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Helen DeWitt, the American author of "The Last Samurai," announced she turned down the Windham‑Campbell writing prize—a $175,000 (£130,000) award—after learning that acceptance hinged on a series of promotional commitments.In a personal blog and a thread on X, DeWitt explained that the prize required her to attend a festival, appear on a podcast, and take part in a six‑ to eight‑hour filming session for a promotional video.She disclosed that, at the time, she was "close to breakdown" due to a cascade of professional and personal challenges, making the additional obligations impossible to meet.DeWitt likened the situation to the early‑career expectations of writers such as Thomas Pynchon or Cormac McCarthy, noting that the demands would be "horrifying" for anyone in a similar position.Correspondence with prize director Michael Kelleher showed limited flexibility: while he agreed to drop the podcast requirement, he maintained that DeWitt herself had to appear in the video, rejecting her proposal to feature other writers or her husband instead.Ultimately, DeWitt wrote that she must "regretfully decline to accept the prize on the specified terms," and the award was forfeited.The Windham‑Campbell prizes, founded in 2013 from the bequest of novelist Donald Windham, are intended to be "life‑changing" recognitions. This year’s recipients include British novelist Gwendoline Riley, and winners are selected confidentially.DeWitt argued that a prize structure that excludes writers unable to meet extra promotional duties contradicts the spirit of its generous founders. Kelleher responded that participation is optional and that the organization respects any decision not to engage, emphasizing the "power of literature to connect us all."

The Darts Regulation Authority (DRA) announced that Noa‑Lynn van Leuven is barred from competing in any Professional Darts Corporation (PDC) women‑only events with immediate effect, after the governing body ruled that only biological females may participate in women’s tournaments.Under the new policy, van Leuven – a 29‑year‑old who has claimed six titles in the PDC Women’s Series – will be ineligible for the series and the Women’s World Matchplay, a competition she was on track to qualify for this summer.The DRA justified the decision by referencing a report commissioned from Dr Emma Hilton, a developmental biologist who has published extensively on sex categories in sport. The study concluded that darts is a "gender‑affected sport" and identified several physical differences that give males an advantage, including greater height, longer limbs, broader shoulders, increased muscle mass and stiffer tendons. These attributes, the report argued, enhance reach, stability and throwing mechanics, thereby influencing consistency and precision.This ruling arrives shortly after the International Olympic Committee announced a ban on transgender women from female Olympic events, set to take effect at the 2028 Los Angeles Games.Van Leuven responded on Instagram, describing the decision as a forced retirement. She wrote, "I just got an email… apparently I’m retired, not by choice, but because I am no longer allowed to compete." She added, "This isn’t just about me; it’s another huge hit for the trans community. Every day it is getting harder for trans people just to exist, to compete. If you think this stops with me, it doesn’t. We just want to be."While barred from women‑only events, van Leuven could still aim for the open professional tour, which is gender‑neutral. Currently, Beau Greaves is the sole female player on the tour, and former women’s world champion Lisa Ashton held a two‑year tour card in 2020‑2021.

