https://24lajme.com 24lajme.com: lajme, opinion, ekonomi, sport dhe kulturë nga Shqipëria dhe bota. Përkthyer automatikisht në shqip. sq Tue, 05 May 2026 12:07:07 GMT https://24lajme.com/lajme/is-jeff-bezos-the-real-villain-of-the-devil-wears-prada-2 The film’s villain is a conniving tech oligarch seeking to buy his way into fashion’s inner circle. In The Devil Wears Prada 2, we’re introduced to a very different Miranda Priestly. There was a time where the all-powerful queen of fashion – who is played by Meryl Streep and based on Vogue’s longest-serving editor, Anna Wintour – could end careers with a glance. But this time, she spends most of the movie taking orders herself. And it isn’t long before Benji Barnes, an eccentric billionaire, shows up and threatens to dismantle the excellence she has spent her entire career championing. In the film, Benji is played – scarily well, I should add – by Justin Theroux. Post-divorce, he is now in a relationship with Emily – Miranda’s acerbic former assistant, played by the scene-stealing Emily Blunt, who is described as “every girl who ignored him in high school”. Benji’s inclusion in the story feels representative of the wider media landscape, where the whims of billionaires decide which parts of the old, pre-social media world get to survive. Louis Staples The film’s villain is a conniving tech oligarch seeking to buy his way into fashion’s inner circle. I n The Devil Wears Prada 2 , we’re introduced to a very different Miranda Priestly. There was a time where the all-powerful queen of fashion – who is played by Meryl Streep and based on Vogue’s longest-serving editor, Anna Wintour – could end careers with a glance. But this time, she spends most of the movie taking orders herself. And it isn’t long before Benji Barnes, an eccentric billionaire, shows up and threatens to dismantle the excellence she has spent her entire career championing. In the film, Benji is played – scarily well, I should add – by Justin Theroux. Post-divorce, he is now in a relationship with Emily – Miranda’s acerbic former assistant, played by the scene-stealing Emily Blunt , who is described as “every girl who ignored him in high school”. Benji’s inclusion in the story feels representative of the wider media landscape, where the whims of billionaires decide which parts of the old, pre-social media world get to survive. So, who is Benji Barnes based on? Then we have Emily. The Devil Wears Prada 2 is a similarly cautionary tale. In The Devil Wears Prada 2, we’re introduced to a very different Miranda Priestly. There was a time where the all-powerful queen of fashion – who is played by Meryl Streep and based on Vogue’s longest-serving editor, Anna Wintour – could end careers with a glance. In the film, Benji is played – scarily well, I should add – by Justin Theroux. Post-divorce, he is now in a relationship with Emily – Miranda’s acerbic former assistant, played by the scene-stealing Emily Blunt, who is described as “every girl who ignored him in high school”. Benji’s inclusion in the story feels representative of the wider media landscape, where the whims of billionaires decide which parts of the old, pre-social media world get to survive. Is Jeff Bezos the real villain of The Devil Wears Prada 2? Kulturë Tue, 05 May 2026 09:00:34 GMT https://24lajme.com/lajme/is-jeff-bezos-the-real-villain-of-the-devil-wears-prada-2 https://24lajme.com/lajme/the-breakdown-rugby-needs-to-stop-the-screen-obsessed-finger-pointing-hair-trigger-arguments Game is in danger of losing its integrity by howling about referees’ decisions and unedifying actions on the field under the notional banner of player welfare It felt like a proper occasion in Bordeaux on Sunday. The trams were so jammed en route to the ground that the kick-off had to be delayed to allow spectators extra time to find their seats. For those who dismiss the notion of club rugby rivaling football for vibrant mass interest here was a compelling counterpoint: a heaving 42,000-capacity stadium, off-the-scale passion, top-class sport in every respect. Later on, after the game was done, there was another revealing snapshot at the airport. As Bath’s beaten players headed for their flight home they were warmly applauded down to the gate by their travelling supporters. A corner of a foreign departure lounge was briefly akin to north-east Somerset. Despite the outcome, the fans instinctively wanted to show how much they have enjoyed their team’s efforts this season. Continue reading... Game is in danger of losing its integrity by howling about referees’ decisions and unedifying actions on the field under the notional banner of player welfare I t felt like a proper occasion in Bordeaux on Sunday. The trams were so jammed en route to the ground that the kick-off had to be delayed to allow spectators extra time to find their seats. For those who dismiss the notion of club rugby rivaling football for vibrant mass interest here was a compelling counterpoint: a heaving 42,000-capacity stadium, off-the-scale passion, top-class sport in every respect. Later on, after the game was done, there was another revealing snapshot at the airport. As Bath’s beaten players headed for their flight home they were warmly applauded down to the gate by their travelling supporters. A corner of a foreign departure lounge was briefly akin to north-east Somerset. Despite the outcome, the fans instinctively wanted to show how much they have enjoyed their team’s efforts this season. Yes, Sunday’s host broadcast director was French. Explore more on these topics Share Reuse this content Game is in danger of losing its integrity by howling about referees’ decisions and unedifying actions on the field under the notional banner of player welfare It felt like a proper occasion in Bordeaux on Sunday. The trams were so jammed en route to the ground that the kick-off had to be delayed to allow spectators extra time to find their seats. For those who dismiss the notion of club rugby rivaling football for vibrant mass interest here was a compelling counterpoint: a heaving 42,000-capacity stadium, off-the-scale passion, top-class sport in every respect. Later on, after the game was done, there was another revealing snapshot at the airport. As Bath’s beaten players headed for their flight home they were warmly applauded down to the gate by their travelling supporters. A corner of a foreign departure lounge was briefly akin to north-east Somerset. Despite the outcome, the fans instinctively wanted to show how much they have enjoyed their team’s efforts this season. Continue reading... The Breakdown | Rugby needs to stop the screen-obsessed, finger-pointing, hair-trigger arguments Sport Tue, 05 May 2026 09:10:34 GMT https://24lajme.com/lajme/the-breakdown-rugby-needs-to-stop-the-screen-obsessed-finger-pointing-hair-trigger-arguments https://24lajme.com/lajme/my-body-ached-from-the-volume-the-mystery-and-majesty-of-japanese-noise-rockers-les-rallizes-d-nud-s The incendiary Japanese group who emerged out of late-60s unrest were suspicious of studios so their legacy was long left to bootleg obsessives. “Students were getting really violent,” Makoto Kubota recalls of Kyoto’s Doshisha University, leaving his studies in shambles. But when his quiet, magnetic fellow student Takashi Mizutani invited Kubota to the first gig by his band les Rallizes Dénudés, their deafening psych-rock became his calling. My body ached.” Les Rallizes Dénudés, which Kubota soon joined, have become the stuff of rock mythology: a mysterious, ever-shifting group whose early use of extreme distortion has won fans ranging from Osees’ John Dwyer to Lady Gaga. Discovering these had generated a cult international fanbase long after the band’s final gig in 1996, and Mizutani and Kubota reconnected in 2019 with plans to reunite – cut short by Mizutani’s death later that year. In his memory, Kubota is restoring and releasing their music, including an extraordinary lost album. “Students were getting really violent,” Makoto Kubota recalls of Kyoto’s Doshisha University, leaving his studies in shambles. But when his quiet, magnetic fellow student Takashi Mizutani invited Kubota to the first gig by his band les Rallizes Dénudés, their deafening psych-rock became his calling. My body ached.” Les Rallizes Dénudés, which Kubota soon joined, have become the stuff of rock mythology: a mysterious, ever-shifting group whose early use of extreme distortion has won fans ranging from Osees’ John Dwyer to Lady Gaga. In his memory, Kubota is restoring and releasing their music, including an extraordinary lost album. Months after that first gig, Mizutani’s bandmates left. In late 1969, Kubota recalls Mizutani inviting him to start jamming together. He played intermittently with les Rallizes Dénudés for three years, but he left as his own career began taking shape. But in 1991 Mizutani asked permission to release Mizutani/Les Rallizes Dénudés as one of three albums on the Rivista label, alongside ’67-’69 Studio et Live and ’77 Live. “Rallizes was a live band, not a recording band,” Kubota says, claiming Mizutani couldn’t find producers able to capture their live sound. By this point Kubota was a well-travelled career musician, and had discovered les Rallizes Dénudés fans across the world. Like brothers.” But soon, Kubota stopped hearing back. In 1976 journalist Aida Akira produced les Rallizes Dénudés sessions at Tokyo studio Big Box. “He was so passionate about Rallizes’ music, and he wanted to introduce it to Virgin,” says Kubota. “He was a good melody maker,” says Kubota. “Students were getting really violent,” Makoto Kubota recalls of Kyoto’s Doshisha University, leaving his studies in shambles. But when his quiet, magnetic fellow student Takashi Mizutani invited Kubota to the first gig by his band les Rallizes Dénudés, their deafening psych-rock became his calling. My body ached.” Les Rallizes Dénudés, which Kubota soon joined, have become the stuff of rock mythology: a mysterious, ever-shifting group whose early use of extreme distortion has won fans ranging from Osees’ John Dwyer to Lady Gaga. In his memory, Kubota is restoring and releasing their music, including an extraordinary lost album. ‘My body ached from the volume’: the mystery and majesty of Japanese noise-rockers les Rallizes Dénudés Kulturë Tue, 05 May 2026 09:49:49 GMT https://24lajme.com/lajme/my-body-ached-from-the-volume-the-mystery-and-majesty-of-japanese-noise-rockers-les-rallizes-d-nud-s https://24lajme.com/lajme/mercedes-may-have-won-again-but-miami-upgrades-have-shaken-up-the-f1-grid-giles-richards The improved form of McLaren and Red Bull and in Florida suggests the 2026 title race is likely to run and run There is a long old way to go but after Formula One emerged from its enforced early season break with an entertaining romp around the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, it indicated that there may yet be a decent tale to be told this season. One where Mercedes do not have it all their own way. Regulation changes dominated the buildup – of which more later because honestly paragraph two is too early to subject readers to the increasingly soul-destroying phrase “energy management” – but what really mattered in Miami was the sporting imperative of upgrades making a competitive difference. Continue reading... Analysis Giles Richards in Miami The improved form of McLaren and Red Bull and in Florida suggests the 2026 title race is likely to run and run There is a long old way to go but after Formula One emerged from its enforced early season break with an entertaining romp around the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, it indicated that there may yet be a decent tale to be told this season. One where Mercedes do not have it all their own way. Regulation changes dominated the buildup – of which more later because honestly paragraph two is too early to subject readers to the increasingly soul-destroying phrase “energy management” – but what really mattered in Miami was the sporting imperative of upgrades making a competitive difference. Mercedes had looked ominously strong with three straight wins in the opening three rounds before the five-week break caused by the cancellation of the Bahrain and Saudi GPs. During that time there was no little beavering across the paddock on upgrades for Miami. McLaren, Red Bull and Ferrari all brought big packages. Notably, Mercedes did not. McLaren and Red Bull made giant steps. Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri took a one-two in the sprint for McLaren and then Norris could well have beaten the race winner, Mercedes’ Kimi Antonelli , but for a pit stop decision and its execution. They had bounded up to the front once more in Miami, a happy hunting ground for the team. The team principal, Andrea Stella, believed Mercedes still had between one and two 10ths on them but on track Norris never looked that far off. Their car has the potential but they have not matched McLaren or Red Bull. We have a fight that will run and run then, not least because no development at this stage is wasted given at very least it can still inform next year’s car. That view was shared by Verstappen, even though he enjoyed a much more competitive car in Miami. It is inarguable that the crowd in Miami roared their approval as Leclerc, Norris and Antonelli duked it out in the early stages of the race. Which is the dichotomy of F1 in 2026 after Miami. Explore more on these topics Share Reuse this content The improved form of McLaren and Red Bull and in Florida suggests the 2026 title race is likely to run and run There is a long old way to go but after Formula One emerged from its enforced early season break with an entertaining romp around the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, it indicated that there may yet be a decent tale to be told this season. One where Mercedes do not have it all their own way. Regulation changes dominated the buildup – of which more later because honestly paragraph two is too early to subject readers to the increasingly soul-destroying phrase “energy management” – but what really mattered in Miami was the sporting imperative of upgrades making a competitive difference. Continue reading... Mercedes may have won again but Miami upgrades have shaken up the F1 grid | Giles Richards Sport Tue, 05 May 2026 10:23:58 GMT https://24lajme.com/lajme/mercedes-may-have-won-again-but-miami-upgrades-have-shaken-up-the-f1-grid-giles-richards https://24lajme.com/lajme/david-squires-on-an-unexpected-cameo-amid-all-the-premier-league-drama Our cartoonist on a weekend of genuine excitement at the top and bottom of the English top-flight table Buy a cartoon here | His favourites from 2025 And his latest book, Chaos in the Box: get it now Continue reading... Our cartoonist on a weekend of genuine excitement at the top and bottom of the English top-flight table Explore more on these topics Our cartoonist on a weekend of genuine excitement at the top and bottom of the English top-flight table Buy a cartoon here | His favourites from 2025 And his latest book, Chaos in the Box: get it now Continue reading... David Squires on … an unexpected cameo amid all the Premier League drama Sport Tue, 05 May 2026 10:09:21 GMT https://24lajme.com/lajme/david-squires-on-an-unexpected-cameo-amid-all-the-premier-league-drama https://24lajme.com/lajme/rfu-backs-steve-borthwick-to-lead-england-for-2027-world-cup-after-six-nations-review England suffered four defeats in dismal Six Nations Bill Sweeney says improvement not ‘one simple answer’ Steve Borthwick and his coaching staff are to remain in charge of England’s men’s team despite the squad’s worst Five or Six Nations for 50 years. The Rugby Football Union has opted to back Borthwick and his lieutenants through to next year’s Rugby World Cup in Australia having completed what it described as “a detailed and robust review” of England’s latest campaign. Despite having lost four Five or Six Nations games in the same season for the first time since 1976, the RFU has chosen to keep faith with the Borthwick regime in the belief that things can only get better. The union has decided that sacking the head coach is not the optimal solution, having previously dispensed with Eddie Jones’s services nine months prior to the 2023 World Cup. Continue reading... Steve Borthwick and his coaching staff are to remain in charge of England’s men’s team despite the squad’s worst Five or Six Nations for 50 years. The Rugby Football Union has opted to back Borthwick and his lieutenants through to next year’s Rugby World Cup in Australia having completed what it described as “a detailed and robust review” of England’s latest campaign. Despite having lost four Five or Six Nations games in the same season for the first time since 1976, the RFU has chosen to keep faith with the Borthwick regime in the belief that things can only get better. The union has decided that sacking the head coach is not the optimal solution, having previously dispensed with Eddie Jones’s services nine months prior to the 2023 World Cup. “This has been a thorough and honest review, and it is clear that improvement will come from addressing several areas rather than chasing one simple answer,” said the RFU’s chief executive, Bill Sweeney, in a statement. Steve has engaged in this process with full openness and has clear plans in place to address these findings.” There had been speculation that the future of Borthwick and his assistants might hinge on the outcome of this summer’s Nations Championship Tests against South Africa, Fiji and Argentina. The RFU, however, insist that both the head coach and his staff have their full backing for the next 18 months. “We are all behind him and his coaching team going into the Nations Championship and the series of matches leading into Rugby World Cup 2027,” said Sweeney. Much of the finer detail of the review has been withheld on performance grounds, the RFU citing a desire not to offer insight that might help other international teams. Several independent rugby figures were involved in the process which also featured in-person one-on-one interviews with players, coaches and the wider backroom team. The review concluded that England’s underperformance across the Six Nations was “not the result of a singular failure or issue”. The RFU statement acknowledged, however, that “improvement is required if England are to consistently perform at the level expected” and expressed sympathy with the team’s fans. “Steve Borthwick has engaged in the review with honesty and rigour, and he and his coaching team are already addressing issues identified. That disappointment was shared internally, and it underpinned the seriousness with which everyone engaged in this process.” England will kick off their Nations Championship programme against the Springboks in Johannesburg on 4 July. Explore more on these topics Share Reuse this content England suffered four defeats in dismal Six Nations Bill Sweeney says improvement not ‘one simple answer’ Steve Borthwick and his coaching staff are to remain in charge of England’s men’s team despite the squad’s worst Five or Six Nations for 50 years. The Rugby Football Union has opted to back Borthwick and his lieutenants through to next year’s Rugby World Cup in Australia having completed what it described as “a detailed and robust review” of England’s latest campaign. Despite having lost four Five or Six Nations games in the same season for the first time since 1976, the RFU has chosen to keep faith with the Borthwick regime in the belief that things can only get better. The union has decided that sacking the head coach is not the optimal solution, having previously dispensed with Eddie Jones’s services nine months prior to the 2023 World Cup. Continue reading... RFU backs Steve Borthwick to lead England for 2027 World Cup after Six Nations review Sport Tue, 05 May 2026 10:00:26 GMT https://24lajme.com/lajme/rfu-backs-steve-borthwick-to-lead-england-for-2027-world-cup-after-six-nations-review https://24lajme.com/lajme/rfu-backs-borthwick-but-flags-multiple-six-nations-failings The Rugby Football Union demands improvement from England head coach Steve Borthwick after their worst-ever Six Nations campaign. By Mike Henson BBC Sport rugby union news reporter Updated 19 minutes ago Head coach Steve Borthwick has been backed to turn around England's form after a Rugby Football Union review blamed a lack of discipline, accuracy and cutting edge, among other factors, for a dismal Six Nations campaign. England's only victory was an opening-round rout of Wales, who would go on to finish bottom of the table. Defeats in their other four games constituted England's worst performance since the tournament's expansion from the Five Nations in 2000. "This has been a thorough and honest review, and it is clear that improvement will come from addressing several areas rather than chasing one simple answer," said RFU chief executive Bill Sweeney. "This is a young England team that is still growing and developing, and we