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The US Department of Education has been notifying approximately 164,000 federal student loan borrowers about their eligibility for automatic student loan forgiveness. This move comes after allegations of misconduct against more than 150 colleges, including misrepresentation of graduation rates, post-graduation employment, and the cost of degrees.Borrowers whose colleges engaged in such misconduct can apply for loan discharge. The Guardian is seeking to hear from individuals who have successfully had their student loans forgiven. We are interested in understanding how this development will impact their lives, what new plans they will make, and what advice they have for other borrowers.Share your experience with The Guardian using their online form. The form allows for anonymous submissions and includes fields for name, location, background information, and details on how the loan forgiveness affects their life and future plans.If you’re having trouble using the form, click here. Read terms of service here and privacy policy here.

The United Kingdom is reinforcing its military presence in the Gulf with an additional deployment, bringing the total number of troops to 1,000. This decision is in response to what Defence Secretary John Healey described as an 'expanding threat' from Iran.Healey, speaking from Qatar where he met UK troops, confirmed that the UK will send more Typhoon jets to Qatar, as well as the Sky Sabre anti-drone and missile system to Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, and Kuwait. He emphasized that these deployments are for defensive operations only.The announcement comes after Donald Trump criticized the UK for refusing to 'get involved in the decapitation of Iran.' Trump stated that the USA would no longer be there to help its allies, suggesting they needed to 'start learning how to fight for yourself.'In response to Trump's comments, Healey reiterated that the UK's decisions are guided by Britain's interests and the need to defend its people and allies in the region. He highlighted that Gulf leaders will judge the UK by its actions, not words, and that the UK continues to engage in defensive operations in the Middle East.Healey also discussed the threat posed by Iranian drones and missiles, which are now targeting universities, steel works, and aluminium plants in the Gulf. He revealed that during his tour of the Middle East, he had discussed options for trying to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, which has been impacted by Iranian actions.The UK's Ministry of Defence confirmed that the Sky Sabre system and a team of operators from the Royal Artillery would move to Saudi Arabia this week. The system is capable of intercepting munitions and aircraft and will be integrated into broader Saudi and regional air defenses.

The United Kingdom's prohibition on single-use vapes, implemented last June as part of efforts to address environmental concerns and curb youth vaping, is showing mixed results. 5.4 million adults in Great Britain now vape daily or occasionally, according to official figures, making these devices an inescapable part of modern British life.The ban, which carries penalties including fines up to £200 for initial violations and potential jail time for repeat offenders, was designed to tackle two significant issues: the environmental impact of millions of plastic devices with lithium-ion batteries ending up in landfills, and the rising popularity of vaping among young people.Recent data from the recycling campaign group Material Focus indicates that 6.3 million vapes and pods are still being discarded weekly, representing a nearly 25% decrease since the ban's implementation. While this suggests some impact, waste management companies report that the devices remain a major problem, with their batteries frequently causing fires in disposal facilities."It is quite a small reduction, really," said Sarah Marsh, the Guardian's consumer affairs correspondent and former vaper. "What we are hearing from Biffa and other waste companies is that they still have a massive problem with the waste, and that has not really changed. There are still fires and people still dump rechargeable vapes and the pods."Waste companies emphasize that the ban has not adequately addressed their concerns, noting that rechargeable vapes remain too inexpensive and appear disposable to many users. The lack of sufficient effort toward changing consumer behavior has limited the ban's effectiveness."If you introduce a ban like this but you don't put the support in place to achieve your goals, like making it easy for people to recycle, the ban isn't necessarily going to work," Marsh explained. "A ban in isolation is ineffective."The environmental challenges persist alongside concerns about youth vaping. The World Health Organization has warned that e-cigarettes are driving a new wave of nicotine use among children, who are nine times more likely than adults to vape. At least 15 million children vape globally according to WHO figures.While the UK government is conducting a large-scale study on vaping's impact on children, with a quarter of 11 to 15-year-olds having tried vaping, there is not yet clear evidence on whether the disposable vape ban has affected youth usage patterns."In short, disposables have driven the surge in youth vaping, and banning them should bring numbers down, but it won't fix everything," Marsh noted. "Big tobacco companies are already set up to adapt fast and keep the next generation using nicotine. It won't be easy."Waste management companies are calling for more comprehensive solutions, including potential deposit reward schemes and changes to vape design and pricing that would discourage disposal. The UK government maintains that the ban was necessary to address the environmental blight and youth nicotine addiction caused by single-use vapes.

