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The Israeli Government's Settlement Funding Plan The Israeli government has allocated a first tranche of an expected $388m in new funds for the construction of settlements in the occupied West Bank. The anti-settlement group Peace Now reported on Thursday that the government had allocated 152 million shekels ($51m) to prepare construction plans for 69 illegal settlements and outposts in the occupied West Bank. Details of the Planned Allocation The cabinet later reportedly postponed a decision about a 1-billion-shekel ($338m) allocation. That proposal, if passed, would mark one of the largest expansions of illegal Israeli settlements in decades. The government decided to postpone the decision [on the 1-billion-shekel allocation] and refer it to the Security Cabinet which is expected to convene on Sunday. Under the yet-to-be-approved plan, construction for the settlements, including infrastructure and public buildings, would begin despite necessary planning protocols not having been carried out in accord with Israeli law. International Condemnation and Criticism Israel has come under growing condemnation for expanding settlements in the occupied West Bank, which are illegal under international law. On Tuesday, the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, France and Norway imposed sanctions on networks involved in financing, enabling and carrying out settler violence against Palestinians. According to Peace Now, the current Israeli government has approved 103 settlements since it took office in December 2022. From that figure, 51 are entirely new settlements. The Impact on Palestinians At least 117 villages in the West Bank have been subject to either complete or partial displacement due to settler attacks, according to the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA). Amnesty International published a report accusing the Israeli government of playing a central role in what it describes as the ethnic cleansing of Palestinians in the occupied West Bank.

Mauricio Pochettino paused before a crowd of 5,500 at Championship Soccer Stadium in Irvine, California, to remind everyone that the United States is hosting a World Cup that demands more than just participation. The opening training session set the tone for a tournament where the question "what is enough?" looms over players, coaches and a nation eager to rewrite its soccer narrative.The Opening Training Session in Irvine Highlights US AmbitionsThe Argentine coach, speaking in a Rioplatense‑accented English, joked about faulty microphones before rallying fans with a chant of "USA!" The event, attended by thousands who won a lottery for tickets, showcased a blend of optimism and nervous energy as the team prepared to face a challenging group featuring Paraguay, Australia and Turkey.Financial Stakes: $6 million Annual Contract and Commercial ExpectationsPochettino arrived on a $6 million‑per‑year contract—the largest outlay for a coach in US Soccer history—signaling the federation’s willingness to invest heavily in a historic World Cup run. Over his 22‑month tenure the team has recorded 15 wins, 10 losses and one draw, a mixed ledger that underscores the high‑risk, high‑reward nature of the financial commitment.Broader Impact: Shaping American Soccer Culture and Market PotentialSuccess on the world stage could trigger a cascade of benefits: increased television viewership, a surge in grassroots participation, and a flood of commercial dollars that might finally rival baseball, basketball and American football. With a population of nearly 400 million, including 80 million Latino fans who already possess a "football DNA," the tournament offers a rare chance to embed soccer into the mainstream American sports fabric.Looking Ahead: Scenarios for the US Team in 2026 and BeyondAnalysts warn that the US could exit at the group stage or bow out in the first knockout round, yet Pochettino and star Christian Pulisic maintain that the squad can compete with elite nations. A quarter‑final run—matching the 2002 achievement—would likely boost the sport’s credibility, while a deeper run could cement soccer as a permanent fixture in the national consciousness. The next weeks will reveal whether the team can translate ambition into results that satisfy both fans and the broader cultural expectations.

The Guardian’s latest feature ranks Kathleen Turner’s filmography from 1984 to 2022, presenting a curated top‑20 that showcases the actress’s shifting on‑screen personas and the industry’s changing appetite for her talent.The Guardian’s Curated Countdown of Turner’s Career Highlights20 titles evaluated, ranging from early comedies to recent indie dramas.Rankings are based on a mix of critical reception, cultural impact, and Turner’s performance nuances.Films include Marley & Me (2008), The Estate (2022), Monster House (2006), and The Virgin Suicides (1999).Box‑Office and Critical Reception of the Top PicksWhile many of Turner’s early blockbusters such as Romancing the Stone (not listed) earned multi‑million dollar grosses, the Guardian’s list leans toward titles that earned critical acclaim or cult status. For example, Marley & Me grossed over $140 million worldwide, whereas The Virgin Suicides garnered a modest $10 million but secured a lasting auteur reputation.Turner’s Evolving On‑Screen Persona Across the DecadesThe rankings illustrate a clear trajectory: early roles emphasized sharp wit and physical comedy, mid‑career choices highlighted darker, more complex characters, and later entries show Turner embracing meta‑commentary and voice work. Notable shifts include the “drill‑sergeant” dog‑trainer in Marley & Me and the melancholic mother in The Virgin Suicides.What the List Reveals About Late‑Career Opportunities for Veteran ActorsEntries such as The Estate (2022) and Switching Channels (1988) demonstrate that seasoned performers can still secure roles that blend humor with pathos, often in ensemble casts that benefit from their experience. The Guardian’s commentary suggests a growing industry respect for veteran talent in both lead and supporting capacities.Future Re‑Assessments and Potential RediscoveriesAs streaming platforms revive older titles, several lower‑ranked films—like A Breed Apart (1984) and Switching Channels (1988)—may experience renewed viewership, prompting critics to re‑evaluate Turner’s contributions beyond the marquee hits. The list therefore serves as both a retrospective and a guide for upcoming retrospectives.

