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A 10-metre long humpback whale that became stranded on a sandbar in the Baltic Sea last month has left experts and the German public in a state of distress. The male whale, which has repeatedly stranded and freed itself, is now stranded once more and in the throes of death.The drama has captivated the country, drawing politicians, shamans, and animal rights activists to the scene. Experts have faced death threats and accusations of worsening the whale's plight, with some calling for the far right to take power.The local mayor has admitted: 'We have all been totally out of our depth.' A leading humpback whale expert has even stopped allowing her name to be quoted in the media, citing the danger of talking about humpback whales in Germany.The whale's condition has rapidly declined due to a fishing net caught in its jaw, weakening it and leading to a loss of direction. The Baltic Sea's low salt levels and shallow waters are not suitable for the whale's survival. Wounds and infections have been detected on its body, with experts describing it as 'very sick.'Despite the emotional public outcry and various rescue suggestions, including using cranes, planes, and inflatable pontoons, authorities have declared the whale beyond saving. The environment minister of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, Till Backhaus, has pleaded with the public to leave the animal in peace to die, saying it has been one of the most demanding operations of his 27 years in office.

Monarch Collective believes that a number of Women’s Super League (WSL) clubs remain “afterthoughts” for their owners, receiving only marginal capital and expertise. Co‑founder Kara Nortman highlighted this concern during a recent interview.Last month, Monarch became the first women’s multi‑sport group by acquiring a minority stake in the Cleveland WNBA franchise, joining an ownership portfolio that already includes NWSL sides San Diego Wave and Boston Legacy, as well as German club Viktoria Berlin.Since establishing Monarch in 2023—four years after launching Angel City FC with Natalie Portman and Julie Uhrman—Nortman has held informal talks with roughly a dozen English clubs, though no deal has yet materialised. She declined to comment on ongoing negotiations with West Ham United’s women’s side, noting that finding the right English partner has proven “challenging”.Recent years have seen a wave of international interest in WSL clubs, yet many prospective investors perceive the women’s teams as a compliance tool for profitability and sustainability mandates rather than a growth engine. In the past twelve months, clubs such as Chelsea, Aston Villa and Everton have sold stakes in their women’s sides to related‑party entities, while US‑based Bay Collective recently secured majority ownership of Sunderland Women in the WSL2.Monarch’s latest $250 million funding round equips it with the capital to act when a suitable opportunity arises. Nortman explained, “If owners truly believe in their women’s team, they should invite us to ‘supercharge’ it with our cross‑sport expertise. If they only want a token boost, that’s a different story.”Beyond capital, Monarch offers advisory services. Nortman recounted a humorous encounter with fans at Crystal Palace, where a supporter asked if she was a “Wag”, prompting a light‑hearted response that underscored the firm’s community‑focused ethos.Reflecting on Angel City’s trajectory, Nortman noted that Monarch initially invested about $1 million to help the club join the NWSL in 2020. Four years later, Angel City was sold to Disney CEO Bob Iger and his wife for a reported $250 million, making it the world’s most valuable women’s franchise.Looking ahead, Monarch is broadening its scope beyond football and basketball, exploring opportunities in cricket and rugby union. The firm recently opened a London office, led by former Manchester City executive Katharine Curran, to deepen its engagement with the UK sports market.

In the quiet town of Iseyin, about 200 km north‑west of Lagos, shaded courtyards and narrow lanes have become the beating heart of Nigeria’s iconic aso‑oke textile industry. Under makeshift sheds, weavers operate wooden looms that have remained largely unchanged for generations. Recent years have seen a surge in demand for the thick, multicoloured fabric, driven by the Nigerian diaspora and an expanding international appetite for African fashion. Yet the craftsmen and women of Iseyin staunchly oppose the introduction of machines, arguing that the hand‑woven process is essential to the cloth’s distinctive texture and cultural value. The craft now serves as an economic lifeline. Young Nigerians—including university graduates—are flocking to Iseyin to learn the trade, attracted by the promise of a steady income. One such convert, Waliu Fransisco, abandoned a career as a Lagos nightclub singer a decade ago to master the loom. At 34, he says, “I now earn a decent living from weaving aso‑oke and I’m satisfied.” Aso‑oke, literally meaning “cloth from the up‑country,” has become a staple in Nigeria’s fashion scene, appearing in ceremonial attire, contemporary streetwear, and even high‑profile outfits such as the wrapper and shawl worn by Meghan Markle during her 2024 visit to Nigeria with Prince Harry. Traditionally, the fabric was produced from locally sourced cotton or silk, with threads hand‑spun, dyed, and woven in limited colour palettes. Today, most weavers use loom‑ready yarns imported primarily from China, allowing for a broader spectrum of hues while preserving the labor‑intensive hand‑weaving technique. Each loom requires meticulous arrangement of narrow, tightly patterned strips that are later sewn together to form the wider cloth used for garments and accessories. “This is what Iseyin is known for,” says 35‑year‑old weaver Kareem Adeola, echoing the sentiment of a community that views the craft as a direct inheritance from its forebears. As global fashion houses and consumers continue to seek authentic African textiles, the artisans of Iseyin stand at the crossroads of tradition and market opportunity, proving that cultural heritage can thrive alongside modern demand.

