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The LeadOn Friday the River Thames at Ham will host its first official swimming season as the inaugural designated bathing water in London, joining 12 other newly recognised sites across England.Thames at Ham Designated as London’s First Official Bathing WaterThe stretch of the Thames in south‑west London has been granted bathing water status after campaigners, led by Marlene Lawrence of the Teddington Bluetits, submitted evidence of year‑round swimming activity. Lawrence said, “This is amazing for the river and for the many people who enjoy it.”Nationwide Roll‑out of 13 New Bathing Water SitesEnvironmental Minister Emma Hardy announced that the new designations bring the total to 13 new monitored swimming areas across England. The sites are:Canvey Island foreshore, EssexEast Beach at West Bay, Bridport, DorsetFalcon Meadow, Bungay, SuffolkGranville Parade Beach, Sandgate, KentLittle Shore, Amble, NorthumberlandNew Brighton Beach (east), MerseysideNewton and Noss Creeks, DevonPangbourne Meadow, BerkshireQueen Elizabeth Gardens, Salisbury, WiltshireRiver Dee at Sandy Lane, Chester, CheshireRiver Fowey in Lostwithiel, CornwallRiver Swale in Richmond, YorkshireRiver Thames at Ham and Kingston, Greater LondonEnvironmental and Economic ImplicationsThe new bathing water designations expand monitoring by the Environment Agency, which will conduct weekly sampling and publish results online. Hardy highlighted the benefits: “better monitoring of our waterways, a boost for local tourism and greater confidence for local swimmers.” The move follows years of limited bathing water status, which was previously confined to coastal waters and lakes, and aims to curb sewage discharge, PFAS, and agricultural runoff.Future Outlook for River Clean‑up and MonitoringContinued oversight will involve the regulator working with communities, farmers and water companies. At Ilkley, Yorkshire Water is already investing over £85m in infrastructure to improve water quality after the Wharfe received bathing status five years ago. The Thames designation is expected to drive similar upgrades and reinforce the government’s “generational reform” of the water sector.

Debut Poet Sasha Debevec‑McKenney Secures Dylan Thomas PrizeSasha Debevec‑McKenney, an American poet based in Georgia, was announced as the winner of the £20,000 Swansea University Dylan Thomas Prize for her debut collection Joy Is My Middle Name. The award, presented in Swansea, honors writers 39 or under and recognized the collection’s “exuberant, blistering” style.Joy Is My Middle Name: A Bold Exploration of Race, Addiction, and WomanhoodThe collection delves into twenty‑ and thirties‑life themes—race, sex, womanhood, addiction, and consumerism—through a voice described as “fast and furious” by critics. Judges, led by Irenosen Okojie, praised its humor, intimacy, and relevance to “tricky times.”£20,000 Prize Highlights Growing Investment in Young PoetsPrize amount: £20,000Eligibility: writers aged 39 or underShortlisted titles: To Rest Our Minds and Bodies, We Pretty Pieces of Flesh, Under the Blue, Open, Heaven, Borderline FictionIndie press Fitzcarraldo’s first poetry title to achieve major awardImplications for Indie Presses and Contemporary Poetry LandscapeThe win underscores the rising credibility of small presses like Fitzcarraldo in launching award‑winning poetry, potentially encouraging more funding and distribution channels for experimental voices. It also raises the profile of American poets in the UK literary scene.What This Win Signals for Emerging Voices in PoetryIndustry observers expect increased attention to debut collections that blend personal narrative with social critique. Emerging poets may find greater opportunities for fellowships—such as Debevec‑McKenney’s role at Emory University—and for cross‑Atlantic publication deals.

