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The Lead: Musk's Path to Trillionaire StatusElon Musk is on the verge of becoming the world's first trillionaire, primarily driven by SpaceX's upcoming initial public offering. This unprecedented wealth accumulation raises critical questions about the concentration of power in democratic societies and how extreme wealth translates to political influence that can reshape institutions and policies on a global scale.The Financial Scale of a Trillion DollarsTo comprehend the magnitude of a trillion dollars—12 zeros, or one million million—consider this: spending $1 million every day would take over 2,700 years to exhaust a trillion dollars. For someone worth $1 trillion, $1 million represents just 0.0001% of their net worth—equivalent to 19 cents to an American with median wealth of $192,700. To a trillionaire, $100 million feels like about $19.27 to the average American—roughly the cost of a large pizza.The Political Power of Extreme WealthMusk's financial influence has already demonstrated its impact on American politics. His $290 million contributions to Donald Trump and other Republicans significantly influenced the 2024 election outcome. In return, his net worth has increased by over $500 billion in less than two years, demonstrating a substantial return on political investment. Beyond campaign contributions, Musk has functioned as a 'shadow president,' attending cabinet meetings, accompanying Trump on international visits, and wielding influence over government policy through his Department of Government Efficiency (Doge) initiative.The Erosion of Democratic InstitutionsThe concentration of wealth in the hands of a few individuals represents a fundamental challenge to democratic principles. Since the Supreme Court's 2010 Citizens United decision, which opened the door to unlimited corporate spending on elections, billionaire political contributions have surged from 0.3% of total contributions in 2008 to 19% in 2024, totaling over $3 billion from just 300 billionaires and their families. This financial influence has translated into policy outcomes that favor the interests of the ultra-wealthy, including lower taxes and reduced regulation, while undermining public investments in healthcare and education.The Future of Wealth and PowerIf current trends continue, economists predict there could be five trillionaires within the next decade. This trajectory toward extreme wealth concentration threatens to push societies toward oligarchy, where unelected trillionaires wield disproportionate influence over political processes and global affairs. As Musk's potential ascent to trillionaire status demonstrates, the intersection of extreme wealth and political power represents perhaps the most significant challenge to democratic governance in the 21st century, requiring urgent attention and systemic solutions to preserve democratic institutions and ensure political equality.

The Lead The new EU border system that has triggered hours-long delays at major airports may not "stabilise" for two years, according to a senior official from the EU border agency Frontex. The Entry/Exit System (EES) requires non-EU visitors to register personal information and biometrics at borders, creating significant challenges for some member states. The Implementation Challenges Uku Särekanno, a director at Frontex, revealed that some EU member states are "struggling" to adopt the EES, which was fully rolled out on April 10. The most difficult aspect is the initial enrollment process where fingerprints and facial images must be collected. Subsequent visits to the EU would be faster as travelers wouldn't need to repeat this process. The EU has allowed checks to be suspended during peak periods to avoid excessive queues, though this temporary measure is expected to end in September. Countries like France and Greece have already temporarily suspended some biometric checks to prevent travel disruption. The Impact on Summer Travel There are growing concerns that the border checks could contribute to a "summer of travel chaos" in Europe. Consumers are becoming nervous about bookings and potential delays, with British travelers already facing significant holdups at border crossings. Mark Tanzer, chief executive of the UK travel association Abta, warned that problems with the EES system could hurt demand among British holidaymakers this year. He emphasized that some destinations are experiencing particularly severe issues and urged authorities to use the flexibility allowed under EU regulations to suspend biometric registration when queues become unacceptably long. Broader Travel Industry Concerns The EES implementation comes at a challenging time for the travel industry, with holiday bookings for early summer already affected by uncertainty surrounding the conflict in the Middle East and rising living costs. Consumers are increasingly booking their holidays later in the year due to these concerns. The Middle East conflict has triggered higher global oil prices, with jet fuel costs jumping sharply and potentially leading to increased air fares. Despite these challenges, large numbers of flights have not been cancelled during the crucial summer holiday season, contrary to earlier fears. Market Response and Future Outlook Shaun Morton, chief executive of holiday operator On the Beach, noted that while bookings continue to come in, shorter lead times "creates uncertainty and makes planning difficult." He described consumers as "price-sensitive and uncertain" who are booking later due to concerns about inflation, potential fuel shortages, and additional surcharges. Despite these challenges, Morton still expects the summer travel market to grow overall this year, predicting that the current late booking trend will eventually reverse when conditions improve. However, shares in On the Beach have already fallen 30% this year, reflecting market concerns about the current situation.

