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The Lead Robert De Niro has renewed his attack on Donald Trump at an event in New York on Sunday. Speaking at Rise Up, Sing Out: A Concert for the first amendment, the actor led the crowd in a repeated cry of “shut the fuck up!” in response to assorted remarks and policies of the current president. De Niro's Protest “I’m pretty close to being a free speech absolutist,” said De Niro, “even speech I don’t like, and there’s plenty of that around. So when I hear something I don’t like, I use my own free speech to respond. “When I hear Trump say, as he did a few days ago, ‘I don’t think about Americans’ financial situation, not even a little bit,’ I say, ‘Shut the fuck up,’” he said. The Chant De Niro offered a further example of what he considered egregious leadership, saying: “On Wednesday, Trump said, ‘I love the inflation.’” He then asked the crowd to say “Shut the fuck up!” with him, which they duly did. De Niro continued: “Trump said he won the 2020 election. Ready? Shut the fuck up!” Patriotism and Abuse The actor, who frequently finds himself at loggerheads with Trump, also compared expressions of patriotism today to domestic abuse. “I hate to say it, but loving our country is starting to sound like an abused spouse saying they love their abuser,” he said. Criticism of Trump He added: “I can’t love a country that starts stupid and inhumane wars, killing thousands of innocents and indirectly causing the deaths and suffering of millions more. “I can’t love a country that takes healthcare away from millions of people and uses that money to enrich their pals in the Trump-Epstein class. I can’t love a country that sends out masked militias to shoot citizens in the streets, torture our neighbours, and separate families. “I can’t love a country that’s led by a racist, misogynist, xenophobic tyrant. And let me just say it: I can’t love the country that’s led by Donald Trump and his sycophant Congress.” Conclusion He concluded by saying: “I want to love my country again. I want my country back.”

The LeadAustralia's social media ban for under-16s has been in place for six months, with mixed reactions from parents and carers. The ban aims to protect young people online, but some argue it's difficult to enforce and that teenagers are finding ways to get around it. Parental Perspectives on the BanParents and carers in Australia have shared their experiences with the ban. Freya, a 44-year-old mother from Melbourne, says the ban has given her 'an extra tool in the battle against devices' with her children, aged 12 and 14. She notes that the ban has reduced arguments about social media use and that her children are less likely to ask for social media accounts. The Ban's EffectivenessHowever, not all parents agree that the ban is effective. Boris, a father of two from Brisbane, feels that the ban has failed and that the legislation is toothless. He says that many of his son's friends are still on social media and that his son feels left out. Diverse Opinions on the Ban's ImpactSimon, a father of two from Perth, thinks that the ban will have a positive effect in the long run. He says that his younger son, who got a mobile phone after the ban came into force, has not asked for social media access and is happy to use WhatsApp and YouTube instead. Challenges and ConcernsSome parents, like Elizabeth from Melbourne, say that the ban has not reduced social media use for her 15-year-olds, who have managed to circumvent TikTok and Instagram's age verification technology. She also notes that the ban could lead to social isolation for some children, as her children interact less with friends after school and on weekends. Unintended ConsequencesEdward, a single father from Canberra, says that the ban has made monitoring and managing device use more difficult. He notes that his son still uses YouTube without signing in, and that he can't restrict channels or see the content he's viewing.

The LeadEngland's cricket team faces significant selection challenges ahead of the second Test against New Zealand as key bowler Ollie Robinson has been ruled out due to a knee injury. The setback comes as England is already dealing with the absence of regular captain Ben Stokes and bowler Gus Atkinson.The Injury SetbackSeamer Ollie Robinson, whose performance guided England to victory in the first test against New Zealand, will miss the second match due to a sore right knee. The 32-year-old experienced knee soreness after a training session on Friday and underwent a scan the following day, with the ECB calling up uncapped Henry Crocombe as cover. Robinson will remain with the squad and undergo rehab work on his knee ahead of the third test.The Team's Current ChallengesPlaying his first test in more than two years, Robinson took seven wickets including five in the first innings to be named player of the match as England won by 115 runs on a difficult wicket at Lord's. His absence adds to England's selection woes, with the pair of Stokes and Atkinson already left out of the second test following an investigation into an incident in a London nightclub.The Road AheadThe second match of the three-test series begins at The Oval on Wednesday. England will need to regroup quickly and find replacements for their missing players as they aim to maintain their lead in the series against New Zealand.