The Diplomatic Opening in BeijingOne day into US President Donald Trump's visit to China for trade talks, both he and Chinese President Xi Jinping have exchanged toasts at a state banquet at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, and hailed their relationship as the world's most "consequential". On Thursday, following a visit to the Temple of Heaven, a 600-year-old landmark in the Chinese capital, Xi spoke of a "shared US-China future", while also warning that failure to handle this bond would create a "very dangerous situation"."We must make it work and never mess it up," he said.The Personal Diplomacy Between LeadersThe US president described his Chinese counterpart as "my friend" in his opening remarks at the state banquet that Xi hosted for the American leader. "We are going to have a fantastic future together. I have such respect for China, for the job you've done. You are a great leader," he told Xi.Trump also invited Xi and First Lady Peng Liyuan to pay a return visit to the White House on September 24. For his part, the Chinese president said he was "very happy" to meet Trump in Beijing at a time of "historic turbulence" when "the world stands at a new crossroads".Xi posed a series of questions to the US president: "Can we join hands to address global challenges and inject greater stability into the world? Can we uphold the wellbeing of our respective peoples and the shared future of humanity, working together to create a bright future for our bilateral relationship?"China's reception underscored how highly Xi regards this visit. Trump was welcomed at the Great Hall of the People, the seat of power in China, "the equivalent of the White House and all other important centres of power combined". Additionally, Vice President Han Zheng greeted Trump at the airport when he landed in Beijing on Wednesday, making him the highest-ranking Chinese official to ever welcome a US president.Strategic Framework for Bilateral RelationsXi and Trump agreed to frame their relationship as "constructive, strategic and stable" in a new positioning that is intended to guide US-China ties for the next three years and beyond, according to a Chinese Foreign Ministry statement about talks between the two.Trump said the relationship between the two countries went back to the founding of the US, noting that the early American traders who visited China were described, by the Chinese, as "the new people". Today, he said, the two countries' bilateral ties were among "the most consequential" in the world.The Chinese president said the two countries should become partners, rather than rivals, adding that "mutual respect is key to stable China-US ties". "I have always believed that the common interests between China and the US outweigh the differences," Xi said. "Let 2026 be a historic and landmark year for Sino-US relations to carry on the past and open up the future."Trade and Economic NegotiationsTrump and Xi discussed trade, with Xi saying that China's door of opportunity will open wider. What this means is not explicitly clear yet, but Trump will be hoping it includes a Chinese pledge to buy US soya beans, beef and aircraft. Officials in the Trump administration also hope to move towards setting up a Board of Trade with China to manage commercial disputes between the two countries.Xi also met with US business leaders who have accompanied Trump on this trip on Thursday. The US and China entered a tariff threat standoff last year, with each side imposing retaliatory tariffs on each other's exports. China also restricted exports of some rare-earth metals, which are crucial for technology manufacturing, in April. Later in the year, it announced plans to restrict several others. Those later plans are on pause since a truce was agreed between the two presidents in October last year on the sidelines of the APEC summit in South Korea.In return for China's agreement to pause restrictions on rare-earth metal exports, Trump dropped a threat of 100 percent tariffs on Chinese goods.The Taiwan ChallengeThe Taiwanese government maintains that the self-governing island of 23 million people is a sovereign state. During the meeting on Thursday, Xi reportedly warned Trump that the issue of Taiwan – which China regards as its own territory – could lead to conflict between Washington and Beijing if it is not handled carefully.However, Taiwan was not mentioned in a joint statement following the meeting, and Trump notably ignored a question from reporters about his stance on Taiwan. This is a tricky issue for the US. While the US government officially acknowledges that China views Taiwan as part of its territory, it does not explicitly state whether or not it agrees with that stance.The US formally severed official diplomatic ties with Taiwan – also known as the Republic of China – decades ago, but remains committed under the 1979 Taiwan Relations Act to supporting the defence of the self-governing