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US Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced that Special Envoy for Syria Tom Barrack will step down after his formal mandate ends, yet he will continue to steer US policy across Syria, Iraq and Turkey.Tom Barrack’s Mandate Ends, Yet His Diplomatic Role PersistsAccording to the statement posted on X, Barrack’s title as Special Envoy expires, but his influence remains intact. The billionaire real‑estate investor, a longtime confidant of former President Donald Trump, has served as the administration’s primary envoy to Syria since May 2025 while also acting as US ambassador to Turkey.Timeline and Financial Footprint of Barrack’s TenureMay 2025: Appointment as Special Envoy for Syria.2022: Acquitted of federal charges alleging unregistered representation for Abu Dhabi.Raised substantial capital from Emirati sovereign funds, though exact amounts were not disclosed.Oversaw a shift toward the interim Syrian President Ahmed al‑Sharaa and advocated easing of sanctions on Damascus.Strategic Implications for US Policy in Syria, Iraq, and TurkeyAnalysts from the International Crisis Group note that keeping Barrack in place without naming a successor signals Washington’s desire for continuity and to preserve his network of regional contacts. His coordination of counter‑ISIS operations with Turkey and Gulf Arab states, as well as his controversial cease‑fire mediation between Damascus and the Kurdish‑led SDF, underscore his central role in shaping a nuanced US approach.What the Absence of a Successor Signals for Future US EngagementThe decision not to appoint a new envoy immediately may indicate a strategic pause, allowing the administration to reassess its “America First” agenda in the region. Observers warn that prolonged vacancy could embolden adversaries or create policy gaps, while Barrack’s continued informal leadership could mitigate such risks. The next few months will reveal whether Washington opts for a formal replacement or continues to rely on Barrack’s informal influence.

The Uncertain Future of US College Sports Female athletes and Olympic sports athletes in US colleges are facing an uncertain future. Their college prospects may lie in the hands of a surprising savior – Donald Trump. Trump's Involvement in Sports Trump has a history of involvement in various sports, including owning the New Jersey Generals in the USFL, hosting the Tour de Trump, and participating in the 2004 Olympic torch relay. His Department of Education ensured that Name, Image and Likeness (NIL) compensation need not be equitably distributed under the principles of Title IX. The Executive Order Trump's executive order reads: "Without a national solution to protect the future of competition and opportunity in all college sports, it is possible that the largest college football programs will be forced to seek stability through a negotiated solution that may result in the withdrawal of financial and other resources from women’s and Olympic sports." The Congress is strongly encouraged to expeditiously pass legislation that satisfactorily addresses these issues. The Data Analysis Men's tennis has dropped significantly in Division I – 258 programs in 2010, down to 237 in 2025. Men's wrestling continues to lose its foothold in many schools. Several other Olympic sports are stagnant or slipping. The median college in the Power Five Conferences lost $153.5m in total revenue against $167.2m in total expenses in 2024. The Impact Analysis The concern is legitimate and widely shared. College football coaches like Georgia's Kirby Smart are concerned that "we're going to ruin all the other sports." The new landscape isn't bad for Olympic-sports athletes, but if forced to choose between paying for a couple of basketball players and paying for a wrestling team, colleges would likely lean toward the former. The Prediction If Trump's efforts succeed, some of the status quo will be maintained. If not, schools will be free to make choices of which sports they'll fully fund – or participate at the varsity level at all. Perhaps 25 schools will use all of their allotted track and field scholarships while letting the swimming program skate by with less, and vice versa. Colleges may opt for quality over quantity, focusing on fully funding five or six sports and doing the bare minimum in others.