The Lead: France's World Cup Ambitions Under Deschamps As France prepares for another World Cup campaign, manager Didier Deschamps reflects on his team's status as favorites, his relationship with captain Kylian Mbappé, and the evolution of his management philosophy. The 1998 World Cup-winning captain has now led France to three major finals in his 14-year tenure as manager, establishing himself as one of the most successful international managers in modern football history. The Event Details: Deschamps' Management Philosophy Deschamps, who guided France to their second World Cup triumph in 2018, emphasizes adaptation as his "magic word" for success. "I say to myself, 'In relation to the person I have in front of me, I,'" he explains. This approach has allowed him to navigate changing generations in the French squad while maintaining consistent results. Despite criticism of France's playing style, Deschamps remains focused on outcomes rather than aesthetics: "if the France team has been categorised as a [team with a] defensive, restrictive game, it didn't prevent us from getting results." The Data Analysis: France's Tournament Record Under Deschamps' leadership, France has participated in four of the last seven World Cup finals, with the manager involved in three of them. This remarkable consistency has established Les Bleus as perennial contenders on the global stage. The team's achievements include: 1998: World Cup victory as captain 2018: World Cup victory as manager 2016: European Championship runner-up 2022: World Cup runner-up 2021: Nations League winner The Impact Analysis: Leadership Transition and Mbappé's Role Following the retirement of key players like Hugo Lloris, Olivier Giroud, Raphaël Varane, and Antoine Griezmann after the 2022 World Cup, Deschamps has overseen a changing of the guard in the French dressing room. He has named Kylian Mbappé as the successor to France's most-capped player of all time, Lloris. "Kylian, today, who is our captain, before being captain, he listened, he looked, he doesn't do things like Hugo. It's not at all the same character and personality," Deschamps explains, highlighting the different leadership styles between the two captains. The Prediction: Mbappé's Quest for Greatness As France heads to the 2026 World Cup, Mbappé approaches the tournament one goal shy of Olivier Giroud's all-time scoring record for France (57 goals). Despite underwhelming performances at Euro 2024, which Deschamps attributes to "suboptimal" preparation following a difficult final six months with PSG, the 25-year-old remains France's talisman. Deschamps defends his use of the Real Madrid forward in a central position, noting: "for the past two years at Real and his last year at PSG … it's been three years that he has played in a central position." With Mbappé now established as captain and leader, France will once again be among the favorites to claim their third World Cup title.

The Tracey Emin Competition Details This summer, as part of our partnership with Tate for their Tracey Emin: A Second Life exhibition, we have an amazing prize up for grabs. A Second Life is the largest ever exhibition of Emin's work, and features career-defining sensations alongside works never before exhibited. Answer the question below before 11.59pm on Sunday 5 July to be in with a chance of winning: Prize Package Breakdown A special-edition one-year Tate Membership for you and a friend Lunch for two at Tate Modern A Tracey Emin Teacup and Pancake blanket (worth £200) An exhibition catalogue for A Second Life A Tracey Emin tote bag A Tracey Emin cap Competition Terms and Conditions The promotion starts on Tuesday 9 June 2026 and closes at 11:59pm on Sunday 5 July 2026. Open to residents of the United Kingdom aged 18 and over. By entering this competition, you consent to the use of your personal data by the Guardian and Tate as set out in these terms and conditions and the Guardian's privacy policy. Your information will be used to administer the promotion only in accordance with our privacy policy and Tate's privacy policy. Important Prize Information There will be one winner. The winner is responsible for paying all associated costs that are not specifically stated to be included in any promotional materials or these Terms and Conditions, including (without limitation): travel to or from Tate Modern, food and drink, spending money, personal expenditure or any incidental expenses. The prize is non-transferable, non-refundable and there is no cash alternative.