understand progress in international sport is rarely linear. "Steve has engaged in this process with full openness and has clear plans in place to address these findings. "We are all behind him and his coaching team going into the Nations Championship and the series of matches leading into Rugby World Cup 2027." A dissection of England's performance, carried out by an unnamed panel of rugby figures who interview coaches and players, is standard practice after a Six Nations campaign. The RFU says "performance confidentiality in a competitive sporting environment" prevents them revealing full details of England's shortcomings. However, it did say they came in multiple areas, while adding that Borthwick's case was strengthened by the year-long winning streak England compiled immediately before their dip in form. "The review concluded that, despite coming off a 12-game winning run, England's underperformance across the Six Nations was not the result of a singular failure or issue," it said. "England head coach Steve Borthwick has engaged in the review with honesty and rigour, and he and his coaching team are already addressing issues identified." During the Six Nations, England picked up eight yellow cards, two of which combined to make Henry Arundell's 20-minute red against Scotland, undermining their efforts. It was the highest number of cards received by any team in a tournament campaign since Italy's ill-disciplined 2002 showing. England kicked the ball more than any other team in the Six Nations, frequently frustrating fans with the lack of variety in their gameplan. "The way in which the team aspires to play was clear throughout the review," added the RFU. England's next match is in Johannesburg against world champions South Africa on 4 July, before games against Fiji and Argentina on the following weekends. England's first match at the Rugby World Cup, a pool-stage meeting with Tonga in Brisbane, is less than 16 months away. By Chris Jones Rugby union Correspondent Steve Borthwick received qualified support from his RFU bosses during the Six Nations, but a few months on - and a "detailed and robust review" later - the England head coach has had his hand strengthened, with Twickenham chiefs, both in public and private, reiterating he is the man to take England through to the World Cup next year. The RFU statement leaves other questions unanswered. It doesn't take a forensic review for England fans to learn the team had too many yellow cards and didn't execute well enough during the Six Nations; they have eyes and watched the games. However, why England's 2025 progress stalled so dramatically, and why the team regressed so alarmingly, is still unexplained, in public at least. The only currency is winning, and England need to do that this summer to keep the supporters believing. Those at the top of the RFU are confident the lessons of the Six Nations have been learned, and the team is set for a bright future. The Rugby Football Union demands improvement from England head coach Steve Borthwick after their worst-ever Six Nations campaign. RFU backs Borthwick but flags multiple Six Nations failings Sport Tue, 05 May 2026 10:22:36 GMT https://24lajme.com/lajme/rfu-backs-borthwick-but-flags-multiple-six-nations-failings https://24lajme.com/lajme/on-the-eve-of-section-21-being-abolished-i-was-served-an-eviction-notice-i-was-far-from-alone-george-francis-lee The Renters’ Right Act has finally given tenants in England more security over their housing, but landlords still hold the upper hand when setting rents You never welcome an email from your landlord, or in my case, my landlord’s agent. I happened to be in an airport waiting for a flight when something landed in my inbox that made my stomach drop. Two words popped out in the subject line: “Section 21”. Miles from home, staring at my phone, I felt useless and despondent at being served a no-fault eviction notice days before the new Renters’ Right Act made them illegal at the start of May. Once a feature of England’s rental market, section 21s had allowed landlords to force tenants out of their homes with only a minimum of two months’ notice. Presumably not wanting the hassle of having to use a section 8 notice – citing one or more legal grounds to end a tenancy – my landlord evicted me at the 11th hour. George Francis Lee is a recipient of the 2025/26 Scott Trust Bursary Continue reading... George Francis Lee The Renters’ Right Act has finally given tenants in England more security over their housing, but landlords still hold the upper hand when setting rents Y ou never welcome an email from your landlord, or in my case, my landlord’s agent. Two words popped out in the subject line: “Section 21”. Miles from home, staring at my phone, I felt useless and despondent at being served a no-fault eviction notice days before the new Renters’ Right Act made them illegal at the start of May. Once a feature of England’s rental market, section 21s had allowed landlords to force tenants out of their homes with only a minimum of two months’ notice. Presumably not wanting the hassle of having to use a section 8 notice – citing one or more legal grounds to end a tenancy – my landlord evicted me at the 11th hour. People don’t come to expect charity from their landlords, but the fact that so many have slipped in section 21s at the last possible moment only emphasises the imbalance of power between landlords and tenants. For everyone involved – landlords, renters, solicitors – the sheer number of section 21s being served did not come as a shock. In 2024-25 alone, England lost 21,436 social homes, mostly through right-to-buy sales and demolitions. We’re undergoing a net loss in social housing; according to Shelter, England has 1.4 million fewer households in social housing than it did in 1980. The Renters’ Right Act is a victory for the 11 million private renters across the country, but don’t forget who still holds the power. Explore more on these topics Share Reuse this content The Renters’ Right Act has finally given tenants in England more security over their housing, but landlords still hold the upper hand when setting rents You never welcome an email from your landlord, or in my case, my landlord’s agent. Two words popped out in the subject line: “Section 21”. Miles from home, staring at my phone, I felt useless and despondent at being served a no-fault eviction notice days before the new Renters’ Right Act made them illegal at the start of May. Once a feature of England’s rental market, section 21s had allowed landlords to force tenants out of their homes with only a minimum of two months’ notice. Presumably not wanting the hassle of having to use a section 8 notice – citing one or more legal grounds to end a tenancy – my landlord evicted me at the 11th hour. George Francis Lee is a recipient of the 2025/26 Scott Trust Bursary Continue reading... On the eve of section 21 being abolished, I was served an eviction notice. I was far from alone | George Francis Lee Opinion Tue, 05 May 2026 09:00:35 GMT https://24lajme.com/lajme/on-the-eve-of-section-21-being-abolished-i-was-served-an-eviction-notice-i-was-far-from-alone-george-francis-lee https://24lajme.com/lajme/a-game-changer-for-good-health-scientists-believe-we-are-when-we-eat-devi-sridhar Decades of advice on what to eat and what not to might have been missing one key ingredient, according to new research Reduce your calories. Eat more vegetables. Limit soft drinks and junk foods. For years, even decades, this has been the advice for those wanting a healthy body weight, lower blood pressure and better markers of metabolic health. Most weight-loss advice has focused on either what to eat (and what to avoid), or how much to eat. Think of dietary pyramids produced by government agencies, calories on food packaging and meals, and typical nutritional advice. It’s all true, to a certain extent: it’s obviously better to eat a healthier, nutritionally balanced diet, and yes, lower body weight is broadly linked to reducing calories. Even as a personal trainer who knows what I “should” be eating according to government dietary advice and has heard too much about calorie deficits, I take a slightly different approach to food. I think we need to bring nuance and a balanced approach to food and what we eat. Devi Sridhar Decades of advice on what to eat and what not to might have been missing one key ingredient, according to new research R educe your calories. Eat more vegetables. For years, even decades, this has been the advice for those wanting a healthy body weight, lower blood pressure and better markers of metabolic health. Most weight-loss advice has focused on either what to eat (and what to avoid), or how much to eat. Think of dietary pyramids produced by government agencies, calories on food packaging and meals, and typical nutritional advice. It’s all true, to a certain extent: it’s obviously better to eat a healthier, nutritionally balanced diet, and yes, lower body weight is broadly linked to reducing calories. Even as a personal trainer who knows what I “should” be eating according to government dietary advice and has heard too much about calorie deficits, I take a slightly different approach to food. I think we need to bring nuance and a balanced approach to food and what we eat. This meta-analysis investigates another dietary question: does when you eat make a difference? Eat more vegetables. For years, even decades, this has been the advice for those wanting a healthy body weight, lower blood pressure and better markers of metabolic health. Most weight-loss advice has focused on either what to eat (and what to avoid), or how much to eat. Think of dietary pyramids produced by government agencies, calories on food packaging and meals, and typical nutritional advice. It’s all true, to a certain extent: it’s obviously better to eat a healthier, nutritionally balanced diet, and yes, lower body weight is broadly linked to reducing calories. I think we need to bring nuance and a balanced approach to food and what we eat. Scientists believe ‘we are when we eat’ | Devi Sridhar Opinion Tue, 05 May 2026 07:00:46 GMT https://24lajme.com/lajme/a-game-changer-for-good-health-scientists-believe-we-are-when-we-eat-devi-sridhar https://24lajme.com/lajme/reversing-thatcher-s-failed-legacy-of-privatisation-can-be-a-labour-vote-winner-if-you-see-keir-tell-him-julian-coman Andy Burnham’s Manchesterism project is still a work in progress. But the future of centre-left politics in Britain may rely on its promise of ‘rolling back the 80s’ In the summer of 1987, as life in Britain was being steadily reshaped by Margaret Thatcher, I landed a temporary job as an electrician’s mate in a steel-drum factory. I was a truly useless assistant, and justified my existence by singing songs to entertain my boss as he worked. As I recall, by the time I left Stuart had come round to quite liking Bob Dylan, but still had no time for the gothic gloominess of the early Cure. While I handed him tools he didn’t need, and failed to locate the ones he did, we occasionally talked about politics. Stuart was a gentle man in his mid-20s, already married and hoping to buy a house. Prior to my coming to “help” him, he was one of the millions who had responded to the previous year’s Tell Sid ad campaign and bought shares in newly privatised British Gas. Continue reading... Julian Coman Andy Burnham’s Manchesterism project is still a work in progress. But the future of centre-left politics in Britain may rely on its promise of ‘rolling back the 80s’ I n the summer of 1987, as life in Britain was being steadily reshaped by Margaret Thatcher , I landed a temporary job as an electrician’s mate in a steel-drum factory. As I recall, by the time I left Stuart had come round to quite liking Bob Dylan, but still had no time for the gothic gloominess of the early Cure. While I handed him tools he didn’t need, and failed to locate the ones he did, we occasionally talked about politics. Stuart was a gentle man in his mid-20s, already married and hoping to buy a house. Prior to my coming to “help” him, he was one of the millions who had responded to the previous year’s Tell Sid ad campaign and bought shares in newly privatised British Gas. I don’t know whether Stuart held on to his shares. “ Manchesterism ”, Burnham’s word for a civic-minded politics that undoes the destructive legacy of Thatcherism (“rolling back the 80s” in his words), is a work in progress. But a majority now support taking Britain’s energy networks back into public ownership. A terminally disillusioned public will surely reward the political party that calls time on a failed experiment. But the future of centre-left politics in Britain may rely on its promise of ‘rolling back the 80s’ In the summer of 1987, as life in Britain was being steadily reshaped by Margaret Thatcher, I landed a temporary job as an electrician’s mate in a steel-drum factory. As I recall, by the time I left Stuart had come round to quite liking Bob Dylan, but still had no time for the gothic gloominess of the early Cure. While I handed him tools he didn’t need, and failed to locate the ones he did, we occasionally talked about politics. Stuart was a gentle man in his mid-20s, already married and hoping to buy a house. Prior to my coming to “help” him, he was one of the millions who had responded to the previous year’s Tell Sid ad campaign and bought shares in newly privatised British Gas. Reversing Thatcher’s failed legacy of privatisation can be a Labour vote-winner. If you see Keir, tell him | Julian Coman Opinion Tue, 05 May 2026 05:00:44 GMT https://24lajme.com/lajme/reversing-thatcher-s-failed-legacy-of-privatisation-can-be-a-labour-vote-winner-if-you-see-keir-tell-him-julian-coman https://24lajme.com/lajme/the-given-world-by-melissa-harrison-review-a-stunning-tale-of-rural-life-for-an-era-of-ecological-crisis Eerie omens haunt this absorbing group portrait set over six months in an English village Sitting stoned on a hill above his village, a young man muses on his place in the world. But it’s overwhelming to think of all their lives being equally real and urgent. In this fine, subtle and strange novel from one of the most probing writers of contemporary rural life, Melissa Harrison earns that nod to George Eliot, whose words she gives to an anxious and ecstatic labourer clutching a can of Fanta. The Given World follows the inhabitants of one village in a river valley, a place “as old as anywhere”, for six months between the equinoxes of a year. The six months are her dying time, from diagnosis to last thoughts. But, in a way that pays tribute to the solitary Clare’s understanding of interconnectedness, the novel goes out from the priory to trace a web of lives. Like Saj the postman, we call at addresses where literary fiction rarely bothers to ring the bell. Continue reading... Review Eerie omens haunt this absorbing group portrait set over six months in an English village S itting stoned on a hill above his village, a young man muses on his place in the world. In this fine, subtle and strange novel from one of the most probing writers of contemporary rural life, Melissa Harrison earns that nod to George Eliot, whose words she gives to an anxious and ecstatic labourer clutching a can of Fanta. The Given World follows the inhabitants of one village in a river valley, a place “as old as anywhere”, for six months between the equinoxes of a year. The six months are her dying time, from diagnosis to last thoughts. But, in a way that pays tribute to the solitary Clare’s understanding of interconnectedness, the novel goes out from the priory to trace a web of lives. Like Saj the postman, we call at addresses where literary fiction rarely bothers to ring the bell. The Given World presents another microcosm. Harrison has drunk deep in the culture of the rural eerie, and the novel feels for the uncanny effects of environmental change. Refusing to prioritise any one inhabitant’s story, Harrison works towards a communal form. Explore more on these topics Share Reuse this content Eerie omens haunt this absorbing group portrait set over six months in an English village Sitting stoned on a hill above his village, a young man muses on his place in the world. In this fine, subtle and strange novel from one of the most probing writers of contemporary rural life, Melissa Harrison earns that nod to George Eliot, whose words she gives to an anxious and ecstatic labourer clutching a can of Fanta. The Given World follows the inhabitants of one village in a river valley, a place “as old as anywhere”, for six months between the equinoxes of a year. The six months are her dying time, from diagnosis to last thoughts. But, in a way that pays tribute to the solitary Clare’s understanding of interconnectedness, the novel goes out from the priory to trace a web of lives. Like Saj the postman, we call at addresses where literary fiction rarely bothers to ring the bell. Continue reading... The Given World by Melissa Harrison review – a stunning tale of rural life for an era of ecological crisis Kulturë Tue, 05 May 2026 06:00:46 GMT https://24lajme.com/lajme/the-given-world-by-melissa-harrison-review-a-stunning-tale-of-rural-life-for-an-era-of-ecological-crisis https://24lajme.com/lajme/number-one-fan-review-four-hours-of-guaranteed-preposterous-fun Sally Lindsay and Jill Halfpenny are incapable of hitting a false note in this tale of a daytime TV presenter being stalked. It’s full of twists and turns – even if it isn’t wildly sophisticated The new Channel 5 (I know! Me too – but yes, it’s still around) thriller Number One Fan stars two Coronation Street graduates from back in the days when the soap was still good. My peak Corrie-watching years were early 90s to early 00s. Alas, their reign was brief and now there is no question that Coronation Street is worse than it has ever been. We do not have time to get into this now. Suffice to say: the presence of Sally Lindsay (Shelley, as was) and Jill Halfpenny (Rebecca Hopkins, of the same era, as love interest for Martin Platt) is enough to assure you of a good time. Here, Halfpenny plays Lucy Logan, a beloved daytime TV presenter with her own, mildly emetic show, a sponsorship deal for her onscreen wardrobe, and a new line of pampering products coming out under her name, in partnership with a brand-friendly charity. Apart from the monthly box of expensive truffles that are actually made of manure (I want to know who bit into the first one and discovered this; a bad work experience week for someone, I reckon) sent by an unknown non-admirer, life is good. Continue reading... Review Sally Lindsay and Jill Halfpenny are incapable of hitting a false note in this tale of a daytime TV presenter being stalked. Me too – but yes, it’s still around) thriller Number One Fan stars two Coronation Street graduates from back in the days when the soap was still good. My peak Corrie-watching years were early 90s to early 00s. Alas, their reign was brief and now there is no question that Coronation Street is worse than it has ever been. We do not have time to get into this now. Suffice to say: the presence of Sally Lindsay (Shelley, as was) and Jill Halfpenny (Rebecca Hopkins, of the same era, as love interest for Martin Platt) is enough to assure you of a good time. Here, Halfpenny plays Lucy Logan, a beloved daytime TV presenter with her own, mildly emetic show, a sponsorship deal for her onscreen wardrobe, and a new line of pampering products coming out under her name, in partnership with a brand-friendly charity. Apart from the monthly box of expensive truffles that are actually made of manure (I want to know who bit into the first one and discovered this; a bad work experience week for someone, I reckon) sent by an unknown non-admirer, life is good. Explore more on these topics Share Reuse this content Sally Lindsay and Jill Halfpenny are incapable of hitting a false note in this tale of a daytime TV presenter being stalked. Me too – but yes, it’s still around) thriller Number One Fan stars two Coronation Street graduates from back in the days when the soap was still good. My peak Corrie-watching years were early 90s to early 00s. We do not have time to get into this now. Suffice to say: the presence of Sally Lindsay (Shelley, as was) and Jill Halfpenny (Rebecca Hopkins, of the same era, as love interest for Martin Platt) is enough to assure you of a good time. Here, Halfpenny plays Lucy Logan, a beloved daytime TV presenter with her own, mildly emetic show, a sponsorship deal for her onscreen wardrobe, and a new line of pampering products coming out under her name, in partnership with a brand-friendly charity. Number One Fan review – four hours of guaranteed, preposterous fun Kulturë Mon, 04 May 2026 21:00:33 GMT https://24lajme.com/lajme/number-one-fan-review-four-hours-of-guaranteed-preposterous-fun https://24lajme.com/lajme/michael-spicer-monty-python-taught-me-that-authority-figures-must-earn-our-respect The Room Next Door star on overnight success, ‘sneaky follows’ from