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Israel's heaviest and deadliest air attacks on Lebanon in years have left the country reeling, with at least 254 people killed and over 1,160 injured. The strikes, which occurred in dozens of locations across Beirut, its suburbs, the south, and the eastern Bekaa Valley, have sparked fears of a rising toll as more victims are recovered from the rubble.The attacks came hours after a Pakistani-negotiated ceasefire between the US and Iran took effect, but Israel and the US argued that Lebanon was not included in the agreement. US President Donald Trump described Lebanon as a 'separate skirmish,' while Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu claimed the ceasefire 'does not include Lebanon.'Netanyahu's goal appears to be taking advantage of the fluid situation to maximize operational achievements in Lebanon, according to Dania Arayssi, a senior analyst at New Lines Institute for Strategy and Policy. 'He must take into account that a US-Iran deal might include ceasing the war on Iranian proxies, which would greatly complicate the Israeli war effort against Hezbollah in Lebanon.'The conflict escalated in early March when Israel intensified its war on Lebanon, following a salvo of rockets launched by Hezbollah. Since then, over 1,700 people have been killed and more than 1.2 million displaced. Hezbollah has claimed its right to respond to the attacks, affirming that it will resist occupation and respond to aggression.The airstrikes, which included over 100 attacks in fewer than 10 minutes, targeted Hezbollah headquarters and military targets, but many strikes were in densely populated residential areas. Hospitals were overwhelmed, and people were forced to flee their homes, with some attempting to return to their homes in the south amid confusion over Lebanon's inclusion in the ceasefire.'People are afraid,' said Najib Merhe, owner of a restaurant in the Manara neighborhood. 'This kind of situation no one can afford nor endure.'

The UK government announced legislation that will protect disabled claimants from an automatic reassessment of benefits when they begin paid employment or volunteering. The measure, dubbed the “right to try”, is slated to take effect at the end of April and aims to remove the fear of losing financial support that many say discourages job‑seeking. Minister for Social Security and Disability Sir Stephen Timms framed the policy as a reassurance for people “stranded in the benefits system”. He emphasized that the change also extends to volunteering, which he described as a vital stepping‑stone toward sustainable employment. The new rules will apply to recipients of Employment and Support Allowance (ESA), Personal Independence Payment (PIP) and the health element of Universal Credit. Under the current system, taking up work can trigger a reassessment that often leads to reduced or withdrawn support, a risk that has deterred many disabled individuals from seeking employment. Disability advocates welcomed the development but cautioned that it does not tackle the deeper obstacles faced by disabled job‑seekers. James Taylor, a director at the charity Scope, called the policy “a step in the right direction” but warned that “the odds are stacked against disabled people when it comes to finding suitable work”. He urged the government to fund personalised employment support and to halt further benefit cuts. Research from the flexible‑working nonprofit Timewise underscores the challenge: only 2.5% of long‑term sick or disabled individuals who are economically inactive manage to return to work each year, and more than half of those jobs last fewer than four months. Mikey Erhardt of Disability Rights UK highlighted that a secure “right to try” is essential to ensure that anyone who tries work can retain the same level of support if the venture fails. Critics also noted that the announcement coincides with a controversial reduction to the health element of Universal Credit, which will be halved for new claimants and frozen unless stricter eligibility criteria are met. Timms acknowledged the pressure this creates, saying the previous system forced people to prove they were “too unwell to work”. Campaigners fear the simultaneous cuts will exacerbate financial strain for disabled claimants already navigating an uncertain labour market. Erhardt warned that “hundreds of thousands of disabled people will experience yet another cut in living standards”, arguing that successive governments have treated social security more as a coercive tool than a safety net.