democracy. That law has enabled Washington to supply Taiwan with billions of dollars' worth of weapons and to deepen cooperation in areas such as military training and intelligence sharing, moves Beijing regards as meddling in its internal affairs.Xi has told Trump that the "Taiwan question is the most important issue in China-US relations", Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning posted on X on Thursday. "If it is handled properly, the bilateral relationship will enjoy overall stability. Otherwise, the two countries will have clashes and even conflicts, putting the entire relationship in great jeopardy," she wrote.Taiwan's Foreign Ministry released a statement saying that China is "currently the sole risk to regional peace and stability", after Xi warned Trump. "Beijing has no right to make any claims on behalf of Taiwan internationally," the statement added.Global Security CooperationThe US-Israel war on Iran, which entered its 76th day on Thursday, also came up in the meeting between Trump and Xi. In their joint statement, Trump and Xi agreed that the Strait of Hormuz must remain open and Iran should never have nuclear weapons.US officials have previously said that they might need China's help in convincing Iran to open the Strait of Hormuz. But analysts say Beijing will want concessions from the US, likely regarding Taiwan, in exchange for any aid in resolving the crisis.Future Outlook for US-China RelationsTrump and Xi may meet again on at least two other occasions this year – the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) leaders' meeting, in Shenzhen, China, in November; and the Group of 20 (G20) summit in Miami, Florida in the US in December. It would be unprecedented for the US president to travel to China twice in one year.The tone set during these initial talks suggests both sides recognize the importance of managing their complex relationship carefully. Xi's warning about not "messing it up" indicates the high stakes involved, while Trump's personal approach and emphasis on friendship suggests he may be seeking a personal channel for diplomacy alongside official channels.As both nations navigate differences on trade, Taiwan, and global security issues, the framework they've established as "constructive, strategic and stable" will be tested in the coming months. The frequency of their planned meetings suggests both sides understand the need for constant communication to prevent misunderstandings that could escalate into conflict.

The LeadNew South Wales has claimed the Women's State of Origin series for the second consecutive year, surviving a nail-biting 14-10 victory over Queensland in Brisbane. The match was decided in the final minute when Teagan Berry's desperate tackle prevented Queensland's Jasmine Peters from scoring what would have been a game-winning try.The Dramatic FinishThe margin was just a few pixels in the video review bunker, but it was enough for NSW to secure the shield. Peters crossed in the right corner in the final minute, triggering wild celebrations among Queenslanders on the field and in the Suncorp Stadium stands, filled with a healthy crowd of 23,846. However, when the decision was reviewed, Peters' toe was swept over the line in the tackle by a desperate Berry, who had initially appeared beaten. In the end, she was celebrated as a Blues hero as NSW lifted the shield.The Match StatisticsThe match showcased the intensity of State of Origin rugby, with NSW dominating possession in the first half, enjoying two-thirds of the ball before Queensland's Tamika Upton scored just before halftime. The Maroons took the lead early in the second half through hooker Jada Ferguson, but NSW responded with Jess Sergis powering through the defense. Jesse Southwell, who also kicked the winning field goal in game one, was instrumental in NSW's victory with both a try and a crucial try-saving tackle.The Significance of Back-to-Back WinsThis victory represents a significant achievement for NSW Women's rugby league, as they have now secured back-to-back State of Origin shields. The win helps consign the pain of the 2024 series to the past, when they won game one but allowed Queensland's resurgence to take root in game two. This year, despite letting Queensland back into the contest, they held firm at the death to secure the result, demonstrating their growth as a team under pressure.The Future of Women's State of OriginThe growing attendance of 23,846 fans and the increasing quality of play suggests that Women's State of Origin is continuing to gain momentum and popularity. With NSW establishing themselves as the dominant force, Queensland will likely regroup and aim to reclaim the series in 2027. The dramatic nature of this match, particularly the final minute decision, will undoubtedly generate even more interest and anticipation for next year's series, further cementing Women's State of Origin as a premier sporting event in Australia.

