Trump says US to end war in Iran within ‘2 to 3 weeks’
US president says he is prepared to withdraw from conflict ‘whether we have a deal or not’
Notable Events Around the World on - 2026-03-31
'You're no longer my sister' - rows erupt as war divides Iranian families
People in Iran describe angry scenes and tense relationships as rifts open up over the war.
bbc.com
Woods to 'step away and seek treatment' after crash
Tiger Woods says he is "stepping away for a period of time to seek treatment and focus on my health" following an arrest after a car crash.
bbc.com
Pope Leo urges Trump to end war on Iran
Pope Leo XIV has urged US President Donald Trump to find an “off-ramp” from the US and Israel’s war on Iran.
aljazeera.com
US exempts Gulf of Mexico oil drillers from endangered species protections
The Trump administration says protections would diminish US energy competitiveness amid the ongoing war on Iran.
aljazeera.com
Two-thirds of UK hospitality businesses plan to cut jobs and one in seven will close, survey finds
Sector cites ‘billions of pounds in additional costs’ from new business rates and increase in minimum wage thresholdsTwo-thirds of hospitality businesses are planning to cut jobs as a result of “su...
theguardian.com
Kinky Boots: The Musical review – Strictly’s Johannes Radebe is a perfect fit
London ColiseumSuperbly cast, the dancer brings stratospheric levels of charisma to a rather pedestrian show driven by Cyndi Lauper’s songsJohannes Radebe (AKA Jojo from Strictly) is a born perform...
theguardian.com
'Scotland fans can fret - but they need to keep perspective too'
There is a section of Scotland supporters who have taken to booing the head coach and the team. With a World Cup coming, they need to keep perspective, writes Tom English.
bbc.com
Anti-terrorist programme Prevent ‘outdated and inadequately prepared’, report finds
The home affairs select committee said Prevent cannot deal with the modern challenges of fighting extremismThe government’s anti-terrorism programme, Prevent, is “outdated and inadequately prepared...
theguardian.com
Three top-20 teams played, no wins. Should Tuchel be concerned?
England have not beaten a side ranked in the top 20 under Tuchel and head into the World Cup with questions about their performance.
bbc.com
EU warns oil and gas prices won’t quickly return to normal after Iran war
The EU’s energy commissioner has warned oil and gas prices will not return to normal any time soon.
aljazeera.com
South Africa Sees Maritime Traffic Surge Amid Iran War
Cargo vessels moored at the harbor in Cape Town in South Africa.
nytimes.com
Asia's migrant workers debate if Gulf jobs are worth deadly risk of Iran war
Iran's strikes on Gulf states have been especially hard for migrants who have long supported these economies to lift their families back home from poverty.
bbc.com
Salesforce announces an AI-heavy makeover for Slack, with 30 new features
Slack just got a whole lot more useful.
techcrunch.com
Narges Mohammadi Denied Treatment after Heart Attack in Iranian Prison, Husband Says
Ali and Kiana Rahmani received the Nobel Peace Prize in Oslo on behalf of their mother, Narges Mohammad, in 2023.
nytimes.com
Failed experiment as England get grim glimpse of life without Kane
England's World Cup hopes rest on captain Harry Kane after a grim taste of life without him in the defeat against Japan at Wembley, says chief football writer Phil McNulty.
bbc.com
Lewandowski misses out on World Cup - who else won't be there?
The World Cup includes 48 nations, but there are still a number of top players who have missed out on qualification.
bbc.com
Ten-man Italy miss out on third World Cup in a row
Ten-man Italy missed out on a third consecutive World Cup after losing their play-off on penalties to Bosnia and Herzegovina.
skysports.com
Angry Wales boss Bellamy shows his new old self
Craig Bellamy showed his fiery temper for the first time as Wales boss in their Northern Ireland draw - a rage that was evident during his playing days.
bbc.com
Parrott out of luck as Republic of Ireland draw with North Macedonia
Troy Parrott had two goals disallowed as the Republic of Ireland played out a stalemate against North Macedonia on the night on which they had hoped to book a trip to the World Cup finals.
skysports.com
Higgins holds off Williams fightback at Tour Championship
Defending champion John Higgins holds off a fightback from Mark Williams to win 10-8 in the first round of the Tour Championship in Manchester.
bbc.com
Forgoing Oversight of Iran War, G.O.P. Calls Hegseth to Testify on Budget
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth at a news conference at the Pentagon in Arlington, Va., on Tuesday.
nytimes.com
Slava Tsukerman, Who Directed the Cult Classic ‘Liquid Sky,’ Dies at 86
A Russian-born director, he created a film about New Wave models and killer aliens in 1980s New York, helping to reshape independent filmmaking in America.
nytimes.com
Here’s What Happened in the War in the Middle East on Tuesday
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Gen. Dan Caine, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, took questions from reporters for the first time in nearly two weeks.
nytimes.com
Peacekeepers killed by roadside explosion in Lebanon, initial report finds
The deaths of the two Indonesian nationals came less than a day after another UN peacekeeper - also Indonesian - was killed in Lebanon.
