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Germany's World Cup ComebackGermany are desperate for a successful World Cup after two spectacular failures – they were knocked out in the group stages in 2018 and 2022. They certainly look improved under coach Julian Nagelsmann, who took over in September 2023 and has restored some national pride. Germany eased through their World Cup qualification group with five wins from six matches.The Squad: Youth Meets ExperienceThe squad blends the youthful brilliance of Jamal Musiala and Florian Wirtz with the experience of Joshua Kimmich, Antonio Rudiger and veteran goalkeeper Manuel Neuer, who surprised many by coming out of international retirement for the tournament. However, whether the team as a whole is talented enough to pose a serious threat to the favourites and whether all the pieces really fit together under the pressure of a tournament remain to be seen.Group Stage ChallengesIn 2018, Germany crashed out after losing to South Korea. In 2022, they were defeated by Japan en route to being eliminated on goal difference. Nagelsmann has restored some national pride, and Germany looked decent as the host nation at Euro 2024 and were perhaps unlucky to lose to Spain in the quarterfinals. The mood around the squad seems optimistic, and they will expect to go deep in the tournament.Key Players to WatchAt the heart of Germany's ambitions are gifted young attackers in Musiala, Wirtz and Lennart Karl. Musiala, 23, was the standout performer at Euro 2024 and gives the team an individual spark of genius. However, he suffered a horrific injury in July, breaking his leg and dislocating an ankle. Wirtz, meanwhile, has endured a difficult season after his big money move to Liverpool but seems to have found his feet in the Premier League. Karl is another exciting prospect who became Bayern's youngest scorer in the UEFA Champions League and third youngest in the Bundesliga.Neuer's Shock ReturnThe 40-year-old goalkeeper was a surprise inclusion in Nagelsmann's 26-man World Cup squad. Neuer retired from international play after Euro 2024, but the Bayern keeper is now set to make his fifth World Cup appearance with Nagelsmann saying he is the first choice ahead of Oliver Baumann and Alexander Nubel. "Everyone knows the aura and quality Manu has, what he brings to a team," Nagelsmann said as he announced the squad.Questions for NagelsmannSeveral players look nailed on to start – think Leon Goretzka alongside Aleksandar Pavlovic as a double pivot in midfield and Kimmich at right back. But other positions are less settled, not least up front, where Germany lack a world-class out-and-out striker. Niclas Fullkrug is a traditional number nine but did not make the cut after a terrible season in front of goal for AC Milan. Newcastle's Nick Woltemade did make the squad despite a mixed season for his club. Kai Havertz can be used as a false nine, but it is not his most natural position.Group Stage OutlookNo disrespect to the other teams, but Germany will likely have breathed a sigh of relief when the draw for Group E was made. On paper, they will expect to progress comfortably. They open their campaign on June 14 against Curacao, the smallest nation ever to reach a World Cup. Their second game on June 20 against Ivory Coast should provide a stiffer test as the Ivorians, who are returning to the World Cup for the first time in 12 years, are a dangerous side. The final group game is on June 25 against Ecuador, who finished second in qualifying ahead of Brazil, Colombia and Uruguay.Germany's World Cup SquadGoalkeepers: Manuel Neuer (Bayern Munich), Oliver Baumann (Hoffenheim), Alexander Nubel (Stuttgart)Defenders: Joshua Kimmich (captain, Bayern Munich), Nico Schlotterbeck (Borussia Dortmund), David Raum (RB Leipzig), Jonathan Tah (Bayern Munich), Waldemar Anton (Borussia Dortmund), Antonio Rudiger (Real Madrid), Nathaniel Brown (Eintracht Frankfurt), Malick Thiaw (Newcastle United)Midfielders: Jamal Musiala (Bayern Munich), Florian Wirtz (Liverpool), Lennart Karl (Bayern Munich), Angelo Stiller (Stuttgart), Aleksandar Pavlovic (Bayern Munich), Leon Goretzka (Bayern Munich), Leroy Sane (Galatasaray), Felix Nmecha (Borussia Dortmund), Nadiem Amiri (Mainz), Pascal Gross (Brighton and Hove Albion)Forwards: Kai Havertz (Arsenal), Deniz Undav (Stuttgart), Jamie Leweling (Stuttgart), Nick Woltemade (Newcastle United), Maximilian Beier (Borussia Dortmund)