politicians and how internet commenting has dragged society down How did you get into comedy? I was submitting sketches to Spitting Image when I was 17 and making my own sketches pre-internet. But I guess in terms of my actual break, that didn’t happen until [online political sketch series] The Room Next Door. Was that an overnight success? I was watching a particularly bad interview with Boris Johnson and jotted down the concept of an adviser next door who was pulling his hair out over what was being said. So that is literally an overnight success, isn’t it? The Room Next Door star on overnight success, ‘sneaky follows’ from politicians and how internet commenting has dragged society down How did you get into comedy? I was submitting sketches to Spitting Image when I was 17 and making my own sketches pre-internet. But I guess in terms of my actual break, that didn’t happen until [online political sketch series] The Room Next Door . Was that an overnight success? I was watching a particularly bad interview with Boris Johnson and jotted down the concept of an adviser next door who was pulling his hair out over what was being said. So that is literally an overnight success, isn’t it? I get very sneaky follows. It went viral because people thought it was real. Any bugbears from the world of comedy? This is probably grumpy old man speak, but I don’t like how comedians, when they get their break, don’t do comedy. They don’t do sketch comedy and they don’t really do standup. When I was a child, if somebody was a big success in comedy, they would usually get their own comedy show. Explore more on these topics Share Reuse this content The Room Next Door star on overnight success, ‘sneaky follows’ from politicians and how internet commenting has dragged society down How did you get into comedy? I was submitting sketches to Spitting Image when I was 17 and making my own sketches pre-internet. But I guess in terms of my actual break, that didn’t happen until [online political sketch series] The Room Next Door. Was that an overnight success? I was watching a particularly bad interview with Boris Johnson and jotted down the concept of an adviser next door who was pulling his hair out over what was being said. So that is literally an overnight success, isn’t it? Michael Spicer: ‘Monty Python taught me that authority figures must earn our respect’ Kulturë Tue, 05 May 2026 04:00:42 GMT https://24lajme.com/lajme/michael-spicer-monty-python-taught-me-that-authority-figures-must-earn-our-respect https://24lajme.com/lajme/i-paint-the-kind-of-people-i-m-attracted-to-hernan-bas-on-hiding-from-the-world-in-venice The Cuban-American artist likes to paint pretty young white men – inspired by his fascination with Holden Caulfield. So why do his portraits have a sinister edge? Hernan Bas has been living in Venice this year, painting tourists. He’s aware of the ironies. (He is the kind of tourist, he tells me, who started looking at Venetian property prices, oh, about a week into his stay.) The Cuban-American artist is from Miami, and he knows about mass tourism all too intimately: he lives in an neighbourhood that has now been so thoroughly colonised by Airbnbs that when he comes home from the airport, taxi drivers ask him where he’s visiting from, and he has to explain that no, this is his own house. “I can pretend nothing’s happening in the world. For a moment his mind drifts back despairingly to his home town and the fraught politics of his country. “It was so mind boggling how much the Latin community went for Trump, and now everyone is eating dirt because they’re hiding from ICE,” he says. “Those same people who were gung ho for Trump are now getting deported.” Continue reading... Interview Charlotte Higgins The Cuban-American artist likes to paint pretty young white men – inspired by his fascination with Holden Caulfield. H ernan Bas has been living in Venice this year, painting tourists. He’s aware of the ironies. (He is the kind of tourist, he tells me, who started looking at Venetian property prices, oh, about a week into his stay.) The Cuban-American artist is from Miami , and he knows about mass tourism all too intimately: he lives in an neighbourhood that has now been so thoroughly colonised by Airbnbs that when he comes home from the airport, taxi drivers ask him where he’s visiting from, and he has to explain that no, this is his own house. For a moment his mind drifts back despairingly to his home town and the fraught politics of his country. “It was so mind boggling how much the Latin community went for Trump, and now everyone is eating dirt because they’re hiding from ICE,” he says. The young men are like aliens; they might have dropped by from outer space. The figures in the paintings are all young men – young white men. The show is in Venice for a reason.” Explore more on these topics Share Reuse this content The Cuban-American artist likes to paint pretty young white men – inspired by his fascination with Holden Caulfield. Hernan Bas has been living in Venice this year, painting tourists. He’s aware of the ironies. (He is the kind of tourist, he tells me, who started looking at Venetian property prices, oh, about a week into his stay.) The Cuban-American artist is from Miami, and he knows about mass tourism all too intimately: he lives in an neighbourhood that has now been so thoroughly colonised by Airbnbs that when he comes home from the airport, taxi drivers ask him where he’s visiting from, and he has to explain that no, this is his own house. For a moment his mind drifts back despairingly to his home town and the fraught politics of his country. “It was so mind boggling how much the Latin community went for Trump, and now everyone is eating dirt because they’re hiding from ICE,” he says. “Those same people who were gung ho for Trump are now getting deported.” Continue reading... ‘I paint the kind of people I’m attracted to’: Hernan Bas on hiding from the world in Venice Kulturë Tue, 05 May 2026 09:00:34 GMT https://24lajme.com/lajme/i-paint-the-kind-of-people-i-m-attracted-to-hernan-bas-on-hiding-from-the-world-in-venice https://24lajme.com/lajme/we-put-our-heads-above-the-parapet-lubaina-himid-on-winning-her-40-year-battle-to-storm-the-venice-biennale In the 1980s, she had to show her work in a corridor by the ICA’s toilet. Now she’s representing Britain at the ‘art Olympics’. So is the artist feeling a bit establishment? Quite the reverse The Venice Biennale opening is just days away but Lubaina Himid isn’t in a rush. The artist, who will represent Britain at the “Olympics of art”, is at home in Preston, where there’s an air of calm. Himid bought it, knocked down a wall between the two properties and has almost finished turning it into a studio. Works on canvas are dotted around; paintbrushes sit neatly in custom-made cabinetry. Now she’s representing Britain at the ‘art Olympics’. So is the artist feeling a bit establishment? Quite the reverse T he Venice Biennale opening is just days away but Lubaina Himid isn’t in a rush. The artist, who will represent Britain at the “Olympics of art”, is at home in Preston, where there’s an air of calm. Himid bought it, knocked down a wall between the two properties and has almost finished turning it into a studio. Works on canvas are dotted around; paintbrushes sit neatly in custom-made cabinetry. Himid was given April off. “We had a break, so we got married,” says Himid matter-of-factly. For much of her career, Himid existed in the margins. Now, the grand pavilion at Venice is hers. “I could smell Brexit coming.” For Himid, the question of whether or not she should represent Britain is flawed. Throughout her career, Himid has referenced makers and doers: street-sellers, seamen and servants . Now she’s representing Britain at the ‘art Olympics’. Quite the reverse The Venice Biennale opening is just days away but Lubaina Himid isn’t in a rush. The artist, who will represent Britain at the “Olympics of art”, is at home in Preston, where there’s an air of calm. Himid bought it, knocked down a wall between the two properties and has almost finished turning it into a studio. Works on canvas are dotted around; paintbrushes sit neatly in custom-made cabinetry. ‘We put our heads above the parapet’: Lubaina Himid on winning her 40-year battle to storm the Venice Biennale Kulturë Tue, 05 May 2026 08:00:47 GMT https://24lajme.com/lajme/we-put-our-heads-above-the-parapet-lubaina-himid-on-winning-her-40-year-battle-to-storm-the-venice-biennale https://24lajme.com/lajme/phil-foden-agrees-new-four-year-manchester-city-contract-despite-losing-starting-spot Deal would run until 2030 and have extra year’s option Foden has spent his whole career with City Phil Foden has agreed in principle a new four-year contract with Manchester City that will tie the 25-year-old to the club until 2030. Although the formalities are yet to be completed, there are not expected to be any issues. Foden’s deal is due to expire in summer 2027. Continue reading... Phil Foden has agreed in principle a new four-year contract with Manchester City that will tie the 25-year-old to the club until 2030. Although the formalities are yet to be completed, there are not expected to be any issues. Foden’s deal is due to expire in summer 2027. The new contract, which has an additional 12-month option, comes with the player having lost his first-team place under Pep Guardiola. Foden was a late replacement in Monday night’s 3-3 draw at Everton . His form has fallen away since he was a key part of City’s 2023-24 title success and won the Football Writers’ Association and Professional Footballers’ Association player of the year awards. Guardiola has continually backed Foden to return to his best but his last Premier League start was in the 2-2 home draw with Nottingham Forest on 4 March. The lack of game time and poor performance mean his selection by Thomas Tuchel for England’s summer World Cup campaign is in the balance. Foden has spent his whole career with City, having come through the academy. Explore more on these topics Share Reuse this content Deal would run until 2030 and have extra year’s option Foden has spent his whole career with City Phil Foden has agreed in principle a new four-year contract with Manchester City that will tie the 25-year-old to the club until 2030. Although the formalities are yet to be completed, there are not expected to be any issues. Foden’s deal is due to expire in summer 2027. Continue reading... Phil Foden agrees new four-year Manchester City contract despite losing starting spot Sport Tue, 05 May 2026 08:37:33 GMT https://24lajme.com/lajme/phil-foden-agrees-new-four-year-manchester-city-contract-despite-losing-starting-spot https://24lajme.com/lajme/bullish-arteta-urges-arsenal-to-make-next-step-as-atl-tico-battle-resumes A first Champions League final in 20 years is within touching distance, but a difficult tie is not over yet Mikel Arteta can be forgiven for never missing the chance to remind everyone that these are unprecedented times for Arsenal. As his side prepares to face Atlético Madrid in the decisive act of their second successive Champions League semi-final, it is easy to forget that they have only reached this stage on four occasions in their entire history. But 20 years after Arsène Wenger’s team edged past Villarreal in the last European match to be played at Highbury, Arsenal have their best opportunity since then to reach a second final after a campaign where they have swept all before them. The 1-1 draw in last week’s first leg in Madrid made it 13 matches unbeaten in this year’s Champions League – the only club to have achieved that feat – and also matched Wenger’s longest run without a defeat in Europe’s premier competition. Continue reading... A first Champions League final in 20 years is within touching distance, but a difficult tie is not over yet M ikel Arteta can be forgiven for never missing the chance to remind everyone that these are unprecedented times for Arsenal. As his side prepares to face Atlético Madrid in the decisive act of their second successive Champions League semi-final, it is easy to forget that they have only reached this stage on four occasions in their entire history. But 20 years after Arsène Wenger’s team edged past Villarreal in the last European match to be played at Highbury, Arsenal have their best opportunity since then to reach a second final after a campaign where they have swept all before them. The 1-1 draw in last week’s first leg in Madrid made it 13 matches unbeaten in this year’s Champions League – the only club to have achieved that feat – and also matched Wenger’s longest run without a defeat in Europe’s premier competition. Bukayo Saka’s sensational return to form against Fulham on Saturday has reignited their Premier League title challenge, with a first trophy since the FA Cup in 2020 now within tantalising reach. “I’ve done it many years ago, the thing that I had in mind for this club,” said Arteta when asked if he had visualised the captain, Martin Ødegaard, lifting the Champions League. “You can never promise to win major trophies. Here we are, now we have to make the next step.” The Arsenal manager was ridiculed by many for suggesting after last year’s semi-final defeat by PSG that they had been the “much better” team over the two legs. While it was true that Gianluigi Donnarumma made some sensational saves to see the French side through, Arsenal never really looked capable of beating a team that had already eliminated two other English clubs on their way to winning their first European title. PSG’s victory at the Emirates Stadium in the first match was the only home defeat Arsenal have suffered in 18 Champions League matches under Arteta, having won 14, scoring 43 goals and conceding only eight. That should give their supporters hope of getting past an Atlético side that were dispatched 4-0 during the league phase in October. However, Diego Simeone – who revealed before the first leg that he had dinner with Arteta after that game – will no doubt have his gameplan fully rehearsed. Griezmann is set to join the MLS side Orlando City next season and admitted he had considered that this could be his last European game for the club where he has made almost 500 appearances. “You think these moments will always come back around but sometimes they don’t.” Viktor Gyökeres scored a vital penalty in the first leg before Arsenal were denied a second spot- kick after it was initially awarded by the referee for a foul on Eberechi Eze, before being overturned. But we know we have got to get over the line.” Explore more on these topics Share Reuse this content A first Champions League final in 20 years is within touching distance, but a difficult tie is not over yet Mikel Arteta can be forgiven for never missing the chance to remind everyone that these are unprecedented times for Arsenal. As his side prepares to face Atlético Madrid in the decisive act of their second successive Champions League semi-final, it is easy to forget that they have only reached this stage on four occasions in their entire history. But 20 years after Arsène Wenger’s team edged past Villarreal in the last European match to be played at Highbury, Arsenal have their best opportunity since then to reach a second final after a campaign where they have swept all before them. The 1-1 draw in last week’s first leg in Madrid made it 13 matches unbeaten in this year’s Champions League – the only club to have achieved that feat – and also matched Wenger’s longest run without a defeat in Europe’s premier competition. Continue reading... Bullish Arteta urges Arsenal to ‘make next step’ as Atlético battle resumes Sport Tue, 05 May 2026 07:00:46 GMT https://24lajme.com/lajme/bullish-arteta-urges-arsenal-to-make-next-step-as-atl-tico-battle-resumes https://24lajme.com/lajme/guardiola-frustrated-as-hopes-of-city-taking-arsenal-to-wire-left-in-critical-condition-jamie-jackson Sluggish Manchester City failed to get the win they needed and have left themselves with a lot to do to regain title Bedlam here, utter bedlam – particularly the finish when Jérémy Doku’s 97th-minute right-foot curler grabbed Manchester City a 3-3 draw with Everton. Yet, the bottom line is this: the result places one Arsenal hand on the Premier League trophy, and City no longer control whether the other hand will join it. Continue reading... Analysis Jamie Jackson at Hill Dickinson Stadium Sluggish Manchester City failed to get the win they needed and have left themselves with a lot to do to regain title Bedlam here, utter bedlam – particularly the finish when Jérémy Doku’s 97th-minute right-foot curler grabbed Manchester City a 3-3 draw with Everton. Yet, the bottom line is this: the result places one Arsenal hand on the Premier League trophy, and City no longer control whether the other hand will join it. At the evening’s start the question was simple: would City refuse to blink, do what they had to, and defeat Everton and keep relentlessly chasing the Gunners? Slip up here and the Catalan’s hopes of ending his (possible) swansong season at City with a seventh championship would be cast as a dream of the pipe variety. If Mikel Arteta’s team beat West Ham, Burnley and Crystal Palace, on the final day, City could only pass them on goal difference and after Saturday’s 3-0 hammering of Fulham , the Gunners appeared to have sweetly timed a return to form. Yet as the arch-Napoleon of the run-in, Guardiola has endured tightrope finishes in three campaigns, each time piloting City to the crown via final-day victories. In 2018-19, City finished with 98 points, to Liverpool’s 97, a Riyad Mahrez strike and assist sealing a 4-1 comeback triumph at Brighton. In 2021-22, Jürgen Klopp’s team were again pipped when an 81st-minute Ilkay Gündogan winner dispatched Aston Villa 3-2 at the Etihad Stadium, City ending with 93 points to Liverpool’s 92. Two years later West Ham were the patsies, Phil Foden netting twice in a 3-1 win, Arteta’s side runners-up with 89 points to City’s 91. The bid to pull off a fourth last-gasp championship triumph started here in cold May sunshine and ended in the darkness of a championship challenge left in critical condition. Then, minute 42 was reached, and slick Cherki footwork set up Doku, who shimmied left and stroked past Jordan Pickford. Before this City were sluggish and aimless and required a Guardiola flea in the ear to remind them of the stakes. Doku, Cherki and Semenyo all flitted about to zero effect – and missed chances – as Everton’s lowest of low blocks stymied and frustrated City in this 376th Premier League game of Guardiola’s trophy-laden decade at the helm. Yet at 1-0 City were heading for the three points. O’Brien’s header from a corner made it 2-1, Barry completed Everton’s scoring, then Haaland chipped home, but City could not yank this game out of the fire – for victory, anyway. Afterwards, Doku tried defiance, saying: “It feels painful. Next up for City is Brentford’s visit on Saturday. Victory will close the gap to Arsenal, who travel to West Ham on Sunday, to two points: even this may not be enough. Explore more on these topics Share Reuse this content Sluggish Manchester City failed to get the win they needed and have left themselves with a lot to do to regain title Bedlam here, utter bedlam – particularly the finish when Jérémy Doku’s 97th-minute right-foot curler grabbed Manchester City a 3-3 draw with Everton. Yet, the bottom line is this: the result places one Arsenal hand on the Premier League trophy, and City no longer control whether the other hand will join it. Continue reading... Guardiola frustrated as hopes of City taking Arsenal to wire left in critical condition | Jamie Jackson Sport Mon, 04 May 2026 22:50:29 GMT https://24lajme.com/lajme/guardiola-frustrated-as-hopes-of-city-taking-arsenal-to-wire-left-in-critical-condition-jamie-jackson https://24lajme.com/lajme/vodafone-sold-us-a-dream-the-reality-was-something-different Two women from Lincolnshire are among 62 former franchisees taking the phone company to court. 