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The Comeback from the BrinkJames Tedesco delivered a performance that transcended mere athleticism, delivering a last-minute try that secured a famous State of Origin victory for New South Wales. The match narrative was defined by a stunning reversal of fortune, where a team trailing by two converted tries at halftime mounted a relentless comeback to snatch victory from the jaws of defeat. The 33-year-old fullback, often written off as a fading star following a coaching change at his club, stepped up when the pressure was greatest, rising above the physical exhaustion of the drizzling night to plant the ball over the line.Statistical Shifts in MomentumThe game was a study in statistical volatility, characterized by a pivotal turning point that altered the trajectory of the series. The match data highlights the dramatic shift in momentum:Halftime Deficit: New South Wales entered the break trailing 20-6, seemingly outplayed by a young, electric Queensland side.The Turning Point: The contest was fundamentally altered when Kalyn Ponga was sent off in the 57th minute for a high tackle on Tolu Koula, becoming only the seventh player in Origin history to receive a red card.Crowd Impact: The near-80,000-strong crowd witnessed a full spectrum of emotions, from early silence to a roaring finale as the Blues capitalized on the man advantage.Redefining the "Evergreen" FullbackThis victory serves as a powerful rebuttal to the narrative that Tedesco’s era had passed. Despite losing his club job last year and being viewed as a peripheral figure in the initial squad selection, the veteran fullback demonstrated an uncanny ability to perform on the biggest stage. His duel with young gun Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow encapsulated the match; it was a test of technique and willpower where the experience of the veteran prevailed over the raw speed of the rookie. Tedesco’s ability to regather the ball after a collision and elude defenders highlights a football IQ that remains elite.Series Trajectory and LegacyThe implications of this win extend beyond a single game; it signals a potential shift in the balance of power for the remainder of the series. For New South Wales, the psychological boost of overcoming a 14-point deficit with a man down cannot be overstated. For Tedesco, this performance cements his legacy as a clutch player capable of delivering monuments to the game when his team needs him most. The Blues have momentum, and their veteran leader has proven he still has plenty to give.

The Lead: Sudden Dismissal of BP Chair Creates Leadership VacuumThe ousted chair of BP, Albert Manifold, has accused the oil company of firing him without warning and disputed reports about his conduct, amid the latest boardroom turmoil to rock the company. In an emailed statement, Manifold said he was "removed without warning and without explanation" by the FTSE 100 company, adding that he "disputes entirely the characterisation of my conduct and I will not allow a false narrative to go unchallenged."The Event Details: Abrupt Exit After Less Than a YearBP announced Manifold's departure with immediate effect on Tuesday after less than a year in the role, expressing serious concerns about his governance standards, oversight and conduct. Manifold was appointed as BP's chair in October 2025, after serving as chief executive of the Irish building materials company CRH. He was tasked with overseeing the continued change in the oil company's strategy, to refocus on fossil fuel extraction and ditch renewable energy investments after the company's abandoned attempt to reinvent itself as a net zero energy company under the former chair Helge Lund.The Corporate Governance Crisis: Pattern of Unacceptable Behavior?Manifold's behavior with different colleagues across the company was described as aggressive, according to reports. Reuters reported that the board received enough information after a whistleblower report to determine a pattern of unacceptable behavior, according to a source. The Financial Times reported that senior colleagues felt belittled by Manifold, while he was also seen as trying to exert control as if he were an executive rather than a chair. In his statement, Manifold said he "worked to drive genuine change at BP – cutting costs, challenging excess, and holding the organisation to higher standards" and added the board had "acknowledged the focus and pace" he brought.The Strategic Shift at BP: Return to Fossil FuelsManifold wasted little time on arrival at BP in ousting the chief executive, Murray Auchincloss, after less than two years in the role, and hired a former ExxonMobil executive, Meg O'Neill in December. O'Neill, who most recently served as the head of the Australian oil company Woodside Energy, joined BP at the start of April. O'Neill is BP's fifth chief executive since 2020 and is expected to accelerate the company's shift away from renewables. BP signalled on Tuesday it would continue the strategy after Manifold's departure, as it begins its search for its third chair in two years.The Market Reaction: Shares Slide on Leadership UncertaintyBP's share price slid further on Wednesday morning, after closing down 4% on Tuesday after the announcement of Manifold's departure. Rich McDonald, a financial markets presenter at the investing and trading platform IG, said Manifold's firing represented "another leadership shock at one of Britain's most important companies", prompting the question "whether BP is becoming increasingly ungovernable". The market reaction reflects investor concerns about the stability of BP's leadership during a critical strategic transition.The Future Outlook: Search for Permanent Chair Amid TurmoilThe board member Ian Tyler, a former chief executive of the FTSE 250 infrastructure group Balfour Beatty, has been appointed as the interim chair while a search for a permanent replacement takes place. BP now faces the challenge of finding a stable leadership team to execute its strategic shift away from renewables while maintaining investor confidence. The company's third chair in two years will inherit a company in transition, with questions about governance culture and strategic direction remaining unresolved.