The World Bank's Economic Outlook The World Bank has warned that global economic growth will slow to 2.5% this year, the weakest since the Covid pandemic, due to the war in the Middle East and rising inflation. The Washington-based development bank has downgraded growth forecasts for two-thirds of countries in its half-yearly Global Economic Prospects report. Global Economic Growth Forecast The bank estimated that global growth was 2.7% in 2025. Even if the disruption to oil flows in the strait of Hormuz shipping channel triggered by the Iran war abates next month, the World Bank expects global inflation to rise to 4% in 2026, up significantly from 3.3% in 2025. Impact on Developing Countries Average fertiliser prices are expected to jump by as much as 38% this year, as a result of disruption of supplies through the strait, and shortages of the inputs for fertiliser production from the Gulf. After this latest hit to their prospects, developing countries, aside from India and China, will have endured a decade without managing to narrow the gap with advanced economies, the World Bank argued. The World Bank's Response The Bank said it is making up to $100bn available over the next 15 months for the countries worst affected by the knock-on effects of the war, to help them ride out the crisis. With the ceasefire between the US and Iran appearing increasingly fragile in recent days, it also warned of a further deterioration in the economic outlook. Economic Outlook and Risks “A renewed escalation of hostilities or more prolonged disruptions to commodity flows could further raise commodity prices, intensify inflationary pressures and food insecurity, trigger financial stress and lower growth,” it said, adding that in this downside scenario, global growth could fall to just 1.3%. The World Bank points out that since 2010, aggregate government debt in developing countries has increased from 40% of GDP to 70% of GDP.

Allison Kirkby, BT's first female chief executive, saw her total remuneration rise to £5.58 million for the year to March 2026 – more than double the £2.48 million she earned in her inaugural year and the highest pay award at the telecoms group in over a decade.Kirkby's Compensation Package More Than DoublesThe remuneration package, announced in June 2026, includes a £1 million cash bonus payable this month and £3.25 million in share awards under a long‑term incentive programme that will vest over three years. Her base salary was increased by 3 % to £1.1 million, while BT secured a 4.1 % pay rise for staff earning under £30,000 and a 3 % rise for higher earners.Breakdown of the £5.58 million Package and Historical ComparisonsCash bonus: £1 millionShare awards: £3.25 million (vest over three years)Salary: £1.1 million after a 3 % increaseTotal 2025‑26 package: £5.58 millionPrevious year (2024‑25): £2.48 millionPredecessor Philip Jansen's peak: £3.7 millionIan Livingston's 2012‑13 award: £9.4 millionImpact on BT's Share Price and Workforce RestructuringBT's share price has surged almost 80 % since Kirkby took the helm in February 2024, a rally that directly inflates the value of her share‑based awards. The rise comes as the company completes a costly infrastructure upgrade programme and has already cut 55,000 jobs from a global workforce of 130,000, citing efficiency gains driven by AI.Future Outlook for Executive Pay and BT's Strategic DirectionAnalysts expect heightened scrutiny of executive remuneration as BT balances shareholder returns with ongoing cost‑cutting and investment in full‑fibre and 5G networks. If the share‑price momentum continues, long‑term incentive awards could push future pay packages even higher, while union negotiations may temper salary growth for the broader workforce.

