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Cameron Boozer earned the Associated Press men’s college basketball Player of the Year honor, marking the fifth time a freshman has captured the award and the second consecutive year a Duke freshman has done so. The 6‑foot‑9 forward was a cornerstone of a Duke squad that posted 35 victories, topped the AP Top 25 poll, secured the No. 1 overall seed for March Madness and advanced to the Elite Eight. Boozer’s versatility—scoring against physical defenses, stretching the floor with perimeter shooting, and facilitating the offense—proved decisive throughout the campaign. Joining the ranks of Cooper Flagg (2025), Zion Williamson (2019), Anthony Davis (2012) and Kevin Durant (2007), Boozer joins a short list of freshmen who later became top‑two NBA draft picks. He noted, “It’s not just about me; the team’s success amplifies these recognitions.” In the AP voting, Boozer secured 59 of 61 votes, with the remaining two cast for BYU freshman AJ Dybantsa, who averaged a national‑best 25.5 points per game. Statistically, Boozer averaged 22.5 points (ninth in Division I) and 10.2 rebounds (twelfth), while dishing out 4.1 assists. His shooting efficiency stood at 55.6% from the field and 39.1% from three‑point range**, and he tied for the national lead with 22 double‑doubles. These numbers underscore his readiness for the professional level. Highlights of his season include a career‑high 35 points against Arkansas, a 29‑point effort versus defending champion Florida, and a dominant 18‑point, 15‑rebound performance against Michigan State. Even in Duke’s season‑ending loss to UConn, Boozer contributed 27 points despite a swollen right eye from an early‑game blow. Duke associate head coach Chris Carrawell praised Boozer, saying the program has been “fortunate to have two of the best freshmen ever play back‑to‑back,” and placed him “right up there” with the sport’s recent legends. In related honors, Fred Hoiberg was named AP Coach of the Year after guiding Nebraska to a breakthrough 28‑win season.

Spain's hopes of hosting the 2030 World Cup final have been dealt a blow after a friendly match against Egypt was overshadowed by racist and Islamophobic chants from a section of the Spanish fans. The chants, which included "Whoever doesn't jump is Muslim," were heard twice during the 0-0 draw in Barcelona on Tuesday, prompting an investigation by Spanish police and widespread condemnation from authorities, football officials, and players. Lamine Yamal, Spain's star winger and a Muslim whose father moved from Morocco to Spain, issued a damning statement on Instagram, condemning the chants as "disrespectful and intolerable." He emphasized that using a religion as a mockery on the field "makes you ignorant and racist people." The incident has highlighted the ongoing issues of structural racism in Spanish society, particularly against Muslims and immigrants from Morocco. Analysts and experts have pointed to a rise in far-right sentiment and xenophobia, as well as a lack of awareness and action to combat racism in various sectors, including sports and education. The Spanish Football Federation, La Liga, and many leading footballers have condemned the chants, while efforts to combat racism in sports have been acknowledged as improving in recent years. However, the incident has also sparked a political debate, with some far-right leaders downplaying the significance of the chants. The incident comes as Spain, along with Morocco and Portugal, is bidding to host the 2030 World Cup, with the final destination yet to be decided by FIFA. The anti-Muslim chants have raised concerns about Spain's ability to host a successful and inclusive tournament.

In the northeastern Indian state of Assam, the redrawing of electoral constituency boundaries has sparked concerns about the erosion of Muslim representation in the state's legislative assembly. The move, which was implemented in 2023, has been criticized as an example of 'gerrymandering' – the manipulation of electoral boundaries to favor a dominant group or party.The changes have resulted in Muslims forming the majority in about 20 of the state's 126 constituencies, down from around 35 previously. This shift is seen as a significant blow to the political representation of Assam's 11 million Muslims, who make up more than 34% of the state's population.Critics argue that the BJP's Hindu majoritarian policies are being implemented in Assam, which could serve as a template for the rest of India. The party has been accused of using techniques such as 'cracking,' 'packing,' and 'stacking' to weaken the electoral influence of Muslims.The delimitation exercise has been defended by the BJP as a means of protecting the political rights of 'indigenous people,' a reference to Assamese-speaking individuals. However, opponents claim that the move is a thinly veiled attempt to reduce the political power of Bengali-speaking Muslims in the state.For many Muslims in Assam, the changes have left them feeling politically emasculated. As Islam Uddin, a retired teacher from Katigorah, put it, 'We have been politically emasculated.' Another Muslim voter, Nabab Mezbahul Alam, described the situation as being like having 'hands, feet, and head to move and see, but [being] muted.'