4 hours ago Share Save Add as preferred on Google Jessica Lane East Yorkshire and Lincolnshire Two women say they were left tens of thousands of pounds in debt and with mental health issues after running Vodafone franchise shops. Donna Watton and Rachael Beddow Davison, from Lincolnshire, are among 62 former franchisees taking the phone company to court. In their legal claim, the group alleges that Vodafone – which has more than 350 franchise stores – made business decisions in "irrational, arbitrary" ways. Vodafone says it has reviewed and made improvements to the franchise programme over the past two years and has tried to resolve the legal claim, including by offering a settlement, which it says was rejected. "They sold us a dream, but the reality was something different," Beddow Davison says. Watton, 44, and Beddow Davison, 45, were store managers employed by Vodafone when they were offered the chance to take over their stores as franchises in 2017. It meant running their own phone shop businesses under the Vodafone brand and using the company's business systems. Watton, who joined Vodafone in 2008 and managed a store in Boston, says the franchise offer "looked amazing" and she was excited about the opportunity to be her own boss. Beddow Davison, who had been a store manager since 2013, says she "jumped at the chance" to take on the Lincoln shop as a franchise. Vodafone said they wanted to make their managers entrepreneurs," she adds. According to the court claim, the franchisees allege that Vodafone made changes in 2020 that affected their businesses. They claim Vodafone suddenly cut commission on upgrades to phones and other packages, and shortly after this, brought in a fines and penalties system. Vodafone has indicated the reduction was approximately 40%. Also separate to the court claim, Watton and Beddow Davison say Vodafone encouraged them to take on additional stores with no trading history or customer base. Additionally, Watton says Vodafone did not renew her contract to run her profitable Boston store. Also separate to the court claim, the women say footfall counters were faulty, which meant Vodafone thought their stores should be making more revenue than was possible. Vodafone has indicated that the footfall technology was owned and managed by a third party company, which it says investigated issues raised. The women say they raised concerns with Vodafone many times. Otherwise, I wouldn't be here today." In October 2023, Watton says she was told Vodafone would not be renewing her contract to run the Boston store with two months' notice. "Vodafone put me in such a bad situation. A spokesperson for Vodafone said: "We are sorry if any franchisee had difficulty operating their business. The MPs have called for a meeting with Vodafone bosses. Download the BBC News app from the App Store for iPhone and iPad or Google Play for Android devices More on this story Lincoln Mobile phones Skegness Boston Vodafone Two women from Lincolnshire are among 62 former franchisees taking the phone company to court. 'Vodafone sold us a dream - the reality was something different' Ekonomi Tue, 05 May 2026 05:04:02 GMT https://24lajme.com/lajme/vodafone-sold-us-a-dream-the-reality-was-something-different https://24lajme.com/lajme/what-now-for-rohl-s-rangers-as-title-hopes-fade Rangers' Scottish Premiership title challenge has been undone by two damaging defeats by Motherwell and Hearts. What now for Danny Rohl and his players? Seven points off the Scottish Premiership summit. Four points behind second place. Rangers' title challenge has been dismantled in two games after Danny Rohl's side had, in his own words, "worked so hard" to get in the fight. Dujon Sterling's deflected volley had Rangers in front and their overall performance merited such a lead. By 90 minutes, Hearts had scored twice without reply and Rangers, save for a late header off the bar by Thelo Aasgaard, never looked like recovering. And therein lies Rangers' Achilles heel this season - the inability to consistently produce over 90 minutes. Against Motherwell, Rangers were outplayed in the first half and trailed 2-0. In the previous game, Rangers also conceded two first-half goals but eventually ran out 6-3 winners at Falkirk. Those Celtic, Motherwell and Hearts games in particular have undone the progress made previously under Rohl this term. Rangers had lost just twice in 33 games before the split, and have now lost consecutive games at the most crucial stage of the campaign. Former Rangers forward Kris Boyd gave his assessment on Rangers in the wake of their Tynecastle loss on Sky Sports. "There will be mentality questions asked of Rangers," he said. This isn't a one-off, Rangers choking." However, Rohl said: "This is not about mentality. When he arrived in October to replace Russell Martin, Rangers were, after a significant summer squad overhaul, 13 points behind Hearts and eight off Celtic. Improved form up until mid-April had Rangers within a point of Hearts, and in front of Celtic, before those recent losses pulled them back to third. Only a win at Celtic Park on Sunday, combined with a concession of points by Hearts at Motherwell the night before, will give Rangers any hope in the final two games of the season. Defeat on Sunday would consign Rangers to their first third-placed finish since 2018. When Rangers won 3-1 at Celtic Park in December, it was the last match of Wilfried Nancy's short spell in charge of the hosts. By the time of their March Scottish Cup quarter-final with Celtic, O'Neill had been back in charge of Celtic since January. Rangers pressed and pressed without end product and Celtic won on penalties after 120 goalless minutes at Ibrox. "How we make decisions in moments, this is really a part that we really have to improve." Rangers' Scottish Premiership title challenge has been undone by two damaging defeats by Motherwell and Hearts. What now for Danny Rohl and his players? What now for Rohl's Rangers as title hopes fade? Sport Tue, 05 May 2026 07:23:22 GMT https://24lajme.com/lajme/what-now-for-rohl-s-rangers-as-title-hopes-fade https://24lajme.com/lajme/foden-reaches-agreement-over-new-man-city-deal England midfielder Phil Foden reaches an agreement in principle over a new four-year deal at Manchester City. By Shamoon Hafez Manchester City reporter Updated 8 minutes ago Phil Foden has reached an agreement in principle over a new four-year deal at Manchester City . The 25-year-old's current contract was due to expire next summer but fresh terms will keep him at Etihad Stadium until 2030, with the option of another year. Though midfielder Foden has struggled for form in recent months and has not scored since 14 December, a new contract signals a commitment from both parties to continue working together. Foden came on as a substitute in Monday's six-goal thriller at Everton, which leaves City five points adrift of Premier League leaders Arsenal with a game in hand. The midfielder will be hoping to secure a place in Thomas Tuchel's England squad for this summer's World Cup. Last month, boss Tuchel said Foden's place in the 24-man squad is not guaranteed despite being the only player to start both games in England's final camp before the tournament. Foden was given his first-team debut as a 17-year-old by boss Pep Guardiola and has gone on to make 365 appearances for City, winning six Premier League titles, one Champions League and two FA Cups. Despite his recent form, former Manchester United and England captain Wayne Rooney says Foden has to "play every game" for City. "I think you have to put him in the team," he said on the BBC's Wayne Rooney Show. "I love watching him play, I love his little movements, how he gets into the pockets of space. It's not nice watching him sitting on the bench. "I think he was doing well [this season]. He's had bad moments, but when you have a bad moment and you're taken out and put on the sidelines for weeks on end, I just think a player of that quality, you have to just keep playing him. "You've got [Jeremy] Doku there who can do anything. You've got [Antoine] Semenyo, who can go outside, come inside. It's real power, pace and raw speed going up against you, so I don't know whether that's a reason why Foden's not playing. Pep may want a little bit more help defensively." England midfielder Phil Foden reaches an agreement in principle over a new four-year deal at Manchester City. Foden reaches agreement over new Man City deal Sport Tue, 05 May 2026 09:13:12 GMT https://24lajme.com/lajme/foden-reaches-agreement-over-new-man-city-deal https://24lajme.com/lajme/the-family-sacrifices-that-helped-wu-become-world-champion Wu Yize discusses the sacrifices made by his family on his journey to becoming China's second world snooker champion. By Steve Sutcliffe BBC Sport journalist at the Crucible Theatre, Sheffield A new superstar of snooker. Another Chinese world champion. A year earlier, it had been Zhao Xintong lifting the trophy and creating history for his country. "During that time we were in Sheffield, she has been in hospital a lot. At that time she told me 'don't come back home, I can manage everything'. Seven-time world champion Ronnie O'Sullivan and Murphy, who won the title in 2005, both tipped him as a future world champion earlier in the campaign. He told BBC Sport: "This boy is just outstanding. "It confirms a new era for Chinese snooker at the very top level. During the peak moments, the number of viewers may have exceeded 100 million people." Zhao's victory 12 months ago was regarded as a seismic moment for Chinese snooker. Wu's triumph at the International Championship in Nanjing last November was a breakthrough moment, lifting him to a then career-high 13th in the world rankings. "After that win, he was received by the vice governor of the Gansu province and this will be much bigger than that," said Chinese snooker reporter Joe Liu, who works for World Snooker. He's very confident and I think he knows he can do a lot more in the future." Wu's world title win has propelled him to fourth in the rankings and only added fuel to the belief that Chinese players could dominate the sport for years to come, playing a new brand of snooker. "The game is changing, shot selection is changing and the likes of Wu Yize are changing the face of snooker to make it much more aggressive," said six-time world champion Steve Davis during the BBC's TV coverage of the final. "The modern-day players coming through have got to copy this. You can't win playing safe." Seven-time winner Stephen Hendry added: "He's just brilliant. He just gets on with it and he's having fun." Chinese players won three times on the professional circuit during 2024-25. That figure increased to seven from 23 events this season, albeit courtesy of only three players - Zhao, Xiao Guodong and Wu. The number of players from China appearing for the televised stage of the World Championship rose from a record 10 in 2025 to 11 this year. This time there have been five, with Zhao and Wu added to the list and Zhang dropping out. Furthermore, 10 will start next term inside the top 32. The top five players in the world were all British 12 months ago, but that is now no longer the case. We've seen a big shift in the younger players. Wu Yize discusses the sacrifices made by his family on his journey to becoming China's second world snooker champion. The family sacrifices that helped Wu become world champion Sport Tue, 05 May 2026 05:27:19 GMT https://24lajme.com/lajme/the-family-sacrifices-that-helped-wu-become-world-champion https://24lajme.com/lajme/rescuers-among-three-dead-after-yacht-sinks-off-australian-coast Volunteer rescuers aged 78 and 62 died after their boat rolled during "treacherous" conditions. 7 hours ago Share Save Add as preferred on Google Lana Lam Sydney Three people have died, including two volunteer rescuers, after a yacht sank and a rescue boat rolled in choppy conditions off Australia's New South Wales (NSW) coast. Emergency services were called at 18:15 local time on Monday after a member of the public reported a yacht in trouble off the break wall in South Ballina, a popular coastal destination close to the NSW and Queensland border. A Marine Rescue NSW crew of six rushed to the scene but their boat capsized in rough conditions as it crossed the Ballina Bar, police said. Two rescuers, aged 78 and 62, died. Four rescuers made it to shore with minor injuries and a search was called off early on Tuesday after everyone was accounted for. The body of a third man, aged in his mid-50s, was found on the sand nearby and is yet to be formally identified. He was not wearing a life jacket at the time, police said. "It has been a terrible night for Marine Rescue NSW and our focus right now is supporting the families of those affected and our volunteers," a spokesperson for the volunteer organisation said on Tuesday. Marine Rescue NSW Commissioner Todd Andrews said the death of two rescuers was a solemn reminder of the risks faced by volunteers. "These two men were serving their local community and have made the ultimate sacrifice to help others," he said on Tuesday. Superintendent Joe McNulty from the NSW Police Marine Area Command said the conditions on Monday evening had been "treacherous", according to the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC). "We need to remember and reflect on the heroic actions of this crew overnight," McNulty said, as he paid tribute to the Ballina marine rescue unit that attended the scene. "These people do a fantastic job, volunteers in the community and putting their life at risk to go and save another vessel that was stricken and in danger." The yacht - which hit the break wall and broke apart - has since sunk, police said. McNulty said divers may return to the scene on Thursday to recover evidence as police investigate how the yacht came to be so close to the break wall. A rescue helicopter retrieved the body of the 78-year-old volunteer rescuer while the body of the 62-year-old rescuer was found on the sand, police said. The four other crew on the rescue boat - aged 55, 75 and two aged 61 - were treated for various injuries and taken to hospital for further treatment. A local resident in Ballina told Nine's Today programme the tragedy would be felt across the close-knit town. "It affects the community when something like that happens, especially when a rescuer is lost and those people risk their lives to go and help other people in difficulty," Margie Fitzgerald said. Australia Volunteer rescuers aged 78 and 62 died after their boat rolled during "treacherous" conditions. Rescuers among three dead after yacht sinks off Australian coast Botë Tue, 05 May 2026 02:40:24 GMT https://24lajme.com/lajme/rescuers-among-three-dead-after-yacht-sinks-off-australian-coast https://24lajme.com/lajme/explosion-at-china-fireworks-factory-kills-26-people A blast at a fireworks factory in Hunan province has killed 26 people and injured 61, state media report. 3 hours ago Share Save Add as preferred on Google Koh Ewe and Laura Bicker , China Correspondent A blast at a fireworks factory in China's Hunan province has killed 26 people and left 61 wounded, according to state media. Rescue operations have wrapped up at the Huasheng Fireworks plant in the southern city of Liuyang, after an explosion on Monday afternoon forced authorities to evacuate everyone within a 3km (1.9 mile) radius of the plant. Authorities deployed more than 1,500 emergency responders, along with dogs, drones and robots. They rescued seven people who were trapped under debris. Police, who are investigating the cause of the blast, have taken "control measures" against the staff in charge of the fireworks company, Chinese state media reported. Authorities said that two gunpowder warehouses within the factory area had posed a high risk amid rescue efforts, state media reported. Besides evacuating people near the fireworks plant, rescuers also implemented measures like humidifying the area to "prevent secondary accidents during the rescue". The impact of the blast was so destructive that windows of a nearby residential building were shattered, a CCTV reporter noted in a televised broadcast from the scene. The ages of the injured range from their 20s to 60s, and some suffered bone injuries after being hit by flying debris, said the CCTV report. President Xi Jinping has urged all-out efforts to search for the missing and save the injured. He also called for an investigation into the accident to hold those responsible to account, state media reported. Local authorities said on Tuesday that they were monitoring the vicinity's water and air qualities, and that the relevant environmental indicators were normal. Speaking to Beijing News, a resident who lives about 1km away from the factory said villagers now have to take detours after stones were blasted onto the road. "The glass windows in our homes were shattered, aluminum window frames were deformed, and even the stainless-steel doors were twisted out of shape," she said. Another resident told the news outlet that she has left the village out of fear. Liuyang city is known for fireworks manufacturing, touted in reports as the world's largest producer of fireworks. Blasts at fireworks factories and shops are not uncommon in China - and are often deadly. In February, 12 people were killed in an explosion at a fireworks store in Hubei province. Asia China A blast at a fireworks factory in Hunan province has killed 26 people and injured 61, state media report. Explosion at China fireworks factory kills 26 people Botë Tue, 05 May 2026 06:06:42 GMT https://24lajme.com/lajme/explosion-at-china-fireworks-factory-kills-26-people https://24lajme.com/lajme/champions-cup-final-will-have-independent-tv-director-in-charge Bath unhappy with collision between Barbeary and Lucu Some camera angles were unavailable to TMO in semi-final An independent broadcast director is set to be in position for this month’s Champions Cup final in Bilbao after disquiet about the lack of crucial replays available to match officials during Bath’s 38-26 semi-final defeat against Bordeaux-Bègles on Sunday. Johann van Graan, Bath’s head of rugby, suggested three high tackles on his No 8, Alfie Barbeary, were missed because the referee and television match official (TMO) had not been supplied with all the requisite angles by the French host broadcaster. Members of the commentary team on Premier Sports also highlighted the absence of replay footage. Continue reading... An independent broadcast director is set to be in position for this month’s Champions Cup final in Bilbao after disquiet about the lack of crucial replays available to match officials during Bath’s 38-26 semi-final defeat against Bordeaux-Bègles on Sunday. Johann van Graan, Bath’s head of rugby, suggested three high tackles on his No 8, Alfie Barbeary , were missed because the referee and television match official (TMO) had not been supplied with all the requisite angles by the French host broadcaster. Members of the commentary team on Premier Sports also highlighted the absence of replay footage. Different protocols are in place in the Champions Cup compared with the United Rugby Championship and the Six Nations, when an independent operator sits with the TMO to ensure the best pictures are readily available. On Sunday, under EPCR regulations relating to host country arrangements, a French director was in place. It is understood, however, that the final in northern Spain will be broadcast with an independent – probably English – director at the helm. Sources have also stressed that Premier Sports on-air commentary teams only work with feeds and vision supplied by the host broadcaster and cannot pick and choose their own replays. The incident that particularly upset Van Graan was a 42nd-minute collision between Barbeary and the player of the match, Maxime Lucu, in the shadow of Bordeaux’s posts. The home side were ahead 24-12 at the time, but the South African was frustrated the clash of heads was not further scrutinised. “We as a game need to make sure we become consistent and, certainly from the footage available to the match officials, it didn’t seem that way,” he said. The final between Bordeaux and Leinster, on 23 May, will also be broadcast live and free to air on ITV. Explore more on these topics Share Reuse this content Bath unhappy with collision between Barbeary and Lucu Some camera angles were unavailable to TMO in semi-final An independent broadcast director is set to be in position for this month’s Champions Cup final in Bilbao after disquiet about the lack of crucial replays available to match officials during Bath’s 38-26 semi-final defeat against Bordeaux-Bègles on Sunday. Johann van Graan, Bath’s head of rugby, suggested three high tackles on his No 8, Alfie Barbeary, were missed because the referee and television match official (TMO) had not been supplied with all the requisite angles by the French host broadcaster. Members of the commentary team on Premier Sports also highlighted the absence of replay footage. Continue reading... Champions Cup final will have independent TV director in charge Sport Mon, 04 May 2026 17:48:47 GMT https://24lajme.com/lajme/champions-cup-final-will-have-independent-tv-director-in-charge https://24lajme.com/lajme/mikel-arteta-promises-fired-up-arsenal-will-play-like-beasts-in-atl-tico-second-leg Champions League semi-final delicately poised at 1-1 ‘We are so hungry to get the game we want tomorrow’ Mikel Arteta promised that Arsenal’s players will turn into “beasts” as they attempt to reach the Champions League final for the first time since 2006. Arsenal drew 1-1 in the first leg of their semi-final against Atlético Madrid last week and will be confident of overcoming Diego Simeone’s side after winning five of their six matches in this competition at the Emirates Stadium so far this season, conceding only three goals. Viktor Gyökeres scored twice in a 4-0 win over Atlético during the group stage, although Arsenal will be wary of underestimating