The LeadThe UK government's approach to climate change represents a dangerous paradox: while demanding rapid action on the climate crisis, it simultaneously undermines the public participation and democratic consent necessary to achieve a just green transition. This authoritarian approach—characterized by coercion without persuasion—risks alienating the very people needed to drive the societal transformation required to address the climate emergency.The Communication FailureSuccessive UK governments have failed to communicate the existential nature of the climate crisis to the public. Unlike the emergency briefings during the COVID-19 pandemic or the national mobilization during World War II, there has been no equivalent government-led communication effort on climate breakdown. The National Emergency Briefing campaign, which has shown films in over 1,000 UK venues, highlights this vacuum in official communication. Without government leadership on this defining issue, scientists, activists, and journalists are left as 'faint voices in the storm' attempting to explain the societal transformation needed.The Legal Rights ErosionThe government has proposed curtailing the public's legal right to object to new energy infrastructure deemed 'critical.' Development consent orders for such projects would effectively gain the status of acts of parliament, making legal challenges by local people nearly impossible except on human rights grounds. This represents another centralization of power, shifting the planning system from one based on consent to one based on decree.The case of the Vanguard offshore windfarm, which was delayed by a legal challenge supported by 85 parish and town councils, exemplifies the government's approach. Despite the challenge being upheld by the court for proper reasons—failure to consider cumulative impacts—the government now seeks to eliminate such legal correctives to potentially flawed decision-making.The Protest ParadoxWhile limiting public participation in energy infrastructure decisions, the government has simultaneously enacted laws that create a 'new class of political prisoner'—people protesting for greater climate ambition who face harsh sentences. This differential treatment reveals a troubling pattern: the state protects the interests of green infrastructure developers while criminalizing those who demand more ambitious climate action.The government's briefing against Britain's membership of the Aarhus convention—which limits costs for environmental objectors—further demonstrates this approach. Without cost limitation, individuals seeking to protect local landscapes or wildlife habitats could risk losing everything they possess, fundamentally undermining access to justice.The Democratic DeficitThis authoritarian approach to climate policy is not only undemocratic but counterproductive. The green transition requires broad public consent and participation—akin to a war effort or pandemic response—yet the government treats it as a technical challenge with purely technical solutions. By limiting public input and criminalizing protest, the government generates anger, resistance, and resentment—effectively providing a gift to the fossil fuel industry and undermining the very climate action it claims to pursue.As Monbiot argues, the vast response needed for climate breakdown must be a joint endeavor that happens 'with us, not to us.' Until the government recognizes this fundamental principle, its climate strategy will remain deeply flawed—neither fast enough nor fair enough to address the existential crisis we face.

Lead: Trump’s Redistricting Agenda Stumbles in the Deep SouthA federal three‑judge panel blocked Alabama’s new map that would erase one of its two districts with a majority Black population, and a coalition of Republican and Democratic legislators in South Carolina rejected a proposal to redraw Rep. James Clyburn’s district. The setbacks mark the first major blows to Donald Trump’s push to reshape congressional boundaries before the 2026 midterm elections.Federal Judges Block Alabama’s Contested Redistricting PlanThe panel ruled that the proposed map “taints” the 2026 election with intentional race‑based discrimination, ordering the state to retain its existing districts while the appeal proceeds to the US Supreme Court.Targeted removal of a district with a significant Black electorate.Alabama had postponed primaries for four House seats to draft the new map.Republican officials plan to appeal the decision.South Carolina Lawmakers Thwart Clyburn District RedrawA bipartisan group in the state legislature voted down a plan that would have altered the district held by the powerful Black Democrat James Clyburn, whose seat has been in Democratic hands for over three decades.Early voting for the June 9 primary was already underway.State Senator Richard Cash argued he could not halt an election already in progress.Numbers Behind the Map ChangesWhile the article provides limited hard data, the key figures are:Two Southern states directly affected: Alabama and South Carolina.One congressional district slated for elimination in Alabama.More than 30 years of incumbency for Rep. Clyburn.Political Ramifications for the 2026 MidtermsThe setbacks weaken Trump’s strategy to use gerrymandering to secure a Republican majority in the House. With the Supreme Court’s recent ruling that loosened voting‑rights protections, Republicans hoped to redraw maps quickly, but the judicial and legislative resistance in the South signals a more contested redistricting landscape.Republicans risk losing the advantage they hoped to gain from the new maps.Democrats may leverage these defeats to argue for stronger voting‑rights safeguards.Outlook: Will Trump’s Redistricting Drive Recover?Future battles are likely to move to the courts, especially the US Supreme Court, and to other swing states where map changes are still possible. Analysts predict a patchwork of legal challenges that could delay final district lines well into the election year, potentially reshaping campaign strategies on both sides.