The Political Landscape Shift in California California, long considered a Democratic stronghold, is facing an unprecedented political scenario as the 2026 governor's race approaches. Recent developments suggest that Democrats might struggle to field a competitive candidate, potentially leaving the race entirely to Republican contenders. The Current Political Standings Several factors have contributed to this potential Democratic dilemma. Internal party divisions, fundraising challenges, and a shifting voter demographic have weakened the traditional Democratic advantage in the state. Meanwhile, Republican candidates have consolidated support and demonstrated strong fundraising capabilities ahead of the election. Electoral Data and Polling Trends Recent polls show Republican candidates leading potential Democratic matchups by margins as high as 15% Democratic voter enthusiasm has declined by nearly 20% compared to previous election cycles Independent voter registration has increased by 8% since the last gubernatorial election Fundraising totals for Republican candidates currently outpace Democratic candidates by approximately 30% Implications for California's Political Future A Republican victory in the governor's race would mark a significant realignment in California politics. The state has not elected a Republican governor since 2006, and such an outcome could signal broader changes in the state's political direction, potentially affecting policies on climate change, immigration, education, and healthcare. Predicting the 2026 Election Outcome Political analysts suggest that unless Democrats can quickly unite behind a strong candidate and address voter concerns, they risk not only losing the governor's race but potentially ceding control of other statewide offices. The coming months will be critical for the Democratic party to reassess its strategy and reconnect with California's diverse electorate.

Liverpool's Managerial Search Liverpool will hold formal talks with Andoni Iraola over their managerial vacancy this week and hope to install Arne Slot's successor before the World Cup begins. Iraola as the Frontrunner Liverpool are planning to move quickly in their search for a new head coach and intend to speak to their preferred candidates at the earliest opportunity. Contact has been made with Iraola's camp and formal talks are expected over the coming days. The club are also likely to sound out Stuttgart's Sebastian Hoeness and Pierre Sage, of Lens, but the former Bournemouth head coach, who was brought to the south coast by Liverpool's sporting director, Richard Hughes, is the frontrunner to replace Slot. The Need for a Swift Appointment Milan, Bayer Leverkusen and Crystal Palace have all made approaches to Iraola since he left Bournemouth after three impressive seasons, his final campaign delivering European football to the Vitality Stadium for the first time. There could also be rival interest in Sage from Palace. Liverpool, therefore, need to act swiftly and want to conclude the entire process before the World Cup starts on 11 June to give the new man ample time to prepare. Compensation and Contract Status That schedule also enhances Iraola's claims. Liverpool would have to pay compensation to extract Hoeness, Sage or another employed coach from their current clubs whereas the 43-year-old Basque is out of contract and available now. Background on Slot's Departure Slot was informed his Liverpool career was over approximately 90 minutes before the club announced their decision at 12.30pm on Saturday. He was sacked following a review into Liverpool's troubled season that was led by Hughes and Michael Edwards, chief executive of football at the club's owner, Fenway Sports Group. FSG continues to back the pair to lead Liverpool's football operation despite the disappointing return on last summer's outlay on new signings of almost £450m.