the team that knocked out Barcelona in the quarter-finals. Continue reading... Mikel Arteta promised that Arsenal’s players will turn into “beasts” as they attempt to reach the Champions League final for the first time since 2006. Arsenal drew 1-1 in the first leg of their semi-final against Atlético Madrid last week and will be confident of overcoming Diego Simeone’s side after winning five of their six matches in this competition at the Emirates Stadium so far this season, conceding only three goals. Viktor Gyökeres scored twice in a 4-0 win over Atlético during the group stage, although Arsenal will be wary of underestimating the team that knocked out Barcelona in the quarter-finals. A special reception to welcome the Arsenal team bus to the Emirates before Tuesday night’s game is being planned by supporters, as well as what organisers have described as “the biggest tifo in the club’s history” that will be unveiled in the East Stand just before kick-off. Arteta was also happy to talk up their chances of matching the achievements of Arsène Wenger’s side in 2006, who were beaten by Barcelona in Arsenal’s only previous final appearance. When you are in front of such an opportunity, it means that you are ready to deliver, and the team is going to go for the first minute to go and get that,” he said. “We always talked about in this moment that we need players with a great emotional state, because I think that determines the rest, and we are feeling very good for tomorrow. I feel the energy in and amongst the team, our supporters. So this is the moment that we want to live together. We are so hungry to get the game that we want tomorrow and go through to that final.” The Arsenal captain, Martin Ødegaard, is set to return after missing Saturday’s win over Fulham , while there was further good news for Arsenal with Kai Havertz also expected to be involved. Asked whether he had ever thought about the possibility he could one day emulate Wenger by reaching the final and winning the Premier League this season, Arteta said: “The only thing I have is to finish preparing tomorrow, as best as possible, the game, the team, and that we go out there like beasts, enjoy the moment and go for it.” Simeone laughed off reports that he had requested a change of hotels because he is superstitious after his side’s defeat during the league stages. Atlético stayed at the Marriott in Regent’s Park in October when they were thrashed 4-0 but have switched to the Courthouse Hotel in Shoreditch this time. “I think we are doing better than in October. We are confident in terms of what we want with the game, but it is not just down to us. Whatever plan is chosen, we will stick with it until the end.” After a controversial first leg where both managers criticised the match officials, all Simeone would say, when asked questions about about the appointment of the German referee Daniel Siebert was “no”. Atlético have yet to win any of the three matches he has taken charge of, all against English clubs. Explore more on these topics Share Reuse this content Champions League semi-final delicately poised at 1-1 ‘We are so hungry to get the game we want tomorrow’ Mikel Arteta promised that Arsenal’s players will turn into “beasts” as they attempt to reach the Champions League final for the first time since 2006. Arsenal drew 1-1 in the first leg of their semi-final against Atlético Madrid last week and will be confident of overcoming Diego Simeone’s side after winning five of their six matches in this competition at the Emirates Stadium so far this season, conceding only three goals. Viktor Gyökeres scored twice in a 4-0 win over Atlético during the group stage, although Arsenal will be wary of underestimating the team that knocked out Barcelona in the quarter-finals. Continue reading... Mikel Arteta promises fired-up Arsenal will play ‘like beasts’ in Atlético second leg Sport Mon, 04 May 2026 19:03:53 GMT https://24lajme.com/lajme/mikel-arteta-promises-fired-up-arsenal-will-play-like-beasts-in-atl-tico-second-leg https://24lajme.com/lajme/title-chasing-hearts-clear-crucial-hurdle-as-shankland-shatters-rangers-hopes A three-horse race has witnessed a faller. This most magical of Hearts seasons has edged closer to delivering the ultimate prize, an outcome that would shake Scottish football to its very foundations. This was a game Rangers and their manager, Danny Röhl, dare not lose. They did, courtesy of a stirring second-half comeback from Hearts. Rangers now trail the Edinburgh club by seven points. The Hearts lead over Celtic has been restored to three with the same number of fixtures to play. This most magical of Hearts seasons has edged closer to delivering the ultimate prize, an outcome that would shake Scottish football to its very foundations. This was a game Rangers and their manager, Danny Röhl, dare not lose. They did, courtesy of a stirring second-half comeback from Hearts. Rangers now trail the Edinburgh club by seven points. The Hearts lead over Celtic has been restored to three with the same number of fixtures to play. Celtic host Rangers on Sunday. The goal rattled Hearts, who resorted to needless and ineffectual one-dimensional football. Rangers were dominant in midfield, a scenario due at least in part to injuries that have afflicted Hearts in that area. Rangers’ goalkeeper was soon to be rendered helpless by Shankland. Shankland’s anticipation had bamboozled the Rangers defence. Spittal came within a wonderful Butland save of a Hearts third. Rangers had less than 20 minutes to save their season. Rangers huffed and puffed without delivering anything more. This was to be Hearts’ day. This was a game Rangers and their manager, Danny Röhl, dare not lose. They did, courtesy of a stirring second-half comeback from Hearts. Rangers now trail the Edinburgh club by seven points. The Hearts lead over Celtic has been restored to three with the same number of fixtures to play. Title-chasing Hearts clear crucial hurdle as Shankland shatters Rangers’ hopes Sport Mon, 04 May 2026 18:40:48 GMT https://24lajme.com/lajme/title-chasing-hearts-clear-crucial-hurdle-as-shankland-shatters-rangers-hopes https://24lajme.com/lajme/wu-yize-beats-shaun-murphy-in-thrilling-final-frame-to-win-world-snooker-championship Wu claims title 18-17 with decisive break of 85 The 22-year-old is the second-youngest champion ever As the ticker tape rained down on Wu Yize and the Chinese flag was draped over the shoulders of snooker’s newest superstar as he clutched the game’s most famous prize, it was hard not to imagine that this sport was changing in front of our eyes for ever. If Zhao Xintong broke through the glass ceiling for 12 months ago, then the exploits of the China’s newest Crucible king may have just shattered it into a thousand pieces. The boy who came to England with his father as a 16-year-old to pursue his dreams, living in a windowless flat in Sheffield, is now the champion of the world. Continue reading... As the ticker tape rained down on Wu Yize and the Chinese flag was draped over the shoulders of snooker’s newest superstar as he clutched the game’s most famous prize, it was hard not to imagine that this sport was changing in front of our eyes for ever. If Zhao Xintong broke through the glass ceiling for 12 months ago, then the exploits of the China’s newest Crucible king may have just shattered it into a thousand pieces. The boy who came to England with his father as a 16-year-old to pursue his dreams, living in a windowless flat in Sheffield, is now the champion of the world. But this 22-year-old is not your ordinary champion. China has a second world champion in as many years but Wu’s star will shine brightly wherever he goes. He scaled snooker’s Mount Everest in unforgettable fashion. The magnificent Shaun Murphy responded to take the final the distance. Murphy almost represented a one-man guard of a former era, bidding for a second world title 21 years on from his first, when he too was a 22-year-old with the game at his mercy. How he played his part, taking the final all the way. “He’s a wonderful world champion,” Murphy said. I said earlier in the season after we had a great game out in China that he would be world champion one day. Murphy produced a sublime 131 clearance to square it again at 16-16 before Wu produced a break of 91 littered with attacking, carefree shots to move just one frame from immortality. But suddenly, he blinked: a routine red while on 45 that allowed Murphy to swoop in and take us all the way for only the fourth time in Crucible history. For Murphy, the lure of joining the exclusive band of men to have won at the Crucible multiple times. They got one, too; Murphy potted a sumptuous red but was forced to go safe before Wu took on an audacious red to the middle. Not snooker’s newest sensation. Explore more on these topics Share Reuse this content Wu claims title 18-17 with decisive break of 85 The 22-year-old is the second-youngest champion ever As the ticker tape rained down on Wu Yize and the Chinese flag was draped over the shoulders of snooker’s newest superstar as he clutched the game’s most famous prize, it was hard not to imagine that this sport was changing in front of our eyes for ever. If Zhao Xintong broke through the glass ceiling for 12 months ago, then the exploits of the China’s newest Crucible king may have just shattered it into a thousand pieces. The boy who came to England with his father as a 16-year-old to pursue his dreams, living in a windowless flat in Sheffield, is now the champion of the world. Continue reading... Wu Yize beats Shaun Murphy in thrilling final frame to win World Snooker Championship Sport Mon, 04 May 2026 21:57:19 GMT https://24lajme.com/lajme/wu-yize-beats-shaun-murphy-in-thrilling-final-frame-to-win-world-snooker-championship https://24lajme.com/lajme/manchester-city-s-wild-draw-at-everton-hands-arsenal-title-edge-despite-late-doku-strike At home in north London, a celebrated former Everton midfielder must have been tempted to raise a toast to his old club. Mikel Arteta will know it would have tasted sweeter but for Jérémy Doku’s superb 97th-minute equaliser for Manchester City. He will also know the pendulum has swung Arsenal’s way in the race for the Premier League title. The last kick of a crazy second half salvaged what could prove a precious point for Pep Guardiola’s challengers, but they veered off course against Everton and also in the context of a title race with little margin for error. Continue reading... At home in north London, a celebrated former Everton midfielder must have been tempted to raise a toast to his old club. Mikel Arteta will know it would have tasted sweeter but for Jérémy Doku’s superb 97th-minute equaliser for Manchester City . He will also know the pendulum has swung Arsenal’s way in the race for the Premier League title. The last kick of a crazy second half salvaged what could prove a precious point for Pep Guardiola’s challengers, but they veered off course against Everton and also in the context of a title race with little margin for error. City were in command and in the lead after a dominant first half. Arsenal are three wins from winning their first league title in 22 years. The visitors enjoyed almost total control of the first half. The visitors worked the ball out to Rayan Cherki on the right, who found Doku in space outside the Everton area. Everton were a different proposition after the interval. City’s defence, along with their title challenge, wobbled in the face of both. The City defender intercepted a Röhl pass that was intended for Barry, who was clearly offside, but miskicked straight to the Everton substitute, who beat Donnarumma from close range. Five minutes later, Everton were ahead when O’Brien rose between González and Guéhi to head home a Garner corner at the near post. City players stared at the big screens in sheer disbelief, their title challenge crumbling unexpectedly, but roused themselves impressively. Doku then retrieved Phil Foden’s deep corner and curled another immaculate shot past Pickford, this time with his right foot. Explore more on these topics Share Reuse this content At home in north London, a celebrated former Everton midfielder must have been tempted to raise a toast to his old club. Mikel Arteta will know it would have tasted sweeter but for Jérémy Doku’s superb 97th-minute equaliser for Manchester City. He will also know the pendulum has swung Arsenal’s way in the race for the Premier League title. The last kick of a crazy second half salvaged what could prove a precious point for Pep Guardiola’s challengers, but they veered off course against Everton and also in the context of a title race with little margin for error. Continue reading... Manchester City’s wild draw at Everton hands Arsenal title edge despite late Doku strike Sport Mon, 04 May 2026 21:13:23 GMT https://24lajme.com/lajme/manchester-city-s-wild-draw-at-everton-hands-arsenal-title-edge-despite-late-doku-strike https://24lajme.com/lajme/nigerian-refinery-accused-of-sacking-union-members-is-key-to-uk-plan-to-tackle-jet-fuel-shortage Heidi Alexander says part of answer to strait of Hormuz crisis is importing more fuel from US and west Africa A refinery in Nigeria accused of dismissing workers for joining a union has emerged as key to the UK government’s hopes of saving the summer holiday amid a jet fuel shortage. Heidi Alexander, the transport secretary, said at the weekend that part of the answer to the strait of Hormuz crisis was to import more fuel from the US and west Africa. Continue reading... Heidi Alexander says part of answer to strait of Hormuz crisis is importing more fuel from US and west Africa A refinery in Nigeria accused of dismissing workers for joining a union has emerged as key to the UK government’s hopes of saving the summer holiday amid a jet fuel shortage. Heidi Alexander, the transport secretary, said at the weekend that part of the answer to the strait of Hormuz crisis was to import more fuel from the US and west Africa. The main refinery on the west coast of Africa exporting fuel to the UK for commercial flights is Dangote in Lagos, which started producing aviation fuel in January 2024. According to the market data company Kpler, about 130,000 tonnes of jet fuel was imported into the UK in March from the huge Nigerian plant. Owned by the richest man in Africa , Aliko Dangote, the refinery has been accused by unions of being a “plantation of exploitation”. Last autumn, the Nigerian government had to mediate in a dispute when the company was accused of sacking workers after they had joined the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (Pengassan) union. Dangote maintained that more than 3,000 Nigerians remained employed and that the company did not block union participation. At the time of the dispute, Pengassan directed its branches at oil firms to enforce an immediate halt to crude oil and gas deliveries to the refinery. The Nigerian Labour Congress claimed that Dangote had a “consistent record of union-busting, exploitative labour practices”, adding: “We have it on good authority that Dangote refinery pays one of the lowest wages in the oil and gas sector in Nigeria today and treats its staff members beneath acceptable standards.” The government stepped in and confirmed the right to union membership, adding in a statement that it had been agreed that the “management of Dangote Group shall immediately begin the process of redeploying the disengaged staff to other companies within the Dangote Group, with no loss of pay”. An internal company memo was reportedly sent last week confirming that affected staff were being recalled. A spokesperson for Dangote Industries said the workers had been reabsorbed into the company in different sectors within the firm, including salt, sugar and cement, and denied that they had been dismissed for union membership. The same unions are extolling our industrialisation strategy and expressing positive sentiments over our vision for rescuing the country from perennial fuel shortage, long queues at the fuel stations, wasteful man-hours, substandard and dirty fuel imports.” Fossil fuels from the Gulf have effectively been at a standstill since 28 February, after the de facto closure of the strait of Hormuz shipping channel, through which a fifth of the world’s oil and gas flows. British refineries have already been asked to maximise jet fuel supply as part of government contingency planning, amid growing fears that planes will be grounded this summer. Alexander said: “We’re importing a lot more jet fuel from the US. We’ve got fuel for refineries that produce jet fuel here, we’ve got more oil, jet fuel coming from refineries on the west coast of Africa as well.” Matt Stanley, the head of market engagement at Kpler, said Dangote was producing aviation fuel to its maximum capacity after recent internal problems. “With jet fuel, you will pay what you have to pay. It’s less about pricing, it’s about volume, and they just want to keep the wheels turning.” A government spokesperson said: “Since the closure of the strait of Hormuz, the government has been monitoring UK jet fuels stocks and working with airlines, airports, and fuel suppliers on the situation. “UK airlines are clear that they are not currently seeing a shortage of jet fuel. Aviation fuel is typically bought in advance and airports and their suppliers keep stocks of bunkered fuel to support their resilience.” Explore more on these topics Share Reuse this content Heidi Alexander says part of answer to strait of Hormuz crisis is importing more fuel from US and west Africa A refinery in Nigeria accused of dismissing workers for joining a union has emerged as key to the UK government’s hopes of saving the summer holiday amid a jet fuel shortage. Heidi Alexander, the transport secretary, said at the weekend that part of the answer to the strait of Hormuz crisis was to import more fuel from the US and west Africa. Continue reading... Nigerian refinery accused of sacking union members is key to UK plan to tackle jet fuel shortage Botë Mon, 04 May 2026 15:58:29 GMT https://24lajme.com/lajme/nigerian-refinery-accused-of-sacking-union-members-is-key-to-uk-plan-to-tackle-jet-fuel-shortage https://24lajme.com/lajme/robots-move-in-as-waste-firms-struggle-to-find-staff Humanoid robots are being added to the automation of waste sorting. 