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Moya Brennan, the celebrated voice behind Irish folk ensemble Clannad, passed away at the age of 73 in her native County Donegal, surrounded by family. The 73‑year‑old had been living with pulmonary fibrosis and was awaiting a possible double‑lung transplant when she died peacefully. Born 4 August 1952 in Dublin as Máire Philomena Ní Bhraonáin, she grew up in a large musical family that performed in their local pub. She later honed her craft at the Royal Irish Academy of Music before co‑founding Clannad in 1970 with her brothers and two uncles. Clann2’s early breakthrough came at the Slógadh Youth Festival, where a prize‑winning performance secured a Polydor contract—though the band members were too young to sign. Their commitment to singing in the Irish language set them apart; as Brennan recalled in 2022, they felt they were “letting the language down” but fell in love with its melodies. The group’s commercial breakthrough arrived in 1983 with the album Magical Ring and its hit single “Theme from Harry’s Game.”strong> The track reached No. 5 on the UK Top 40, earned Clannad a historic appearance on Top of the Pops as the first act to perform in Irish, and paved the way for a BAFTA‑winning score for the ITV series Robin of Sherwood. Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, Brennan earned the moniker “first lady of Celtic music,” garnering praise from peers such as Bono of U2 and contributing vocals to major film soundtracks including Titanic and King Arthur. Her sister Eithne, later known as Enya, also emerged from Clannad before launching a wildly successful solo career. Beyond her musical achievements, Brennan’s personal journey was marked by hardship. She publicly discussed a 1972 abortion in England, subsequent substance use, an 18‑month marriage to fellow musician Pat Farrell, a miscarriage in 1987, and a brief relationship with U2’s Adam Clayton. A deepening Christian faith after the miscarriage helped her overcome addiction, and she later married photographer Tim Jarvis in 1990, a partnership she credited with ending her drug use. Her solo discography began with the critically acclaimed album Máire in 1992 and continued through 2024’s Voices & Harps IV with Cormac de Barra. Brennan also devoted considerable energy to philanthropy, working with Christian Blind Mission Ireland on projects across the Democratic Republic of Congo, Rwanda, Brazil, and Tanzania, and supporting programs for those battling drug and alcohol dependency. In 2002 she officially adopted the stage name Moya Brennan, formalising the change by deed poll in 2009. Over the years she collaborated with a diverse roster of artists, from Shane MacGowan and Robert Plant to Bruce Hornsb​y, the Doobie Brothers, and Ronan Keating. Brennan is survived by her husband Tim Jarvis and their two children. In a 2022 interview she attributed her resilience in the face of her lung disease to her Christian faith, stating, “I know God is with me… that’s where my strength comes from.”