Lead: A Celebrated Return of the Letter‑Based StoryThe Guardian praises *The Correspondent* as an "immensely enjoyable" revival of the epistolary novel, noting its bestseller status on both sides of the Atlantic and its shortlisting for the Women’s Prize for Fiction.Reviving the Epistolary Form: Evans’s Narrative TechniqueEvans structures the novel around three‑weekly letters written by 73‑year‑old Sybil Van Antwerp from her Maryland home. The correspondence includes friends, family, and even imagined replies from real‑life figures such as Ann Patchett, George Lucas and Joan Didion, creating a layered texture that keeps the story dynamic despite its hermetic format.Sales and Accolades: Bestseller Status and Prize ShortlistPublished by Michael Joseph at £16.99Bestseller in the UK and US marketsShortlisted for the Women’s Prize for Fiction (2026)Cultural Resonance: Why Letter Writing Finds New ReadersSybil’s voice—direct, irascible, yet generous—offers a relatable portrait of aging, loss, and the search for connection.The novel explores themes of memory, legal career, DNA testing, and impending blindness, grounding the epistolary form in contemporary concerns.Readers report a renewed urge to compose letters after finishing the book, indicating a broader cultural appetite for analog communication.Future of the Genre: Anticipating More Letter‑Based StoriesGiven the critical acclaim and commercial success, publishers are likely to seek additional epistolary projects, positioning the form as a viable avenue for literary innovation in the coming years.

The LeadThere will be plenty that Bernardo Silva will miss about Manchester City but driving rain in May and playing against the lowest of blocks will not be two of them. The midfielder's penultimate game at the Etihad Stadium after nine years at the club was a reminder of how difficult it will be to replace him.The Versatile FoundationAmid six changes, as Pep Guardiola rested and rotated, keeping "grandfather" Silva in the team was imperative. Without Rodri, the head coach needed someone he could rely on and no one better fits the category than the 31-year-old. Playing alongside Phil Foden in midfield, as the deeper of the two, one of a plethora of roles he's taken on down the years, he utilised his mix of steel and finesse to set an example.The Architect of ControlVersatility is not the reason Silva will go down as one of City's greats, but it shows that in a world of egos, he is willing to adapt for the sake of the team. From left-back to false 9, Silva has covered a lot of ground, making him hard to define in the modern game. What Guardiola has always loved about him is his ability to dictate a match, replacing Joy Division as the leading author of control in the north-west of England.The Statistical LegacyOver the past nine seasons, no one has won more Premier League games than Silva – 217 to be precise – and he has been Guardiola's most used player in the period, making 457 appearances in all competitions, 85 more than Ederson, his closest rival. It is a testament to his longevity and fitness, not to mention rarely dipping in form. Even in the matches he was not at his best, there was always a desire to succeed and Silva's attitude never dampened.The Mentor's RoleIt seems inevitable that Silva will go into coaching once his playing days have ended, probably somewhere warmer than Manchester on Wednesday night. He coaches others through the game, ensuring they know their role in the team. Considering Foden's poor form this season, he looked very comfortable alongside Silva, offering more spark than has regularly been witnessed in recent times, proving it with a magical backheel to create Antoine Semenyo's opener.The Selfless ActsNatural instincts make Silva want to join every attack but he knows City are susceptible to the counterattack, forcing him to be constrained. Holding back to assist those behind him should a positive quickly turn into a negative is a selfless act, one much appreciated by what is a relatively inexperienced pairing. Intelligent use of the ball is integral to the Silva repertoire.The Cool ComposureIntelligent use of the ball is integral to the Silva repertoire. Ten minutes into the second half there was a sublime touch and simple pass to a teammate, something that goes relatively unnoticed in the grand scheme of things but it was on the edge of his own box, with Palace shirts all around. Silva was not panicked, he never is, and this coolness radiates around his teammates. Without Rodri, there is always a little more trepidation in the ranks, so the comfort of Silva is welcome. Should the two be absent at any point, one wonders who could fill the void.The Final Standing OvationWith 11 minutes to go, Guardiola relented and brought his metronome off for a break, with more key fixtures to come. It gave the supporters a second-to-last chance to give their hero a thoroughly deserved standing ovation. Passing on the captain's armband to Nathan Aké was Silva's easiest task of the night but felt ceremonial considering his impending departure.The Final Trophy HopesSaturday at Wembley gives Silva the chance of a third FA Cup medal, to add to the Champions League crown and six Premier League titles, with a seventh still a possibility. Guardiola insists he does not have an archetypal player but if he did, they would resemble Silva. "Everything is replaceable in football life," Guardiola said. "But there are players that it's even more difficult."