The Call for Tax Cuts Wes Streeting has called for national insurance tax cuts for businesses, and for the government to drill for oil and gas in the North Sea. The former health secretary and Labour leadership candidate told the Sunday Times there should be a “targeted reduction” of employers’ national insurance contribution as a way to “actively incentivise” hiring, particularly of young people. The Impact of National Insurance Rate Increase In 2024, the rate of national insurance paid by employers was increased from 13.8% on each employee’s salary to 15%. The starting threshold it applied to was lowered from £9,100 to £5,000. The measure aimed to raise £25bn a year, but businesses said it disincentivised hiring lower-paid and part-time staff. Youth Unemployment Concerns A report this week by the former cabinet minister Alan Milburn said a lack of hospitality jobs was contributing to high youth unemployment in Britain. It pointed to a halving of vacancies in the hospitality industry over the past four years alone. Analysis shows Britain has the third-highest rate of 16- to 24-year-olds who are not earning or learning among rich European countries. The Government's Response Pat McFadden, the work and pensions secretary, suggested he disagreed with this view. Speaking on Sky News on Sunday morning, he defended the government’s record, saying that businesses already did not have to pay employers’ national insurance for workers under 21. The Future of North Sea Drilling There has been a debate within Labour about whether to grant drilling consents for the giant oil and gas fields Rosebank and Jackdaw. Though there was a commitment not to give out any more licences for fossil fuels in Labour’s manifesto, there is a loophole that could be exploited; Rosebank and Jackdaw were given exploration licences by the previous Conservative government. They just need consent to drill. Ed Miliband's Decision Ed Miliband, the energy secretary, is due to make a decision on these oil and gas fields in coming weeks. He, along with the North Sea Transition Authority, have to decide whether the drilling would be consistent with the UK’s climate commitments.

The Escalating Drone CampaignUkrainian drones have struck energy and industrial targets across several Russian regions, Russian authorities say, in an escalating campaign of strikes against infrastructure. In Saratov, a region on the Volga River with several oil refineries that has come under regular Ukrainian attack in recent years, Governor Roman Busargin said on Sunday on Telegram that "civil infrastructure" had been damaged in the overnight strikes.Strategic Targeting of Energy InfrastructureUkraine's military confirmed that it had struck the Saratov oil refinery overnight, but denied Russian accusations that it had hit the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant in Russian-occupied territory. In the Kirov region, northeast of Moscow and about 1,300km (800 miles) from Ukraine, Governor Alexander Sokolov said drones had hit a facility in the Urzhumsky district. The Ukrainian army confirmed the attack, saying it had also hit the Lazarevo oil-pumping station in the region.Regional Impact and Civilian CasualtiesGovernors in the Rostov, Voronezh and Belgorod regions, all of which border Ukraine, also reported strikes, and three civilians were injured in Belgorod. On Ukraine's Russian-controlled Crimean Peninsula, Moscow-backed Governor Sergei Aksyonov said authorities were introducing restrictions on sales of petrol, though he did not specify the reason. Ukraine for months has been attacking fuel infrastructure in southwestern Russia close to Crimea.International Support and Future StrategySeparately on Sunday, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Ukraine received a new Iris-T air defence missile launcher from Germany as he asked for the provision of more air defence ammunition from Kyiv's allies. "We also need missiles for air defence systems to have sufficient capabilities to repel Russian attacks," Zelenskyy said on Telegram.

