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Michael Rosen, celebrated poet and author of titles such as We’re Going on a Bear Hunt and Chocolate Cake, has been awarded the 2026 Hans Christian Andersen Award in recognition of his lifelong impact on children’s literature.The accolade makes him the fourth Briton to receive the honor, joining the ranks of Eleanor Farjeon, Aidan Chambers and David Almond.The International Board on Books for Young People (IBBY) praised Rosen’s work for echoing the rhythms of children’s language, blending playfulness with emotional depth and social awareness. IBBY highlighted his ability to foster empathy and spark conversations about history, family, loss, identity and society across poetry, novels and non‑fiction.The companion illustration prize was bestowed upon Chinese artist Cai Gao, whose distinctive visual language and high artistic quality expand the possibilities of children’s illustration. Past illustration laureates include Quentin Blake, who won in 2002.Rosen missed the award announcement at the Bologna Children’s Book Fair after being denied boarding on a flight from Stansted to Bologna due to post‑Brexit passport regulations. The rule requires UK passports to have been issued within the previous ten years and to retain at least three months’ validity on the day of departure.He later posted on X (formerly Twitter), noting the irony of being turned away because his passport was issued in March 2016 despite an expiry in August 2026, calling it a “Brexit benefit”.Despite the setback, Rosen received a call from an Italian woman informing him of his win, which he described as a “happy ending”.From a pool of 78 candidates across 44 countries, the jury evaluated the “distinctive literary and artistic qualities” of each entrant and their capacity to view the world through a child’s eyes. The formal award ceremony is slated for August in Ottawa.

Moya Brennan, the celebrated voice behind Irish folk ensemble Clannad, passed away at the age of 73 in her native County Donegal, surrounded by family. The 73‑year‑old had been living with pulmonary fibrosis and was awaiting a possible double‑lung transplant when she died peacefully. Born 4 August 1952 in Dublin as Máire Philomena Ní Bhraonáin, she grew up in a large musical family that performed in their local pub. She later honed her craft at the Royal Irish Academy of Music before co‑founding Clannad in 1970 with her brothers and two uncles. Clann2’s early breakthrough came at the Slógadh Youth Festival, where a prize‑winning performance secured a Polydor contract—though the band members were too young to sign. Their commitment to singing in the Irish language set them apart; as Brennan recalled in 2022, they felt they were “letting the language down” but fell in love with its melodies. The group’s commercial breakthrough arrived in 1983 with the album Magical Ring and its hit single “Theme from Harry’s Game.”strong> The track reached No. 5 on the UK Top 40, earned Clannad a historic appearance on Top of the Pops as the first act to perform in Irish, and paved the way for a BAFTA‑winning score for the ITV series Robin of Sherwood. Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, Brennan earned the moniker “first lady of Celtic music,” garnering praise from peers such as Bono of U2 and contributing vocals to major film soundtracks including Titanic and King Arthur. Her sister Eithne, later known as Enya, also emerged from Clannad before launching a wildly successful solo career. Beyond her musical achievements, Brennan’s personal journey was marked by hardship. She publicly discussed a 1972 abortion in England, subsequent substance use, an 18‑month marriage to fellow musician Pat Farrell, a miscarriage in 1987, and a brief relationship with U2’s Adam Clayton. A deepening Christian faith after the miscarriage helped her overcome addiction, and she later married photographer Tim Jarvis in 1990, a partnership she credited with ending her drug use. Her solo discography began with the critically acclaimed album Máire in 1992 and continued through 2024’s Voices & Harps IV with Cormac de Barra. Brennan also devoted considerable energy to philanthropy, working with Christian Blind Mission Ireland on projects across the Democratic Republic of Congo, Rwanda, Brazil, and Tanzania, and supporting programs for those battling drug and alcohol dependency. In 2002 she officially adopted the stage name Moya Brennan, formalising the change by deed poll in 2009. Over the years she collaborated with a diverse roster of artists, from Shane MacGowan and Robert Plant to Bruce Hornsb​y, the Doobie Brothers, and Ronan Keating. Brennan is survived by her husband Tim Jarvis and their two children. In a 2022 interview she attributed her resilience in the face of her lung disease to her Christian faith, stating, “I know God is with me… that’s where my strength comes from.”