The Daring Debut of Angel's Bone English National Opera takes a bold leap with Du Yun's Angel's Bone, a Pulitzer Prize-winning opera that tackles human trafficking head-on. This inaugural production at ENO's northern base, a collaboration with Factory International and the BBC Philharmonic Orchestra, features Kip Williams' innovative direction. The Unsettling Allegory The opera tells the story of two angels who fall into the clutches of a dysfunctional couple, leading to a descent into physical and sexual abuse. Du Yun's score is a genre-bending mix of contemporary classical and nightclub electronica, performed by a tireless ensemble of 10. The Data Analysis: A Complex Soundtrack The music operates at extremes, with key roles assigned to tuba and lute. The instrumental palette offers textural beauty, but also joyously kicks ass. The score is expertly conducted by Baldur Brönnimann. The Impact Analysis: A Powerful Statement The production is a powerful statement against human trafficking, with a clear and admirably clear storyline. However, the endlessly rotating walls can be problematic, forming an impenetrable barrier that obscures the screens at times. The Prediction: A Must-See Performance Despite some technical issues, the production is a must-see, with standout performances from Allison Cook as Mrs X E and Rodney Earl Clarke as her browbeaten husband. The production transfers to London later in the year, rejigged for the Coliseum's proscenium stage, and is one to catch.

Ancelotti's Ambition and Passion for Football Carlo Ancelotti, one of the most successful managers in football history, has taken on the challenge of leading Brazil to World Cup glory. Despite his impressive resume, Ancelotti claims he is not ambitious, but rather passionate about enjoying the moments football has given him. Neymar's Call-up Depends on Him Ancelotti mentions that Neymar's call-up to the Brazil team depends solely on him and his performance on the pitch. This statement highlights Ancelotti's focus on merit-based selection. The Data Analysis Ancelotti has had 47 years of experience in football, with 16 years as a player and 31 years as a head coach. He has won five Champions League titles and league titles in England, France, Germany, Italy, and Spain. Brazil has not won the World Cup since 2002, which equals the longest period the nation has gone without winning the World Cup since 1970 to 1994. The Impact Analysis Ancelotti's approach to management emphasizes building personal relationships with players and having high standards. He believes that his experience working with over 40 Brazilian players will help him lead the team to success. The Prediction Ancelotti aims to make Vinícius Júnior the best player in the world, following his success with Real Madrid. He also stresses the importance of teamwork and not relying on a single player to win the World Cup.