The Lead Oliver Glasner has urged Crystal Palace to win the Conference League final so they can take up the Europa League place denied them this season after they fell foul of Uefa's multi-club ownership rules. The Austrian manager, who is leaving at the end of the season, wants his players to secure European football for next year by defeating Rayo Vallecano in Leipzig. The Final Showdown Crystal Palace will face Rayo Vallecano in Leipzig on Wednesday night at the end of their first European campaign in Glasner's last match. The south London club, last year's FA Cup winners and Community Shield holders, were demoted to the Conference League after Uefa deemed John Textor had a controlling interest in both Palace and Lyon, who had also qualified for the secondary competition. Manager's Final Message Glasner, who previously won the Europa League with Eintracht Frankfurt in 2022, confirmed in January that he would leave at the end of the season. The manager revealed that Palace players had held a farewell party for him on Monday, when he backed them to win a third trophy in 12 months and secure a Europa League spot. "The best thing would be of course winning tomorrow because then the players would be in the Europa League next year and then we get what we should have got this year," he said. Transition Period Palace are hopeful of appointing Andoni Iraola as Glasner's replacement, although it is understood that the outgoing Bournemouth manager also has interest from Milan and Bayer Leverkusen. Pierre Sage, who led Lens to second place in Ligue 1 this season, is understood to be a contender if Iraola turns them down. The Palace captain, Dean Henderson, said losing Glasner would be "a huge miss" and noted that players had created a send-off video expressing their feelings. Fan Support More than 15,000 Palace supporters are expected in Leipzig, where a replica trophy has been on display at the city's Marketplatz. The team captain emphasized the special connection between the players and supporters that has developed under Glasner's management. "The team's got a special connection with the supporters and when I joined the football club I felt like that was distant," Henderson said. "It's good to see since the manager has come in we've built that rapport with the supporters because I think it's important. They can really help us tomorrow night." Opponent's Perspective Rayo Vallecano, managed by Iñigo Pérez (Iraola's former assistant), operate on a fifth of Palace's budget. Pérez acknowledged the financial disparity but emphasized his team's shared football traits with Palace. "I think we share football traits with Crystal Palace," he said. "The effort, the collective … For me, Crystal Palace is a dream rival. I think that beyond the money comparisons, we must represent the Vallecas neighbourhood. Maintaining our identity will be the right approach."