The United States military has begun a mine clearance operation in the Strait of Hormuz, a vital waterway for global oil and gas supplies, in response to Iran's alleged laying of sea mines. The operation, led by guided missile destroyers USS Frank E Peterson and USS Michael Murphy, aims to establish a 'safe pathway' for the free flow of global commerce.Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) recently released a map of the Strait of Hormuz showing a safe route for ships to follow through the strait, directing vessels farther north towards the Iranian coast and away from the traditional route closer to the coast of Oman. The IRGC stated that all vessels must use the new map for navigation due to 'the likelihood of the presence of various types of anti-ship mines in the main traffic zone.'The stakes are high, with one-fifth of the world's oil and liquefied natural gas (LNG) supplies having been shipped through the Strait of Hormuz before the war. Even a single mine can compel operators to assume a wider threat, effectively invalidating insurance and shutting down their use of the waterway.Iran's stockpile is estimated to number 2,000 to 6,000 mines, a significant portion of which are produced domestically. These mines generally fall into three categories: contact mines, bottom (influence) mines, and 'smart' and rocket mines.The US Navy is facing a 'mine gap,' with experts calling for institutional neglect that led to the retirement of dedicated mine countermeasures (MCM) assets. The current US strategy relies on small combat ships built for coastal operations and fitted with MCM mission modules, but only one of these vessels, the USS Canberra, is currently available in the region.

Australia announced that Lieutenant General Susan Coyle will assume the role of chief of the Australian Army in July, marking the first time a woman has held the post in the service’s 125‑year history.Coyle, currently chief of joint capabilities, brings nearly four decades of experience, including senior command roles in Afghanistan and the Middle East, and expertise in cyber‑warfare. She will succeed Lieutenant General Simon Stuart, who took the position in July 2022.Prime Minister Anthony Albanese hailed the appointment as a historic breakthrough, stating, "From July, we will have the first ever female chief of army in the Australian Army’s 125‑year history." Defence Minister Richard Marles called the move a "deeply historic moment" and emphasized its symbolic power: "You cannot be what you cannot see."The appointment arrives as the Australian Defence Force (ADF) intensifies efforts to raise female participation. Women currently constitute about 21 % of the ADF and 18.5 % of senior leadership roles, with a target of 25 % overall participation by 2030.In October, a class‑action lawsuit alleged that the ADF failed to protect thousands of women officers from systematic sexual assault, harassment, and discrimination, underscoring the urgency of cultural reform alongside the leadership change.Alongside Coyle’s promotion, Vice Admiral Mark Hammond, the incumbent chief of the navy, will become the head of the ADF, succeeding Admiral David Johnston. Rear Admiral Matthew Buckley is set to replace Hammond as navy chief.The army is also undergoing a major transformation, investing in long‑range firepower, drones, and other modern combat tools. Coyle’s background in cyber‑warfare is expected to bolster the force’s capability to operate in increasingly digitised battlefields.

A 27-year-old woman, Sana, living in western Tehran with her roommate, Fatemeh, has survived two wars in the past year. The latest conflict began on February 28, when missiles hit Tehran at 9:40 am. Sana had already experienced the 12-day war in June 2025 and was determined not to leave the city again.As the war intensified, Sana and Fatemeh learned to anticipate strikes during certain windows: early morning, afternoon, and after 11 pm. They relied on supermarket deliveries and made frantic dashes to shops when necessary. The internet was often down, and they used virtual private networks (VPNs) to stay connected.On March 16, Sana experienced one of the worst nights of her life when a massive explosion occurred near Mehrabad airport. She and Fatemeh sprinted down the fire escape to the parking garage, fearing for their lives. The war had turned her daily life into a grim routine.Despite the challenges, Sana tried to maintain a sense of normalcy. She kept her job while many others were laid off, and she booked an appointment for a haircut and nails after the ceasefire was announced. These small acts helped her feel human again in the midst of chaos.