Michael Jordan, the legendary basketball player, has found a new winning formula in Nascar. His team, 23XI Racing, has stormed to the top of the Cup series standings in 2026, with Tyler Reddick claiming four wins in the first six events, including a victory in the Daytona 500.Jordan's foray into Nascar ownership began in 2021 with a joint venture with Denny Hamlin, a prominent driver and Jordan Brand ambassador. The team's rapid rise to prominence has been fueled by Jordan's competitive drive and leadership style, which he attributes to his basketball background. "I'm cursed with this competitive gene, that anything I do is from a competitive lens," Jordan explained in an interview with CBS's Gayle King.The team's success has not been limited to Reddick, with Bubba Wallace, the No 45 car driver, consistently finishing in the top 11 through the first five races. Jordan's leadership approach, which emphasizes performing at the highest level and taking calculated risks, has drawn comparisons to his basketball career. "He emphasizes doing what you need to do to make sure you're performing at your highest level and taking that game-winning shot," said Dave Rogers, 23XI's senior director of competition.Jordan's entry into Nascar was not without controversy. In October 2025, 23XI Racing filed an antitrust lawsuit against Nascar, challenging the sport's charter system and revenue distribution model. The lawsuit led to the resignation of Nascar commissioner Steve Phelps in January 2026 and ultimately resulted in a settlement between Jordan and Nascar.Jordan's impact on Nascar extends beyond his team's on-track success. He has been instrumental in promoting diversity and inclusion in the sport, launching 23XI Racing with Bubba Wallace, a trailblazer for racial equality in Nascar. Jordan has also engaged with fans and artists, including rappers Fat Joe and Jadakiss, to help bring Nascar into the 21st century.As Jordan told King, "I'm excited that I'm connected to this sport. I feel like I watch it through the lens of my father, or with my family – and that matters to me." With 23XI Racing's impressive start to the season, it's clear that Michael Jordan has found a new passion and a winning formula in Nascar.

Dan Levy, creator of the hit sitcom 'Schitt's Creek', ventures into cringe comedy with 'Big Mistakes', a Netflix series that, while entertaining, struggles to find its footing. Levy stars as Nicky, a pastor hiding his relationship from his family and congregation, alongside Taylor Ortega as his rebellious sister Morgan. The show's strength lies in its cast, particularly Levy and Ortega, who deliver charming and hilarious performances. Laurie Metcalf also shines as their emotionally unstable mother. However, the plot often falters, relying on implausible developments and generic portrayals of organized crime. The dynamic between Levy's character and Ortega's is a highlight, showcasing Levy's expertise in crafting bickering, boundary-pushing on-screen families, reminiscent of 'Schitt's Creek'. The familial drama and cringe comedy elements are more engaging than the show's attempt at an organized crime storyline. Despite its shortcomings, 'Big Mistakes' is not a major failure but rather a passable effort. Levy's talent for creating relatable, flawed characters and humorous situations makes the show enjoyable, even if it doesn't quite reach the heights of his previous work.

As the clock ticked down to President Donald Trump’s 8 p.m. deadline to force the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, the six‑week Middle East conflict teetered on the brink of a far more devastating escalation.Trump’s rhetoric had escalated dramatically, with his Truth Social posts warning that the United States would unleash strikes capable of “decimating every bridge and power plant in Iran” and that “a whole civilisation will die tonight.” Legal experts labeled the language as bordering on a genocidal threat.Amid the rising tension, a series of rapid developments unfolded on Tuesday:12:06 GMT – Trump announced a plan to target Iran’s civilian infrastructure, promising total destruction of bridges and power facilities.15:21 GMT – Iranian media confirmed that US strikes hit Kharg Island, the nation’s primary oil‑export hub, but reported no significant damage.15:40 GMT – In the UN Security Council, China and Russia vetoed a Bahraini resolution aimed at protecting commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, arguing the draft was biased against Tehran.16:54 GMT – Qatar’s defence ministry reported a successful missile interception, while the United Arab Emirates warned of a barrage of missile and drone attacks.18:23 GMT – Iran’s envoy to Pakistan, Reza Amiri Moghadam, signalled a “step forward” after a “critical, sensitive stage,” praising Pakistan’s “positive and productive” peace efforts.19:17 GMT – Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif appealed to Trump to extend the deadline by two weeks, urging Tehran to keep the Strait open as a goodwill gesture.20:25 GMT – Iran warned it would target US and Gulf‑allied energy infrastructure, threatening to block regional oil and gas supplies for years.20:41 GMT – Joint US‑Israeli airstrikes struck the Amirkabir Petrochemical Plant in Mahshahr, Iran, prompting local assessments of damage.With less than ninety minutes remaining, diplomatic channels intensified. Pakistani officials, including the military chief Asim Munir, facilitated talks that culminated in a two‑week, double‑sided cease‑fire announced by Trump at 22:45 GMT. The United States claimed to have received a “workable” 10‑point proposal from Tehran.Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi quickly confirmed the truce, stating Iran would honor it provided attacks on its territory ceased. Sharif then invited both Iranian and US delegations to Islamabad for further negotiations aimed at a permanent settlement.Early Wednesday, Trump’s tone shifted dramatically. In a Truth Social post he hailed the cease‑fire as a potential “Golden Age for the Middle East,” celebrating the pause in hostilities and the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz.The episode underscores how last‑minute diplomacy, spearheaded by Pakistan, averted a catastrophic escalation and opened a narrow window for a broader peace process in a region long mired in conflict.