The Birth of Dubstep By the turn of the millennium, British electronic music was in need of a new direction. The jungle and drum'n'bass scenes were stagnating, and garage had become overly commercialized. In response, a small group of artists from London, Croydon, and Essex came together to create a new sound that focused on bass, space, and togetherness. This marked the beginning of dubstep. The DMZ Crew DMZ, a record label and party series led by Mala, Coki, and Loefah, became one of dubstep's driving forces. With its anti-VIP ethos, DMZ created a unique environment where the focus was on the music and the community. The crew's approach to music was centered around creating an immersive experience, with Mala stating, "Playing your sound means that you enhance the experience of listening to it; to be able to control the environment in which people hear it." The First DMZ Party The first DMZ party took place in March 2005 at 3rd Base in Brixton. Coki recalls, "I was on the door for the first ever DMZ, and everyone was getting pissed off at me because I was letting people in for free." The party was a groundbreaking event, with Joe Nice, an early US champion of dubstep, describing it as, "a huge soundsystem, and the queue was around the block and down the hill." The Impact of DMZ DMZ's influence on dubstep cannot be overstated. The label and party series provided a platform for artists to experiment and push the boundaries of the genre. Loefah notes, "If it was a brand new tune, within 10 seconds of it dropping, if it was so mind-blowing you'd have to pull it up [rewind it and play it again]." The DMZ crew's emphasis on community and inclusivity helped to create a loyal following and foster a sense of belonging among fans. The Legacy of DMZ DMZ's legacy continues to be felt in the music scene today. Mala and Coki's recent performance at Fred Again's residency at London's Alexandra Palace is a testament to their enduring influence. As the dubstep scene continues to evolve, the contributions of DMZ remain a vital part of its history and identity.

The Lead Documentary photographer Polly Braden has embarked on a year-long project to capture the lives of young people in coastal communities across England and Wales. Her work, part of The Guardian's 'Against the Tide' series, sheds light on the challenges faced by these communities, including poverty, poor housing, and limited opportunities. Capturing the Lives of Young People in Coastal Communities Braden's project was inspired by a landmark report on the poor health of people living on the English coast. As a single mother of teenagers, she became interested in the lives of young people growing up under austerity, during a pandemic, and in a cost-of-living crisis. Her photographs aim to tell a story about the 'island nation' and shine a spotlight on 16- to 25-year-olds who are often overlooked. The Data Analysis Young people in many of England's coastal towns are disproportionately likely to face: poverty poor housing lower educational attainment limited employment opportunities compared to their peers in equivalent inland areas. The Impact Analysis Braden's work highlights the resilience and beauty of young people in these communities. Her photographs, such as one of Libby from Whitehaven, depict a mix of bleakness and beauty. A touring exhibition of her work is set to open at Arnolfini gallery in Bristol in June and move to Colchester's Firstsite gallery in October. The Prediction The 'Against the Tide' project aims to put the voices of young people at the forefront of reporting on coastal communities. By sharing their stories, the project hopes to examine what kind of changes are needed to build better futures for these young people.

The Looming Threat of a 'Super' El Niño A powerful, or “super” El Niño – marked by 2C (3.6F) or greater increase in sea surface temperatures – is now highly probable for this year, lasting into 2027. Weakened trade winds allow warm surface waters to spread across the central and eastern Pacific. This disrupts ocean circulation and alters weather patterns worldwide. Exacerbating Global Economic Inequality El Niño is intensifying an already unequal global economy. Food insecurity is not simply a climatic problem, but rooted in dependency and global market integration, while climate shocks expose how supply chains push risk on to the world’s poorest populations. 10 Potential Worst-Case Scenarios What follows are 10 potential worst-case scenarios – impacts that will not be evenly felt but disproportionately borne by poorer farmers and workers. Drought Drought hits rain-fed agricultural regions particularly hard. In parts of sub-Saharan Africa grain yields often fall during and following El Niño’s, increasing import dependence and raising food prices. Shock to global food supply chains Globally, there is a heightened risk of a shock to global food supply chains. Four crops – wheat, rice, maize and soybeans – provide more than 60% of the world’s calorie intake. Wildfire risk El Niño can heighten wildfire risk in some regions. In South America, it often reduces wet‑season rainfall, leaving vegetation drier and more fire‑prone; severe fires in Brazil in 2016 and 2024 burned millions of hectares. Excess rainfall Parts of the southern United States and South America, the Horn of Africa and central Asia often experience excess rainfall during El Niño, leading to flooding. Increased coal consumption Greater heat can increase already high levels of coal consumption in parts of the world. El Niño brings above-average temperatures and intensifies prolonged heatwaves in south Asia by weakening monsoon rains, which increases demand for air conditioning. Coal-based power systems in Asia supply about 70% of electricity in India and approximately 55% in China. Grid failure risk Drought also affects hydropower generation, increasing risk of grid failures. Colombia, for example, relies upon hydropower for about 65% of its energy generation. Declining fish stocks El Niño stops cool water upwelling in parts of the Pacific, limiting nutrient availability for phytoplankton and leaving small fish such as anchovies and sardines without enough food. Heightened geopolitical tensions over critical agricultural inputs More extreme weather could exacerbate geopolitical tensions. Rising temperatures reduce crop fertility and farmers often respond by applying more fertilizers. Higher rates of heat illness All these dynamics affect societies unequally. Workers exposed to heat stress face heightened health risks, particularly in physically demanding jobs such as agriculture and construction. Civil conflict Reduced crop yields and weakened economies often intensify social tensions. The likelihood of civil conflict in affected tropical countries can double during El Niño years. The Way Forward There is also extensive knowledge on building resilient agricultural systems that can generate food security while contributing to ecosystem restoration. But again, breaking out of an export-orientated, chemically intensive agricultural system will take large-scale political transformations.

