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The Unexpected Tax Credit Amazon's main division in the UK, Amazon UK Services, was handed a £7.6m tax credit last year by HM Revenue and Customs. This comes as a surprise given that the company's profits surged by more than a quarter to £355m. Profit Surge and Tax Adjustments Amazon UK Services, which employs 66,000 staff, reported a 26.5% rise in pre-tax profits to £355m and an 11% year-on-year increase in revenues to £8.2bn. The company owed £9.1m in 'current tax' last year, but this figure was reduced by £16.7m due to 'adjustments in respect of previous periods', resulting in the £7.6m credit for 2025. Investment in UK Infrastructure The £16.7m adjustment relates to relief offered under a government programme that rewards investment in UK infrastructure. Amazon UK spent £5.2bn building and expanding fulfilment centres, corporate offices, machinery, equipment, and datacentres last year. Tax Rate and Transparency Concerns The Fair Tax Foundation calculated that the actual combined UK corporation tax bill paid by Amazon's big five operations was just £39m last year, equating to a tax rate of just 7.1%. The foundation's chief executive, Paul Monaghan, expressed concerns about Amazon's tax practices, calling for greater transparency. Amazon's Response and Future Outlook Amazon UK said that across its entire business, it is one of the biggest taxpayers in the country, paying more than £1.3bn in UK taxes of all kinds last year. The company stated that it paid more than £1.3bn in direct taxes, including corporation tax, an increase of more than 20% compared to the year before.

The Lead: Escalation in Southern LebanonIsrael has launched a significant military offensive in the southern Lebanese city of Tyre, ordering all residents to evacuate immediately. The operation marks a dramatic escalation in tensions between Israel and Lebanon, with potentially far-reaching consequences for regional stability.The Event Details: Military Operation and Evacuation OrdersAccording to reports from Al Jazeera, Israeli forces have begun attacking targets in Tyre, a major city in southern Lebanon near the border with Israel. The Israeli military has issued evacuation orders for all residents of the city, instructing them to leave immediately for their own safety.The operation appears to be focused on what Israel describes as "terrorist infrastructure" in the area. However, the scale and timing of the attack suggest a broader strategic objective beyond targeted strikes.Tyre is a historically significant city in southern LebanonThe evacuation order affects tens of thousands of civiliansThe operation follows recent cross-border exchanges of fireThe Data Analysis: Humanitarian and Military ImpactThe evacuation order affects approximately 200,000 residents of Tyre and surrounding areas, creating a potential humanitarian crisis. The city serves as a major population center and economic hub in southern Lebanon.Military analysts suggest this operation represents one of Israel's most significant incursions into Lebanese territory in recent years. The scale of the evacuation indicates Israel expects a prolonged operation in the area.Approximately 200,000 civilians ordered to evacuateTyre is home to significant historical sites and infrastructureOperation represents largest Israeli incursion in recent yearsThe Impact Analysis: Regional RamificationsThis military action significantly escalates the already volatile situation in the Middle East. Lebanon, already facing severe economic and political challenges, now faces the prospect of widespread displacement and infrastructure damage.The attack comes at a time when the region is already on edge due to ongoing conflicts in Gaza and rising tensions between Israel and Iran-backed groups in Lebanon. The evacuation of Tyre could potentially create a refugee crisis, straining resources in already overwhelmed neighboring areas.International reaction is likely to be swift, with calls for restraint and humanitarian corridors expected from the United Nations and other global bodies.The Prediction: Path Forward and Potential OutcomesThe coming days will be critical in determining whether this operation remains confined to Tyre or expands to other parts of Lebanon. The effectiveness of the evacuation order and the response from Lebanese authorities and allied groups will shape the trajectory of this conflict.Regional observers warn that this operation could potentially trigger a wider conflict, drawing in other actors in the already complex Middle Eastern geopolitical landscape. The international community will likely face increasing pressure to intervene diplomatically to prevent further escalation.For residents of Tyre, the immediate future remains uncertain as they face the difficult choice of heeding evacuation orders or remaining in their homes amid the ongoing military operation.