Israeli forces launched a series of coordinated strikes across Lebanon on Wednesday, killing dozens and wounding hundreds, just hours after a ceasefire was announced in the US-Israeli war on Iran. The attacks, which targeted areas in Beirut, the Bekaa Valley, and southern Lebanon, were the largest coordinated strike by Israel since it began a new military operation in Lebanon on March 2. The Israeli military carried out a surprise strike on hundreds of Hezbollah terrorists at command centers across Lebanon, according to Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz. The strikes targeted Hezbollah infrastructure, with over 100 Hezbollah command centers and military sites hit. Lebanon's Ministry of Public Health reported that dozens of people were killed and hundreds wounded in the attacks. The Lebanese Red Cross said 100 of its ambulances were responding to the attacks, with teams working to transport the injured to hospitals. Hospitals were overcrowded, and health officials warned of a dire situation. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had earlier stated that the US-Iran truce excluded Lebanon, a country Israel has invaded in a new campaign against the armed group Hezbollah. Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam condemned the attacks, saying Israel was killing 'defenceless civilians' and showing disregard for international law. The violence has resulted in over 1,530 people killed in Lebanon since March 2, including women and children, and over 1.2 million people displaced. The situation remains volatile, with Hezbollah warning of a response from Iran and its allies if Israel does not adhere to a ceasefire.

Last‑Minute Discount Deadline Fuels Urgency With only three days left before the April 10, 11:59 p.m. PT deadline, prospective attendees can lock in savings of up to $500 on a TechCrunch Disrupt 2026 pass. The limited‑time offer is designed to attract founders, operators, and VCs eager to secure a seat at the epicenter of the tech ecosystem. What the 2026 Disrupt Event Brings to the Table From October 13‑15 at Moscone West, the conference will gather 10,000+ founders, operators, and venture capitalists for three days of high‑signal conversations and deal‑making. Highlights include: Over 20,000 curated meetings recorded in the previous year. Upgraded networking tools aimed at more targeted connections. Startup Battlefield featuring 200 pre‑Series A companies competing for $100,000 in equity‑free funding. More than 300 startup exhibitors showcasing new products in the Expo Hall. Side events from October 11‑17 across the Bay Area, including breakfasts, cocktail hours, panels, and founder meetups. Financial and Scale Metrics Highlight Event Weight The discount translates to a direct cost reduction for attendees, while the event itself drives significant economic activity: Potential savings of up to $500 per pass, lowering the barrier for early‑stage founders. Historical data shows 20,000+ curated meetings, indicating high deal‑flow potential. The $100,000 equity‑free prize pool for Battlefield winners can accelerate growth trajectories. Why This Discount Matters for the Startup Ecosystem Access to Disrupt is more than content; it’s a gateway to capital, talent, and market validation. By reducing the price point, TechCrunch widens participation, enabling: Early‑stage startups to pitch directly to top‑tier VCs. Founders to secure curated meetings that can change company trajectories. Investors to source high‑quality deals in a concentrated environment. Looking Ahead: What 2026 Disrupt Could Shape Given the scale and the upgraded networking tools, the 2026 edition is poised to amplify trends in AI, hardware, and growth strategy. Expect: Increased cross‑border collaborations as global founders converge. More data‑driven matchmaking, leading to higher conversion rates from meetings to investments. Emergence of new category‑defining startups, following the legacy of alumni like Discord, Cloudflare, and Trello. Stakeholders who secure their passes now position themselves at the forefront of these developments.