In a significant political shift, Hungary's opposition party Tisza, led by Peter Magyar, has emerged victorious in the parliamentary elections, defeating the ruling Fidesz party of Viktor Orban, who has led the country for 16 years.According to early results, Tisza is projected to win 52.49 percent of the vote, while Fidesz secured 38.83 percent. This outcome marks a substantial change in Hungary's political landscape.Conceding defeat, Orban stated that the situation was “understandable and clear,” and he congratulated Magyar on his success. In response, Magyar thanked Hungary for its support and confirmed Orban's congratulatory message.The international community has reacted positively to the election results. Estonia's Prime Minister Kristen Michal praised Hungarians for making a “historic choice for a free and strong Hungary in a united Europe.” European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen hailed Magyar's victory, saying, “Hungary has chosen Europe.”Similarly, France's President Emmanuel Macron, Germany's Chancellor Friedrich Merz, Lithuania's President Gitanas Nauseda, Norway's Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store, and Poland's Prime Minister Donald Tusk have all congratulated Magyar and expressed their support for Hungary's commitment to European values.Ukraine's President Volodomyr Zelenskyy also welcomed the outcome, emphasizing the importance of cooperation and stability in Europe. He expressed readiness for meetings and joint work to benefit both nations and promote peace and security in Europe.

International activists are preparing to set sail from northeastern Spain to the Gaza Strip in a massive 70-boat flotilla, aiming to break Israel's devastating naval blockade and deliver much-needed humanitarian aid.The initiative, dubbed the 'Global Resilience Flotilla,' boasts a significant increase in participation, with about 1,000 volunteers from 70 countries taking part in the effort. The vessels, departing from the port of Barcelona, are loaded with food, medicine, school bags, and stationery for Palestinian children.Organisers say the mission is being carried out in coordination with Palestinian civil society organisations, maritime security experts, and prominent international NGOs, including Greenpeace and Open Arms—a charity known for its Mediterranean rescue operations. The flotilla has also received increased backing from the Barcelona municipality.Pablo Castilla, a spokesperson for the flotilla, told reporters in Barcelona that the primary goal is to 'condemn international complicity in the genocide committed by Israel in Gaza, demand accountability, and open a humanitarian corridor by sea and land'.Castilla noted a declining international focus on Gaza due to the ongoing United States-Israel war on Iran and Israeli attacks on Lebanon. He warned that Israel is exploiting this geopolitical shift to tighten its siege, restrict aid, expand settlements, and accelerate the occupation of Palestinian territory.The Gaza Strip, under an Israeli blockade since 2007, has faced an unprecedented humanitarian and health crisis since Israel's genocidal war against Palestinians in Gaza, which began in October 2023 and has killed more than 72,000 Palestinians.The prolonged assault has also devastated infrastructure, including hospitals, and left approximately 1.5 million of the enclave's 2.4 million residents displaced and homeless, amid severe restrictions on fuel and medical supplies.Since 2010, all flotillas attempting to break the Gaza blockade have been intercepted or attacked by Israel in international waters.

Reports of sexual assault allegations against U.S. Representative Eric Swalwell have sent shockwaves through the California gubernatorial race, where recent polls showed him leading a crowded Democratic field seeking to succeed Governor Gavin Newsom.During televised interviews on Sunday, several high‑profile Democratic lawmakers urged Swalwell to drop out of the race and resign from Congress after CNN and the San Francisco Chronicle published accounts from a former staffer and other women alleging misconduct.“What he did is sick and disgusting,” Congressman Ro Khanna told Fox News Sunday, calling for investigations by law‑enforcement and the U.S. House of Representatives.Swalwell has categorically denied the claims as “absolutely false” and indicated no intention to leave the gubernatorial contest. A March poll conducted by Emerson College had him ahead of both Democratic and Republican challengers by several points, underscoring the political stakes.In the wake of the allegations, powerful figures and organizations have begun revoking endorsements, and the Manhattan District Attorney’s office confirmed an active investigation on Saturday.Republican Representative Anna Paulina Luna announced she will file a motion to initiate expulsion proceedings against Swalwell, a step some Democrats say they could support.“This is not a partisan issue,” Representative Pramila Jayapal remarked, emphasizing that the matter “cuts across party lines” and reflects broader concerns about the treatment of women.Democrats have also called for the expulsion of Republican Representative Tony Gonzales of Texas, who faces separate sexual‑misconduct allegations. Both Ro Khanna and Republican Representative Byron Donalds indicated they could back a bid to eject Gonzales and Swalwell from Congress, with Donalds stating, “As far as I’m concerned, both gentlemen need to go home.”California gubernatorial candidate, US Representative Eric Swalwell, appears at a town hall meeting in Sacramento, California, on Tuesday, April 7, 2026 (Rich Pedroncelli/AP Photo)

