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A landmark verdict in a social media trial has held Meta and YouTube accountable for deliberately designing addictive products that harmed a young user. The jury awarded the plaintiff $6m in damages, with Meta to pay 70% and YouTube the remainder.Human rights groups, including Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch, have praised the decision, calling it a "watershed moment" for corporate accountability in the digital age. They argue that social media companies must change their design features to ensure children's safety.The plaintiff, a 20-year-old who went by the initials KGM, testified that she became addicted to YouTube at age six and Instagram at nine, which led to a long cycle of depression, self-harm, and body dysmorphia. Plaintiffs have taken issue with features such as infinite scroll and autoplay, arguing that they prioritize engagement over users' well-being.However, not all tech freedom and human rights groups agree on the verdict's implications. Fight for the Future, a US-based digital rights group, has expressed skepticism, worrying that the decision could be used to justify legislative solutions that raise free speech concerns.

US President Donald Trump has extended his deadline for Iran to open the Strait of Hormuz by 10 days to April 6, 2026. The decision comes as talks between the US and Iran are described as 'going very well'.In a social media post, Trump stated: 'As per Iranian Government request, please let this statement serve to represent that I am pausing the period of Energy Plant destruction by 10 Days to Monday, April 6, 2026, at 8 P.M., Eastern Time.'Trump also mentioned that despite 'erroneous statements to the contrary by the Fake News Media,' talks with Iran are ongoing and progressing well. He had previously urged Iranian leaders to negotiate an end to the near-month-long war or face further assassinations of senior officials.The conflict has resulted in significant escalation, with Israel conducting strikes on Iranian targets, including the killing of Alireza Tangsiri, the Revolutionary Guards' naval commander. Iran has retaliated with strikes across the Middle East, including in Tel Aviv, Modi'in, and Jerusalem.Trump has claimed victory in the war, stating, 'In a certain sense, we have already won.' He has also criticized NATO allies and described Iran as producing 'great negotiators' but 'lousy fighters.'The US and Israel have destroyed much of Iran's naval capabilities, but Tehran still possesses smaller boats capable of laying mines and launching anti-ship cruise missiles. These could render the Strait of Hormuz impassable to shipping.Iran's foreign minister, Abbas Araghchi, accused the US of 'double standards,' citing the US support for Israel's actions in Gaza while condemning Iran's defense in the Strait of Hormuz.The conflict has resulted in a significant death toll, with over 1,900 people killed in Iran and nearly 1,100 in Lebanon. The situation remains volatile, with fears of further escalation and potential ground invasion.

The connection between boxing and cinema dates back to the early days of film, with the first sports film being a 1894 short of a six-round match between Mike Leonard and Jack Cushing. Since then, boxing has been a staple of the big screen, captivating audiences with its high-stakes emotion, physical intensity, and personal turbulence.The British Film Institute's new season, The Cinematic Life of Boxing, curated by Clive Chijioke Nwonka, an amateur boxer since his childhood in London, explores this symbiotic relationship. Nwonka believes that an uncompromising hunt for realism is central to the relationship between the sport and artform, with films that interact with human experience, poverty, struggle, triumph, and boxing as a way of life.Boxing films often capture a political zeitgeist, as seen in the 1974 'Rumble in the Jungle' heavyweight championship match between Muhammad Ali and George Foreman, which was not just a fight but a referendum on ideology during the civil rights era. This fight was documented in the 1996 film When We Were Kings, described by Nwonka as 'probably the greatest sports documentary of all time'.The Rocky franchise, which has spanned six films and a spin-off series, Creed, under the direction of Ryan Coogler, is a barometer for all the films captured in its wake. The first film remains the hallmark of sporting cinema, successfully capturing the habitual experience of the sport outside its more glamorous moments.Despite the genre's popularity, boxing films are not immune to clichés, with many relying on stock characters and familiar arcs. However, the best film-makers are able to return to the core of these films: the stakes of signing up for a fight, and the physical, psychological, and real monetary costs of endurance.