The documentary series 'Trust Me: The False Prophet' has shed light on the sinister activities of a polygamous Mormon cult led by Samuel Bateman, who is currently serving a 50-year sentence for luring minors into criminal sex acts.Director Rachel Dretzin, a former investigative journalist for Frontline, worked on the series, which follows a pair of documentary filmmakers, Christine Marie and Tolga Katas, who embedded themselves in Utah's Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (FLDS) community. They earned the trust of the cult members and were invited into Bateman's home, where he presided over 20 'wives', many of them underage.The filmmakers' incriminating footage and witness testimony were essential to the FBI's case against Bateman and other men charged with crimes. The series transcends the true crime genre's typical sensationalism, presenting its revelations thoughtfully and honestly.Dretzin notes that documentary filmmaking can be more effective than the legal system in effecting change, particularly in cases like this where the community is fiercely insular. The series raises questions about the ethics of documentary filmmaking and the blurred lines between observer and participant.The story also highlights the manipulation and indoctrination of young women within the cult, including Naomi, a young woman who becomes a pivotal witness. Her aunt Carole, who defected from the FLDS, shares her insights on how the cult grooms girls for exploitation.Dretzin believes that the story has echoes in our ordinary lives and political landscape, particularly in the era of 'fake news' and echo chambers. The series serves as a reminder of the dangers of closed systems and the importance of critical thinking.

BBC Two’s three‑part series ‘Michael Jackson: An American Tragedy’ attempts to map the arc of the King of Pop from a Midwestern child prodigy to a global phenomenon whose legacy is still contested. Released ahead of the family‑approved biopic Michael, the documentary does not promise fresh revelations; instead, it seeks to place the singer’s meteoric fame, legal controversies and post‑mortem financial empire within a single narrative. The first episode, titled Fame, foregrounds Jackson’s musical genius while also exposing the fraught dynamics of his family life. Interviews with siblings and childhood acquaintances depict a household where “six bunk beds in one room” were the norm, and where fear of their father, Joe Jackson, loomed large. La Toyia Jackson’s recollection that “Michael had a fear of my father – we all did” underscores the pressure that shaped his early years. In The Reckoning, the series shifts to the period of criminal investigations and media scrutiny. Former spiritual adviser Rabbi Shmuley Boteach describes the tragedy as a man who, despite unparalleled attention, remained “utterly lonely.” Prosecutor Ron Zonen argues that the sheer scale of the Jackson enterprise eclipsed the pursuit of justice, noting the obviousness of the abuse allegations in his view. The episode also revisits the 2003 Martin Bashir documentary, which Boteach recalls as a “shock” that contributed to the star’s eventual downfall. The final installment, The Resurrection, examines the attempts to revive Jackson’s career, his sudden death, and the ripple effects of the 2019 Leaving Neverland documentary. The review notes that the allegations have reshaped public perception to the point where many, including the reviewer, find it difficult to engage with his music. The series concludes that the ongoing legal battles—seven alleged victims are currently suing the estate—represent “the most extraordinary effort to uncancel someone in history.” While the documentary assembles an extensive roster of interviewees—family members, former managers, record executives, and even Donald Trump—it occasionally suffers from an overly broad brushstroke that blurs moral clarity. The reviewer acknowledges the valiant effort to strike a middle ground but questions whether such balance is sufficient for a story marked by “wild extremes.” Overall, the series provides a comprehensive, if not groundbreaking, overview of Jackson’s complex narrative, serving as a timely companion piece to the upcoming biopic and a reminder that the conversation around his legacy remains far from settled. Michael Jackson: An American Tragedy is currently streaming on iPlayer.