Africa's Record World Cup PresenceWith a record 10 African teams qualifying for the first 48-nation World Cup, the continent stands at a historic moment. Algeria, Cape Verde, Côte d'Ivoire, DR Congo, Egypt, Ghana, Morocco, Senegal, South Africa and Tunisia will represent Africa this summer, with Cameroon and Nigeria notably absent. This unprecedented representation follows Morocco's historic semi-final appearance in Qatar 2022, which raised hopes that an African team could finally break through to the final.Historic Promises and Unfulfilled PotentialThe prospect of an African side becoming world champions appeared realistic after Cameroon defied the odds to beat Diego Maradona's Argentina, the defending champions, in the opening game of the 1990 tournament and embarked on a fairytale run that ended in a 3-2 quarter-final defeat by England. Since then, however, African teams have been long on promise and short on delivery. Pelé, the sport's all-time great, predicted that "an African nation will win the World Cup before the year 2000," a prediction that remains unfulfilled.The Governance ChallengeAccording to Joseph-Antoine Bell, a goalkeeper in Cameroon's 1982, 1990 and 1994 World Cup squads, the issue is not a lack of talent but "self-inflicted governance wounds." Bell bluntly states: "Our football is not really improving… we don't challenge ourselves to be excellent." He emphasizes that "it takes much more than footballers to be the world champions: it takes people, it takes managers, who think with their heads, before players come to the field to play with their feet."Top African Contenders in 2026Despite the challenges, several teams emerge as strong contenders for African success. Bell identifies Morocco as "the real leaders" in African football, noting they were "the first to reach the second round of the World Cup [in 1986] and the first to reach the semi-final in Qatar." He also highlights Senegal, Côte d'Ivoire and Egypt as potential teams that could make significant progress in the tournament.Off-Field Challenges and ProfessionalismAfrican teams continue to face off-field challenges that impact their performance. Senegal's head coach, Pape Thiaw, initially refused to board the plane to the World Cup in protest at the failure of the Senegal Football Federation to pay several months' wages. This "tragicomedy of errors" among several African countries is "a damning testament to the incompetence of football federations supposed to put the continent's best foot forward."The Fan Experience BarrierBeyond team preparation, the inability of thousands of fans from qualified African nations to obtain travel visas has created a sense of exclusion. Former Nigeria captain Segun Odegbami notes: "The absence of the colourful, exuberant African spectators, because of the difficulty of travel, the cost of everything and difficulty of visas to go to the United States is coming into play." Odegbami, who was in the US for the 1994 World Cup as the Super Eagles' administrative manager, has been waiting 14 months to get an interview date at the US embassy in Abuja.Africa's Path to GloryDespite these challenges, there is optimism about Africa's prospects in the expanded tournament. Odegbami believes: "We have passed the stage of just being participants, to being competitors and contenders in the top four. We are knocking on the door." The record number of African teams in 2026 provides more opportunities, but Bell cautions that "going beyond the first round can no longer be the target, because the first round, when there are 48 teams, is not the same as when we had 32 teams. The target is winning [the World Cup], and the distance [to the trophy] is no longer the same."