The Lead: Liverpool at a CrossroadsAs Liverpool prepares for life after Arne Slot, the club faces significant challenges that will define their immediate future. The Dutchman's tenure ended without the dominance expected, leaving a squad in need of strategic overhaul both on and off the pitch. The new manager inherits a team that must rediscover its identity while addressing key personnel departures and tactical shortcomings.Style Evolution: From Heavy Metal to Soft RockPerhaps Mohamed Salah's style of communication wasn't the slickest, but he was correct that Liverpool need to redefine the style of football they play. Everything on the pitch last season under Arne Slot felt very placid as Liverpool failed to dominate opponents and were often found overrun. The new head coach will want to demonstrate his plans and implement an attacking style to best use what is available to him. Anfield does not want to witness back-foot football, fans want to see a swagger to those in red. Supporters and Slot suffered from a disconnect in the final months. The Dutchman was hindered by not possessing the vivacious personality of Jürgen Klopp nor the results in the end, and the aforementioned tedious style. The successor will want to put fans at the forefront and build a strong bond between stands and dugout, built on a platform of attractive play.Investment Analysis: Underperforming Key SigningsAfter spending heavily last summer trying to build a squad capable of dominating the Premier League for years to come, it was difficult to pick out someone who thrived. Hugo Ekitiké was the best of the new arrivals but record signings Florian Wirtz and Alexander Isak barely made the season's footnotes. Isak could at least attribute his struggles to fitness and injury problems, including a leg fracture, but the German's first taste of English football was a sour one. He never looked comfortable as a No 10, physically finding it tough going as speed on the ball and strength in battle were lacking. Getting the best out of a clearly talented player must be a priority, because Wirtz has the capabilities to open defences and help Liverpool control games but needs a confidence boost and an arm around the shoulder.Structural Impact: Midfield Deficiencies and Leadership VacuumWirtz is part of a wider midfield issue that lacks physicality and an obvious No 6. Ryan Gravenberch was elected as the man for the role by Slot, which worked well when the possession stats were in Liverpool's favour but finding someone who can break things up effectively is advisable. Every other team have someone who can break up play but Liverpool lack someone in that role. Not since Georginio Wijnaldum or Fabinho have the club possessed someone capable of overwhelming opponents with their physical attributes and in an evolving sport, this oversight must end. Dominik Szoboszlai being moved around the pitch was unhelpful because he can be one of the best central midfielders in the world but needs a defined position to make his own.The players departing Anfield are weighed down with individual and team trinkets, thanks to the success they have enjoyed with Liverpool. Arguably, the influence of Salah and Andy Robertson on the pitch waned in their final season with the club but their experience and winning mentality will be a huge loss to the dressing room and training ground. Ibrahima Konaté is another exiting, providing a recruitment headache the club were not fully anticipating. It does beg the question if it is the right time to allow Alisson Becker, who has suffered from injury problems in recent times, to be sold and allow a new generation to start afresh, with Virgil van Dijk leading the transition. There are plenty of potential internal candidates who can take on greater responsibility but it may require a change in transfer strategy to acquire players in their late-20s with Champions League experience to help give the right balance.Defensive Rebuild: Addressing Key DeparturesKonaté's contract expiration will be softened by Jérémy Jacquet's impending arrival but further investment is required. Van Dijk's longevity is unknown so finding a partnership for the long term will be critical; a more rugged centre-back like Nottingham Forest's Murillo could be an ideal choice to offer balance and greater aggression. Competition for Milos Kerkez will be important, but if Andoni Iraola does take the job the reunion could get the best out of the Hungarian and get him to flourish after a mixed first year on Merseyside. On the opposite side, continuity would help everyone because Slot was forced to trying numerous people in the role, many out of position. Ideally, Conor Bradley or Jeremie Frimpong can make it their own, having struggled to replace Trent Alexander-Arnold, although both have suffered with injury problems. If they can stay fit, they both possess the quality to be a solution, especially if clever coaching can embrace their attacking prowess and incorporate more defensive discipline.Future Outlook: Rebuilding the AttackSlot insisted that new wingers would change the dynamic next season but he will not be the one to benefit. Salah is off, Federico Chiesa cannot carry on as a bit-part, so will almost certainly leave too, freeing up some space on the flanks. Rio Ngumoha offered brief teenage glimpses of excitement as someone with the pace and trickery to get past full-backs. Frimpong, brought in as a right-back, was more often found on the wing because he possessed the speed Slot desired in those areas, while also offering a further indication that the transfer dealings left a lot to be desired. They did not replace the maverick tendencies of Luis Díaz and Cody Gakpo has never looked a natural winger. Targeting new wide men will be imperative. RB Leipzig's Yan Diomande, Brighton's Yankuba Minteh or Athletic Club's Neco Williams would be ideal candidates to bring thrust to a side lacking dynamism and get supporters off their seats.