5 hours ago Share Save Add as preferred on Google David Waddell Business Reporter The dust at this busy recycling plant is pervasive and the steady noise of hoppers and conveyor belts makes this a challenging environment to work in. The facility in Rainham, east London is owned by Sharp Group, a family-run skip and waste management firm. Along the conveyor belts runs everything you could imagine, from shoes, to old VHS cassettes and blocks of concrete. These factors, along with the unpleasant nature of the work, mean keeping workers is difficult. Annual staff turnover runs at 40%. "The belt is moving all the time, you're constantly picking. A robot, known as Alpha (Automated Litter Processing Humanoid Assistant) was being trained to pick through the rubbish. Built by RealMan Robotics in China, it's being adapted for real-world recycling operations by the British firm TeknTrash Robotics. Automated robots are not new to the sector, but the use of a humanoid is unusual. TeknTrash founder and CEO Al Costa argues that copying human movement allows his robot to fit into existing plants without redesigning the machinery. Next to it, a plant worker wears a VR headset to record his own endeavours to demonstrate what successful picking and sorting looks like. The first is identifying what's on the conveyor and the second part is actually lifting up items. Costa says this is exactly what early-stage training looks like. They warn it what's coming, they guide its arms, and they report failures if unpicked items stay on the belt. The passing of thousands of items delivers millions of data points every day. It will pick all day, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. It's not going to apply for a holiday, it's not going to have a sick day," says Chelsea Sharp, plant finance director and granddaughter of company founder Tom Sharp. CEO Tim Stuart explains that AMP uses air jets to guide items into chutes. As Prof Marian Chertow of Yale University puts it: "Robotics coupled with AI-driven vision systems offers the greatest potential for improving material recovery, worker experience, and economic competitiveness in the recycling sector." Back in east London, the worker experience is "unappealing", admits Chelsea Sharp. It's not that nice." Robots are unbothered by those conditions, but what becomes of the human workers as the technology scales up? Sharp claims there will be further work opportunities: "The plan is to upskill those staff. They'll be maintaining and overseeing the robots. And it brings those same people away from any dangers, including the unpleasant environment, heavy lifting and noise." More Technology of Business International Business Recycling Waste management Technology of Business Humanoid robots are being added to the automation of waste sorting. Robots move in as waste firms struggle to find staff Ekonomi Mon, 04 May 2026 23:43:28 GMT https://24lajme.com/lajme/robots-move-in-as-waste-firms-struggle-to-find-staff https://24lajme.com/lajme/british-pubs-closing-at-a-rate-of-almost-two-per-day-in-2026 The British Beer and Pub Association says 161 pubs have closed in the first three months of this year. 3 hours ago Share Save Add as preferred on Google Tabby Wilson Approximately two British pubs closed a day in the first quarter of 2026, according to figures produced by the industry. The British Beer and Pub Association (BBPA) says 161 pubs closed in the first three months of this year across England, Scotland and Wales, equating to the loss of around 2,400 jobs. Earlier this year, the government announced business rates support for pubs after warnings from the sector that further tax changes could lead to more closures. The 15% tax relief for pubs and music venues came into effect last month. The BBPA said the latest closure figures highlighted a need for longer-term changes, including a wider overhaul of taxes on the hospitality sector. It comes after 336 British pubs reported closures in 2025. "The scale of these closures is avoidable because pubs are doing a brisk trade, but their profits are wiped out by a disproportionate tax burden and huge costs," said Emma McClarkin, chief executive of the BBPA. Her statement went on: "We want to work with government to establish a permanent long-term plan that will deliver permanently lower bills, a fairer system and ultimately protect this treasured sector." Pubs and hospitality venues across the UK have been under increased pressure in recent years, which has been attributed to increased labour costs, rising business rates and shifting consumer habits. According to the latest data for Great Britain, Wales is the only region to report an increased number of pubs. Scotland has suffered the heaviest losses, with 41 closures between January and March this year. A government spokesperson said it was "backing Britain's pubs" by cutting April's business rates bills by 15%, which will be followed by a two-year freeze, extending World Cup opening hours and increasing the Hospitality Support Fund to £10m to help venues grow. The government also plans to build on its Pride in Palace programme, which sees grants allocated for "locally-led solutions" in 280 neighbourhoods in England, as part of their scheme to revitalise high streets. "This comes on top of capping corporation tax, cutting alcohol duty on draught pints and six cuts in interest rates, benefiting businesses in every part of Britain," the spokesperson said. Alcohol Hospitality industry Pubs The British Beer and Pub Association says 161 pubs have closed in the first three months of this year. British pubs closing at a rate of almost two per day in 2026 Ekonomi Tue, 05 May 2026 01:55:39 GMT https://24lajme.com/lajme/british-pubs-closing-at-a-rate-of-almost-two-per-day-in-2026 https://24lajme.com/lajme/man-city-s-title-hopes-dented-despite-late-doku-stunner-in-six-goal-thriller Jeremy Doku's 97th-minute equaliser salvages a draw for Manchester City in a six-goal thriller at Everton. There was an error Jeremy Doku scored a 97th-minute equaliser to salvage a draw for Manchester City in a six-goal thriller at Everton, but the result dealt a blow to the Premier League title hopes of Pep Guardiola's side. MATCH REPORT: Premier League - Everton 3-3 Manchester City Available to UK users only. Share close panel Share page Copy link About sharing Read description Jeremy Doku's 97th-minute equaliser salvages a draw for Manchester City in a six-goal thriller at Everton. Man City's title hopes dented despite late Doku stunner in six-goal thriller Sport Mon, 04 May 2026 21:56:30 GMT https://24lajme.com/lajme/man-city-s-title-hopes-dented-despite-late-doku-stunner-in-six-goal-thriller https://24lajme.com/lajme/the-high-quality-relegation-battle-more-like-a-title-race The battle for Premier League survival is hotting up with Nottingham Forest, Tottenham and West Ham fighting for their lives. By Keifer MacDonald BBC Sport journalist It is proving to be one of the highest-quality fights for survival in Premier League history. It has been a game of who will blink first over the past couple of months with the three sides all in danger of finishing in the the third and final relegation place - Forest, Spurs and West Ham - having only lost one of their past nine Premier League games between them. The improved quality of the teams in and around the drop zone means for the first time since the 2015-16 season, a team will be relegated from the Premier League with 36 points or more. Forest have come good a little bit later on. "And Spurs and West Ham - although they are the two in danger - one of them will go down with a lot more points than any team for quite a long time." By beating Chelsea 3-1 at Stamford Bridge on Monday, Nottingham Forest extended their unbeaten run in the Premier League to seven matches. It moved them six points clear of 18th-placed West Ham , and restored their five-point advantage over Spurs in 17th. Although not confirmed mathematically, the three points should be enough to seal Forest's place in the Premier League next season. Since replacing Sean Dyche in February, the 57-year-old has lost only two of his nine Premier League matches in charge. Pereira's side are unbeaten in matches against Manchester City , Tottenham , Aston Villa , Sunderland and Chelsea . Spurs, on the other hand, followed up a first Premier League win of 2026 last week by earning a vital victory against a much-changed Aston Villa side on Sunday night. After three matchdays in the relegation zone, the win meant Spurs, last season's Europa League winners, climbed out of the bottom three and leapfrogged West Ham . It's three points - the lift that will give the lads. They have actually improved significantly in the past three months and, since suffering back-to-back defeats in January, have only lost four of their past 14 Premier League matches. The east Londoners have the unwanted record of accumulating the most points in the final eight games of the season (15) of any side to be relegated from the Premier League. In more recent times, Newcastle United - the last team to be relegated from the Premier League with 36 points or more - hold the record for the longest unbeaten run at the end of a season (six games) by a team relegated to the Championship. If Forest, Spurs and West Ham maintain their current run of form, one of the three could end the season with a similarly unwanted place in the Premier League record books. Since the Premier League became a 20-team format in 1995, the average number of points needed for safety has been 36. But that will not be enough this time around given that West Ham have already reached that tally and currently occupy the third and final relegation place. " West Ham had been the form team out of the three clubs," said Smith. The 2023 Conference League winners are averaging 1.03 points per game, which would mean they finish the season on 39 points. Tottenham 's return of 1.06 points per game puts them on course to finish on 40 points, while Forest are on track to secure safety for a fourth consecutive season by earning a tally of 46 points. In a relegation battle like no other, will the Premier League have one final shock in store? Listen to the latest Football Daily podcast Get football news sent straight to your phone The battle for Premier League survival is hotting up with Nottingham Forest, Tottenham and West Ham fighting for their lives. The high-quality relegation battle more like a title race Sport Mon, 04 May 2026 20:20:42 GMT https://24lajme.com/lajme/the-high-quality-relegation-battle-more-like-a-title-race https://24lajme.com/lajme/pure-theatre-puts-hearts-on-cusp-of-title-fairytale BBC Scotland chief sports writer Tom English sums up the chaos and cacophony of Hearts' win over Rangers at Tynecastle. By Tom English BBC Scotland's chief sports writer at Tynecastle For the longest time after the final whistle, Tynecastle sang and Tynecastle danced. Hearts won not one but two victories in the sun on Monday night - they beat Rangers and in doing so they, effectively, took them out of the title race. Three horses have become two, but Hearts are out in front and show no sign of idling. If you were a Hearts supporter wouldn't you want to bottle this feeling and drink from it in more difficult times, wouldn't you want to savour every last second? A banner went up behind the goal that Lawrence Shankland scored into to win the game - "keep believing" it read. With a telescope you could not find a Hearts fan who does not believe now. Trailing at the break, Hearts needed something. Watching him was a reminder, not that it was needed, of the paucity of Hearts' performance in the opening half. Hearts wanted a result here like they wanted their next breath but they weren't calm and they had no control. That, for much of the opening half, belonged to Rangers. The visitors needed a win even more than Hearts - anything less and their title bid was dead or dying. They had six times the number of shots on goal, double the number of touches in Hearts' box than Hearts had in theirs, better accuracy, more possession and more forward passes. There is a flakiness in Rangers - they went 2-0 down in three of their previous seven league games coming into this one - but they looked more cohesive than Hearts. Rangers were bobbing and weaving and finding their range. Hearts were swinging and missing. One - Hearts are never beaten until the last whistle. Two - Rangers can't be trusted to finish what they started. Rohl and Rangers sank like a stone in the water. The noise - lasting and deafening - rose up and swirled around like a typhoon, gathering up everybody in its vicinity, delirious Hearts folk thrilled to be sucked into the vortex. Kingsley started it and, boy, did Shankland finish it, sweeping a first-time left-foot shot low past Butland. Shankland is a colossus around here. Thelo Aasgaard hitting the Hearts crossbar with a dozen minutes left to play was another reminder of the turbulence of these games. BBC Scotland chief sports writer Tom English sums up the chaos and cacophony of Hearts' win over Rangers at Tynecastle. 'Pure theatre puts Hearts on cusp of title fairytale' Sport Mon, 04 May 2026 20:09:36 GMT https://24lajme.com/lajme/pure-theatre-puts-hearts-on-cusp-of-title-fairytale https://24lajme.com/lajme/china-s-wu-22-beats-murphy-in-deciding-frame-to-win-world-title Wu Yize becomes the second-youngest player to be crowned a Crucible champion, defeating Shaun Murphy 18-17 in a compelling World Championship final. By Steve Sutcliffe BBC Sport journalist at the Crucible Theatre, Sheffield Wu Yize became the second-youngest player to be crowned a Crucible champion, defeating Shaun Murphy 18-17 in a compelling World Championship final. In a contest brimming with drama, Wu and Murphy served up the first final-frame decider since Peter Ebdon beat Stephen Hendry in 2002. It is only the fourth time the showpiece match has reached a concluding frame since the tournament moved to what is now regarded as its spiritual home in 1977. Like those that have gone before it was every bit as electrifying, with both players going for their shots in a wonderful finale. And somehow Wu held himself together under the most extreme pressure despite failing to knock in a simple back off its spot when glory beckoned in the penultimate frame. That had allowed Murphy a reprieve and he took full advantage to force a 35th frame with a run of 75. However, Wu sealed a historic win with a nerveless break of 85 to follow in the footsteps of his compatriot Zhao Xintong, who was China's first ever winner in 2025. "I have been trying to go for this for ages," said Wu, who shared an embrace with Murphy after making his match-winning break. "For the past few months, I have been living the same life. I am so happy that I could play well today." With his mother and father appearing emotional in the background, Wu added: "My parents are the true champions. "Since I made the decision to drop out of school, my dad has been by my side. They are the source of my strength, I love them so much." Wu is three months younger than Murphy was at the time of his only world title to date in 2005 and he sits only behind Stephen Hendry, who was 21 when he triumphed for the first time in 1990. Along with the £500,000 top prize, Wu's success propels him to fourth in the world rankings - having started the season outside the game's elite top 16 players. The players had traded blows for most of Monday evening, with Wu repeatedly edging in front only to be pegged back by the unshakeable Murphy. Having resumed at 13-12 up, Wu opened with a break of 88 as echoes of his name reverberated around the auditorium. But he could never quite get clear of Murphy, who has now endured the heartache of losing his past four finals in snooker's showpiece match. Murphy, who had been aiming to fulfil a 21-year dream by setting a new record for the longest gap between a player's first and second world titles, produced some wonderful breaks of his own with an 82, 65, and a sublime 131. While another half-century gave him a chance to take it to a one-frame shootout, he once again fell short at the final hurdle. "I'd like to be the first to congratulate Wu Yize and his family, and everyone around him for being a wonderful world champion," Murphy said. "I hate being right - I said sometime earlier in the season when we had a great game out in China somewhere, I won that one but I came out afterwards and said that he would be world champion one day. It's just a real shame that it was today, but I couldn't have given it any more, I couldn't have tried harder. "I played the best shots I could have played and I didn't get my chance. I couldn't do any more than that." Wu Yize becomes the second-youngest player to be crowned a Crucible champion, defeating Shaun Murphy 18-17 in a compelling World Championship final. China's Wu, 22, beats Murphy in deciding frame to win world title Sport Mon, 04 May 2026 22:22:55 GMT https://24lajme.com/lajme/china-s-wu-22-beats-murphy-in-deciding-frame-to-win-world-title https://24lajme.com/lajme/a-remarkable-finale-but-will-13-chaotic-minutes-cost-man-city-title A chaotic 13-minute spell from Man City in the second half of a six-goal thriller at Everton could prove to be the visitors' undoing in the Premier League title race. By Shamoon Hafez Manchester City reporter at Hill Dickinson Stadium A chaotic 13-minute spell from Manchester City in the second half of a six-goal thriller at Everton could prove to be the visitors' undoing in the Premier League title race. Though Erling Haaland instantly pulled a goal back and Belgium winger Doku earned a point with a stunning late leveller, City ultimately lost ground on leaders Arsenal this weekend. We will see what happens." Arsenal now know three wins from their final three matches will secure a first title since 2004. Nothing is done." After their draw at Everton , City's maximum points tally this season is 83. Arsenal are currently on 76 points - so they know three wins from their final three games will clinch the title. Should they beat West Ham on Sunday and Man City lose to Brentford a day earlier, another City defeat against Crystal Palace a few days later would hand Arsenal the title with two games remaining. City have three home games remaining - against Brentford , Palace and Aston Villa , on the final day of the season (24 May). Their remaining away match is at in-form Bournemouth , who City play just three days after their FA Cup final. While City are aiming for a domestic treble, Arsenal now have a realistic chance of claiming both the Premier League and Champions League trophies. Arsenal 's three remaining league games are at relegation-threatened West Ham , then home to already-relegated Burnley before a final-day trip to Palace. "Like I was worried for Manchester City 's match today." BBC Sport pundit and former England captain Wayne Rooney, meanwhile, has predicted on his BBC podcast Arsenal will win all of their remaining league games and lift the title. "I think it's Arsenal 's year. " Arsenal are very consistent while City can be a little bit up and down. City at their best, you're the best team in Europe." City, though, will be left extremely concerned by their capitulation against Everton , having gone ahead but been unable to see out the game. City fans who had left the stadium had to scramble back when Haaland scored to give their side hope, before Doku earned a point. Really, really good. City only managed to snatch a draw from the jaws of defeat at Everton , but how vital could that point be in three weeks' time? "City drew a game at home to [bottom club] Sunderland ... City could have been miles ahead at half-time and weren't. Never expected Everton to take anything tonight but they played really well. City choked tonight hugely. Abid : As good as City are they seemed really inexperienced today. Hemsworth : If Arsenal had played like City and dropped two points the media opinion would be 'they bottled it' but City showed bravery and resilie A chaotic 13-minute spell from Man City in the second half of a six-goal thriller at Everton could prove to be the visitors' undoing in the Premier League title race. A remarkable finale - but will 13 chaotic minutes cost Man City title? Sport Mon, 04 May 2026 22:58:30 GMT https://24lajme.com/lajme/a-remarkable-finale-but-will-13-chaotic-minutes-cost-man-city-title https://24lajme.com/lajme/watch-met-gala-sees-beyonc-s-return-and-a-star-studded-red-carpet Anna Wintour brought the glam, Beyoncé brought the fam, and Heidi Klum was... statuesque at this year's fundraiser. Met Gala sees Beyoncé's return and a star-studded red carpet Skip to content Home News Sport Business Technology Health Culture Arts Travel Earth Audio Video Live Weather Newsletters The Met Gala brought its annual parade of high fashion to the Metropolitan Museum of Art on 4 May, with Beyoncé, Nicole Kidman, Venus Williams, and Anna Wintour serving as co-chairs for the Costume Institute fundraiser. This year's dress code was "Fashion is Art," inviting guests to interpret fashion as an embodied art form. 2 hours ago Anna Wintour New York City Met Gala Red Carpet Fashion Beyoncé United States Fashion Share Save BBC's Nadine Yousif and Eloise Alanna spent five days travelling with the country's military rangers through frostbite and sub-zero temperatures. US & Canada President Trump and Vice-President Vance were rushed off the stage, after gunshots were heard at the event at the Washington Hilton hotel. US & Canada Moments after shots were fired at the White House Correspondents' dinner, the US vice-president was quickly escorted off stage US & Canada Surveillance video released by Donald Trump shows the suspect running past metal detectors as security agents draw their guns. US & Canada Police say a man charged security outside of the dining room and was armed with multiple weapons. US & Canada The US president was midway through a conversation before loud bangs rang out at the venue and he was quickly escorted to safety. US & Canada King Charles and Queen Camilla will meet with President Donald Trump during a four-day state visit. US & Canada A Buckingham Palace source confirmed the Royals will not meet with survivors of sex offender Jeffrey Epstein during their state visit to the US. US & Canada Ten people were injured and dozens of homes damaged as the twister hit the city of Enid. US & Canada Constant spring rainfall and melting ice have flooded the state's Black Lake and surrounding neighbourhoods. US & Canada Officials say the frozen blocks are being melted due to "dangerous and unsafe activities" after they were set up to promote the singer's album. US & Canada A black bear in Albany, New York, climbed a tree in a residential neighbourhood and was tranquillised before falling into a net held by wildlife and law enforcement officials. US & Canada Surveillance video shows the suspect starting the exchange with "How are you doing?" and saying "thank you", as he leaves. US & Canada BBC's Shaimaa Khalil reports from Los Angeles as singer David Burke pleads not guilty to the murder of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez. US & Canada "Look at that, wow!" - A couple in Temecula woke up to find a balloon boarded with 13 people behind their home on Saturday. US & Canada The dramatic end to the Delaware Marathon occurred when the lead runner slowed in celebration before a trailing marathoner sprinted toward the finish line . US & Canada A skydiver crashed into the massive scoreboard at Virginia Tech University's stadium, dangling from a parachute before first responders carried out a rescue without injury. US & Canada A series of strong winds has