens. Her sons, Mahmoud, Alaa, and Diaa, were arrested during an Israeli attack on al-Shifa Hospital in December 2023. They were bound, blindfolded, and taken away, leaving behind a family torn apart. The situation worsens with the recent approval of an Israeli law allowing the execution of Palestinian prisoners convicted of killing Israelis. This move has sparked international condemnation and fears among families like Inaam's. Over 9,600 Palestinians are currently imprisoned, a nearly 83% increase since the war began, with 350 children and over 3,530 administrative detainees held without charge. Inaam's sons are civilians; Mahmoud is a father of six, Alaa had completed his law degree, and Diaa was about to start life after high school. Despite reassurances that the new law targets specific categories of prisoners, Inaam cannot shake off the fear that her sons might be affected. “They can endure hunger … we tell ourselves they can endure it. But execution? Not to that extent,” Inaam says, fighting back her emotions. She urges a global stance to pressure Israel to reverse its decisions against prisoners, emphasizing that a prisoner has the right to live and dignity. Inaam tries to fill the void by caring for her grandchildren and teaching them the Quran, a gift for her imprisoned sons. Her story highlights the human cost of the ongoing conflict and the desperate need for a resolution to protect the rights and lives of Palestinian prisoners.

Amid a wave of Israeli air strikes that have killed hundreds and displaced roughly 20 % of Lebanon’s population from the south, Lebanese banker Antoun Sehnaoui attracted fierce criticism after being publicly praised for his pro‑Israel activities. Sehnaoui, who chairs Societe Generale de Banque au Liban (SGBL), attended an event at the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum – a venue he has financially supported. The commendation came from Morgan Ortagus, the U.S. Middle‑East envoy who, according to reports, is also Sehnaoui’s romantic partner. Ortagus framed support for Israel as a matter of "moral clarity", even when it entails personal risk. She highlighted Sehnaoui’s funding of a U.S.–Israeli opera project, noting that such transactions are technically illegal in Lebanon under the country’s ban on dealings with Israeli entities. Describing the banker’s lineage, Ortagus said he hails from generations of "committed Lebanese Christian Zionists" and that his family has been "trained to support the State of Israel and the Jewish people." She also referenced his father, Nabil Sehnaoui, a principal backer of the Lebanese Forces militia, which allied with Israel during the 1982 invasion and was implicated in the Sabra‑Shatila massacres. The timing of the endorsement proved especially contentious. Since mid‑March, Israel has been accused of employing a “quadruple‑tap” bombing technique designed to maximise civilian casualties, and more than a million southerners have fled their homes, deepening sectarian tensions. Lebanese social‑media users reacted with outrage, calling for Sehnaoui’s imprisonment, accusing him of betraying his nation, and even alleging he had converted to Judaism. One commentator, academic Makram Rabah, argued that while a museum visit should not be controversial, the overt support for Israel amid a fragile ceasefire is. Ortagus’s own record – marked by staunch opposition to Hezbollah and open advocacy for Israel since her appointment in April 2025 – has already drawn scrutiny over her suitability as a neutral broker in the region. Beyond the political backlash, Sehnaoui faces serious legal challenges. Lebanese prosecutors have filed money‑laundering charges against him and SGBL, alleging illicit currency‑trading activities that exacerbated the country’s financial crisis that began in 2019. The bank denies any wrongdoing. In the United States, a 2020 civil lawsuit filed by families of Hezbollah‑linked attack victims accuses SGBL of providing material support to the militant group – a claim the bank also rejects. Lebanese MP Paula Yacoubian warned that Sehnaoui’s recent maneuvers appear designed to secure personal immunity in exchange for facilitating Israel‑Lebanon normalisation, rather than delivering tangible benefits such as the safe return of displaced residents. While the controversy rages, a tenuous ceasefire has allowed tens of thousands of residents to return to the devastated south, many seeking the remains of loved ones or assessing the damage to their homes.

Coventry City has achieved a historic promotion to the Premier League, ending a 25-year absence from the top flight. The Sky Blues sealed their place in the Premier League with a 1-1 draw against Blackburn Rovers at Ewood Park. The match was marked by a tense 90 minutes, with Coventry's Bobby Thomas scoring a late equalizer from a free-kick by Victor Torp.Manager Frank Lampard was emotional about the achievement, praising his team and staff for their hard work. He highlighted that this promotion is one of his greatest achievements in football, comparable to his successes with Chelsea. Lampard credited his predecessor Mark Robins for laying the groundwork and expressed pride in his team's performance.The draw sparked wild celebrations among Coventry fans, with many dancing in the terraces, clutching sky blue balloons, and letting off flares. The team's promotion has been a long time coming, with Coventry experiencing a turbulent period that included financial struggles and relegation to League Two in 2017-18.Coventry's journey back to the Premier League has been remarkable, with Lampard rebuilding the team and making key tactical decisions to secure crucial points. The team will now focus on securing the Championship title before preparing for the 2026-27 season.

Newcastle 0-1 Manchester United (1995‑96) – With a 12‑point cushion, Kevin Keegan’s Newcastle seemed destined for the crown, but Alex Ferguson’s United halted their march at St James’ Park. Peter Schmeichel’s saves kept the Magpies at bay, and Eric Cantona’s late volley secured the win, narrowing the gap to a single point and setting the stage for United’s eventual triumph.Manchester United 0-1 Arsenal (1997‑98) – Arsène Wenger’s Arsenal turned the tables at Old Trafford when Marc Overmars scored the first Arsenal goal at the venue in the Premier League era. The victory sparked a ten‑game winning streak that propelled Arsenal from sixth place to clinch the title by a solitary point, underscoring the match’s seismic impact.Manchester United 1-2 Chelsea (2009‑10) – In Carlo Ancelotti’s debut season, Chelsea needed a win to stay in the title hunt. A brilliant Joe Cole back‑heel opened the scoring, but a late switch to Didier Drogba produced a second goal that put Chelsea ahead. United’s missed chances, including a late miss by Dimitar Berbatov, meant Chelsea finished the season champions by just one point.Manchester City 1-0 Manchester United (2011‑12) – After an early‑season 6‑1 defeat, City found themselves eight points adrift. Vincent Kompany’s decisive header against United in April gave City the momentum they needed, though the title would ultimately be decided on the final day when City’s dramatic comeback against QPR secured the trophy.Manchester City 2-1 Liverpool (2018‑19) – A January showdown that proved pivotal: Liverpool entered unbeaten and seven points ahead. A narrow save by John Stones kept City in the game, Sergio Agüero opened the scoring, and Leroy Sané’s late strike clinched a 2‑1 win. City went on to win the league by a point; a draw for Liverpool would have handed them an unbeaten championship.