The Rollercoaster Road to European GloryIf following a football club can be a rollercoaster, this season has been the equivalent of the Oblivion ride at Alton Towers for Crystal Palace supporters. The ride offers "physical trauma, psychological breakdown and chaos" – and Palace fans have been through all that and more over the last 12 months, culminating in a place in the European Conference League final.From FA Cup Triumph to European DemotionIt all started when Crystal Palace won the FA Cup for the first time, beating Manchester City 1-0 at Wembley last May. The mixture of elation, euphoria, disbelief and relief lasted for days, weeks, months and still lives on a year later. After securing that long-awaited first major trophy, the realization sank in that there would be a European campaign to enjoy.However, deep down there was a nagging feeling that this somehow was not real, and sure enough, the lightning bolt landed courtesy of Uefa and Evangelos Marinakis. Nottingham Forest's owner suggested Palace had not conformed to the rules regarding multiclub ownership as one of the club's shareholders, John Textor, had a stake in Lyon. Uefa agreed and Palace were removed from the Europa League and jettisoned into the lesser Conference League.Palace fans were devastated, especially as their place in the Europa League was given to Forest. The Palace owner, Steve Parish, launched an appeal, backed by some vociferous protests from Palace fans, led by the Holmesdale Fanatics, which included taking a suitcase of cash to Uefa's headquarters and spawned a new ditty "Fuck Uefa" that would get plenty of airing.Navigating European Competition with a Thin SquadThe pressure showed in their European debut. The first leg of the playoffs against Norwegian club Fredrikstad was an eye opener. Preparations for the match were disrupted by Eberechi Eze's impending departure to Arsenal and in his absence they struggled to overcome a team that defended so deeply they were almost subterranean. This was to become a recurrent theme in the early stages of the competition. Palace won a scrappy tie 1-0 on aggregate. Glamorous it was not.The team enjoyed an unprecedented unbeaten run, which reached 18 games in all competitions with a relatively comfortable 2-0 win over Dynamo Kyiv in Lublin. That run came to an end with a 2-1 defeat at Everton after a very late goal from Jack Grealish. The novelty of playing in Europe, which necessitated a Thursday-Sunday schedule, was a hurdle that a thin squad struggled to cope with.Overcoming Adversity to Reach the FinalBehind the scenes, the clouds were gathering. Oliver Glasner met Parish to inform him of his intention to leave the club at the end of the season, bemoaning the lack of depth. Things were beginning to unpick. For the home tie with AEK Larnaca, a tifo based on TV comedy Dad's Army was unveiled showing the way to Leipzig, the venue for the final. That felt a bit premature, especially after the Cypriot club ground out a gritty 1-0 win.Next stop Dublin, a trip as relaxed and enjoyable as the warm welcome accorded to Palace fans. Their goalless run continued; Palace coasted to a 3-0 lead and expended little energy preserving their clean sheet. Finnish team KuPS were the last opponents in the group stage, and after a stunning early goal from Christantus Uche, it looked as if Palace would wrap up a comfortable victory. Two quickfire goals for the away side left Palace fans wondering if the European dream was going to be railroaded, but a late Justin Devenny equaliser ensured they made the playoffs.Seminal Victories and European ProgressThe next European tie was two months away and, after beating Fulham at Craven Cottage in early December, Palace were fourth in the Premier League. But more turmoil was on its way. The defence of the FA Cup started, and ended with a trip to Macclesfield, a National League North club 117 places beneath them in the league pyramid. To add to this humbling, Glasner made public his plan to leave, club captain Marc Guehí joined Manchester City and leading scorer Jean-Philippe Mateta was a medical away from joining Milan.A new low was reached when an irate Glasner let rip into the club after losing to Sunderland, saying: "We feel that we are being abandoned completely. Selling our club captain one day before the game makes me really upset today." Eight months after winning the FA Cup, the boat wasn't just listing, it was being dashed against the rocks.The return to European action was a welcome distraction. A win over Bosnian side Zrinjski Mostar in the playoffs set up a last-16 tie with Larnaca, who shut them out at Selhurst Park before a double from Ismaila Sarr in the away leg secured victory. Finally, they landed a glamorous tie with a club steeped in European competition. Fiorentina had been to six European finals including two Conference League finals in the last few years.This was proper European football and, sure enough, as soon as they shed their favourites tag, they put in their most convincing performance at Selhurst Park, winning 3-0 at home to put the tie to bed in the first leg. They had begun the competition proper against a Ukrainian team, so facing Shakhtar Donetsk in the semi-final felt like completing the circle. Palace put in another excellent performance. Ismaïla Sarr scored after just 21 seconds – the quickest goal in Conference League history – and the 3-1 win in Krakow made the second leg at Selhurst pretty much a formality.The Significance of Palace's European JourneyCrystal Palace's journey to the Conference League final represents more than just a successful European campaign. It demonstrates the resilience of a club that has consistently punched above its weight in English football. Despite facing significant challenges – including being demoted from the Europa League, losing key players, and dealing with managerial uncertainty – the Eagles have shown remarkable character to reach their first European final.This achievement also highlights the changing landscape of European football, where smaller clubs can make meaningful progress in competitions that were once dominated by established powerhouses. Palace's run has captured the imagination of neutrals and given their passionate fanbase something to celebrate during a season of domestic disappointment.What Comes Next for PalaceAs Crystal Palace prepares for their European final, questions remain about the club's future direction. With manager Oliver Glasner set to depart and key players potentially leaving, the Eagles face the challenge of maintaining their momentum beyond this historic European campaign. The club will need to balance their European ambitions with the realities of Premier League competition while navigating the complexities of squad building and financial fair play.Whatever happens in Leipzig, Crystal Palace's topsy-turvy season has already secured a place in the club's history books. Their journey from FA Cup winners to European finalists, filled with drama, controversy, and ultimately triumph, will be remembered as one of the most remarkable seasons in the club's 116-year history.