Peter Magyar, once a staunch supporter of Prime Minister Viktor Orban, has shattered the latter’s 16‑year grip on power after his Tisza Party won a landslide victory in Sunday’s parliamentary election. With 97.35% of precincts counted, the centre‑right Tisza Party secured 138 of the 199 parliamentary seats and 53.6% of the popular vote. By contrast, Orban’s Christian‑nationalist Fidesz obtained 55 seats with 37.8% of the vote, according to official tallies. Addressing a crowd of tens of thousands along the Danube in Budapest, the 45‑year‑old victor declared, “Tonight, truth prevailed over lies,” adding that Hungarians had chosen to ask what they could do for their homeland rather than the reverse. Who is Peter Magyar? Born in Budapest in March 1981 to a family of lawyers, he is the great‑nephew of former President Ferenc Madl (2000‑2005). After earning a law degree from Pázmány Péter Catholic University in 2004, Magyar began a career in corporate law and joined Orban’s Fidesz while the party was still in opposition. He later served as a legal aide to Fidesz during the 2006 anti‑government protests, married future justice minister Judit Varga (they have three children), and held several senior posts after Fidesz returned to power in 2010, including a stint at Hungary’s Permanent Representation to the EU in Brussels and a board seat at state‑owned road operator Magyar Közút ZRT. Why did he break with Orban? A 2024 scandal involving a presidential pardon for a man linked to a children’s‑home abuse cover‑up implicated Varga, then justice minister, prompting public outrage and Novak’s resignation. Magyar seized the moment, publishing a Facebook post accusing the government of corruption and releasing a recording of a conversation with his ex‑wife that suggested interference in a corruption case. Policy analyst Gábor Győri of Policy Solutions described Magyar’s departure as a “gradual estrangement” that accelerated after Varga’s fall from power. The exposure boosted Magyar’s domestic popularity, positioning him as a fresh opposition figure amid widespread voter fatigue with Fidesz. In April 2024, Magyar joined the centre‑right Tisza Party, won a seat in the European Parliament, and now stands poised to become Hungary’s next prime minister. Political analyst Zsuzsanna Vegh (German Marshall Fund) noted that Magyar’s win “dispels the myth that Orban cannot be defeated,” emphasizing his ability to unite a diverse electorate through a moderate, policy‑focused campaign rather than a radical right‑wing challenge. Scandals surrounding Magyar have also surfaced. His former wife Varga accused him of domestic violence and of using a secret recording for political gain. Earlier in 2026, Magyar faced allegations of a sex‑related scandal and drug use after compromising photos emerged; he denied drug use, describing the episode as a “honey‑trap” orchestrated by a “classic Russia‑style compromising situation.” He further claimed that Fidesz targeted him personally to undermine his campaign. On policy, Magyar pledges to revive Hungary’s stagnant economy, reduce dependence on Russian energy by 2035, and restore pragmatic relations with both the EU and Moscow. He aims to unlock EU funds frozen over alleged rule‑of‑law breaches and has previously expressed caution about accelerating Ukraine’s EU accession. Observers caution that while Magyar’s election fuels hope among young Hungarians, the real test will be translating opposition momentum into effective governance. As Izabella Nagy, a Budapest professional, observes, “Rebuilding a democracy is far more gruelling than dismantling one,” underscoring the challenges ahead for the new administration.

Rory McIlroy secured his second straight Masters title on Sunday, finishing at 12‑under 276 and becoming only the fourth player in history to win Augusta National in back‑to‑back years.The Northern Irish star rallied from a three‑shot deficit on the front nine, carding a 71 (one under par) in the final round to edge out Scottie Scheffler by a single stroke."I can’t believe I waited 17 years to get one green jacket, and I get two in a row," McIlroy said in the Butler Cabin, emphasizing the perseverance that finally paid off.His victory marks a sixth major championship, tying Nick Faldo for the most majors by a European in the modern era and placing them both at 12th on the all‑time list.Trailing McIlroy were Cameron Young, Russell Henley, England’s Tyrrell Hatton and Justin Rose, each finishing one shot back at 10‑under.McIlroy began the final round tied for the 54‑hole lead at 11‑under, slipped to 9‑under after two early bogeys, then surged with birdies on holes 7, 8, 12 and 13 to build a two‑shot cushion heading into the iconic "Amen Corner."When the pressure mounted on the 18th, a well‑placed drive into the trees allowed him to reach a greenside bunker, set up a two‑putt bogey and preserve the lead, confirming his place among the Masters’ elite.Beyond the personal milestone, McIlroy’s back‑to‑back triumph underscores the rarity of defending the Masters—an achievement previously accomplished only by Jack Nicklaus, Nick Faldo and Tiger Woods—and highlights the growing prominence of European players on golf’s biggest stage.