Jason Tarry, the CEO of John Lewis Partnership, which owns John Lewis and Waitrose, saw his basic pay rise by 21% to £1.2m in the year to January. This increase comes as the retailer announced significant job cuts, with 3,300 positions eliminated.Tarry's total pay package, including a £22,700 annual bonus, reached almost £1.26m. This substantial increase is part of a broader restructuring effort at the company, which has been facing challenges in the retail sector.The John Lewis Partnership, a staff-owned business, has been undergoing significant changes, including reducing its workforce from 69,000 to 65,700 employees. The company has attributed most of the reduction to natural attrition, with fewer than 0.5% of partners leaving through redundancy.Despite the job cuts, the total pay for key management, including directors, remained steady at £8m. Tarry was the highest-paid director, reflecting his combined role as chairman and CEO.The company has been exploring ways to operate more efficiently, including the use of electronic shelf labels and AI technology. However, it has not commented on potential future job cuts.In a positive note, John Lewis Partnership paid an annual bonus to workers in March for the first time in four years, following a 6% rise in underlying profits. Each worker, including Tarry, received a bonus equivalent to 2% of their salary.

Gaza City, Gaza – While Easter traditionally celebrates resurrection and renewal, Gaza’s dwindling Christian population spent the holiday in quiet reflection, confronting displacement, scarcity and the trauma of a conflict the United Nations has described as genocide. The enclave is home to fewer than 1,000 Christians, a community already small before the war that has suffered heavy casualties; more than 72,000 Palestinians have been killed since Israel’s offensive began on 7 October 2023. Inside the remaining churches, prayers and modest services carried profound meaning as families clung to hope for survival and peace. Yet basic necessities—electricity, water and food—remain in short supply, and even traditional Easter items such as eggs are virtually unavailable. Fouad Ayad, a bio‑energy trainer displaced from near al‑Rantisi Children’s Hospital, described searching the markets of Gaza City for eggs without success. “We decorate eggs for the children, and sometimes Muslim children visit us for colourful eggs,” he told Al Jazeera, highlighting the inter‑communal bonds that persist despite the siege. Shortages have also erased the customary communal lunch. “Meat is scarce and extremely expensive,” Ayad lamented, recalling how families once gathered to share meals, colour eggs and visit elderly neighbours of all faiths. The Church of the Holy Family, which Ayad once attended, has been struck multiple times. “Three of my relatives were killed in one attack, and another strike killed more than 20 Christians,” he recounted, illustrating the direct targeting of places of worship. Attendance at Easter services in Gaza’s sole Catholic church has dwindled as many believers have fled the Strip. Yet, as one worshipper put it, “We only performed the prayers, refusing to celebrate because of our martyrs,” affirming their resolve to remain rooted in the land despite the devastation. Israeli restrictions have prevented Christians from traveling to the Old City of East Jerusalem to attend the Holy Sepulchre for the past two years. Recent attempts by Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa to enter the site were initially blocked, only to be reversed after international outcry. Elias al‑Jelda, a 60‑year‑old Orthodox council member, recounted sheltering in the Church of the Holy Family after his home was destroyed. “I lost friends, neighbours and relatives, many killed while staying close to their homes and faith,” he said, underscoring the personal toll of the conflict. Traditional Easter treats—coloured eggs, kahk, maamoul and Eidiya gifts—are largely absent this year. “There are no eggs anywhere in the Strip,” reported 74‑year‑old Amal al‑Masri, who recalled pre‑war celebrations filled with shared meals and festive sweets. Power outages compound the hardship. “Electricity continues to be a major problem, and the soaring cost of diesel and generator oil makes it worse,” al‑Jelda warned, highlighting the broader infrastructure collapse affecting all Gazans. Despite the bleak circumstances, the remaining Christians affirm their identity and solidarity with the broader Palestinian population. “No matter what your political agenda or religion is, all of us Palestinians are targeted by the occupation,” a worshipper declared, encapsulating the collective sense of victimhood and resilience.