Israel stands as the sole nation where overwhelming public support exists for the conflict with Iran, despite the profound impact on daily life. At least 15 people have been killed and hundreds injured by Iranian missiles since the war began in February, with school closures and missile warnings becoming routine. Polling indicates that more than 90% of Jewish Israelis back the war, a figure that sharply contrasts with international sentiment.The global perspective reveals a dramatically different picture. Nearly a month into the fighting, polling shows that 60% of the US public opposes the war with Iran, and just one in four Americans backed the initial strikes. In the Gulf, Europe and Asia, the conflict is widely unpopular as severe economic consequences begin to manifest.According to Emma Graham-Harrison, The Guardian's chief Middle East correspondent based in Jerusalem, many Jewish Israelis view themselves as under siege in a hostile world since the October 2023 massacre. This perception has led many to conclude that an aggressive security policy is the only way to ensure safety, regardless of international reaction.There's a prevailing sentiment in Israel that short-term suffering will lead to long-term security, despite security experts questioning whether Israel has a clear strategy to convert tactical achievements into lasting security. Life in Jerusalem remains restricted, with many working from home and limitations on businesses from cafes to gyms.The public support for the war has not translated into improved political fortunes for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who currently lags in polls for the upcoming general elections. While there is majority support for Netanyahu's decision to launch the war and his handling of it, even among those who don't want to give him another term, his coalition faces challenges in securing enough seats to return him to power.Some Israeli supporters of the war worry that Netanyahu's push to attack Iran has jeopardized the country's crucial relationship with the United States. Historically, Israel's foreign policy has been based on bipartisan ties, but Netanyahu has effectively abandoned that approach to cultivate an extremely close relationship with Trump.Israel's isolation is becoming increasingly apparent as the conflict continues. Unlike historical precedents where Israel achieved security through negotiated agreements with Jordan and Egypt, the current approach emphasizes military power above diplomatic solutions. This isolation is reflected in the fact that Israel may be the only place in the world with broad support for this war, with populations in Lebanon and Iran experiencing the conflict as horrific.

The recent story of Julie Maughan, a grieving mother who lost her eight-year-old daughter Heather Preen due to exposure to polluted water, has left an indelible mark. The Channel 4 docudrama Dirty Business brings to light the struggles of campaigners and families fighting against privatised water companies and a system that often fails to protect them.In a poignant meeting, Julie Maughan's emotional testimony, marked by grief, dignity, and determination, underscored the human cost of water privatisation. Her story starkly contrasts with the detached world of statistics and policy debates, illustrating the moral failure of a system that prioritises profit over people's lives.Clive Lewis, Labour MP for Norwich South, argues that the water industry's model, which allows private companies to profit from a basic necessity while the public bears the risk, is fundamentally flawed. This has led to billions being paid to shareholders while investment falls short and pollution becomes routine.The article highlights the broader implications of water privatisation as a microcosm of a larger systemic problem. With millions of households facing another wave of pressure on their living standards due to an impending energy price surge, the question remains whether the current economic framework can adapt to address these challenges.Lewis emphasises that Labour must decide whether it stands with the electorate or the water companies, advocating for a fundamental reorientation of the economy that prioritises the public interest over profit. The story of Julie Maughan and her daughter Heather serves as a powerful reminder of the human cost of policy failures and the urgent need for change.

The film 'They Will Kill You' is a satirical take on the beat-em-up genre, offering a mix of gore, bad jokes, and deja vu. The story revolves around Asia, a new maid at the Virgil, a satanic co-op residence in New York, where she must navigate a world of satanic rituals and eternal life.The film's tone is pitched between a bloodbath and bath time, with a boyish strain of immaturity dominating the creative force. This is evident in the giddy, inventive approach to violence, where the narrative device of immortality unshackles the filmmaker from the laws of physics. The film's antic gore peaks with an extended interlude following a disembodied eyeball as it rolls down corridors and slingshots itself up an elevator shaft.The adolescent quality runs deeper than that, manifesting more overtly in the potty-mouthedness of the script and the ostentatious stylistic flourishes that are hand-me-downs from other filmmakers. The film's supporting cast is haphazardly assembled and half-assedly differentiated from one another, with Heather Graham and Tom Felton getting the most to do.Despite its sprightly fight choreography and retro synth arpeggios, the film's invoked inspirations and story components err on the side of the popular and well-trod. The received shtick grows worn before long, and the film's attempts at humor often fall flat. A good rule of (severed) thumb: if you're going to make a character quote Monty Python's immortal 'just a flesh wound' bit, you must yourself be capable of originally generating something at least as funny.

US President Donald Trump has asserted that negotiations to end the war on Iran are ongoing, claiming Tehran is eager to make a deal. Speaking at the White House, Trump stated the US is talking to 'the right people' about a potential agreement, mentioning a 'very big present' related to 'oil and gas' allegedly gifted by Tehran. Trump's claims come as fighting continues, with Iran launching attacks on Israel and a strike near Iran's Bushehr nuclear plant. Iran's parliament speaker, Mohammad Baqer Ghalibaf, had previously dismissed Trump's claims as 'fake news.' Media reports suggest Washington has sent Iran a 15-point plan to end the war, which includes ending Iran's nuclear program and reopening the Strait of Hormuz. A Reuters/Ipsos poll found 61% of Americans disapprove of the attacks on Iran, while 35% approve. Iran's Ministry of Foreign Affairs acknowledged receiving messages from 'friendly countries' indicating a US request for negotiations. Negar Mortazavi, a senior non-resident fellow at the Center for International Policy, stated Iran would seek to end the war on its 'own terms,' including establishing deterrence and economic gains. Despite Trump's diplomatic efforts, Israeli military spokesman Effie Defrin said Israel's war plan remains 'unchanged,' aiming to 'deepen the damage and remove existential threats.' The US is reportedly preparing to send thousands of soldiers to the Middle East, fueling fears of a longer conflict.