The Ultimate World Cup 2026 Quiz Challenge As the 2026 FIFA World Cup approaches, test your knowledge with this comprehensive quiz featuring 26 intriguing questions about the tournament's history, records, and fascinating facts. Quiz Challenge: Player Records and Milestones Challenge yourself with questions about the oldest players, record holders, and individual achievements that have shaped World Cup history. Question: Who is the oldest of the 1,248 players at this year's World Cup? Answer: Craig Gordon, who made his Scotland debut in 2004, is 43 years old. Ronaldo is 41 and the other two are 40. Question: Which two goalkeepers share the record for the most clean sheets at World Cup finals? Answer: Fabien Barthez and Peter Shilton both kept 10 clean sheets in 17 appearances. Question: Who is the only player to have scored an own goal in a World Cup final? Answer: Mario Mandzukic's own goal opened the scoring in the 2018 final. He also scored at the right end in Croatia's 4-2 defeat to France. Quiz Challenge: Team Histories and Firsts Explore the rich history of World Cup teams, including debut nations, long absences, and remarkable achievements. Question: How many countries are making their debuts at the tournament? Answer: Four countries: Cape Verde, Curaçao, Jordan, and Uzbekistan. Question: Which country is playing at the World Cup for the first time since 2002, when they finished third? Answer: Turkey, who lost to Brazil in the semi-finals before beating co-hosts South Korea 3-2 in the third-place playoff. Question: Scotland have not played at the World Cup since 1998. John Collins scored the first of their two goals at that tournament. Who scored the second? Answer: Craig Burley, who had an eventful World Cup. He scored in a 1-1 draw against Norway and was sent off in their 3-0 defeat to Morocco. Quiz Challenge: Managerial Records and Strategies Discover interesting facts about World Cup managers, their strategies, and their tournament histories. Question: Which manager will be at his fifth consecutive World Cup? Answer: Carlos Queiroz, who is in charge of Ghana this time around, having managed Portugal in 2010, and Iran in 2014, 2018 and 2022. Question: Which of the two teams at the tournament have English managers? Answer: Sweden and New Zealand. Darren Bazeley is in charge of New Zealand and Graham Potter is managing Sweden. Question: Which English club did Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni play for on loan in 2006? Answer: West Ham. Scaloni made 13 appearances in the Premier League and played in the FA Cup final against Liverpool. Quiz Challenge: Host Cities and Tournament Logistics Learn about the 16 host cities for the 2026 World Cup, including geographical facts and venue details. Question: Which of the 16 host cities is the most northerly? Answer: Vancouver. The BC Place stadium in Vancouver will host seven matches. Vancouver is more than 100 miles further north than Seattle. Mexico City is the most southerly of the 16 cities. Quiz Challenge: Premier League Connections Explore the strong ties between the World Cup and the English Premier League, which supplies numerous players to national teams. Question: Apart from England, which country has the most Premier League players at the 2026 World Cup? Answer: The Netherlands have 15 Premier League players in their squad. Scotland have nine, Brazil eight and Spain seven. Question: Which of these English clubs does not have any players at the tournament? Answer: Queens Park Rangers. Braintree Town, Peterborough United and Port Vale all have players in the New Zealand squad. Quiz Challenge: Memorable World Cup Moments Recall some of the most unforgettable moments in World Cup history, from iconic goals to surprising results. Question: Who scored the official goal of the tournament in 2022? Answer: Richarlison, whose bicycle kick against Serbia won the award. Question: England play Panama in the group stage – just like they did at the World Cup in 2018. Harry Kane scored a hat-trick in that game. Who scored the other three goals in their 6-1 win? Answer: Jesse Lingard and John Stones. England went all the way to the semi-finals before losing to Croatia – their first opponents at this year's tournament. Question: Which country won the Fair Play award at the 2022 World Cup, having picked up no red cards and just one yellow card in the tournament? Answer: England. Their only yellow card in the tournament came when Harry Maguire was booked in the 90th minute of their quarter-final defeat to France.

Leeds Rhinos End a Nine‑Year Home Drought Against St HelensLeeds Rhinos secured a hard‑won 20‑18 victory over long‑time rivals St Helens at Headingley, ending a home losing streak that stretched back to 2017 and extending their lead at the summit of the Super League. Match Narrative: From 16‑8 Half‑Time Deficit to a Two‑Point LeadThe Saints led 16‑8 at the break, putting Leeds on the brink of a 10th consecutive home loss to their rivals. A second‑half resurgence, sparked by half‑back Jake Connor, saw Leeds claw back into contention, with a crucial try assist to Chris Hankinson and a steady kicking game that kept them within striking distance.Connor’s early second‑half kick gave Leeds an 8‑6 lead.Harry Newman’s try and Connor’s two conversions leveled the scores by the 60‑minute mark.David Klemmer’s sin‑bin with seven minutes left shifted momentum.Maika Sivo scored the decisive try in the corner, converted by Connor to seal a 20‑18 win. Scoreline and Statistical SnapshotFinal Score: Leeds Rhinos 20 – St Helens 18Half‑time: Saints 16, Leeds 8Key Performers: Jake Connor (2 conversions, 1 try assist), Maika Sivo (try)Discipline: David Klemmer sin‑binned (7 minutes) Implications for the Super League Title RaceThe win pushes Leeds two points clear at the top of the table, reinforcing Brad Arthur’s side as the early‑season favorites. Saints, despite a strong first half, now face scrutiny over their spine selection, a concern echoed by coach Paul Rowley after the defeat. Looking Ahead: What the Victory Means for Leeds and SaintsLeeds will look to build on this momentum in upcoming fixtures against Warrington and Hull KR, while the Saints must regroup and address lineup uncertainties before the next round of matches. If Leeds maintain their form, they could solidify a championship run; conversely, a slip could see the title race tighten dramatically.