The Rice's whale, a critically endangered species found only in the Gulf of Mexico, is on the verge of extinction due to the oil and gas industry's activities. With fewer than 50 individuals remaining, the species' survival is threatened by vessel strikes, noise pollution, and habitat disruption caused by drilling and seismic surveys.The Trump administration has made a controversial decision to exempt the oil and gas industry from complying with endangered species laws, sparking concerns among environmental groups and experts. The exemption, granted by the Endangered Species Committee, also known as the 'God Squad,' allows for increased drilling and exploration in the Gulf of Mexico, which could further jeopardize the Rice's whale's survival.Environmental experts and groups have sued to reverse the decision, arguing that it is illegal and could set a precedent for ignoring environmental protections in the name of national security or economic interests. The Rice's whale's precarious status highlights the need for stronger conservation efforts and more stringent regulations to protect endangered species and their habitats.

UK drivers are being urged to hunt for the cheapest petrol as they prepare for an estimated 21.7 million journeys over the Easter bank‑holiday weekend – the busiest on the roads since 2022. Data from the RAC shows that the average price of a litre of unleaded petrol jumped 20p in March, rising from 132.83p on 1 April to 152.83p on 31 April. This is the fastest monthly increase on record, eclipsing the previous high of 16.6p recorded in June 2022 after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. RAC policy chief Simon Williams called the rise “unprecedented” but stressed that travellers should fill up as usual and seek the cheapest forecourts nearby ahead of the holiday rush. To ease congestion, National Highways will temporarily suspend 1,500 miles (2,400 km) of roadworks on motorways and major A‑roads in England from Thursday through Easter Monday. The AA predicts this will accommodate roughly 1 million additional trips compared with last year, with traffic expected to peak on Thursday when schools break up. Analysts warn that the sharp fuel‑price surge may curb spending on trips. Susannah Streeter, chief investment strategist at the Wealth Club, noted that shorter journeys and fewer on‑the‑road purchases, such as chocolate treats, are likely. AA survey data shows that just over half of travellers plan to drive less than 50 miles, 5 % expect journeys of 50‑100 miles, about 1 % aim for 100‑200 miles, and fewer than 1 % anticipate trips beyond 200 miles. Rail disruptions are set to push more motorists onto the motorways. Engineering works will suspend west‑coast mainline services between London Euston and Milton Keynes from Good Friday to 8 April, and there will be no trains on several routes—including Preston to Lancaster (4‑5 April), Winchester to Southampton, and Herne Bay to Ramsgate—while services between London Waterloo and Clapham Junction will be reduced. Despite domestic challenges, the travel trade body ABTA estimates that 2 million UK residents will travel abroad this weekend. EasyJet is gearing up for its busiest Easter period yet, planning to operate 16,000 flights from UK airports over the two‑week school break. Passengers heading to the European Union should also prepare for potential two‑hour delays due to the rollout of the EU’s Entry‑Exit System, which requires third‑country nationals, including UK travellers, to submit photographs and fingerprints before entering the Schengen area.