The United States military confirmed that, beginning at 10 a.m. Eastern Time (14:00 GMT) on April 13, all maritime traffic entering or leaving Iranian ports will be blocked. The directive, issued by U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM), targets vessels of every nation operating in the Gulf and the Gulf of Oman, but explicitly excludes ships merely transiting the Strait of Hormuz to non‑Iranian ports, marking a narrower scope than former President Donald Trump’s broader strait‑wide threat. This decisive action follows the abrupt end of marathon peace talks in Islamabad, where negotiators failed to secure a memorandum of understanding with Tehran. The stalemate has revived fears of renewed hostilities, prompting the U.S. to leverage maritime pressure as a bargaining chip. Financial markets reacted sharply: U.S. crude oil prices surged 8 % to $104.24 per barrel, while the benchmark Brent crude rose 7 % to $102.29. The spikes reflect investor anxiety over potential disruptions to the flow of oil and liquefied natural gas that currently passes through the Strait of Hormuz, a chokepoint responsible for roughly one‑fifth of global energy shipments. Since the February 28 launch of a joint U.S.–Israel operation against Iran, the strait’s traffic has dwindled to a trickle. Iran continues to navigate its own vessels and has allowed limited passage for foreign ships, while discussing a post‑conflict toll system for the waterway. In response to the blockade threat, Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps warned that any U.S. warship attempting to enforce the measure would breach the existing U.S.–Iran ceasefire—set to expire on April 22—and would be "dealt with severely." Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi blamed the United States for the diplomatic failure, accusing U.S. negotiators of "shifting the goalposts" when a deal was "just inches away." Academic commentary echoed regional concerns. Zohreh Kharazmi, an associate professor at the University of Tehran, asserted that the United States "is not in a position to dictate" Iranian maritime movements and warned that a prolonged standoff would quickly reveal which side—"the resilience of the Islamic Republic or the resilience of global markets"—would suffer first. While the blockade targets Iranian ports, CENTCOM emphasized that it will not impede freedom of navigation for vessels merely passing through the Strait of Hormuz, a subtle but significant concession aimed at avoiding a full‑scale maritime confrontation.

Effective 10:00 a.m. ET (14:00 GMT) today, the United States military will block all maritime traffic entering and exiting Iranian ports through the Strait of Hormuz, a move that marks a significant escalation in regional tensions. The directive, announced by U.S. defense officials, aims to prevent any vessel—commercial or otherwise—from using the narrow waterway that links the Persian Gulf with the Gulf of Oman. By sealing off the strait, Washington seeks to exert pressure on Tehran amid ongoing diplomatic disputes. In response, Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) issued a stark warning: any military vessel that approaches the strait will be deemed a breach of the cease‑fire and will be "dealt with severely". The IRGC’s statement underscores the risk of a rapid military confrontation should either side perceive a violation. Analysts note that the Strait of Hormuz handles roughly 20% of global oil shipments, so a full blockade could disrupt international energy markets and amplify economic uncertainty worldwide. The action also raises questions about the legal basis for such a blockade under international maritime law. Both the United States and Iran have signaled that the situation remains fluid, and further developments are expected as diplomatic channels attempt to defuse the standoff.