bbc.com
Melvin Edwards, Sculptor Who Wove Black History Into Art, Dies at 88
Lynch Fragments, a series of abstract steel sculptures he created starting in 1963, evoked the long, devastating history of violence against Black Americans.
nytimes.com
Bosnia and Herzegovina dump Italy out of World Cup 2026 qualifier
After the match was level at 1-1 after extra time, Bosnia and Herzegovina beat Italy 4-1 on penalties to reach finals.
aljazeera.com
Tech giant Oracle makes 'significant' job cuts
It is thought that thousands of people may have lost their jobs at Oracle, one of the world's largest tech companies.
bbc.com
US Supreme Court rejects Colorado ban on LGBTQ child ‘conversion therapy’
In an eight-to-one decision, the high court ruled against a law banning the discredited practice on free speech grounds.
aljazeera.com
Iran Threatens to Start Attacking Major US Tech Firms on April 1
Tech giants like Apple, Google, and Microsoft are among those on a target list released by Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.
wired.com
OpenAI, not yet public, raises $3B from retail investors in monster $122B fund raise
OpenAI's latest funding round, led by Amazon, Nvidia, and SoftBank, values the AI lab at $852 billion as it nears an IPO.
techcrunch.com
FBI agents who investigated Trump file lawsuit alleging retaliatory firing
Former agents say that they were fired for work on probe into Trump's efforts to stay in power after 2020 election loss.
aljazeera.com
UN aid chief warns of new Israeli occupation in southern Lebanon
UN aid chief Tom Fletcher has warned of a potential new Israeli occupation in southern Lebanon.
aljazeera.com
Is Social Media the New Tobacco?
A landmark court ruling in an online addiction case could be very bad news for big tech companies.
nytimes.com
Turkiye and Sweden book World Cup 2026 spots as Kosovo and Poland bow out
Turkiye beat Kosovo 1-0, and Sweden beat Poland 3-2, as winners secure latest FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifying spots.
aljazeera.com
It’s not your imagination: AI seed startups are commanding higher valuations
Among the most recent Y Combinator cohort, many startups were commanding $40 million valuations. But with more money comes higher expectations.
techcrunch.com
Israeli air attack kills father and two-year-old son in Gaza
A father and his two-year-old son were amongst six people killed by Israeli forces in Gaza on Tuesday.
aljazeera.com
Who is a certain starter at the World Cup? How England's players rated
Who impressed for England in Tuesday's friendly against Japan? Alex Howell rates the players.
bbc.com
OpenAI raises $3bn from retail investors as part of record funding haul
ChatGPT maker taps individuals for first time as it pulls in up to $122bn
ft.com
Israelis attempt to perform Passover sacrifice at Al-Aqsa
Israelis filmed themselves attempting to bring goats into the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound for a Passover sacrifice.
aljazeera.com
Yupp.ai shuts down after raising $33M from a16z crypto’s Chris Dixon
Less than a year after launching, with checks from some of the biggest names in Silicon Valley, crowdsourced AI model feedback startup Yupp.ai is closing its business, the company said Tuesday.
techcrunch.com
Deal complete to sell NBA's Portland Trail Blazers
NBA side Portland Trail Blazers are sold to a group led by NHL outfit Carolina Hurricanes owner Tom Dundon.
bbc.com
Italian Christmas meal tragedy turns into murder inquiry
Tests results suggest the two women may have been killed with ricin, according to Italian media, but police still do not have a suspect.
bbc.com
How Pakistan positioned itself at the center of global crisis management
Pakistan has emerged as a global crisis mediator amid the US war on Iran.
aljazeera.com
Hiring in the US drops to pandemic lows as job market under Trump stagnates
Labour market stagnation mirrors a slowing private payroll growth, averaging just 18,000 monthly in recent months
aljazeera.com
Meta was finally held accountable for harming teens. Now what?
Meta faces thousands more court cases while Congress has proposed numerous bills addressing children’s online safety, some heavily criticized.
techcrunch.com
If England are going to win the World Cup, it's because of Harry Kane
England were without their star player as they failed to beat Japan at Wembley.
espn.com
Türkiye will be USMNT's stiffest test in World Cup group stage
Türkiye could be one of the World Cup's most dangerous outsiders. Are they now Group D favorites over the U.S.? Here's what to know about the team.
espn.com
Iran’s FM confirms contact with US envoy Witkoff, denies talks under way
Iran's top diplomat Araghchi has told Al Jazeera that, despite contacts, Iran is not in negotiations with the US.
aljazeera.com
MLBPA preparing war chest, assets up to $519M
MLB players are preparing their potential war chest for a potential lockout and have increased their total assets to $519 million.
espn.com
With lockout possible, MLBPA war chest at $415M
MLB players have accumulated $415 million in U.S. Treasury Securities, cash and other investments as they prepare for the possibility of an extended lockout when the CBA expires on Dec. 1.
espn.com
Tiger stepping away from golf to seek treatment
Tiger Woods is stepping away from golf "to seek treatment and focus on my health," he said in a statement Tuesday.