The Saharan Heatwave Hot weather is expected across Europe this week as heatwave conditions build over large swathes of the continent. A mass of hot air from the Sahara has settled over the Iberian peninsula and spread into southern and western France, pushing temperatures widely into the low- and mid-30s celsius. Temperature Forecast By midweek, the hot air is expected to spread north-eastwards across Europe, and on Friday, maximum temperatures are forecast to reach the mid-30s in several countries including Germany, Italy, and Czechia. Depending on the location, these readings are 9-13C above the 1991-2020 climate average. Impact on the UK The UK is unlikely to escape the heat entirely. Forecast models indicate that occasional plumes of warm air could move north from the continent on Thursday and Friday, nudging temperatures into the mid- to high-20s celsius across southern and eastern England. Duration of the Heatwave After up to five consecutive days in the mid-30s – meeting the definition of a heatwave in some areas – the heat is expected to ease for most by early next week. Global Weather Patterns Europe is not the only region experiencing above-average temperatures – parts of Australia are likely to continue their mild start to winter. A slow-moving low-pressure system south of South Australia is expected to draw warm northerly air across the eastern half of the country while bringing gusty conditions.

The Disruption at StanfordDuring a scheduled address by Google CEO Sundar Pichai at Stanford University, a significant portion of the graduating class staged a coordinated walkout. The protest was organized to voice strong opposition to Google's perceived role in the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, specifically targeting the company's technology and cloud services used by the Israeli military.A Clash of Values: Corporate Leadership vs. Student ActivismThe event, intended to celebrate academic and professional achievement, was abruptly interrupted by chants and the departure of students holding signs. This walkout serves as a direct challenge to the tech industry's traditional neutrality, forcing a high-profile executive to address real-world geopolitical tensions on his own turf.Event Location: Stanford University graduation ceremony.Key Figure: Sundar Pichai, CEO of Alphabet/Google.Core Issue: Alleged corporate involvement in the Israel-Hamas conflict.Ripple Effects in the Tech SectorThis incident is not isolated; it signals a broader trend of activism permeating the tech workforce. Employees and students are increasingly demanding that tech giants take a definitive stance on human rights and geopolitical issues, moving beyond profit motives to social responsibility.The Future of Corporate ActivismWe can expect more high-profile disruptions at corporate events and campuses as student movements gain momentum. Tech companies will likely face increasing pressure to establish clearer ethical guidelines regarding their technology's use in conflict zones to prevent further internal and external friction.

Executive Summary: A New Era for UK Youth OnlineKeir Starmer, the British Prime Minister, unveiled a sweeping ban on major social‑media sites for users under 16, positioning the United Kingdom alongside a growing list of nations restricting children’s access to digital platforms.Starmer’s Policy Blueprint: Ban on TikTok, Snapchat, Instagram and MoreThe announcement targets popular apps such as TikTok, Snapchat and Instagram. In addition, the government will act against gaming and livestreaming services that enable strangers to contact children.Regulatory Timeline and Comparative BenchmarksRegulation expected to pass by late December 2026.Ban to take effect in spring 2027.Further details on overnight curfews and infinite‑scroll breaks for under‑18s to be released in July 2026.Australia introduced a similar under‑16 ban in December 2025.Canada’s culture minister recently proposed a comparable bill, extending restrictions to AI chatbot platforms.Implications for Tech Giants, Parents, and Digital SafetyThe move is framed as a defense of British values, a safeguard against “dangerous” and “addictive” content, and a pushback against the influence of large technology firms. A YouTube spokesperson warned that a blanket ban could drive children toward “less safe services.”What the Next Six Months Could Hold for Implementation and EnforcementStakeholders can expect intensive consultations as the government refines curfew proposals and evaluates enforcement mechanisms. The outcome will shape the UK’s digital policy landscape and could set a precedent for other European nations considering similar age‑based restrictions.