Marie‑Louise Eta will take the touchline for Union Berlin’s upcoming Bundesliga match against Wolfsburg, becoming the first woman to coach a men’s team in one of Europe’s top‑five leagues. The 34‑year‑old was promoted on an interim basis after the dismissal of Steffen Baumgart, who was sacked following a 3‑1 defeat to bottom‑placed Heidenheim.Union sit seven points clear of the relegation‑playoff zone with five games remaining, but a dismal run of two wins in 14 matches has left the club teetering near the drop‑zone. Club officials turned to Eta, citing her continuity and proven tactical acumen, to halt the slide.Eta’s appointment is the latest milestone in a rapid rise through Union’s ranks. In the 2023‑24 season she became the Bundesliga’s first female assistant manager under Nenad Bjelica, and earlier in 2024 she briefly commanded the men’s side, overseeing a win, a draw and a loss while Bjelica served a suspension. Her prior success with Union’s under‑19 men’s squad further cemented her reputation as a forward‑thinking coach.Speaking in a 2023 interview, Eta emphasized that she wants to “convince with quality and substance” rather than rely on tokenism. Former England women’s manager Sarina Wiegman hailed her as a “trailblazer”, noting that such progress reflects football’s broader societal shift toward gender equality.Germany is already seeing more women in senior coaching roles: Sabrina Wittmann leads third‑tier side FC Ingolstadt, while Corinne Diacre previously managed Ligue 2 club Clermont Foot in France. In England, Hannah Dingley made history as caretaker of Forest Green Rovers before moving to Manchester City’s academy.Eta’s current stint with the men’s team is expected to be short‑lived. She has already signed a contract to become head coach of Union Berlin’s women’s side next season, where she will continue to develop talent in the Frauen‑Bundesliga. Nonetheless, her presence on the technical area this weekend offers a powerful visual for aspiring female coaches worldwide.Social media reactions have been mixed. While a minority of users resorted to sexist trolling, Union’s official X account defended Eta vigorously, dubbing her a “football goddess” and firing back at detractors. Eta, a former Champions League winner with Turbine Potsdam, said she draws motivation from messages sent by young women and girls she has inspired.The upcoming match will not only test Union Berlin’s fight against relegation but also serve as a symbolic moment in the ongoing effort to break the “grass ceiling” in professional football.

On the closing night of Coachella’s opening weekend, Karol G broke new ground as the festival’s first Latina headliner. Introducing herself in English, the Colombian artist announced, “I am Carolina Giraldo from Medellín, Colombia, and today I am the first Latina woman to headline Coachella,” to a roar of cheers from a crowd waving flags from Mexico, Puerto Rico, Venezuela, Colombia and beyond.The moment echoed Beyoncé’s 2018 ‘Beychella’ debut, reminding fans that representation on this stage can reshape cultural narratives. Karol G’s 90‑minute performance combined dazzling costume changes, high‑energy choreography and a stage that seemed to rise two stories above the desert floor, creating a spectacle that felt both meticulously crafted and effortlessly vibrant.From the opening number “Latina Foreva,” where she strutted in a glittering gold bikini, to the cave‑like rave set that highlighted the “primordial wildness of women,” the show never lost its momentum. Even a half‑hour delay for lighting adjustments was quickly forgiven as the music surged forward, blending hard‑hitting tracks from her 2025 album Tropicoqueta with hits from 2023’s Mañana Será Bonito.Musically, the set was a tour of Latin genres. After a brief interlude, Karol G returned wearing a Carnival‑style feathered headdress for the mambo‑infused “Tropicoqueta.” She then invited an all‑female Mexican mariachi band for “Ese Hombre Es Malo,” followed by a duet with Becky G that mixed Spanish‑language celebration of Mexico and Colombia with a pointed nod to the United States’ immigration debate.Speaking amid the roar of the crowd, the 35‑year‑old artist said, “This is not just about me, this is about the Latina community, the love of my people,” acknowledging the delicate balance of celebrating Latin pride while the U.S. government tightens immigration policies. Her remarks highlighted the symbolic weight of performing such a vibrant, unapologetic Latin set on a stage that reaches millions worldwide.The finale reinforced the message of unity. After a soulful cover of Gloria Estefan’s “Mi Tierra,” Karol G launched into an EDM‑styled version of “Provenza,” complete with rainbow lasers, strobe lights, fireworks and a cascade of confetti. Three false‑ending beat drops and a megawatt smile underscored her point: the victory belongs to the entire Latin community, not just the performer.