The Day After Djokovic: A New Era Opens at Roland Garros Bonjour et bienvenue au jour sept de notre couverture de Roland Garros 2026! After Novak Djokovic's departure in the match of the tournament against the 19-year-old Brazilian sensation João Fonseca last night, opportunity knocks louder than ever before for the remaining men, with a first-time grand slam champion guaranteed next Sunday. The Men's Draw: Shattered Hopes and Rising Stars Today the players in the top half of the draw get the chance to underline their credentials, and with a huge Jannik Sinner-sized hole in that section, along with the exits of Ben Shelton, Daniil Medvedev and Alexander Bublik, the highest-ranked man in action is Félix Auger-Aliassime, and the fourth seed doesn't play until tonight. It means Sinner's conqueror Juan Manuel Cerundolo gets another day in the sun, as does his brother Francisco, but a bigger buzz surrounds the 17-year-old overnight, hometown hero Moise Kouame, who will have Roland Garros rocking when he takes on Chile's Alejandro Tabilo. The 10th seed Flavio Cobolli against the rising American Learner Tien could be tasty too, while Frances Tiafoe and the resurgent Matteo Berrettini are also in third-round action. Women's Powerhouse: Champions and Challengers The leading names today are undoubtedly on the women's side, which is still stacked with slam champions past and present: Coco Gauff continues her title defence, Aryna Sabalenka plays the former semi-finalist Daria Kasatkina, while Naomi Osaka and Madison Keys will be hoping to avoid the same fate as Djokovic when they take on the stupendously talented teens Iva Jovic and Victoria Mboko respectively. Amanda Anisimova plays too. Tournament Turning Point: What Happens Next With Djokovic's unexpected exit, the path to the title has been dramatically reshaped. The French Open has historically been unpredictable, but this year's tournament is on track to crown a first-time grand slam champion, adding to the tournament's legacy of creating new tennis legends. L'action commence: 11h à Paris/10am BST. Allons-y!

The Lead: Arsenal's European QuestSince Arsenal's euphoric Premier League win last week, north London has been in a state of celebration. Now, with the Gunners poised to play in the Uefa Champions League final in Budapest, Gooner fever is spreading across the continent. Arsenal fans are embarking on extraordinary journeys to witness their team's first Champions League final appearance in 20 years, demonstrating the remarkable dedication of the club's supporters.The Travel Challenge: Trains, Planes and AutomobilesWith all 13 of Wizz Air's Budapest-bound flights from London sold out by Friday, and the last available ticket priced at £407 one way according to Skyscanner, Arsenal fans have become creative travelers. Darren Cornish, a 53-year-old IT manager from Hemel Hampstead, exemplifies this resourcefulness: "We'll get there by train, plane and automobiles," he said. After securing return flights to Linz, Austria for £150, he plans to take a three and a half hour train to Budapest on Saturday morning.Many fans are taking indirect routes through Vienna, Bratislava, Rome, and other European cities to avoid the exorbitant flight prices. Ben Boxhall and two friends from Essex flew to Kraków instead, paying £170 for return flights, then plan to catch a 5am bus to Budapest, arriving around midday. They haven't booked a hotel, intending to join thousands of fans at the Uefa meeting point before pulling an all-nighter and catching the first bus back.The Fan Experience: Generations of CelebrationThe journey to Budapest represents different things to different generations of Arsenal supporters. For younger fans like Ben Boxhall, 23, this is their first Premier League victory they can remember: "We were 18 months old when they won the league in 2004. This is the first one that we remember and celebrating with our parents and friends."Older fans like Neil Roberts, who has attended matches for 25 years, appreciate the rarity of this moment: "When you haven't had success for so long, when it does come around it's magical." This generational divide creates a unique atmosphere where older fans savor the moment while younger fans experience the thrill of success for the first time.The Financial Impact: Cost of Champions League GloryThe financial commitment from Arsenal supporters is substantial. While some fans found relatively affordable options like Cornish's £150 return flights to Austria, others are paying significantly more. Ollie Laurence, 23, knows "people who are paying north of a grand" on flights to get to Budapest. Ticket prices for the final itself are equally staggering, with some tickets reportedly available for around £2,500.This financial investment reflects the high stakes and emotional value of the occasion. For many fans, the cost is secondary to the opportunity to witness history, especially after a 20-year absence from the Champions League final.The Historical Context: A Free Hit at GloryArsenal's return to the Champions League final after two decades has created a unique psychological dynamic among supporters. With the Premier League title already secured, many fans view the final as a "free hit," as Darren Cornish explains: "This game is a free hit. If we lose, we've still got the premiership. If we win, it'll be the best thing ever. There's no pressure on these boys."This perspective contrasts with previous finals where the weight of expectation might have been heavier. The combination of already achieved success and the potential for a historic double has created an atmosphere of celebration rather than anxiety, allowing both players and fans to enjoy the occasion without the usual pressure of a must-win situation.