torn through the midwestern US, ripping roofs off homes and leaving roads obstructed. US & Canada The former US president and New York City mayor meet for the first time at a child care centre in the Bronx. US & Canada Anna Wintour brought the glam, Beyoncé brought the fam, and Heidi Klum was... statuesque at this year's fundraiser. Watch: Met Gala sees Beyoncé's return and a star-studded red carpet Botë Tue, 05 May 2026 02:31:00 GMT https://24lajme.com/lajme/watch-met-gala-sees-beyonc-s-return-and-a-star-studded-red-carpet https://24lajme.com/lajme/the-most-talked-about-looks-at-this-year-s-met-gala The theme for 2026 Met Gala fundraiser is "Costume Art", exploring fashion as an embodied art form. 41 minutes ago Share Save Add as preferred on Google Kayla Epstein and Scarlett Harris and Nada Tawfik , North America correspondent, Met Gala carpet It's the biggest night in fashion. Celebrities arrived to the 2026 Met Gala with their take on this year's theme - Costume Art - where organisers asked attendees to experiment with the lavish and whimsical dress code. Beyoncé made her first Met Gala appearance in 10 years, and to make up for lost time she sported a monumental look. As has become almost tradition, the musical and fashionable power couple closed down the Met Gala carpet, arriving virtually after everyone. A$AP Rocky, who co-chaired last year's Gala, arrived in custom Chanel. Anna Wintour, the Global Editorial Director of Vogue magazine, wore a feathery custom Chanel confection to her signature event. It marked her first Gala since stepping down as Editor-in-Chief of American Vogue. Actress and event co-chair Nicole Kidman donned a red, long-sleeved beaded column gown by Chanel. American tennis star Venus Williams, a five-time Wimbledon winner, also co-chaired the event. She wore a black sparkling gown with a luxurious silver, jewel-encrusted neck adornment. Lauren Sánchez Bezos, the wife of Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, is an honorary chair at this year's gala. Her Schiaparelli gown invokes one of the most famous (and scandalous) dresses in art history: the gown portrayed in John Singer Sargent's "Madame X". "Ragtime" star Joshua Henry didn't just attend the red carpet. The 32-year-old singer wore makeup that made him look like an old man. Bassett wore a pink gown designed by Prabal Gurung that was inspired by a Harlem Renaissance painting, "Girl in a Pink Dress" by Laura Wheeler Waring. Philip is the first wheelchair user to attend the Met Gala, according to Vogue magazine. Delevingne's Ralph Lauren gown seemed simple from the front. Lena Dunham, creator of the HBO show "Girls", wore a vivid Valentino red dress made out of feathers and sequins. Doja Cat wears a classically Grecian Saint Laurent dress in an unconventional fabric: silicone. Activist, writer, public speaker Sinéad Burke made her return to the Met Gala in a black corseted gown with flowing sleeve embellishments. Zoë Kravitz wore a black lace Saint Laurent by Anthony Vaccarello gown. Pop star Sabrina Carpenter donned a dress made out of celluloid film strips. The Euphoria actress wore a custom Prad The theme for 2026 Met Gala fundraiser is "Costume Art", exploring fashion as an embodied art form. The most talked-about looks at this year's Met Gala Botë Tue, 05 May 2026 04:05:39 GMT https://24lajme.com/lajme/the-most-talked-about-looks-at-this-year-s-met-gala https://24lajme.com/lajme/two-killed-and-many-injured-after-car-driven-into-crowd-in-german-city-of-leipzig A 33-year-old German citizen was detained following the incident, the authorities say. 6 minutes ago Share Save Add as preferred on Google Two people are dead and several others injured after a car drove into a crowd in the eastern German city of Leipzig on Monday afternoon, local authorities said. Leipzig Mayor Burkhard Jung said the suspected perpetrator - who authorities have confirmed is a 33-year-old German citizen - was arrested. Jung added that authorities were not yet clear about a motive. Police confirmed a car had struck several people in the central Grimmaische Straße area before driving off. Authorities said 22 people were injured, including three seriously. Michael Kretschmer, the head of the state of Saxony, of which Leipzig is a part, said the suspect previously suffered from mental illness. A man has driven at high speed into the shopping area. We are currently mourning two deaths, three people with serious injuries and many others who have been injured," Jung said. "It is impossible to find the right words to describe this horrific rampage." Lepzig police spokesperson, Susanne Luebcke, said that at about 17:35 (15:35 GMT) "a person drove a vehicle across Augustusplatz into Grimmaische Street, continuing on past the market". "Several people were injured in the incident. We are working on the assumption that this was the act of a lone perpetrator and currently have no indications that there is still a threat to public safety." The Leipzig's public prosecutor's office confirmed the deceased were a 63-year-old woman and a 77-year-old man, both German citizens. One eyewitness, Susi, told Radio Leipzig that she was with her friend on a bench on Grimmaische Straße at the time of the incident. "We heard a loud bang," she said, adding that the driver was going "really fast". Susi and her friend took refuge in a jewellery shop nearby. When they came out of the store, she said she saw injured people lying on the ground. Another eyewitness told the same outlet that the car came to a halt at some bollards and a woman fell from the roof of a car. They said passersby went to administer first aid and about 15 people gathered around the car to apprehend the driver and tried to drag him out through an open window. The eyewitness said the driver tried to escape through a passenger window, but police arrived at the scene and secured his hands with cable ties. Germany has seen a series of car ramming attacks in recent years. In December 2024, at least six people were killed and more than 300 were wounded following an attack on a Christmas market in Magdeburg . In February last year, at least 30 people were injured when a car was driven into a crowd in Munich, more than a week before the country's federal elections. Did you witness the incident? Germany A 33-year-old German citizen was detained following the incident, the authorities say. Two killed and many injured after car driven into crowd in German city of Leipzig Botë Tue, 05 May 2026 04:27:00 GMT https://24lajme.com/lajme/two-killed-and-many-injured-after-car-driven-into-crowd-in-german-city-of-leipzig https://24lajme.com/lajme/us-strikes-iranian-fast-boats-as-iran-attacks-uae-oil-facility Shipping company Maersk says one of its US-flagged commercial vessels has successfully exited the Strait of Hormuz under US military protection. 12 minutes ago Share Save Add as preferred on Google George Wright and James Chater President Donald Trump says the US has struck seven Iranian "fast boats" in the Strait of Hormuz, as Washington seeks to guide stranded ships out of the Gulf through the largely closed waterway. The UAE and South Korea both reported strikes on ships in the vital channel on Monday. The UAE also said a fire broke out at the oil port of Fujairah after an Iranian attack. Shipping company Maersk told the BBC that one of its US-flagged vessels had successfully exited the strait with US military protection - under what Trump has called "Project Freedom". Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said that events in the strait "make clear that there's no military solution to a political crisis". The Strait of Hormuz has remained largely blocked since the US and Israel launched air strikes on Iran in February. In early April, the US and Iran announced a ceasefire under which Iran ended its drone and missile strikes on Gulf countries including the UAE, but few vessels have been able to transit the strait since then. Trump said: "We've shot down seven small boats or, as they like to call them, 'fast' boats. Iranian state media later disputed Trump's announcement that the US had struck the speed boats. Citing a military source, the Tasnim news agency reported that two small cargo vessels had been hit instead, killing five civilians. The US earlier said navy destroyers and US-flagged merchant ships sailed through the strait on Monday. Iran called the claims "entirely false", with its military saying it fired warning shots at a US warship. The US military denied this. Later on Monday, shipping firm Maersk said its US-flagged vessel the Alliance Fairfax, which had been stranded in the Gulf since the US and Israeli attack on Iran at the end of February, had exited the Strait of Hormuz. In a statement, the firm added: "The vessel subsequently exited the Persian Gulf accompanied by US military assets." Meanwhile, the UAE's foreign ministry reported a tanker affiliated with Adnoc, its state-owned oil company, was hit in the Strait of Hormuz. South Korea also reported an explosion on one of its ships anchored just off the UAE. UAE authorities also reported air defences had engaged 12 ballistic missiles, three cruise missiles and four drones. India's foreign ministry said the three injured people were Indian nationals and that the attack on Fujairah was "unacceptable". Iranian state TV has quoted an unnamed military official as saying that Iran had "no plans to target the UAE". International leaders have condemned the attacks on UAE infrastructure. Fujairah lies on the UAE's eastern coast on the Gulf of Oman, beyond the Strait of Hormuz. In Oman, two people were injured when a residential building was targeted in Bukha, along the coastline of the Strait of Hormuz, state media reported on Monday. United Arab Emirates Iran Shipping company Maersk says one of its US-flagged commercial vessels has successfully exited the Strait of Hormuz under US military protection. US strikes Iranian fast boats as Iran attacks UAE oil facility Botë Tue, 05 May 2026 04:34:15 GMT https://24lajme.com/lajme/us-strikes-iranian-fast-boats-as-iran-attacks-uae-oil-facility https://24lajme.com/lajme/germany-s-military-power-is-on-the-rise-this-time-it-must-be-firmly-embedded-in-europe-timothy-garton-ash As Russian aggression continues and Trump’s US threatens Nato, it is even more vital for a unified defence of the continent As we mark the 81st anniversary of the end of the second world war in Europe this Friday, 8 May, it’s clear that Germany will again soon be the leading European military power. Already next year its defence spending will be as much as that of France and Britain combined – and it is projected to be significantly larger by 2030. The German government’s declared goal is to have the strongest conventional army in Europe. True, France and Britain have nuclear weapons, but that means less money to spend on the rest of defence. The question, particularly on this solemn anniversary, is, how can we ensure that this time the growth of German military power is a positive development for all of Europe? Timothy Garton Ash As Russian aggression continues and Trump’s US threatens Nato, it is even more vital for a unified defence of the continent As we mark the 81st anniversary of the end of the second world war in Europe this Friday, 8 May, it’s clear that Germany will again soon be the leading European military power. Already next year its defence spending will be as much as that of France and Britain combined – and it is projected to be significantly larger by 2030. The German government’s declared goal is to have the strongest conventional army in Europe. True, France and Britain have nuclear weapons, but that means less money to spend on the rest of defence. The question, particularly on this solemn anniversary, is, how can we ensure that this time the growth of German military power is a positive development for all of Europe? The second is that the US president, Donald Trump, has now put in question the entire American commitment to the defence of Europe, as manifested through Nato since 1949. Its new military strategy , the first in the history of the Federal Republic, is titled Responsibility for Europe. But “for Europe” is just words. Everyone in Europe (except the British) says that about their national policy. The key areas in which European answers need to be found are the defence industry and our actual war-fighting capabilities. Defence technology and production are the nerves and muscles of military power. With exquisite Cartesian logic, Paris interprets “European sovereignty” to mean: don’t buy American, British or German – buy French! As for war fighting, the hard reality is that the defence of Europe today depends on the US-led Nato. Explore more on these topics Share Reuse this content As Russian aggression continues and Trump’s US threatens Nato, it is even more vital for a unified defence of the continent As we mark the 81st anniversary of the end of the second world war in Europe this Friday, 8 May, it’s clear that Germany will again soon be the leading European military power. Already next year its defence spending will be as much as that of France and Britain combined – and it is projected to be significantly larger by 2030. The German government’s declared goal is to have the strongest conventional army in Europe. True, France and Britain have nuclear weapons, but that means less money to spend on the rest of defence. The question, particularly on this solemn anniversary, is, how can we ensure that this time the growth of German military power is a positive development for all of Europe? Germany’s military power is on the rise. This time it must be firmly embedded in Europe | Timothy Garton Ash Opinion Mon, 04 May 2026 14:39:02 GMT https://24lajme.com/lajme/germany-s-military-power-is-on-the-rise-this-time-it-must-be-firmly-embedded-in-europe-timothy-garton-ash https://24lajme.com/lajme/rose-finn-kelcey-review-flying-puns-smart-pranks-and-prayers-for-20p Arts Collective, Northampton An overdue celebration in her home town of this funny, direct, critical, satirical conceptualist shows her spiky social commentary is as fresh and relevant as ever Rose Finn-Kelcey wanted to make art that was neither pompous nor condescending. Those are pretty rare ideals in conceptualism, where pomposity and condescension come with the territory, but Finn-Kelcey was a pretty rare artist. This show in Northampton’s brand new £5m art centre – a very colourful retrofit of the historic municipal offices and town hall annexe, filled with artist studios – is a homecoming. Finn-Kelcey was born here in 1945 and grew up on a nearby farm, but spent the 1970s onwards causing a big old feminist ruckus with all sorts of art pranks, installations, performances, videos and photography in London before her death from motor neurone disease in 2014. Continue reading... Review Arts Collective, Northampton An overdue celebration in her home town of this funny, direct, critical, satirical conceptualist shows her spiky social commentary is as fresh and relevant as ever R ose Finn-Kelcey wanted to make art that was neither pompous nor condescending. Those are pretty rare ideals in conceptualism, where pomposity and condescension come with the territory, but Finn-Kelcey was a pretty rare artist. This show in Northampton’s brand new £5m art centre – a very colourful retrofit of the historic municipal offices and town hall annexe, filled with artist studios – is a homecoming. Finn-Kelcey was born here in 1945 and grew up on a nearby farm, but spent the 1970s onwards causing a big old feminist ruckus with all sorts of art pranks, installations, performances, videos and photography in London before her death from motor neurone disease in 2014 . Her approach to conceptual art is summed up neatly and perfectly by Power for the People, a 1972 work that saw her hoist two huge flags up on Battersea power station, back when it was still a power station, keeping London lit and heavily polluted with coal. The flags, emblazoned with huge stark sans serif letters, are punny, silly, smart. That’s Finn-Kelcey: talking about collectivity, togetherness, societal thinking, all while exposing the way those things are policed and restricted by people in power. The work is documented here in a big photo, the flags flapping in the wind, the power station belching fumes into the London sky. Another photo shows an installation of swinging saloon bar doors installed in a Texas park. Like any feminist punk icon, Finn-Kelcey saw society’s restrictions as expressions of power and repression, and she wasn’t going to let them go unchallenged. Her other big topic was spirituality. Neither work is all that great, both a bit ugly, a bit obtuse. Way better, and the best work in the show, is It Pays to Pray, a fully functional prayer vending machine. Finn-Kelcey was a funny, direct, critical, satirical, intelligible artist who cared deeply about people, spirituality and power. Explore more on these topics Share Reuse this content Arts Collective, Northampton An overdue celebration in her home town of this funny, direct, critical, satirical conceptualist shows her spiky social commentary is as fresh and relevant as ever Rose Finn-Kelcey wanted to make art that was neither pompous nor condescending. Those are pretty rare ideals in conceptualism, where pomposity and condescension come with the territory, but Finn-Kelcey was a pretty rare artist. This show in Northampton’s brand new £5m art centre – a very colourful retrofit of the historic municipal offices and town hall annexe, filled with artist studios – is a homecoming. Finn-Kelcey was born here in 1945 and grew up on a nearby farm, but spent the 1970s onwards causing a big old feminist ruckus with all sorts of art pranks, installations, performances, videos and photography in London before her death from motor neurone disease in 2014. Continue reading... Rose Finn-Kelcey review – flying puns, smart pranks and prayers for 20p Kulturë Mon, 04 May 2026 12:00:16 GMT https://24lajme.com/lajme/rose-finn-kelcey-review-flying-puns-smart-pranks-and-prayers-for-20p https://24lajme.com/lajme/we-got-a-drive-by-egging-in-baltimore-super-furry-animals-on-making-the-man-don-t-give-a-fuck ‘The man is the establishment, I suppose, the military industrial complex. A few year later, when we played it live, we added a loop of Bill Hicks saying: “All governments are liars and murderers”’ Gruff was the first person I ever met who could just churn out songs – good, catchy ones. I joined his band Ffa Coffi Pawb, but by 1992 they’d split and Gruff and I were living in Cardiff, as were Bunf, Guto and my brother Cian, the other future Furries. We started out doing techno sets, and I had a little home studio where we demoed ideas for songs. Our first singer, the actor Rhys Ifans, slept on a mattress in the corner. Continue reading... ‘The man is the establishment, I suppose, the military industrial complex. A few year later, when we played it live, we added a loop of Bill Hicks saying: “All governments are liars and murderers”’ Gruff was the first person I ever met who could just churn out songs – good, catchy ones. I joined his band Ffa Coffi Pawb, but by 1992 they’d split and Gruff and I were living in Cardiff, as were Bunf, Guto and my brother Cian, the other future Furries. We started out doing techno sets, and I had a little home studio where we demoed ideas for songs. Our first singer, the actor Rhys Ifans, slept on a mattress in the corner. One lyric from the song Show Biz Kids – “You know, they don’t give fuck about anybody else” – just tickled me, because I was very immature. It didn’t evolve into a song until Gruff had an idea for the intro and verse later. When label boss Alan McGee heard The Man Don’t Give a Fuck he said: “This is a hit single!” Some staff were saying: “It’s got 50 fucks on it!” But he didn’t care. The song got playlisted on Triple J radio station. It’s a very flexible song, because it’s vague. The man is the establishment, I suppose, the military industrial complex. It’s got longer and longer over the years. Explore more on these topics Share Reuse this content ‘The man is the establishment, I suppose, the military industrial complex. A few year later, when we played it live, we added a loop of Bill Hicks saying: “All governments are liars and murderers”’ Gruff was the first person I ever met who could just churn out songs – good, catchy ones. I joined his band Ffa Coffi Pawb, but by 1992 they’d split and Gruff and I were living in Cardiff, as were Bunf, Guto and my brother Cian, the other future Furries. We started out doing techno sets, and I had a little home studio where we demoed ideas for songs. Our first singer, the actor Rhys Ifans, slept on a mattress in the corner. Continue reading... ‘We got a drive-by egging in Baltimore’: Super Furry Animals on making The Man Don’t Give a Fuck Kulturë Mon, 04 May 2026 13:30:24 GMT https://24lajme.com/lajme/we-got-a-drive-by-egging-in-baltimore-super-furry-animals-on-making-the-man-don-t-give-a-fuck