The United States is set to implement a blockade on ships traversing the Strait of Hormuz, a vital passage for global oil exports. This move was announced by former US President Donald Trump. The Strait of Hormuz is a critical waterway, with a significant portion of the world's oil supply passing through it.The blockade could have substantial implications for global oil markets and international trade, potentially leading to increased tensions in the region. The Strait of Hormuz is a key route for oil shipments from the Middle East to the rest of the world.

Peruvians are heading to the polls to elect their ninth president in less than a decade, a period marked by political instability and corruption scandals that have led to widespread voter disillusionment.Since 2018, Peru has seen eight presidents, with a high turnover rate marred by impeachments and corruption scandals. This has resulted in weak governments and a lack of trust in the political system.On Sunday, 27 million Peruvians are eligible to vote, with polling stations across the country opening at 7am (12:00 GMT) and closing at 5pm (22:00 GMT). Preliminary results are expected shortly afterwards.The presidential ballot features 35 candidates, including a comedian, a media baron, a political dynasty heiress, and a hard-line ex-mayor. However, all major candidates continue to poll well below the 50 percent needed to win the election, making a June 7 run-off appear likely.The most well-known candidate is conservative Keiko Fujimori, who will make her fourth presidential bid. Her candidacy remains polarizing due to her family legacy, with her father, former President Alberto Fujimori, convicted of human rights abuses and corruption.Other notable candidates include Ricardo Belmont, a former mayor of Lima, and Carlos Alvarez, a popular comedian who has campaigned on a platform of being tough on crime. Peru's homicide rate has more than doubled in the past decade, making crime a major concern for voters.Many Peruvians, however, remain disillusioned with the political system and the available candidates. A fruit seller in Lima told the Reuters news agency that she was still undecided on who to vote for, saying "Peru is a mess, and there's no candidate worth voting for." A clothing merchant also shared similar sentiments, stating "We've been governed by nothing but corrupt, thieving scoundrels."

Day 44 of the US‑Iran war ended without a peace deal as a marathon 21‑hour session in Islamabad collapsed, jeopardising the fragile cease‑fire that has held since the conflict began over six weeks ago.Vice President JD Vance, leading the US delegation, told reporters that the lack of an agreement was "bad news for Iran much more than it’s bad news for the United States of America," before departing Pakistan.Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar pledged that Islamabad would continue to facilitate dialogue between the two longtime adversaries.In Iran, officials downplayed expectations, noting that no one anticipated a settlement in a single session. State‑run IRIB quoted ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei saying the talks were never expected to conclude quickly. Meanwhile, Tehran residents expressed a mix of scepticism and hope after weeks of air attacks that have left a nation of 93 million people reeling; more than 2,000 Iranians have been killed in the US‑Israel‑Iran conflict.In the United States, Vance reiterated that the delegation left with a "final and best offer" for Iran, emphasizing that Washington had communicated its position repeatedly during the talks. He cited multiple conversations with President Donald Trump, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, and Central Command head Brad Cooper. Trump, however, maintained that the US had already "won" on the battlefield by eliminating Iranian leaders and key infrastructure, stating that a deal would not alter the outcome.The US military reported that two destroyers transited the Strait of Hormuz ahead of planned mine‑clearing operations – a first since hostilities began – though Iran’s state media claimed the joint command denied the movement.Academic David Des Roches of the Thayer Marshall Institute told Al Jazeera that while Washington clarified its stance, it did not shift its core demand: preventing Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon.In Lebanon, Israel continued strikes, claiming to have hit a "loaded and ready‑to‑launch rocket launcher" in Jouaiya, southern Lebanon. Protests have erupted in Beirut against any direct Israel‑Lebanon negotiations. The Lebanese Ministry of Public Health reported at least 2,020 deaths and 6,436 injuries from Israeli attacks since March 2.In Israel, Channel 12 reported that a drone launched from Lebanon triggered sirens in the Upper Galilee before being intercepted.The stalemate has kept global oil and gas prices soaring, underscoring the broader economic ripple effects of a war that shows no sign of abating.