The Enigmatic Artist Steven Shearer is a quiet and elusive artist who has managed to keep a low profile despite his significant contributions to the art world. His work, which spans 40 years and multiple media, is characterized by its unique blend of teenage angst, heavy metal, and high art. The Artistic Journey Shearer's artistic journey began in Vancouver, where he grew up in a suburban area not far from the serial killer Robert Pickton. This dark backdrop had a profound impact on his work, which often explores themes of suburban loneliness and adolescent alienation. The Influence of Heavy Metal Shearer's work is heavily influenced by heavy metal music and its iconography. He draws inspiration from the imagery and aesthetics of the genre, often incorporating references to famous musicians and bands into his paintings. The Exhibition Shearer's latest exhibition at the David Zwirner Gallery in London showcases his latest works, which feature frail and aged figures, marking a departure from his earlier paintings of healthy and vibrant teenagers. The exhibition offers a glimpse into Shearer's unique artistic vision and his ability to capture the complexities of the human experience. The Artist's Perspective In an interview, Shearer revealed that he aims to create universal and timeless works of art that transcend specific references and allusions. He hopes that his paintings will continue to resonate with audiences in the future, long after the specific cultural references have faded away.

The Galápagos: A Shark Sanctuary Under Threat The unmistakable fluted T-shape of a scalloped hammerhead shark slides by, followed by a diver holding his breath and a metal spear like an extra-long snooker cue. The spear hits the fish behind its dorsal fin and the 2-metre shark darts away, disgruntled but otherwise unharmed. This scene, captured by researchers from the Charles Darwin Foundation, represents one of the most important conservation efforts for a species that has declined by at least 80% globally due to overfishing. Innovative Research Methods in Shark Conservation Carlos Robalino, a marine biologist from the Galápagos Islands, is part of the foundation's research expedition to Darwin and Wolf, the most northerly islands in the Galápagos marine reserve. For three or four hours each morning and afternoon, Robalino is in the sea, honing his freediving skills so he can get close enough to the sharks to take samples of their skin. "Scalloped hammerheads are super-sensitive, very nervous," says Simon McKinley, an ecologist with the dive team. "The trick is to wait for the shark to pass by under me to the point where they can't possibly see me above them. Then I can dive down." The Unprecedented Abundance of Hammerheads in Galápagos Despite being critically endangered globally, the Galápagos hosts an extraordinary population of scalloped hammerheads. On most dives during the research trip, dozens of the sharks swim by. Later in the year, in the cold season when there is more food in the seas around Darwin and Wolf, more sharks migrate to the archipelago and the population quadruples. At its peak, about 150 lion-sized scalloped hammerheads roam each hectare of sea – roughly the area of London's Trafalgar Square. There can be so many they blot out the sun. Challenges in Protecting a Globally Endangered Species Despite their local abundance, studying scalloped hammerheads in Galápagos is not easy. Researchers cannot catch these sensitive sharks because the stress of being handled could kill them. The foundation team has developed less invasive techniques, including deploying underwater cameras to monitor shark numbers. Chemical analysis of skin biopsies shows, among other things, what the sharks are eating without needing to cut open their stomachs to see the contents. However, challenges remain: "Baby hammerheads, and even females when they go to give birth, are being caught... sold and consumed as ceviche," according to Pelayo Salinas de León. Tracking Shark Migrations Across the Pacific The research team is tracking where these sharks go after leaving Galápagos. Scalloped hammerheads are not resident here but set off on long migrations, and to learn about this part of their lives requires specialized diving techniques. Pelayo Salinas de León uses a closed-circuit rebreather, a device which recycles his exhalations, removes carbon dioxide and adds more oxygen as needed, so he can dive for hours in bubble-free tranquillity without scaring off the hammerheads. He attaches satellite transmitter tags worth close to $2,000 to track their movements across the Pacific Ocean. Future Conservation Challenges in a Changing Climate From twice-yearly visits to Darwin and Wolf, the team is building a long-term picture of the sharks' lives and how they are responding to changing conditions, including the heatwaves linked to El Niño, such as the big one forecast for 2026. These climate events could significantly impact the delicate marine ecosystem that supports the hammerhead population. The research being conducted in the Galápagos provides crucial data that will help conservationists develop strategies to protect these magnificent creatures both within the marine reserve and along their extensive migration routes.