The UK's Social Media Ban for Under-16s The UK government has announced a ban on social media access for under-16s as part of an online safety drive that includes a host of other restrictions. Keir Starmer said the changes were a “line in the sand” for tech companies that had failed to keep children safe. Which Social Media Apps Will Be Banned for Under-16s? Snapchat, TikTok, YouTube, Instagram, X, and Facebook will all be blocked. The government is using the same framework as in Australia. It will ban under-16 access for “user-to-user platforms” that enable social interaction between users and allow them to post material – jargon for social media. This means every major platform is captured. Messaging platforms WhatsApp and Signal will not be included in the ban. There will be a “narrowly defined” list of other exemptions, because the government does not want to hit music streaming or e-commerce platforms as well as educational services. The Other Restrictions The plan is being called an “Australia plus” ban because other measures are being introduced as well. Livestreaming and communication with strangers will be blocked for under-16s on a “wider range of online services” such as gaming sites, though these platforms have not been named. These restrictions would be on by default for 17-year-olds to prevent a “cliff edge” scenario when teenagers turned 16. So-called “romantic companion” chatbots, which simulate sexual relationships and roleplay with users, are to have an under-18 age limit. How Will the Ban Be Enforced? The announcement suggests that the government could harden – or at least modify – the age verification process already in place under the UK’s Online Safety Act, which is overseen by the UK’s communications watchdog, Ofcom. The government has said Ofcom will conduct a “rapid study” on how to do age verification under the new measures. Platforms and privacy advocates are concerned about the technical and political implications of – potentially – collecting a lot more information on social media users. The Reaction to the Ban The government said nine out of 10 parents who responded to the consultation supported a ban. It added that two-thirds of young people agreed that children younger than 16 should be blocked from using at least some social media platforms. The Molly Rose Foundation, an online safety charity, has said a ban will leave parents with a “false sense of safety”. YouTube expressed disappointment at the ban announcement, saying it could push children towards unsafe platforms.

The Potential Shift in Rangers' Managerial Lineup Rangers are likely to move for Hearts manager Derek McInnes if Danny Röhl completes a move to RB Salzburg. The Ibrox club and Salzburg are in talks over a deal for Röhl, who was appointed by Rangers last October. Röhl's Possible Departure and Its Implications The 37-year-old began his coaching career elsewhere in the RB stable, at Leipzig. There is a rising sense in Glasgow that he will accept Salzburg’s overtures, with a switch likely to happen within days. McInnes as a Potential Replacement In that scenario, Rangers are expected to turn towards McInnes. The former Rangers player guided Hearts to second place in Scotland’s Premiership this season, with the Edinburgh club losing out on what would have been their first title since 1960 on the final day of the season, after defeat at Celtic Park. McInnes' Past Connections and Future Prospects McInnes took over at Hearts after leaving Kilmarnock in the summer of 2025. He was Scotland’s manager of the year within 12 months. McInnes rejected the opportunity to manage Rangers in 2017, but it would be a surprise if the 54-year-old turned them down for a second time. Other Contenders for the Rangers Job Steven Gerrard has also been linked with the Rangers post, having managed there before. Rangers have already signed Hearts captain Lawrence Shankland after the striker exercised his right to leave Tynecastle for free at the end of the season.

The 2026 Summer Transfer Window The summer 2026 transfer window is open for Europe's top five leagues, including the English Premier League, Spanish La Liga, German Bundesliga, Italian Serie A, and French Ligue 1. Key Transfers and Deals Several high-profile transfers have already taken place, with top clubs across Europe strengthening their squads ahead of the new season. League Breakdown English Premier League: Several top clubs have made significant signings. Spanish La Liga: Top teams like Barcelona and Real Madrid have made key additions. German Bundesliga: Clubs like Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund have been active. Italian Serie A: Juventus and AC Milan have made notable signings. French Ligue 1: Paris Saint-Germain and Monaco have strengthened their squads. Impact on the New Season The transfer window will have a significant impact on the upcoming season, with many top teams looking to challenge for domestic and European titles. What's Next The transfer window will continue to be a major talking point in the world of football, with clubs looking to finalize their squads before the start of the new season.