Campaigners Urge UK Not to Dilute EV Sales MandateEnvironmental groups and the charging industry have warned the government against further weakening the zero‑emission vehicle (ZEV) mandate after an analysis showed an additional 17 million tonnes of CO₂ could be emitted by 2030.Labour’s 2024 Flexibility Loopholes Expand PHEV SalesIn 2024 the Labour government introduced “flexibilities” that let manufacturers sell more plug‑in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) while still meeting headline targets. Carmakers responded with a 48 % rise in PHEV sales.ZEV mandate aims for 80 % electric vehicle sales by 2030.Flexibilities allow a higher share of PHEVs in the sales mix.Industry analysis links the policy change to an extra 59 bn miles driven on petrol and diesel.Projected 17 Million Tonnes of Extra CO₂ Emissions by 2030Department for Transport (DfT) updated forecasts indicate the additional mileage will generate 17 million tonnes of direct CO₂, roughly equivalent to every Ryanair flight departing Europe for a year or the annual emissions of a small country such as Croatia.Extra mileage: 59 bn miles on petrol/diesel.Direct CO₂ increase: 17 million tonnes.Potential electric sales drop from a projected 33 % to as low as 7 % if flexibilities are fully used (New AutoMotive analysis).Consequences for the Charging Industry and Energy SecurityThe reduced uptake of battery‑electric cars threatens the business case for charge‑point investors. Vicky Read, chief executive of ChargeUK, says billions of pounds are being spent on infrastructure based on the original ZEV forecasts.Think‑tank analysts warn that PHEVs “fail to deliver promised fuel savings” and under‑report emissions by about a third, undermining the UK’s energy‑security goals.Future Outlook: Mandate Review and Potential Policy PathsThe government has pledged a further review of the ZEV mandate by early 2027. Colin Walker of the Energy and Climate Intelligence Unit cautions that additional weakening could push more costly PHEVs onto consumers, increasing ownership costs by “hundreds, even thousands of pounds a year”.Industry lobby Mike Hawes (Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders) calls for a “review of the transition” to align ambition with market realities, while the government reiterates its commitment to phase out non‑zero‑emission sales by 2035, backed by a £7.5 bn investment programme.

The Lead Bank branch closures in the UK have left customers frustrated, particularly those who rely on in-person services. The latest closures by Lloyds Bank in Surrey have sparked concerns about access to face-to-face banking. The Closure of Lloyds Branch in Staines The Lloyds branch in Staines, Surrey, closed on Monday, leaving customers with limited options for in-person banking. The closure is part of Lloyds Banking Group's plan to shut almost 150 outlets by March 2027. The Impact on Local Residents Residents like Patricia Payne, who relies on the branch for her banking needs, are feeling the impact of the closure. Payne, who struggles with online banking, has to take a four-mile bus ride from her home in Chertsey to Staines to access a bank. Payne now has only one option left for in-person banking in Staines. The closure has left her and other customers seeking alternative banking options. The Data Analysis Since 2015, nearly 7,000 bank branches have closed in the UK, representing 69% of the branches that were open at the start of 2015, according to Which?. This trend continues, with Lloyds and Santander announcing fresh rounds of closures this year. 6,795 branch closures since January 2015. 69% of branches that were open in 2015 have closed. The Impact Analysis The closure of bank branches is affecting not only customers but also small businesses. Radhe Mali, a fruit and veg stallholder in Staines, says that bank closures are a big problem for his business. Small businesses like Mali's rely on in-person banking services. The closure of bank branches can have a negative impact on local economies. The Prediction The UK government has started to pay attention to the issue, announcing an independent review to protect access to face-to-face banking services. The review aims to gather evidence on the impact of branch closures and identify areas where further action may be needed. The review will assess the real-world impact of branch closures. The goal is to protect access to banking services, particularly for vulnerable populations.