The Lead: 100 Days of Conflict Beirut, Lebanon – Tuesday marks 100 days since the beginning of Israel's second military intensification against Lebanon in less than two years. Over the last 100 days, Israeli forces have destroyed dozens of villages in southern Lebanon. Despite rounds of direct diplomatic talks between Israel and Lebanon, multiple efforts to fully implement a ceasefire have fallen by the wayside. The Event Details: Escalating Violence Israel's latest war on Lebanon began on March 2, shortly after Hezbollah fired six rockets at Israel. Since then, Israel has killed more than 3,600 people in Lebanon, according to the country's Ministry of Public Health, including at least 245 children. Another 11,000 people have been wounded in Israeli attacks, among them at least 900 children. The Data Analysis: Humanitarian Crisis At least 1.2 million people have been forcibly displaced from their homes in southern Lebanon, eastern Lebanon's Bekaa Valley, and Beirut's southern suburbs. Many of them have been displaced more than once. Israel's military has also driven deeper into Lebanese territory – occupying about 2,000sq km (770sq miles) – than at any point since it occupied south Lebanon in 2000. The Impact Analysis: Regional Implications The conflict has drawn in regional powers, with Iran pledging to link the conflict to any ceasefire deal it makes with the United States and Israel. Hezbollah's main benefactor, Iran, has also tried to tie Lebanon to any ceasefire agreement between itself and Israel and the US. The Lebanese government is trying to impose its authority, and is under pressure from the US and Israel to crack down on Hezbollah. The Prediction: Uncertain Future Analysts believe Israel is not planning on withdrawing from Lebanon, with Israeli officials stating they will occupy up to the Litani River. The situation remains volatile, with no lasting ceasefire in sight. Hezbollah's secretary-general Naim Qassem labelled the latest ceasefire agreement a “shameless” attempt to annihilate part of the Lebanese people.

The Allegations Against David Sullivan David Sullivan, the 77-year-old former pornography billionaire and co-chair of West Ham United, has been accused of sexually exploitative and predatory behaviour against women over several decades. Seven women have come forward with allegations, including claims that Sullivan abused his power as the owner of the Sport newspapers to prey on them for sex. The Investigation and Regulator's Response The BBC and Times reported on the allegations, which Sullivan has denied through his lawyers. The Independent Football Regulator (IFR) has confirmed it is seeking further information from Sullivan relating to his suitability under the owners, directors and senior executives regime. The IFR has the power to expel any figures it considers unsuitable. The Potential Impact on Sullivan's Stake in West Ham Sullivan remains the largest shareholder at West Ham with 38.8%. It is unclear if he will try to hold on to his stake or sell up. A source close to Sullivan has indicated he is open to selling his stake. The potential forced sale of Sullivan's stake could have significant implications for the club's ownership structure and future. The Financial Situation at West Ham West Ham are in financial trouble after dropping into the Championship and posting a loss of £104.2m last year. Several executives have left the club in recent months, including Karren Brady, who stepped down as vice-chair in April. The Future Outlook The future of West Ham United and David Sullivan's involvement with the club remains uncertain. The IFR's investigation and potential actions will likely have a significant impact on the club's ownership and direction. It is unclear if Daniel Křetínský, a Czech billionaire who owns a 27% stake in the club, will look to increase his shareholding.