Arsenal’s Quest for a Historic Double“A massive opportunity to do something special.” Arsenal’s own Bukayo Saka summed up the mood as the club prepares to chase a rare domestic‑European double after clinching the Premier League title.Champions League Final Showdown: PSG vs ArsenalThe final pits the newly crowned French champions Paris Saint‑Germain (PSG) against Arsenal in Budapest. PSG entered the match after ending a 20‑year wait for a league crown, while Arsenal seek their first Champions League triumph.Key Figures and Stakes Ahead of the Budapest Kick‑offDate & Time: 30 May 2026, 5 pm BST (17:00 BST) – live at 5 pm BST, 6 pm CET.Venue: Budapest, Hungary.Recent Form: PSG recorded a 5‑0 win over Inter Milan, the biggest margin in competition history.Betting Odds: Bookmakers list PSG as favourites, but Arsenal’s league success narrows the gap.Implications for European Football and Domestic SuccessA victory for Arsenal would mark the first time a Premier League champion completes a double in the same season, reshaping the narrative around English clubs in Europe. Conversely, a PSG win would cement their rapid rise after a long domestic drought, reinforcing France’s growing influence on the continental stage.What to Expect on Matchday and BeyondFans are urged to clear their schedules – the match kicks off at 5 pm BST, not the usual 7.30 pm “pizza‑and‑sofa” slot. Beyond the final, the live blog promises updates on World Cup developments and the upcoming Women’s FA Cup final, offering a comprehensive football roundup.

The Dream Transfer RealizedAnthony Gordon's long-held dream of playing for Barcelona has become a reality, with the England winger even showing off a surprise skill by answering questions in Spanish during his unveiling by the La Liga club. Barcelona have officially signed Gordon from Newcastle United on a five-year contract, marking a significant move for both the player and the Spanish champions.Transfer Details and Personal CommitmentFinancial details of the transfer were not officially disclosed, but British media reported that Barcelona offered an initial 80 million euros ($93.14m) plus add-ons for the 25-year-old winger. Gordon's personal commitment to the move was evident when he fielded parts of the media conference in fluent Spanish, surprising journalists."As soon as I knew that Barca was interested, there was never any question. This is the stuff I dreamed of as a child," Gordon said. "I wanted to speak Spanish because when I was kid I believed I would play for Barca, believe it or not. I have a physio in Newcastle, and we spoke every day, and I told him 'One day I'll play for Barca, so I want to learn Spanish.'"Performance Statistics and ValueGordon comes to Barcelona with impressive credentials, having netted 17 goals for Newcastle in all competitions this season, including 10 in 12 Champions League games. His performance against Barcelona last season clearly impressed the Spanish club, with Barcelona noting in their statement that "Gordon impressed in his three appearances against Barca last season in the Champions League.""He comes to the club after being top scorer with Newcastle United last season and the player who took on most dribbles," Barcelona highlighted in their announcement. Signed from Everton in January 2023 for 45 million pounds ($60.37m), Gordon made 152 appearances for Newcastle, finishing with 39 goals and 28 assists and helping guide them to League Cup success last year to end a 70-year trophy drought.Impact on Both ClubsThe transfer represents a significant shift for both clubs. Newcastle, who struggled in the Premier League this season, finishing 12th and failing to qualify for European competition, will lose their top scorer and most creative player. Earlier this month, Newcastle boss Eddie Howe had admitted Gordon may have played his final game for the club when the winger was linked with Bayern Munich, saying there were "discussions that potentially might be happening."For Barcelona, the signing reinforces their strategy of signing young, talented English players following the successful loan move of Marcus Rashford from Manchester United. Rashford provided 14 goals and 14 assists in all competitions for Barcelona, who have not yet made his move permanent. The Athletic reported that Barca hold a 30 million-euro ($35m) option to sign Rashford but it runs out on June 15.Future Outlook at BarcelonaGordon joins Barcelona at an exciting time, with the club having just retained their La Liga title. He expressed excitement about playing with teammates like Lamine Yamal: "To play with Lamine and the rest of the players is very exciting for me. The more players with quality you have around you, the better you're going to be. These players are at the very top level for a reason, they're the best players in the world."Barcelona sports director Deco is reportedly looking for additional reinforcements in the summer market, with Spanish media reports suggesting interest in Argentina striker Julian Alvarez from Atletico Madrid. Gordon's arrival adds to a growing list of England internationals plying their trade abroad, including Bayern Munich's Harry Kane, Real Madrid midfielder Jude Bellingham and Al-Ahli forward Ivan Toney.