The Gran Chaco forest in Argentina, spanning across parts of Argentina, Bolivia, Paraguay, and Brazil, is facing a critical threat from deforestation. Small farmers, enticed by the promise of quick money from selling timber, often contribute to this environmental degradation. However, a collaborative effort between conservationists, NGOs, and international organizations is underway to support small-scale landowners and Indigenous communities in establishing alternative income sources. This initiative aims to enable them to resist the pressures of agribusiness and the timber market. Jorge Luna, a 55-year-old farmer, has taken a significant step towards preserving his 40-hectare land in Chaco province. He rejected an offer to cut down the trees and instead embarked on a second career as a forest tourist guide with Fundación Rewilding Argentina, a non-profit organization working to restore parts of the Gran Chaco forest. Luna now rents out a small campsite to visitors and takes tourists on kayak tours along the Bermejito River. "At first, you didn’t give the plants value. It was a lack of knowledge of what they meant. Now, every leaf that sprouts has an added value," he says. Created in 2010 by Tompkins Conservation, Rewilding aims to protect vast tracts of territory and create economic opportunities for local communities while preserving the biosphere. The organization worked with 15 other organizations to convince the government of Chaco province to turn 128,000 hectares into the El Impenetrable national park, officially designated in 2014. Since then, Rewilding has established a network to support a budding tourism industry. It offers riverside glamping stays while promoting local and ancestral knowledge as possible sources of income. Women have returned to weaving and artisanal production, as well as providing home-cooked meals for visitors. According to Greenpeace, Argentina lost nearly 7 million hectares of native forest between 1998 and 2024, with most of it in the Gran Chaco. An estimated almost 120,000 hectares of forest were lost in northern Argentina in 2024, a 10% increase from the previous year. The primary causes of forest loss are the expansion of agriculture, mainly for intensive cattle ranching and genetically modified soya, and forest fires. The Gran Chaco forest also feeds the timber industry, particularly with the quebracho tree, which produces a tannin used in leather products, and carob trees. Environmental lawyers warn that the Gran Chaco could disappear within two decades if deforestation continues at its current pace. "The Chaco does not receive the same attention as the Amazon – few people even know it exists," says Enrique Viale, an Argentine environmental lawyer and activist. For conservation efforts to succeed, projects must be co-designed with the community, ensuring their long-term objectives are considered. Community empowerment, equal distribution of benefits, and capacity building are crucial factors. Mabel Figueroa, a local weaver, has resumed her craft since the national park opened, selling scarves, blankets, and ponchos to tourists. She raises sheep and dyes their wool with tree bark and forest plants, reviving an ancestral tradition.

Mircea Lucescu, Romania's 80-year-old football manager, is defying his physical limitations to pursue his country's World Cup aspirations. Lucescu has been hospitalized three times since December but remains resolute in his mission to lead Romania to their first World Cup in 28 years. Lucescu's determination is rooted in his passion for football and his sense of duty to Romanian football. He believes that his team has a chance to qualify for the World Cup and is focused on preparing them for the playoff semi-final against Turkey. Despite his advanced age and health issues, Lucescu's energy and love for the game have not diminished. He has a long and illustrious career in football, having played for Romania at the 1970 World Cup and later managed the national team to several successful campaigns. Lucescu's approach to coaching emphasizes the importance of mental preparation and motivation. He believes that his players must be strongly motivated and able to control their emotions in order to succeed. The buildup to the Turkey game has not been easy for Lucescu, with injuries to key players Ionut Radu and Marius Marin. However, he remains focused on the task at hand and is determined to lead his team to victory. Lucescu's legacy in football is undeniable, with over 30 trophies won throughout his career. His second stint as Romania manager began shortly after the 2024 European Championship, and he is eager to make a lasting impact on the team. As Lucescu prepares for the playoff semi-final, he is also mindful of the broader context of Ukrainian football, having left a legacy in the country after 12 years at Shakhtar Donetsk and three with Dynamo Kyiv. He keeps in touch with his former players and friends in Ukraine, who are facing a difficult situation due to the ongoing conflict. Lucescu's ultimate goal is to help Romania qualify for the World Cup, not for personal glory but for the benefit of Romanian football. He hopes that his players will treat this game as a moment to mark a before and after, defining a generation and achieving an extraordinary feat for Romania.