The Connection to Nature As a recent study revealed almost half of UK adults now spend less than three hours a week in natural settings such as gardens, parks, fields or woods, we asked readers to tell us about what being outside means to them. Personal Stories of Healing The replies – heartfelt and passionate – came flooding in, with some admitting they just did not have the words to say how important it is. “It’s my happy place, my therapy and a reason to slow down and pause during my busy week,” wrote Hannah Powell from Perrywood garden centres. “I HAVE to look at plants every day. I notice every change in the garden. I sit facing the garden for my breakfast. I look out for nature on the way to work (recently seeing a little owl, red kites, foxes, hares, and more). It helped me get better when I had burnout and FND in London. I wouldn’t (couldn’t) be without it.” The Science Behind Nature's Benefits David Lynch esaid about his love of being outside. “Anxiety levels drop, all worldly concerns are put in perspective and [I] feel younger.” He agreed with others that there was plenty of recent science explaining the health benefits, but added: “I also read about ancient wisdom of Buddhism, which advocates solitary time in nature. All sources uphold the truth that better connection with nature brings better self-awareness and increased sensitivity to the needs of our ecosystem, plus better connection with each other.” The Impact on Mental Health Isabel Romaniw, who is working towards becoming a forest bathing guide, wrote passionately about the basic human need to be outside and to connect with nature. “We are animal, a simultaneously ordinary and yet utterly remarkable part of the great, miraculous tapestry of life on Earth. We have done much to shape our world and influence the fates of almost all other species we share our world with, but we must remember that we are but a tiny chapter, perhaps a footnote, in the ongoing story of the universe, in order to start to heal the damage and repair our relationships with ourselves, with each other, with our other-than-human kin, and with our one precious home.” For Romaniw, as for many others, our disconnection with nature is closely linked to “the worsening physical, mental and spiritual health crises that seem to be going on”. Cherished Memories of Nature Many of you had wonderful memories of times outside. “I was a sickly, pasty, shy, anxious kid,” wrote Mat Jordan. “In the early 70s my parents couldn’t afford to take us to the seaside one year so we went camping in the Peak District instead. It was a revelation. I absolutely loved it. The landscape and dry-stone walls of the white peak are still a favourite, although I spent some years in my 20s living in the Lake District too. One of my favourite memories is driving out of Sheffield into the Peaks with my then baby son to get him to fall asleep and still being awe-struck at the beauty on our doorstep.”

The Lead: Unprecedented Cancer Treatment SuccessDoctors have hailed "unprecedented" trial results that show a triple-action cancer jab can eradicate entire tumours in patients. In an international trial spanning 11 countries, the injection was offered to patients whose cancer had spread or come back and whose disease had failed to respond to other treatments.The Breakthrough: Amivantamab's Triple-Action ApproachThe jab, called amivantamab, shrank the tumours of more than a third of patients, with dramatic changes seen within weeks. In 15 of them, doctors found the drug had melted away their tumours altogether.The smart jab targets cancer in three ways. It blocks both EGFR (epidermal growth factor receptor), a protein that helps tumours grow, and MET, a pathway that cancer cells often use to escape treatment. It also helps activate the immune system to attack the tumour.The Clinical Trial Data: Impressive Response RatesIn the trial, 102 patients with head and neck cancer, the world's sixth most common cancer, were given the jab. Tumours shrank or disappeared completely in 43 patients, including 28 whose tumours shrank significantly and 15 who saw them eradicated entirely.Patients receiving amivantamab lived for a median of 12.5 months overall after starting treatment, despite having a form of cancer with very poor outcomes, once standard treatments stop working.The Impact Analysis: New Hope for Treatment-Resistant CancersKevin Harrington, professor in biological cancer therapies at the Institute of Cancer Research, London (ICR), said: "These are unprecedentedly strong responses in patients whose disease has become resistant to both chemotherapy and immunotherapy. This is a group of patients for whom treatment options are extremely limited, so seeing this level of benefit is very striking."Researchers also highlighted that the trial focused on people with head and neck cancers that did not include those with