Relentless drama unfolded at Aintree on Saturday as I Am Maximus clinched a second Grand National win, joining an exclusive club that includes the legendary Red Rum. The race saw all 34 runners finish without serious injury, underscoring the event’s safety despite its reputation for chaos.The victory marks I Am Maximus as only the third horse since the mid‑1930s to win the National twice, and the first to achieve the feat in non‑consecutive years since Red Rum’s 1974 triumph. Having finished a close second in 2025, the gelding now sits second only to Red Rum in the all‑time Aintree hierarchy.Trainer Willie Mullins admitted the horse’s temperament could spark a bar‑room brawl, recalling a “lairy” incident at a village parade two years ago. “He’d eat you without salt,” Mullins joked, suggesting future photo‑ops may be limited if the horse’s spirit remains untamed.Owner JP McManus, who celebrated a record fourth National win on the day, is expected to aim the champion at next year’s race. If I Am Maximus stays sound, a 2027 return could become one of the season’s marquee storylines.Betting markets reflected the horse’s popularity: a widely reported £100,000 wager at 8‑1 odds was placed before the race, and the gelding entered as the 9‑2 favourite, positioning him among the shortest‑priced favourites in National history. The only cheaper price on record belongs to Poethlyn, who opened at 11‑4 in 1919.Age also played a role. I Am Maximus’s win makes him the first horse older than nine to win since Pineau De Re’s 2014 victory. By comparison, Red Rum captured his third National at age 12 in 1977, but modern course changes have generally favoured younger runners.Unlike Tiger Roll, whose third attempt was thwarted by owner Michael O’Leary’s weight objections, I Am Maximus has already carried top weight to victory, demonstrating a robustness that may appeal to McManus for future campaigns.With the horse’s celebrity status soaring, the racing calendar now enjoys a twelve‑month window to capitalise on his fame, building anticipation for what could be a historic third National appearance.

Marie‑Louise Eta will take the touchline for Union Berlin’s upcoming Bundesliga match against Wolfsburg, becoming the first woman to coach a men’s team in one of Europe’s top‑five leagues. The 34‑year‑old was promoted on an interim basis after the dismissal of Steffen Baumgart, who was sacked following a 3‑1 defeat to bottom‑placed Heidenheim.Union sit seven points clear of the relegation‑playoff zone with five games remaining, but a dismal run of two wins in 14 matches has left the club teetering near the drop‑zone. Club officials turned to Eta, citing her continuity and proven tactical acumen, to halt the slide.Eta’s appointment is the latest milestone in a rapid rise through Union’s ranks. In the 2023‑24 season she became the Bundesliga’s first female assistant manager under Nenad Bjelica, and earlier in 2024 she briefly commanded the men’s side, overseeing a win, a draw and a loss while Bjelica served a suspension. Her prior success with Union’s under‑19 men’s squad further cemented her reputation as a forward‑thinking coach.Speaking in a 2023 interview, Eta emphasized that she wants to “convince with quality and substance” rather than rely on tokenism. Former England women’s manager Sarina Wiegman hailed her as a “trailblazer”, noting that such progress reflects football’s broader societal shift toward gender equality.Germany is already seeing more women in senior coaching roles: Sabrina Wittmann leads third‑tier side FC Ingolstadt, while Corinne Diacre previously managed Ligue 2 club Clermont Foot in France. In England, Hannah Dingley made history as caretaker of Forest Green Rovers before moving to Manchester City’s academy.Eta’s current stint with the men’s team is expected to be short‑lived. She has already signed a contract to become head coach of Union Berlin’s women’s side next season, where she will continue to develop talent in the Frauen‑Bundesliga. Nonetheless, her presence on the technical area this weekend offers a powerful visual for aspiring female coaches worldwide.Social media reactions have been mixed. While a minority of users resorted to sexist trolling, Union’s official X account defended Eta vigorously, dubbing her a “football goddess” and firing back at detractors. Eta, a former Champions League winner with Turbine Potsdam, said she draws motivation from messages sent by young women and girls she has inspired.The upcoming match will not only test Union Berlin’s fight against relegation but also serve as a symbolic moment in the ongoing effort to break the “grass ceiling” in professional football.