The concept of luck has long been shrouded in mystery, often attributed to chance or fate. However, behavioural neuroscience has made significant strides in uncovering the underlying mechanisms that govern luck. According to research, luck is not just a roll of the dice, but rather a complex interplay of brain chemistry and behaviour that can be influenced and cultivated.The neuroscience behind luck reveals that it operates through identifiable patterns of brain chemistry and behaviour. Studies have shown that the consistently lucky are not blessed by fate, but rather, they possess a unique set of habits and characteristics that enable them to capitalize on opportunities and navigate challenges more effectively. Brain imaging techniques have even identified specific regions of the brain that are activated when individuals perceive themselves as lucky, shifting their perception from threat-detection mode to opportunity-recognition mode.Serotonin production, regulated by morning sunlight, tryptophan-rich foods, and a regular sleep-wake cycle, plays a critical role in determining one's luck. Individuals who prioritize these factors are more likely to experience a boost in serotonin levels, which in turn, enhances their mood, social confidence, and resilience. Conversely, those who lead erratic lifestyles and neglect these factors may find themselves chronically sleep-deprived and less likely to encounter fortunate events.Lucky individuals also tend to possess a clear awareness of their interests and passions, which guides their decision-making and behaviour. By following their 'fascination compass', they are more likely to stumble upon opportunities and experiences that align with their values and goals. Novelty-seeking and a willingness to take calculated risks also characterize lucky individuals, as they understand that each small departure from routine can be a ticket to new experiences and encounters.Generosity and a willingness to help others without expectation of return are also key characteristics of lucky individuals. Brain imaging studies have shown that acts of genuine generosity activate the brain's deepest reward centre, releasing feel-good chemicals that reinforce positive behaviours and build social capital. By investing in others and cultivating meaningful relationships, lucky individuals create a network of opportunities and support that can help them navigate life's challenges.In conclusion, luck is not just a matter of chance, but rather a complex interplay of brain chemistry, behaviour, and habit. By understanding the underlying mechanisms that govern luck and incorporating these insights into daily life, individuals can increase their chances of experiencing fortunate events and leading a more fulfilling life.

The UK vape industry is sounding the alarm about the proliferation of fake vapes on the market, which can pose serious health risks to users. These counterfeit devices are often sold in high street shops and can look identical to legitimate products, making them difficult to spot.According to the UK Vaping Industry Association (UKVIA), around 5m illegal devices have been seized over the last three years, with a street value of £39m. These devices often lack safety features, such as circuit protection to prevent overheating, which can cause them to catch fire.John Dunne, head of the UKVIA, warns that fake vapes may cause damage to people's health as they have not undergone the same testing regime as legal devices. 'Where the packaging might look similar and the product itself may look similar, these companies may not have the same safety features built into the device, because the copycats tend to try and make the product as cheap as possible,' he says.So, how can you spot a fake vape? One of the key telltale signs is if the box does not have a UK distributor's address on it. Other signs include poor-quality packaging with low-resolution photos or labels, and missing nicotine warnings and ingredient lists. The device name or labelling may also be written in a foreign language.If you suspect that you have bought a fake vape, you can file a report through the UKVIA or contact your local Trading Standards office. You can also check whether a brand has been registered with the MHRA through its website.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has issued a stern warning to neighboring countries, urging them not to allow the US and Israel to use their territory to launch attacks against Iran. In a post on X, Pezeshkian emphasized that Iran does not initiate preemptive attacks but will strongly retaliate if its infrastructure or economic centers are targeted. “To the countries of the region: If you want development and security, don’t let our enemies run the war from your lands,” Pezeshkian stated. This message is part of a broader effort by Iran to prevent the escalation of the ongoing conflict with the US and Israel. The conflict began on February 28, when the US and Israel launched air strikes across Iran, resulting in the death of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Since then, the situation has shown no signs of de-escalation, with Israel announcing daily strikes on Iran and Tehran continuing to target its arch-rival and countries hosting US military assets. In recent developments, several Gulf states have been targeted in attacks. In Kuwait, multiple drone attacks damaged the international airport's radar system, while in Abu Dhabi, strikes caused debris to fall near the Khalifa Economic Zone, injuring six people. Iran's military claimed to have struck a Ukrainian anti-drone system depot in Dubai, which it alleged supported US forces. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi also urged regional countries to distance themselves from the US, reiterating Iran's stance that it will not tolerate the use of neighboring territories for hostile actions. The conflict has resulted in significant disruptions across the region, with at least 15 American soldiers wounded in an Iranian attack on a Saudi airbase on Friday. The situation remains volatile, with alarm sirens activated in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia's defense ministry reporting ballistic missile and drone attacks, all of which were allegedly shot down.

Mauricio Pochettino, the head coach of the US Men's National Team (USMNT), understands the pressure of playing for your national team in a way few of his players can. Having been a late cut from Argentina's World Cup plans in 1994 and 1998, Pochettino finally made the squad as a veteran in 2002. He recalls the immense pressure Argentina faced during that tournament, with the country in the midst of an unprecedented economic crisis. Pochettino shared his experiences during a press conference ahead of the USMNT's friendlies against Belgium and Portugal. He emphasized that Argentine people feel the pressure deeply, and that football is a battle to survive. The team's performance at the 2002 World Cup was catastrophic, crashing out in the group stage for the first time in half a century. Now, as the US team prepares for the World Cup on home soil, Pochettino aims to shield his players from excessive pressure. He believes that pressure can be heavy if not dealt with properly, and instead focuses on sending good energy to his players. Pochettino encourages his team to perform freely and happily, rather than under the weight of expectation. Christian Pulisic, arguably the most talented player in US soccer history, is likely to feel the burden of pressure. As Captain America, he is the highest-profile player the program has ever seen. Pulisic acknowledged the pressure, stating, "There's pressure, it's a World Cup, it's not because of my position in the team or anything. I'm used to this, I wouldn’t want to be in any other position, I'm lucky to be in this position." Pochettino has created a strong bond with his players, and his motivational approach focuses on building emotional connections. He believes that motivation begins from the first day you meet someone and that words alone are empty without an emotional bond. The coach's positivity is infectious, and his message to the team was simple: "Why not us?" Pochettino's confidence in the team's abilities is clear, stating, "Dreams inspire reality." He genuinely believes the US can compete to win the World Cup, saying, "because we are American." The team's performance will depend on various factors, but Pochettino's faith in his players is evident.