The Super League marked a significant milestone recently, celebrating 30 years since its launch in 1996. To commemorate the occasion, the league hosted a special event at Headingley, where Leeds played Warrington in a repeat of one of the original fixtures. The event featured a nostalgic look back at the league's early days, with Sky Sports anchor Brian Carney welcoming guests to reminisce about their past heroics. In 1996, only three Super League games were televised, despite Sky Sports investing £87m in the new competition. Fast-forward to the present, and the media landscape has transformed dramatically. Today, fans can access live broadcasts of almost every Super League game, with Sky Sports paying £21.5m to show every game this season, a significant decrease from the £17.3m they paid for two games a week in 1996. The way people consume sports media has also undergone a substantial shift. Fans now rely on their phones for updates, rather than traditional radio bulletins. The proliferation of social media and online platforms has changed the way journalists work, with many now producing content for rugby league websites, such as Serious About Rugby League and Love Rugby League. The number of full-time reporters covering the sport has dwindled, with most journalists now working part-time or for online publications. Despite this, the sport remains popular, with radio coverage expanding to include live broadcasts of almost every Super League game on BBC's local stations, 5 Live Sports Extra, or TalkSport. Veteran journalists, such as Paul Fitzpatrick and Andy Wilson, reflect on the changes they've seen over the years. They note that while the sport has become more accessible, the media landscape has become more challenging, with fewer resources and a greater emphasis on online content. Nevertheless, the openness of rugby league players and the humility of the sport's stakeholders have made it a pleasure to cover.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration announced on Wednesday that it has granted expedited approval to Eli Lilly’s oral weight‑loss medication, orforglipron—marketed under the brand name Foundayo. This makes Foundayo the second GLP‑1 pill to reach U.S. consumers, following Novo Nordisk’s Wegovy tablet approved in December. Orforglipron works by mimicking a natural hormone that regulates appetite and satiety, offering a non‑injectable alternative to existing GLP‑1 injectables. David A. Ricks, Eli Lilly’s chair and CEO, highlighted that fewer than one in ten eligible patients are currently using GLP‑1 therapies, citing barriers such as cost, stigma, and perceived complexity. Unlike Wegovy, which must be taken on an empty stomach each morning, Foundayo can be taken anytime of day regardless of meals, simplifying dosing schedules. Patients will start on a low dose that is gradually increased to mitigate side‑effects. Pricing is projected at $149 per month for the initial dose, with higher‑strength formulations potentially reaching $349 monthly. While private‑insurance coverage remains uncertain, a Trump‑administration proposal could allow Medicare to cover certain patients as early as this summer, with copayments as low as $50 per month. Distribution will commence on Monday through LillyDirect’s direct‑to‑consumer channel, with broader availability in pharmacies and telehealth platforms expected shortly thereafter. The convenience of a once‑daily pill is anticipated to improve adherence, especially for individuals who avoid injectables due to needle aversion or rigid dosing requirements. The approval follows a fast‑track submission submitted only months ago, positioning Foundayo to enter the market roughly three months after Wegovy. This rapid rollout is set to intensify competition in the burgeoning GLP‑1 space, where new agents are continually emerging with claims of better efficacy and lower costs.

The recent waiving of Jaden Ivey by the Chicago Bulls following his anti-LGBTQ+ and religiously charged comments on social media was presented as a response to 'conduct detrimental to the team.' However, this situation exposes a more nuanced reality about player expendability and the league's priorities.On the surface, it appears to be a straightforward case of a player making controversial statements and facing consequences. Yet, there's an alternative scenario where Ivey, with the help of his publicist, issues a swift apology, participates in inclusion education, and possibly pays a fine or makes a donation. In this scenario, he could have potentially continued his career in the NBA, a league that has been pro-LGBTQ+ for over a decade.Ivey's comments revealed his beliefs, and the subsequent actions of the Bulls shed light on how NBA teams decide which voices to protect and which to discard. The situation raises questions about the league's commitment to inclusion and how it handles controversial player behavior.As a former NFL player, the author notes that locker room discussions often avoid sensitive topics like queer acceptance and religious beliefs. However, when such topics are broached, they usually involve players sharing how their faith has positively impacted their lives. The author suggests that Ivey's comments were not surprising and might have been shared by some of his teammates.The key difference in Ivey's case was that his comments were made outside the locker room, making them public and subject to scrutiny. The author recalls instances of ignorant comments in locker rooms but notes that peer conversations and diverse perspectives can lead to growth and learning.The swift release of Ivey was likely due to his lack of star power and a career marked by injuries and unremarkable performances. In contrast, superstars like Anthony Edwards, Rajon Rondo, and the late Kobe Bryant faced fewer consequences for similar behavior, with the league giving them time to apologize and make amends.The NBA's response to Ivey's comments does not necessarily indicate a solution to homophobia in locker rooms. Instead, it shows that teams know how to react when a player's behavior becomes visible and when that player is expendable enough to be made an example of. The culture within locker rooms won't shift simply because one voice is removed, especially when the underlying beliefs are not isolated.Ultimately, the NBA manages tensions rather than eliminating them. The gap between public statements and private actions will continue to exist, and incidents like Ivey's will keep surfacing in new ways until this gap closes.