The Lead Iran has announced that the Strait of Hormuz has been completely closed to all oil tankers and commercial ships in response to recent US strikes on the country, and stated any vessel attempting to pass would be shot at. The Event Details The strait is one of the world’s most important maritime routes, as it is the only route to the open sea for oil producers in the Gulf. In peacetime, 20 percent of global oil and liquefied natural gas (LNG) is shipped through it. Following the first US-Israel strikes on Tehran on February 28, Iran closed the passage to shipping traffic. The waterway remains Iran’s most significant leverage in ongoing peace negotiations with the United States. The Data Analysis Since the blockade of the strait began, oil prices have soared as high as $126 per barrel, compared with a pre-war price of about $65. According to ship-tracking data from Kpler, 279 ships are known to have transited the strait between February 28 and April 12. However, at least 22 ships have been attacked, according to Kpler. The Impact Analysis The blockade of the Strait of Hormuz has caused one of the worst energy crises in decades, with experts warning of a looming global recession. The paralysis of the Strait of Hormuz has also affected the supply of fertilisers and pharmaceuticals to countries around the world since ships carrying these supplies have been unable to pass through the strait. The Prediction Analysts say the recent exchanges of fire show the two sides are testing each other’s resolve to maintain a fragile, temporary truce. However, Brussels-based military analyst Elijah Magnier told Al Jazeera the “tit-for-tat” series of attacks between the US and Iran is particularly “dangerous” because it “risks miscalculation” in an already-tense environment. The Iranian statement will jack up energy prices, which translates into pressure on President Trump to back off, according to Ali Vaez, director of the Iran Project and senior adviser at the International Crisis Group.

The LeadA massive mural featuring Brazilian football superstar Neymar has been unveiled on a street in Brazil, creating a new landmark for fans and art enthusiasts. The larger-than-life artwork celebrates Neymar's illustrious career and his impact on Brazilian football.The Artistic CelebrationThe mural, which spans an entire building facade, showcases Neymar in various iconic poses throughout his career. Local artists collaborated to create this tribute, which has been receiving widespread attention on social media and drawing crowds to the neighborhood.The Cultural ImpactStreet art has become an increasingly popular medium in Brazil to celebrate national heroes and cultural icons. Neymar's mural joins a growing collection of public artworks dedicated to football legends, reflecting the sport's deep roots in Brazilian culture and society.The Fan ReactionSince its unveiling, the mural has become a must-visit location for Neymar fans visiting Brazil. Supporters have been gathering to take photos and share their appreciation for both the artwork and the player it depicts.The Future of Sports MemorialsThis mural represents a new trend of permanent public tributes to athletes in Brazil. As Neymar continues his career, both domestically and internationally, such artworks serve as reminders of his contributions to the sport and his status as a national icon.

Lead: 52 FAWNL clubs demand a vote on WSL academy side integration52 clubs representing a > two‑thirds majority of the FAWNL (72 clubs in tiers three and four) have sent a letter to the FA calling for a special general meeting to decide on the proposal to add WSL academy teams to the third tier of the English women’s pyramid.Alliance challenges the FA’s third‑tier academy proposalThe clubs argue that the competition’s rules give them the right to trigger a vote. They criticize the consultation process, saying they feel “betrayed” by the board that approved the plan without broader input.Numbers behind the opposition52 clubs signed the letter.These clubs represent > 66% of the FAWNL membership (72 clubs).The FA board is expected to ratify any changes by July 2026, with the revamp slated to start summer 2027.Potential fallout for the women’s football pyramidClub representatives warn that inserting academy sides filled with young players could lead to injuries, fixture backlogs and venue availability issues, undermining the promotion achievements of established teams.What the next months could hold for the FAWNLIf the FA schedules a special general meeting, clubs will vote on the academy integration. A rejection could force the FA to revisit the proposal, while approval would see academy teams competing in the Northern and Southern Premier divisions from 2027.

The Lead Robot vacuum cleaners have become increasingly popular for their convenience and efficiency in keeping homes clean. With various models available in the UK market, choosing the right one can be overwhelming. This article reviews and recommends the best robot vacuums for a dust-free home. Top Robot Vacuum Recommendations Best robot vacuum cleaner overall: Eufy X10 Pro Omni (£599 at Eufy) Best budget robot vacuum for small homes: Roborock Q7 L5+ (£219.99 at Amazon) Best robot vacuum for power cleaning: Samsung Bespoke Jet Bot Combo AI+ (£799 at Amazon) Best robot vacuum for obstacle avoidance: iRobot Roomba Plus 505 Combo (£349 at iRobot) Best for hard floors and open-plan homes: Dreame Matrix 10 Ultra (£1,199 at Very) Why You Should Trust the Review The reviewer has spent almost three decades testing technology and home products, providing expert insights into the features that make robot vacuums effective and easy to use. Testing Methodology The reviewer tested 11 popular robot vacuum models in a three-bedroom, two-floor home with various flooring types, including hardwood, carpets, and rugs. The tests included measuring noise levels, energy consumption, and cleaning performance.