President Donald Trump told allies that Tehran does not need to negotiate a settlement for the hostilities to cease, estimating the conflict could be over in two to three weeks. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, however, dismissed any hope of talks, stating that Tehran has zero trust in Washington.US‑Israeli air raids persist across Iran, hitting key industrial and civilian targets such as steel factories in Isfahan and Farokhshahr, pharmaceutical facilities, port infrastructure, meteorological stations and a residential complex. Iranian state media and the Red Crescent reported explosions in cities including Ahvaz, Shiraz, Isfahan, Karaj, Kermanshah and Bandar Abbas.An Iranian official said the Tofigh Daru pharmaceutical raw‑material plant in Tehran was struck, crippling its research and development wing and delivering a "blow to the national medical supply chain." In Bandar Abbas, the Shahid Haqqani passenger pier was bombed, though officials claimed no casualties.A desalination plant on Qeshm Island, crucial for water supply in the Strait of Hormuz, was knocked out of service by the strikes.Analyst Trita Parsi warned that the war is unlikely to end swiftly and that the Strait of Hormuz will remain closed, noting that it will not be easy for President Trump to simply walk away from the conflict.Casualties have surpassed 2,000 Iranians, with numerous civilian sites—including hospitals, schools, universities and pharmaceutical factories—targeted, raising concerns of potential war‑crime violations.On the diplomatic front, Spain, France and Italy have begun curbing U.S. military operations by closing airspace, denying base access and limiting logistical support. Meanwhile, China and Pakistan have tabled a five‑point cease‑fire proposal that calls for reopening the Strait of Hormuz.Regional leaders are also active: Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani and UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan have convened to discuss the Iran war, while Argentina, under President Javier Milei, officially labeled Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps as a “terrorist” organization.Pope Francis (Leo XIV) appealed directly to President Trump, urging an end to the violence and expressing hope that the U.S. leader is moving toward a resolution.In the Gulf, Iranian drones have repeatedly struck Kuwait’s airport, forcing the closure of its airspace since late February; Saudi Arabia has stepped in to provide transport for affected passengers. Bahrain sounded air‑raid sirens, and Saudi forces reported intercepting two additional drones.A merchant vessel north of Doha suffered damage from an "unknown projectile," though the crew remained unharmed and no environmental harm was recorded.U.S. officials remain divided: while Trump predicts a rapid end, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth warned that the United States is "negotiating with bombs" and that the coming days are decisive. The war’s uncertainty has pushed oil prices higher, prompting U.S. Senator Chris Coons to warn that American families face rising grocery, utility and mortgage costs.Israel continues to face coordinated attacks from Iran and Hezbollah, with missile and drone incursions reported across northern and central regions. Despite these threats, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu asserted that Iran’s regional allies no longer pose an "existential threat," yet Israel plans to maintain its offensive, including operations in Lebanon.In Lebanon, Israeli ground advances and heavy bombardments have resulted in over 1,200 deaths and displaced roughly 1.2 million people since early March. Iraqi militia Kata’ib Sayyid al‑Shuhada warned that any U.S. ground incursion into Iran via Kuwait could trigger an all‑out war.

Italy, a four-time World Cup champion, has failed to qualify for three consecutive World Cup finals for the first time. They were reduced to 10 men in the first half of normal time after Alessandro Bastoni saw red for a professional foul. Despite taking the lead through Moise Kean's fine finish, Italy couldn't hold on and were eventually beaten in the shootout.Bosnia and Herzegovina secured their spot in the 2026 World Cup with a dramatic penalty shootout win. Esmir Bajraktarevic hit the winning spot kick in Zenica, sending the home crowd into delirium. This will be Bosnia's second World Cup appearance, and their first since 2014.In another qualifying playoff, Czechia also secured their place in the 2026 World Cup by beating Denmark in a shootout following a 2-2 draw after extra time. Michal Sadilek's penalty was the decisive blow, sending Czechia to their first World Cup since 2006.

Donald Trump announced over the weekend that he wants to "take the oil in Iran" by seizing control of Kharg Island, the strategic outpost through which roughly 90% of Iran’s oil exports flow. Experts say the remark underscores a blatant disregard for international law and exemplifies what they term “fossil‑fuel imperialism.” Patrick Bigger, co‑director of the Transition Security Project, described the approach as a "might‑makes‑right" logic that is both "abhorrent and spectacularly miscalculated." Trump is slated to give an update on the Iran‑U.S. conflict on Wednesday. He previously claimed the war could end within weeks, a statement that sent the stock market soaring on expectations of de‑escalation. Iran, however, has insisted it needs guarantees against future attacks before halting its counter‑offensive. The fighting continues, highlighted by an Iranian strike on a fully loaded crude tanker in Dubai and threats to "blow up and completely obliterate" Iran’s energy infrastructure if the Strait of Hormuz is not reopened promptly. Kharg Island, a five‑mile strip that handles the bulk of Iran’s oil shipments, along with its power plants and oil wells, has been singled out by Trump. He told the Financial Times that U.S. forces should take over the island and the oil stored there. "My favorite thing is to take the oil in Iran," Trump said, adding that critics in the United States are "stupid people." Amir Handjani, an energy lawyer at the Quincy Institute, warned that the statement "completely discredited" the war’s stated objectives and revealed a classic play for natural resources. Handjani noted that Trump’s desire to seize Iranian oil is not new; he voiced similar ambitions in a 1988 interview while promoting The Art of the Deal, saying he would "do a number on Kharg Island" if elected. The former president has also floated comparable ideas for Iraq, Syria and Venezuela, suggesting the United States could appropriate their oil to offset war costs or bolster strategic reserves. Handjani emphasized that international law provides no framework for waging war to capture sovereign nations' natural resources. From a military perspective, taking Kharg Island would be extremely challenging. Iranian missile defenses have rendered regional U.S. bases inoperable, meaning any assault would likely require a parachute insertion of Marines into heavy fire, with the risk of massive Iranian retaliation. Handjani warned that such retaliation could target oil export terminals across the Persian Gulf, potentially driving crude prices to $200‑$300 per barrel and destabilising the global economy. The conflict has already caused the largest-ever disruption to global energy supplies, killing thousands and sparking sharp fuel‑price shocks. While consumers bear the brunt, major fossil‑fuel companies are enjoying windfall profits. Bigger noted that higher oil prices benefit oil majors and are being used as a pretext to expand U.S. drilling, further entrenching reliance on carbon‑intensive fuels. According to Bigger, Trump’s rhetoric reveals a belief that "fossil fuels are a linchpin of his domestic industrial strategy," and that controlling oil equates to controlling global power. He argues that this mindset threatens the international order and hampers the transition to cleaner energy.