King Charles's upcoming visit to the White House to meet with Donald Trump is poised to be a delicate diplomatic situation. The king will have to navigate a complex web of potential insults and controversies, including Trump's past comments about the UK's military assets, his criticism of British politicians, and his unconventional social media posts.Historically, Charles has had his share of awkward encounters with US presidents. During his visit to President Nixon in 1970, officials awkwardly presented Nixon's daughter Tricia as a potential match for the then-young prince. Later, during a visit to Ronald Reagan, Charles was handed a cup of tea with the bag still in it, leaving him unsure of how to proceed.In contrast, Charles's meetings with the Clintons and Bushes were uneventful, and his 2015 meeting with Obama was notable for his frank discussion on climate change, which, although not necessarily polite, was a significant moment.However, the current situation with Trump is particularly challenging. Trump has publicly criticized the UK's military assets, including the HMS Queen Elizabeth and HMS Prince of Wales, bearing the names of members of the royal family. Additionally, Trump has made derogatory comments about Pope Francis, which could complicate relations between the US and the Vatican.The king will also have to address Trump's recent social media post featuring an AI-generated image of himself as Jesus, which could be seen as blasphemous or insensitive. Given Trump's unpredictable nature, it's uncertain what he might say or do during the visit.While it would be unprecedented for the king to cancel the visit, the situation is already out of the ordinary. It remains to be seen how Charles will navigate this complex diplomatic situation and maintain the dignity of his office.

England and Spain meet again on Tuesday night in front of more than 70,000 at Wembley in the Women's World Cup 2027 qualifiers. This match comes eight-and-a-half months after they faced off in the Euro 2025 final, which England won.Spain has undergone significant changes since then, with a new head coach, Sonia Bermúdez, and a crop of emerging young players. Despite these changes, they remain unbeaten since the Euros with five wins and a draw in six matches. Bermúdez has already led them to the Nations League title.The visitors have a number of talented young players, including Fiamma Benítez, the 21-year-old Atlético Madrid midfielder, who has made a strong impact with seven goal contributions in the Champions League this season. Another player to watch is Vicky López, the Barcelona winger, who has become a regular starter.England head coach Sarina Wiegman believes that despite the changes, Spain's DNA remains the same: they want to have the ball and play dynamically. Wiegman noted that there might be some tweaks but the principle will be very similar.For England, Leah Williamson is an injury doubt due to a hamstring injury, but she has started training with her international teammates. Keira Walsh is set to win her 100th cap and Wiegman praised her vision and game understanding.England will have to make at least one change from the starting XI that beat Spain in Switzerland, with Ella Toone out injured. Jess Park is likely to start in her place.

Director Luca Guadagnino has come to the defense of actor Timothée Chalamet after Chalamet faced backlash for suggesting that ballet and opera are art forms that "no one cares about" anymore.Guadagnino, who cast Chalamet in his breakthrough role in Call Me By Your Name, stated that the reaction to Chalamet's comments was disproportionate. "I am not on social media and don’t understand how one [single] comment can become a planetary polemic," Guadagnino said in an interview with Italian newspaper La Stampa.Guadagnino, who made his opera debut in 2011 with a production of Verdi’s Falstaff, noted that Chalamet "could have spared himself … but he’s young, smart, sensitive, and he fears that cinema could become marginal." He emphasized the importance of nurturing all forms of imagination and uniting the arts, rather than separating them.Chalamet's remarks sparked significant backlash from the ballet and opera communities, including Jamie Lee Curtis and Whoopi Goldberg, who publicly criticized him. The Maggio Musicale Fiorentino invited Chalamet to attend Guadagnino's production of The Death of Klinghoffer, saying, "Come and see for yourself that opera is alive, kicking and actually matters to people."

The world of teen text abbreviations can be confusing, especially for adults trying to keep up. SYBAU, WYLL, and PMO are just a few examples of the latest abbreviations that have left many grownups scratching their heads.Research by the anagram website Unscramblerer.com has revealed the most confusing examples of teen text abbreviations. SYBAU, for instance, is often mistakenly believed to mean 'stay young, beautiful and unique.' However, its actual meaning is far more explicit: 'shut your bitch ass up.'WYLL is another abbreviation that has sparked curiosity. While some might think it means 'would you levitate lightly,' it actually stands for 'what you look like.' PMO, on the other hand, has two possible meanings: 'put me on' or 'pisses me off.'The list also includes other popular abbreviations like WFH (work from home) and TBH (to be honest). However, not all abbreviations are as straightforward. ASL, for example, is often believed to mean 'age, sex, location,' but research suggests it actually means 'as hell.'The use of text abbreviations has become such an entrenched cultural norm that their use has now ossified, meaning parents no longer have to fear the worst about what their children are communicating. As one commenter joked, 'I will stay young, beautiful and unique. Thank you.'