human papillomavirus (HPV) positive oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma. That is particularly significant, they said, since head and neck cancers not caused by HPV are usually harder to treat, making progress in this group hugely important.The Patient Experience: Transforming Quality of LifeOne of the first patients to benefit was Carl Walsh, 56, who was diagnosed with tongue cancer in May 2024 and joined the OrigAMI-4 trial at the Royal Marsden in July 2025. "I was initially treated with both chemotherapy and immunotherapy, which unfortunately were not successful," he said. "At that point, I was recommended for the OrigAMI-4 trial. I'm now on my 17th cycle of treatment and I'm very pleased with the progress so far."Unlike many cancer treatments, amivantamab is given as a tiny jab under the skin rather than via an intravenous drip, making treatment quicker and more convenient for patients and much easier to deliver in outpatient clinics.The Future Outlook: Expanding Treatment ApplicationsThe results will be presented on Sunday in Chicago at the world's largest cancer conference, the annual meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology (Asco).Amivantamab, developed by Johnson & Johnson, is now being evaluated in about 60 clinical trials, primarily for lung cancer, but also for colorectal, brain and gastric cancers.Prof Kristian Helin, the chief executive of the ICR, said: "This study demonstrates how the development of new treatments through rigorous cancer research may lead to meaningful advances, even for patients with very limited treatment options. Achieving this level of tumour response and encouraging survival outcomes in such a challenging-to-treat group represents a significant step forward."

The Spurs' Championship AscentThe San Antonio Spurs, sparked by superstar Victor Wembanyama, have advanced to the NBA Finals for the first time since 2014 by dethroning defending champions Oklahoma City Thunder 111-103 to book a championship showdown against the New York Knicks. The Spurs captured the best-of-seven Western Conference finals 4-3 on Saturday and reached the NBA Finals, which begin on Wednesday against the Knicks in San Antonio."Though we're still hungry for one more, this feeling is, I can't explain it, it's so powerful," Wembanyama said. "We want four more. We're not done. Go Spurs go."Game Seven Breakthrough PerformanceFrench 7-foot-4 (2.24m) centre Wembanyama scored 22 points and grabbed seven rebounds, Julian Champagnie added 20 points, including six three-pointers, and Stephon Castle had 16 points for the Spurs, who led the winner-take-all contest almost the entire way. "Wemby" dominated in his first playoff game seven and was emotional at the finish, laughing and crying and hugging teammates over reaching his first NBA Finals."Realising that some part of the childhood dream was going to come true," the 22-year-old Frenchman said of his reaction. "They don't even know how much I love them. They are just incredible. Everybody stepped up tonight."Statistical Impact of the VictoryThe Spurs' victory was built on team basketball and key individual performances. Wembanyama hit two three-pointers in a 17-9 run to start the fourth quarter that lifted the Spurs ahead 97-86 with eight minutes remaining. Despite being whistled for his fifth foul shortly after, the Spurs maintained their lead to secure the series victory.NBA Most Valuable Player Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led Oklahoma City with 35 points in a valiant effort. "He was brilliant. He had a great game," Thunder coach Mark Daigneault said. "He delivered. It was a really big-time game for him."Historic Significance for the FranchiseThis victory marks a significant milestone for the Spurs franchise, ending a 12-year drought since their last NBA Finals appearance in 2014. The Spurs squad with only one player that had been in a game seven before overcame a more experienced Thunder squad that won the title in a game seven last year."Back in October we knew we had a chance to be pretty good," Spurs coach Mitch Johnson said. "There's a lot being talked about, words like competitiveness, resolve, togetherness, execution — who gives a damn about the word experience? They had to go out and execute, and they did."Finals Preview: Spurs vs Knicks RematchThe win sets up an NBA Finals repeat of this season's NBA Cup final, which the Knicks won with a 124-113 defeat of San Antonio last December in Las Vegas. The matchup presents significant challenges for the Spurs, who will need to adjust to the Knicks' physical style of play."A lot of physicality, hit first, and rebounding," Champagnie said of the Knicks. "It will be a nice challenge for us." With Wembanyama's emergence as a superstar and the team's unexpected championship run, the Spurs enter the Finals as underdogs with momentum on their side.