The arrival of drier March days brings with it the familiar hum of lawn mowers on urban housing estates, but for the author, it's a signal to search for the first signs of their beloved spring flower: the dandelion. Spotting one blooming in a crack beside a crumbling wall, the author can't help but feel a sense of joy and connection to this often-maligned weed. The dandelion's unique charm lies in its ability to thrive in unexpected places, much like the author, who identifies as a wheelchair user, feels a kinship with the flower's resilient nature. This connection is shared with toddlers who delight in carrying dandelions in their fists, and the author jokingly suggests that dandelions would make a perfect bridal bouquet. Dandelions are pure sunshine, offering an instant tonic for grey days or low moods. They provide a vital source of nutrition for pollinators when other pollen is scarce, acting as a bridge until other spring flowers bloom. The flowers, roots, and leaves are also a remarkably nutritious food source, boasting more vitamin A than spinach and more vitamin C than tomatoes. The dandelion's thick roots, rich in latex, are being explored as a sustainable and eco-friendly source of rubber for car and bicycle tires. Additionally, the flower's behavior serves as a rudimentary weather forecast, closing its petals tight when rain is approaching to protect its pollen. As the dandelion's flowering cycle comes to an end, it offers a final gift: turning into bright, white moons. Blowing on these seed heads not only helps spread the seeds but also feels like an appropriate thank you for all that the dandelion provides.

Former England rugby prop Mako Vunipola has confirmed he will be joining Leicester Tigers this summer. The 35-year-old, who has 79 England caps and was part of three British & Irish Lions tours, will reunite with his former England teammate and Leicester head coach, Geoff Parling.Vunipola, currently playing for Vannes in France's ProD2, has opted to extend his career by a year with the Tigers. Parling expressed his excitement about Vunipola's addition, highlighting his experience and skill as valuable assets to the team.“He was hungry for the chance to come back to the Prem and finish in the comp he knows best,” Parling said. The signing is seen as a significant boost to Leicester's pack for the upcoming season.Vunipola spent 13 years of his career at Saracens and will also mentor Leicester's academy youngsters with a view to a possible future coaching career.“It still hasn’t sunk in,” Vunipola said. “It’s something I would never have envisaged but I am honoured to be part of this prestigious club. Tigers are an incredibly well‑supported club and their fans are so passionate about their rugby.”In other rugby news, Exeter Chiefs have announced the signing of Sam Harris from Bath on a two-year deal. Additionally, Leinster and South Africa have been dealt a blow with RG Snyman likely to be out for the rest of the year due to a knee injury.

Dozens of professional clowns paraded through the streets of La Paz on Monday, demanding the repeal of a government decree that would restrict extracurricular activities in schools and jeopardise their earnings.Clad in full face paint and their trademark red noses, the performers gathered outside the Ministry of Education to denounce a February‑issued mandate that obliges schools to deliver 200 days of instruction annually. The rule effectively bans holiday parties and other special events—the primary venues where clowns are hired to entertain children.“This decree will economically affect all of us who work with children,” warned Wilder Ramírez, a union leader known as Zapallito. He added that “children need to laugh,” questioning whether the education minister had ever experienced a childhood.The decree, signed by President Rodrigo Paz, stipulates that celebrations may no longer be authorised on regular school days, though they could be organised voluntarily on weekends. Officials said they would consider the clowns’ feedback when drafting the 2027 school‑year regulations, but the promise offered little consolation to the protesters.Elías Gutiérrez, spokesperson for the Confederation of Artisanal Workers of Bolivia, stressed that the measure will shrink their income at a time when the country faces its worst economic crisis in decades. Revenues from natural‑gas exports have plummeted, and a shortage of US dollars has driven up import costs, deepening the financial strain on informal workers.Joining the clowns were tailors who create costumes for children’s events, photographers who cover school festivities, and other artisans dependent on the seasonal market. The demonstrators marched through central La Paz, blowing whistles and setting off small fireworks, while one participant brandished a sign accusing the government of “taking away smiles, and taking work away.”