In the hallway at the Portuguese federation's base in Oeiras near Lisbon, Roberto Martínez stands with arms outstretched, embodying the warmth of welcome that has defined his coaching career. Seventy-five days before the World Cup begins, the man whose favorite goal was against Scunthorpe at Springfield Park now leads one of football's most formidable nations, with matches against Mexico and the United States serving as final preparation for the tournament.Martínez's journey to this moment defied conventional expectations. Arriving in England in 1995 as a 21-year-old unknown who didn't speak English, he recalls the cultural shock: 'You've spent your whole life learning you have to look after the ball, then you get there and the first thing they say is: 'Second ball'.' The Spanish midfielder, who would later be dubbed one of the 'Three Amigos' at Wigan, embraced the challenge with an attitude that has defined his career: 'Why not?'From his humble beginnings at Wigan, where he helped win the Third Division and Football League Trophy, Martínez has carved an extraordinary path through football. His coaching career took him through Swansea, Belgium—where he led the team to the world's No. 1 ranking—and now Portugal, where he has inherited a squad filled with exceptional talent. 'Portugal is a football school,' he explains, 'Ten million people and yet they fill the world's best dressing rooms.'Central to Portugal's World Cup aspirations is Cristiano Ronaldo, the legendary forward who has given 21 years to the national team. Martínez dismisses the notion that Ronaldo's pursuit of 1,000 career goals defines his motivation, instead emphasizing the 40-year-old's unwavering commitment: 'Cristiano's attitude is always: 'I'm here for the national team, whatever you need.' The coach reveals that despite a current hamstring injury, Ronaldo's absence is merely a two-week pause before his return to action.Portugal enters the World Cup as one of the favorites, with a squad boasting captains from Manchester United, Porto, Manchester City, and four key players from European champions Paris Saint-Germain. 'Winning the Nations League was very good for us,' Martínez notes, referring to their victory against Spain, the world's No. 1 team and European champions. 'I wouldn't say there's an anxiety in Portugal to win the World Cup; I would say it's excitement, hope.'The coach's meticulous preparation extends to every detail, including playing at altitude in closed stadiums to simulate World Cup conditions. His selection process reflects both compassion and pragmatism: 'I'll choose a list of 26 and four others who know they are on standby.' This approach, he believes, creates a more positive environment when injuries occur.Martínez acknowledges the unique challenges of a 48-team World Cup spanning 50 days, noting: 'No scientific study would deny a human is changed by that.' Yet he remains optimistic, drawing inspiration from Portugal's football history and the numerological significance of 2026—sixty years since Eusébio's World Cup performance. 'It's all sixes. Let's dream. Why not?' he concludes, embodying the philosophy that has taken him from Spanish unknown to Portugal's World Cup dreamer.

Manchester United has named their starting lineup for the crucial Women's Super League derby against city rivals Manchester City, with Tullis-Joyce in goal and an attacking lineup featuring Hinata and Schüller. The substitutes include Middleton-Patel, Rendell, George, Anderson, Rolfo, and Drury. Manchester City, currently sitting at the top of the league table, has also announced their team, with Yamashita between the sticks and a formidable attacking lineup featuring Hemp, Miedema, and Shaw. Their bench includes Keating, Combs, Fowler, Kerolin, Ouahabi, and several other options. The match, scheduled for 1:30pm GMT, represents a significant opportunity for both teams in the title race. Manchester City head coach Andree Jeglertz emphasized the unique intensity of derby matches: These games live their own lives. Because a derby in this city is always going to get 100% energised players from both teams at the beginning. It almost doesn't matter what tempo you start as your opponent will be ready. These games aren't determined by 15, 20 minutes. Definitely the longer the game goes, it can be a challenge but it's how the game turns out and what happens. City secured a convincing 3-0 victory in the previous derby in November, with goals from Rebecca Knaak, Khadija Shaw, and Lauren Hemp. Meanwhile, Manchester United is looking to bounce back from a 3-2 first-leg defeat against Bayern Munich in the Champions League. United's head coach, Marc Skinner, acknowledged the challenge posed by the league leaders: City are top of the league for a reason but we will take that challenge on. Once you accept that challenge, you can rise to a new level. This derby comes during a busy period for WSL teams, with multiple high-profile clashes across the league that could significantly impact the title race.