The Lead Bordeaux-Bègles' second successive Champions Cup title has solidified France's grip on European club rugby. Their 41-19 victory over Leinster in the final was a testament to their strength, with a blend of youthful talent and seasoned players proving too potent for their Irish opponents. Bordeaux's Dominant Performance Bordeaux's performance was characterized by their exceptional pace and skill. Louis Bielle-Biarrey, just 22, scored two tries, while fly-half Matthieu Jalibert, 27, controlled the game with precision. The team's captain, Maxime Lucu, 33, continues to defy expectations with his outstanding play. The Data Analysis Bordeaux's victory marked their second successive Champions Cup title. The final score was 41-19, with Bordeaux dominating the game. Leinster have now lost five Champions Cup finals in the last eight years. The Impact Analysis This victory cements France's dominance in European club rugby, with no other nation winning the Champions Cup since 2018. The Top 14's financial clout and ability to attract premium foreign talent have given French clubs a significant advantage. Leinster's coach, Leo Cullen, acknowledged that his team needs to adapt to the increasing speed of the modern game. The Prediction With a talented young squad and experienced players, Bordeaux are well-placed to continue their dominance. Leinster, on the other hand, face a significant challenge to regain their former glory. The gap between French clubs and their European rivals appears to be growing, and it may take significant changes for teams like Leinster to bridge this gap.

A Historic Comeback at Roland GarrosJoão Fonseca, the 19‑year‑old Brazilian prodigy, delivered a career‑defining victory over 39‑year‑old Novak Djokovic at the French Open, winning 4‑6, 4‑6, 6‑3, 7‑5, 7‑5 after 4 hr 53 min.Fonseca Overturns Two‑Set Deficit to Defeat DjokovicAfter falling behind 4‑6, 4‑6, Fonseca rallied with precise serving and powerful forehands, seizing control in the third set and maintaining momentum through the fourth and fifth sets.First two sets: Djokovic leads 4‑6, 4‑6.Third set: Fonseca wins 6‑3.Fourth set: Fonseca wins 7‑5.Fifth set: Fonseca clinches 7‑5.Match duration: 4 hr 53 min.Match Statistics Highlight Endurance and UpsetKey figures from the match underscore the physical toll on Djokovic and the resilience of Fonseca:Age gap: 20 years.Grand Slam titles for Djokovic: 24.Only second time Djokovic lost after leading by two sets; first was 2010 French Open quarter‑final vs Jürgen Melzer.Fonseca served multiple aces in the final game to close the match.Implications for Brazilian Tennis and the ATP LandscapeThe win fuels Brazil’s hopes of a new champion following the legacy of three‑time Roland Garros winner Gustavo Kuerten and energises a passionate fanbase that filled the stadium in Brazilian colors.Increased media attention on Fonseca’s “nuclear forehand”.Potential rise in sponsorship and endorsement opportunities for the young Brazilian.Signals a possible shift in the ATP hierarchy as veteran players face emerging talent.What Lies Ahead for Fonseca and DjokovicAnalysts anticipate Fonseca will carry momentum into the next rounds, while Djokovic will need to assess his physical condition after the grueling match and consider adjustments for the remainder of the season.

The British Solving Championship: An Opportunity for Chess Enthusiasts This week’s puzzle is a chance to enter an annual national competition in which Guardian readers ­traditionally perform well and in ­considerable numbers. White in the diagram, ­playing as usual up the board, is to play and checkmate in two moves, against any black defence. The Event Details The puzzle is the first stage of the annual Winton British Solving Championship, organised by the British Chess Problem Society and sponsored by the investment ­managers ­Winton. This competition is only open to ­British ­residents and entry is free. To take part, simply send White’s first move by post to Nigel Dennis, Boundary House, 230 Greys Road, Henley-on-Thames, Oxon RG9 1QY, or by email to [email protected]. Entry Requirements and Deadline All entries must be postmarked or emailed no later than 31 July 2026. Entrants must provide their name and home address. Juniors under 18 on 31 August 2025 must also give their date of birth. The Competition Structure The best 15-20 players from the postal round, plus the best juniors, will be invited to the final at Harrow school on Saturday 13 February 2027, where the prize money is expected to be at least £1,600. The winner of the final will have the right to represent Great Britain at the 2027 world ­solving championships, an event where GB are often medal contenders. A Note on Chess and Professionals Back in the 1950s most top English players were amateurs, often civil servants or teachers, who competed in tournaments during their vacations. After the 1970s Fischer boom and English successes brought an influx of sponsors, chess professionals could earn a decent living, but the tide turned again during the 1990s. The breakup of the Soviet Union brought harder international competition, while Nigel Short’s world title defeat and the move to screen rather than print marketing drove sponsors away. A New Grandmaster: Harry Grieve Harry Grieve became England’s latest grandmaster on Tuesday when the 25-year-old, who was British champion in 2022 and helped CSC/Kingston finish second in this season’s UK 4NCL League, won first prize in Budapest with a 7/9 total.