The Unparalleled Experience of CannesNothing prepares you for the shock that is the Cannes film festival: the adrenaline, the fatigue, the elation and the emotion, but also the hunger, the anger, the magic and the ridicule. For young cinephiles, and for almost everybody who works in the film industry, it is the mecca of cinema and has been so for nearly eight decades. Anyone going for the first time this week, as I did 25 years ago, should not listen to the old grognards – Cannes' battle-worn veterans – who will lament that the festival has become an abominable circus and swear this year will be their last. It is a circus, and you can bet they will be back for as long as their knees can take it. For there is nothing quite like it.From Resistance to Global Cinema HubBorn to counteract Benito Mussolini's Venice film festival, its first edition was planned for September 1939, but Adolf Hitler had other plans. The previous year, under pressure from Berlin and Rome, the Venice film festival's top prize, the Coppa Mussolini, was handed to Leni Riefenstahl's propaganda film Olympia, prompting the French, British and American delegates to walk out. Hence Cannes, conceived as the festival of the "free world". More than 80 years later, for all its sins, it has remained faithful to that founding promise.The Expansive Scale of Modern CannesOver the decades, Cannes has mutated into an ever-hungrier mammoth, needing more space, and more venues, as it attracts an increasing number of journalists and professionals. A purpose-built Palais des Festivals had to be erected in the 1980s. "The bunker", as we have come to call it, is not exactly beautiful but brutally efficient at managing Cannes' mind-boggling crowds. This year, about 40,000 accredited festival-goers are descending on the French Riviera from 140 different countries, with dozens of films selected across all sidebars. At the same time, the Marché du Film, running alongside the festival since the late 1960s, is gathering about 16,000 participants, with thousands of films and projects up for sale. Cannes is both a summit for the cinema elite and a giant film bazaar.Three Worlds Colliding at La CroisetteFor 11 days in May, three different worlds lead parallel lives – critics, deal-makers and red-carpet royalty – colliding almost by accident on the seafront boulevard known as La Croisette. Hundreds of critics watch multiple films a day with monastic discipline. When they give in to parties, they bitterly regret it the next morning. You can spot some of us sleeping through entire screenings; how some colleagues manage to review films is a mystery. I remember a well-known French critic who had such vivid dreams in the darkness that he became convinced they were scenes in the films. His reviews were full of brilliant analysis of moments that did not exist.We critics rush between screenings, press conferences, interviews, our desks and the bunker's free espresso machines, often forgetting to eat or even pee. Downstairs, in the bunker's basement, and in hotel suites and rented apartments, the film market runs day and night: buyers juggle numbers, producers charm, directors and screenwriters fight for their vision. Above them floats Cannes' top layer – stars and "talent" spending hours in hair and makeup before climbing the 24 steps of the red carpet in borrowed couture and jewellery. When people in the industry groan, "oh God, it's Cannes again", it is this collision of financial anxiety, choreographed glamour and sheer exhaustion they are bracing themselves for.The Magic and Meaning Behind the GlamourThese worlds sometimes collide in the most poetic or grotesque ways. One morning, rushing to my first screening at 7.30am, I was walking along the Croisette when I saw, coming towards me, slightly dishevelled in a tuxedo, Jack Nicholson on his way back to his hotel after a long night. I smiled, he smiled back. He was alone, no bodyguards, no chaperones. Those were the days. I also shared a lift with Takeshi Kitano in full samurai attire, and I will never forget turning into a hotel corridor and finding myself nose to nose with Max von Sydow – Ingmar Bergman's medieval knight from The Seventh Seal. My cinephile heart skipped a beat.One of my favourite sidebars in Cannes, alongside the competition where you watch the year's best crop of films, is Cannes Classics, showing restored world masterpieces and documentaries about cinema. I always start the festival there: it is the best way to reset and begin afresh. Then I am ready for the 10-day onslaught of motion pictures, and for the magic moment that precedes each Cannes screening – the festival's own jingle, a palm ascending the red carpet from underwater and then into the sky, lifted by the ethereal arpeggios of Camille Saint-Saëns's Carnival of the Animals.Cannes: Enduring Symbol of Cinematic ResistanceIn 1955, Cannes gave its first official Palme d'Or to Delbert Mann's Marty; half a century later I found myself befriending its wonderful star, Betsy Blair, on the Croisette. I had the joy of seeing Ken Loach twice climbing those steps to collect the Palme, escorted by police outriders from Nice airport as if he were a head of state. I watched Iranian directors Jafar Panahi and Mohammad Rasoulof showing films at peril to their lives. For all the craziness of the red carpet and the samurai outfits, Cannes never forgets that it was founded as a gesture of resistance. That, as much as the glamour and the exhaustion, is why we keep going back.