https://24lajme.com/lajme/get-rid-of-the-battery-f1-under-increasing-pressure-to-make-more-changes-to-engine-rules Norris and Piastri call for long-term changes to sport Mercedes’ Wolff suggests battery needs to remain Formula One is under increasing pressure to consider immediate changes and the long-term future of its new engines, with the world champion Lando Norris reiterating after the Miami Grand Prix that the only answer to address sport-wide dissatisfaction was to “get rid of the battery”. At the meeting in Florida, which was won by Mercedes’ Kimi Antonelli, with Norris second, F1 and the FIA had brought in fresh regulations to address unhappiness and safety concerns prompted by the pivotal role energy management plays under the new 2026 formula. Continue reading... Formula One is under increasing pressure to consider immediate changes and the long-term future of its new engines, with the world champion Lando Norris reiterating after the Miami Grand Prix that the only answer to address sport-wide dissatisfaction was to “get rid of the battery”. At the meeting in Florida, which was won by Mercedes’ Kimi Antonelli , with Norris second, F1 and the FIA had brought in fresh regulations to address unhappiness and safety concerns prompted by the pivotal role energy management plays under the new 2026 formula. There has been widespread criticism of the formula – which employs almost a 50-50 split between the internal combustion engine (ICE) and electrical energy. And while the adjustments to mitigate the issues which came in this weekend were considered successful, the long-term distaste remains, as Norris noted. “If you go flat-out everywhere and you try pushing like you were in previous years you still just get penalised for it. You still can’t be flat-out everywhere. You should never get penalised for that kind of thing and you still do. You just have to get rid of the battery. “So some changes in the future are still needed for sure. How quickly we can do it is the big question.” Piastri’s position is understood to be popularly supported within the sport where there is general agreement for reducing the role of the electrical energy and increasing that of the combustion engine. However even given what is considered to be a relatively straightforward hardware redesign that would increase the fuel flow to the engine, there would have to be agreement from the teams and engine manufacturers as soon as the Canadian Grand Prix in three weeks in order for it to be adopted for next season. Over the weekend in Miami the FIA president, Mohammed Ben Sulayem, stated that he believed that F1 would in future drop the current V6 hybrid engines and return to using V8s with “minor electrification”. The V8s which were most recently used between 2006 and 2013 were light, relatively simple and very loud, and would run as the current engines do on fully sustainable fuel. Ben Sulayem quoted a timetable of introducing it by 2030 or 2031 however the immediate focus remains on whether a short-term change to the engine regulations can be agreed. Mercedes, who have the best engine on the grid, considered the proposal worth considering, although the team principal, Toto Wolff, intimated it would not be in time for next year. “From a Mercedes standpoint, we are open to new engine regulations. It’s a pure Mercedes engine, it revs high. How do we give it enough energy from the battery side to not lose connection to the real world? Because if we swing to 100% combustion, it might be looking a bit ridiculous in 2031 or 2030.” Explore more on these topics Share Reuse this content Norris and Piastri call for long-term changes to sport Mercedes’ Wolff suggests battery needs to remain Formula One is under increasing pressure to consider immediate changes and the long-term future of its new engines, with the world champion Lando Norris reiterating after the Miami Grand Prix that the only answer to address sport-wide dissatisfaction was to “get rid of the battery”. At the meeting in Florida, which was won by Mercedes’ Kimi Antonelli, with Norris second, F1 and the FIA had brought in fresh regulations to address unhappiness and safety concerns prompted by the pivotal role energy management plays under the new 2026 formula. Continue reading... ‘Get rid of the battery’: F1 under increasing pressure to make more changes to engine rules Sport Mon, 04 May 2026 14:43:47 GMT https://24lajme.com/lajme/get-rid-of-the-battery-f1-under-increasing-pressure-to-make-more-changes-to-engine-rules https://24lajme.com/lajme/broken-bodies-everywhere-are-injuries-about-to-be-declared-winners-of-the-nba-playoffs A host of stars have gone down with injuries this postseason. For as long as the league resists change, its players will pay the price Should we just cancel the rest of the NBA playoffs and declare injuries the winner? They’ve already dominated this postseason far more than one team possibly could. The Oklahoma City Thunder are playing without their second-best player, Jalen Williams, after what feels like his 10th hamstring injury. In the series against the Denver Nuggets, the Minnesota Timberwolves’ Donte DiVincenzo tore his achilles, and Anthony Edwards gruesomely hyperextended his knee. Wolves backup Ayo Dosunmu put up a heroic 43 points in Game 4, then returned to the bench two games later to nurse an injured calf. The Nuggets lost Aaron Gordon to calf tightness midway through the series and played entirely without Peyton Watson, who was sidelined by a hamstring strain. The Los Angeles Lakers’ starting rotation lacks Luka Dončić until further notice and played four of six games against the Houston Rockets without another of their stars, Austin Reaves. The Rockets’ Kevin Durant played 78 of 82 regular season games, then missed every game of the Lakers series but one thanks to a bad knee and a bone bruise in his ankle. A host of stars have gone down with injuries this postseason. The Oklahoma City Thunder are playing without their second-best player, Jalen Williams, after what feels like his 10th hamstring injury. In the series against the Denver Nuggets, the Minnesota Timberwolves’ Donte DiVincenzo tore his achilles, and Anthony Edwards gruesomely hyperextended his knee. Wolves backup Ayo Dosunmu put up a heroic 43 points in Game 4 , then returned to the bench two games later to nurse an injured calf. The Nuggets lost Aaron Gordon to calf tightness midway through the series and played entirely without Peyton Watson, who was sidelined by a hamstring strain. The Los Angeles Lakers’ starting rotation lacks Luka Dončić until further notice and played four of six games against the Houston Rockets without another of their stars, Austin Reaves. The Rockets’ Kevin Durant played 78 of 82 regular season games, then missed every game of the Lakers series but one thanks to a bad knee and a bone bruise in his ankle. An unconscionably long 82-game regular season sands down the players’ durability. Last year’s NBA finals, brilliant through six games, will always be blemished by Haliburton’s achilles tear early in Game 7. Maybe the games do, too. The Oklahoma City Thunder are playing without their second-best player, Jalen Williams, after what feels like his 10th hamstring injury. In the series against the Denver Nuggets, the Minnesota Timberwolves’ Donte DiVincenzo tore his achilles, and Anthony Edwards gruesomely hyperextended his knee. The Nuggets lost Aaron Gordon to calf tightness midway through the series and played entirely without Peyton Watson, who was sidelined by a hamstring strain. The Los Angeles Lakers’ starting rotation lacks Luka Dončić until further notice and played four of six games against the Houston Rockets without another of their stars, Austin Reaves. The Rockets’ Kevin Durant played 78 of 82 regular season games, then missed every game of the Lakers series but one thanks to a bad knee and a bone bruise in his ankle. Broken bodies everywhere: are injuries about to be declared winners of the NBA playoffs? Sport Mon, 04 May 2026 12:24:44 GMT https://24lajme.com/lajme/broken-bodies-everywhere-are-injuries-about-to-be-declared-winners-of-the-nba-playoffs https://24lajme.com/lajme/wsl-and-wcl-talking-points-city-have-a-knaak-and-is-dumornay-the-world-s-best OL Lyonnes ended Arsenal’s Champions League hopes while Rebecca Knaak puts Man City on the brink of WSL title glory Who is the best player in the world right now? Melchie Dumornay continues to make a strong claim for that accolade after her starring role in OL Lyonnes’ comeback to beat Arsenal in the Champions League semi-finals. The fearless Haiti international won a first-half penalty and provided a superb assist for Jule Brand’s late winner in the second leg, as well as being a constant thorn in Arsenal’s side with her pace, trickery and energy. The attacking midfielder, having missed the first leg through injury, helped the French side come from 2-1 down to win 4-3 on aggregate. Tom Garry Continue reading... OL Lyonnes ended Arsenal’s Champions League hopes while Rebecca Knaak puts Man City on the brink of WSL title glory Who is the best player in the world right now? Melchie Dumornay continues to make a strong claim for that accolade after her starring role in OL Lyonnes’ comeback to beat Arsenal in the Champions League semi-finals. The fearless Haiti international won a first-half penalty and provided a superb assist for Jule Brand’s late winner in the second leg, as well as being a constant thorn in Arsenal’s side with her pace, trickery and energy. The attacking midfielder, having missed the first leg through injury, helped the French side come from 2-1 down to win 4-3 on aggregate. Tom Garry Match report: OL Lyonnes 3-1 Arsenal A sold-out crowd of just over 60,000 at the Camp Nou were treated to great entertainment as Barcelona put on a masterclass in front of goal against Bayern Munich to notch up a 4-2 Champions League semi-final second-leg win and 5-3 aggregate victory. This will be their seventh final, making them the competition’s second most frequent finalists behind their opponents, Lyonnes. “It’s amazing in this group, and it’s only because of believing in what we’re doing.” They have one more game, at West Ham, and victory would guarantee a first league title in 10 years, and their second WSL crown. Lea Schüller scored a late equaliser to salvage a draw against Brighton but that is unlikely to be enough in their pursuit of Champions League football. I’m accountable, right? Martin Ho’s side weathered the storm, however, securing the club’s highest WSL points tally. By scoring the opener in Sunday’s 3-1 victory over Leicester City she overtook Fran Kirby to become Chelsea’s all-time WSL top scorer with 64 goals. With victory over the promotion-relegation playoff-bound Foxes, Chelsea secured Champions League qualification, a big relief as the club look to build for next season. That takes Birmingham, founder members of the WSL in 2011, into the top tier for the first time since 2022. Palace have gone back to the WSL at the first attempt. TG Explore more on these topics Share Reuse this content OL Lyonnes ended Arsenal’s Champions League hopes while Rebecca Knaak puts Man City on the brink of WSL title glory Who is the best player in the world right now? Melchie Dumornay continues to make a strong claim for that accolade after her starring role in OL Lyonnes’ comeback to beat Arsenal in the Champions League semi-finals. The fearless Haiti international won a first-half penalty and provided a superb assist for Jule Brand’s late winner in the second leg, as well as being a constant thorn in Arsenal’s side with her pace, trickery and energy. The attacking midfielder, having missed the first leg through injury, helped the French side come from 2-1 down to win 4-3 on aggregate. Tom Garry Continue reading... WSL and WCL talking points: City have a Knaak and is Dumornay the world’s best? Sport Mon, 04 May 2026 11:25:21 GMT https://24lajme.com/lajme/wsl-and-wcl-talking-points-city-have-a-knaak-and-is-dumornay-the-world-s-best https://24lajme.com/lajme/chelsea-v-nottingham-forest-premier-league-live Live updates from the 3pm BST kick-off Email Barry | Sign up for Football Daily Vitor Pereira: In a pre-match interview with Sky Sports, the Forest manager is asked about his team selection and the potential risks involved in resting so many first-team regulars. “They need to show, to prove in this moment that they are ready to help the team,” he says of the players he has picked. “I truly believe we can do a competitive game and we can fight for the points.” Unai Emery adopted the same approach with the Aston Villa team he picked to face Tottenham Hotspur yesterday and if he believed his largely second-string side could be competitive he was quickly disabused of the notion as they stank Villa Park out with an embarrassing performance that seems to have prompted far more upset among West Ham’s fans than those of the Villa. Referee: Anthony Taylor Referee assistants: Gary Beswick and Adam Nunn Fourth official: Michael Salisbury VAR: James Bell Assistant VAR: Dan Robathan Continue reading... A largely second-string Forest side took an early lead when Taiwo Awoniyi headed hom Dilane Bakwa’s cross, then doubled it from the penalty-spot when Malo Gusto gave away an extremely cheap penalty. Near the end of the half, Forest conceded a penalty when a mistimed header by Zach Abbott caught Jesse Derry in the face, with both players going down injured after the clash of heads. Derry received treatment before bewing stretchered off, while Abbott also had to be replaced. After a long delay, COle Palmer was denied from the spot by Matz Sels. Live updates from the 3pm BST kick-off Email Barry | Sign up for Football Daily Vitor Pereira: In a pre-match interview with Sky Sports, the Forest manager is asked about his team selection and the potential risks involved in resting so many first-team regulars. “They need to show, to prove in this moment that they are ready to help the team,” he says of the players he has picked. “I truly believe we can do a competitive game and we can fight for the points.” Unai Emery adopted the same approach with the Aston Villa team he picked to face Tottenham Hotspur yesterday and if he believed his largely second-string side could be competitive he was quickly disabused of the notion as they stank Villa Park out with an embarrassing performance that seems to have prompted far more upset among West Ham’s fans than those of the Villa. Referee: Anthony Taylor Referee assistants: Gary Beswick and Adam Nunn Fourth official: Michael Salisbury VAR: James Bell Assistant VAR: Dan Robathan Continue reading... Chelsea v Nottingham Forest: Premier League – live Sport Mon, 04 May 2026 14:57:26 GMT https://24lajme.com/lajme/chelsea-v-nottingham-forest-premier-league-live https://24lajme.com/lajme/cruise-ship-at-centre-of-suspected-hantavirus-outbreak-blocked-from-docking-in-cape-verde Officials say they will not authorise docking ‘to protect public health’ after deaths of three passengers What is hantavirus, the infection thought to have killed three on cruise ship? Officials in Cape Verde have said they will not allow a cruise ship believed to be harbouring an outbreak of a rare respiratory virus to dock in its ports, after three passengers died. The statement on Monday came hours after global health officials said they were scrambling to investigate the suspected outbreak of hantavirus, a disease primarily found in rodents, on the cruise ship in the Atlantic. Continue reading... Officials say they will not authorise docking ‘to protect public health’ after deaths of three passengers Officials in Cape Verde have said they will not allow a cruise ship believed to be harbouring an outbreak of a rare respiratory virus to dock in its ports, after three passengers died. The statement on Monday came hours after global health officials said they were scrambling to investigate the suspected outbreak of hantavirus, a disease primarily found in rodents, on the cruise ship in the Atlantic. The hantavirus is suspected of killing three people, including a married couple from the Netherlands, sickening at least two others on the ship and sending a 69-year-old British tourist to intensive care in South Africa . The cruise ship operator, Oceanwide Expeditions, said the first passenger, a Dutch national, had died on 11 April and that the cause of death could not be determined onboard. Days later, the company said, it was informed that the woman, also a Dutch national, had become unwell and later died. It noted that hantavirus had not been confirmed in the two crew members. Cape Verde health authorities said they had been monitoring the situation of the ship anchored off its coast and would not authorise its docking “with the aim of protecting national public health”. Cape Verde said it was in contact with authorities in the Netherlands and the UK about the Dutch-flagged ship. The MV Hondius, which left Argentina about three weeks ago, made headlines on Sunday after the World Health Organization (WHO) said it was involved in a “public health event” onboard. “Of the six affected individuals, three have died and one is currently in intensive care in South Africa.” South African officials said the British national had been sent to a private health facility in Johannesburg after falling ill near Ascension Island. South Africa’s health department confirmed that two of the victims were a Dutch couple. The man, 70, had suffered from fever, headaches and stomach pains before he died on the ship. “This repatriation depends on many factors, including the authorisation and support of local Cape Verdean health authorities for the transfer of individuals requiring medical attention from MV Hondius.” The UK’s Foreign Office said it was closely monitoring reports of the suspected outbreak. “We are in touch with the cruise company and local authorities,” it said. While it is rare, hantavirus infections can spread between people, according to the WHO. The family of viruses made headlines last year after the actor Gene Hackman’s wife, Betsy Arakawa, died following a hantavirus infection in New Mexico. In 2019, a hantavirus outbreak in southern Argentina killed at least nine people. Explore more on these topics Share Reuse this content Officials say they will not authorise docking ‘to protect public health’ after deaths of three passengers What is hantavirus, the infection thought to have killed three on cruise ship? Officials in Cape Verde have said they will not allow a cruise ship believed to be harbouring an outbreak of a rare respiratory virus to dock in its ports, after three passengers died. The statement on Monday came hours after global health officials said they were scrambling to investigate the suspected outbreak of hantavirus, a disease primarily found in rodents, on the cruise ship in the Atlantic. Cruise ship at centre of suspected hantavirus outbreak blocked from docking in Cape Verde Botë Mon, 04 May 2026 13:45:17 GMT https://24lajme.com/lajme/cruise-ship-at-centre-of-suspected-hantavirus-outbreak-blocked-from-docking-in-cape-verde https://24lajme.com/lajme/hurzeler-agrees-new-long-term-deal-with-brighton Fabian Hurzeler extends his stay as Brighton boss after agreeing a new long-term contract. By Sami Mokbel Senior football correspondent Brighton have agreed a new long-term contract with head coach Fabian Hurzeler. The 33-year-old German still has 12 months to run on his current deal at the Amex Stadium but will sign terms to extend his stay on the south coast. Hurzeler arrived at Brighton at the start of last season following a successful spell at St Pauli. The Seagulls are eighth in the Premier League, on 50 points with three matches remaining, as they seek European football for only the second time in the club's history. Will Bloom's other clubs pose European issue for Brighton? Brighton appointed Hurzeler at the age of 31 in June 2024, making him the youngest ever full-time boss of a Premier League team. He arrived to replace Roberto de Zerbi, who left at the end of the 2023-24 season and has recently become Tottenham 's new head coach. Hurzeler led the side to an eighth-placed finish in his first season in charge, though Brighton missed out on European qualification because rivals Crystal Palace won the FA Cup. Brighton 's only Uefa campaign to date was in the 2023-24 Europa League after they finished sixth in the 2022-23 Premier League under De Zerbi, who succeeded Graham Potter earlier that season when the Englishman left for Chelsea . That was the highest top-flight finish in Brighton 's history and Hurzeler has the chance to match that feat, with his side two points behind Bournemouth in sixth. There is an outside chance that finishing sixth in the Premier League this season could result in a Champions League spot. Fabian Hurzeler extends his stay as Brighton boss after agreeing a new long-term contract. Hurzeler agrees new long-term deal with Brighton Sport Mon, 04 May 2026 14:39:19 GMT https://24lajme.com/lajme/hurzeler-agrees-new-long-term-deal-with-brighton