The Government's Plan to Regulate Social Media Keir Starmer has announced that the government will take action to regulate social media use among teenagers 'very quickly' after a consultation on the topic ends tonight. The Consultation and Proposed Measures The consultation on children and social media is closing this evening, and Starmer emphasized that the government has received many responses and held discussions with parents and experts. Starmer stated: 'The question now is not whether we do something, we are going to act, I'm absolutely clear that this needs to be something where there's a game changer.' He did not specify which crackdown options the government would choose. The Impact on Teenagers and Social Media The proposed measures are likely to include time limits, curfews, or a ban on certain platforms for under-16s. The Academy of Medical Royal Colleges has called for action, stating that 'unfettered exposure to tech and devices is currently having on children and young people's health.' The Future of Social Media Regulation The government's decision to regulate social media use among teenagers reflects growing concerns about the impact of social media on children's health and wellbeing. The move is expected to have significant implications for the tech industry and social media platforms.

Gaël Monfils, the charismatic French favourite, played his last match at Roland Garros on 26 May 2026, bowing out in a five‑set first‑round defeat to fellow wildcard Hugo Gaston. The 39‑year‑old’s farewell was marked by an emotional ceremony and tributes from French tennis greats, closing a 21‑year saga at the French Open.The Final Match: Monfils vs. Gaston Ends a 21‑Year RunMonfils fell 6‑2, 6‑3, 3‑6, 2‑6, 6‑0. After a strong start, he rallied to level the contest, but a foot injury hampered him in the decisive set, allowing Gaston to seal the win.Numbers that Define a CareerAge: 39Career‑high ranking: No 6ATP titles: 132025 Auckland 250 victory: oldest man to win an ATP titleFrench Open appearances: 21Match score: 6‑2, 6‑3, 3‑6, 2‑6, 6‑0Legacy and Impact on French TennisMonfils’s “show‑man” style turned Roland Garros into a theatre of drama, inspiring a generation of French players. His farewell ceremony, led by tournament director Amélie Mauresmo and French Tennis Federation president Gilles Moretton, featured former compatriots Gilles Simon, Jo‑Wilfried Tsonga and Richard Gasquet, underscoring his deep ties to French tennis.The crowd’s unwavering support, even as the match slipped away, highlighted his lasting popularity. Monfils’s longevity—still competing at a Grand Slam at 39—sets a benchmark for fitness and resilience in the sport.What Lies Ahead for Monfils and French TennisWith retirement imminent, Monfils may transition to coaching, commentary, or ambassadorial roles, leveraging his charisma to promote the sport. His departure opens space for younger French talents, such as Gaston, to step into the spotlight, potentially reshaping France’s future on the clay circuit.

The Coaching DeparturePhil Neville is no longer in charge of the Portland Timbers after they announced they had "mutually parted ways" with their head coach. Neville's final match in charge of the Timbers was a 3-1 defeat to the San Jose Earthquakes that left the team 13th in the MLS Western Conference, well short of a playoff place.The Performance TimelineThe club made the playoffs in Neville's first two seasons in charge – in 2024 and 2025 – losing in the opening round and the first round respectively. On Monday, Neville admitted he had not taken the team as far as he would have liked.The Leadership Perspective"In my nearly two decades of owning and operating the Portland Timbers, there are very few people I have enjoyed working with more than Phil Neville," said Timbers owner Merritt Paulson. "Phil has outstanding leadership qualities and a boundless sense of positivity even in the face of adversity."Neville's Farewell Statement"I'd like to thank Merritt Paulson, Ned Grabavoy, and the entire Portland family for their unwavering support in giving me the job and standing behind me," Neville said after his departure was announced. "To my staff, thank you for your incredible loyalty and hard work. And to the most incredible bunch of players: thank you for the effort, the good times, the good results, the bad results, and all the laughs we shared together."Coaching Career ContextPortland was Neville's second head coaching job in MLS. He was in charge of Inter Miami from 2021 to 2023, leaving shortly before the arrival of Lionel Messi helped change the club into title contenders. He was also in charge of the England women's team, leading them to the semi-finals of the 2019 World Cup.