espn.com
Caller ID app Truecaller hits 500 million monthly users
Truecaller now has more than 4 million paying users across the world.
techcrunch.com
UConn's Strong, Fudd headline women's Wooden Award finalists
Four players who will be on the court at the women's Final Four in Phoenix are among the five Wooden Award finalists.
espn.com
Trump Redefines ‘Regime Change’ in Iran War
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said during his news conference on Tuesday that “this new regime, because regime change has occurred, should be wiser than the last.”
nytimes.com
Palestinians in occupied West Bank protest Israel’s death penalty law
Families of Palestinian prisoners protested against a bill allowing the death penalty for Palestinians in the West Bank
aljazeera.com
Israeli strike hits building in Beirut’s southern suburbs
A building in Beirut’s southern suburbs has been hit by an Israeli strike.
aljazeera.com
Why Australia Enshrined ‘a Succulent Chinese Meal’ Rant in Its Archive
A clip of the con man Jack Karlson delivering a theatrical soliloquy while being arrested in 1991 has been deemed one of the country’s important cultural recordings.
nytimes.com
The Guardian view on Welsh language learning: cultural shifts can deliver a bright future for Cymraeg | Editorial
As Plaid Cymru leads in polls ahead of Senedd elections in May, grassroots enthusiasm for one of its historic causes is growingIn Putting Wales First, a recently translated history of Plaid Cymru’s...
theguardian.com
Clarke 'not bothered' about sorting own Scotland future before World Cup
Steve Clarke says he's "not bothered" about sorting out his future as Scotland boss before the World Cup despite being out of contract after the tournament.
skysports.com
Trump signs a new executive order on voting. Experts say he lacks the authority
President Trump has signed an executive order as part of an effort to end the practice of voting by mail in the U.S., though election law scholars say he doesn't have the authority.
npr.org
One month of war on Iran cost Arab countries up to $194bn: UNDP
Even if conflict is 'short but intense', countries like Sudan, Yemen, Lebanon will see major increases in poverty rates.
aljazeera.com
Tiger pleads not guilty to rollover crash charges
Tiger Woods entered a plea of not guilty on Tuesday to charges of misdemeanor DUI with property damage and refusal to submit to a lawful test. The golf legend rolled over his SUV in a crash Friday...
espn.com
Italy miss out on 3rd-straight WC in shootout loss
Italy has missed out on a third-consecutive World Cup after losing to Bosnia and Herzegovina in a penalty shootout on Tuesday in Zenica.
espn.com
Alexa+ gets new food ordering experiences with Uber Eats and Grubhub
You can now order from Uber Eats and Grubhub using Alexa+, an experience Amazon says will be similar to chatting with a waiter at a restaurant or placing an order at a drive-thru.
techcrunch.com
The US Military’s GPS Software Is an $8 Billion Mess
The GPS Next-Generation Operational Control System was due for completion in 2016. Ten years later, the software for controlling the military’s GPS satellites still doesn’t work.
wired.com
The Promise of 'Woke 2' Is Fueling a Leftist Fever Dream
Progressives are dreaming about a new political order that rights the wrongs of the Trump administration and the shortcomings of “Woke 1.” Does it have a shot?
wired.com
Nigel Farage’s biggest problem? Donald Trump
Nearly a quarter of voters site the Reform leader’s support for the US president as the primary reason for not voting for his partyBy day 31 of the war in the Middle East, Nigel Farage had become s...
theguardian.com
How high fuel prices are affecting dairy farmers in a key Wisconsin House district
High fuel prices are affecting many people, including some dairy farmers. That's the case in part of Wisconsin where a competitive U.S. House district race could help decide control of Congress.
npr.org
Israel Signals Plans to Occupy Southern Lebanon After Ground Invasion
A commercial district in Tyre, Lebanon, heavily damaged by Israeli strikes on Friday.
nytimes.com
Meet the World Cup debutants: Cape Verde, Curaçao, Jordan, Uzbekistan tell their stories
Experts on each national team to qualify for their first World Cup help us get acquainted with their country.
espn.com
Why Iran believes it can outlast the US
Iran is preparing for deeper US escalation while insisting it’s winning. Can this war end before it widens?
aljazeera.com
Qatar says ‘ready to help’ with US-Iran negotiations
Qatari Foreign Ministry spokesperson Majed al-Ansari says Qatar is “ready to help” with US-Iran negotiations.
aljazeera.com
Türkiye win playoff to set up USMNT clash at WCup
Türkiye beat Kosovo in Tuesday's European playoff final to secure a berth at the 2026 World Cup and a place alongside co-hosts the United States in Group D.
espn.com
Police: Fight preceded shooting by cornhole pro
An argument over "drugs, guns and a woman" allegedly preceded a quadruple amputee cornhole player's fatal shooting of a passenger in his vehicle last week, according to a court document obtained by...
espn.com
UK accused of ‘intimidation tactics’ against bailed pro-Palestine activists
In the space of a week, two young women linked to Palestine Action have been arrested in the UK.
aljazeera.com
UK sends more troops to Gulf amid Donald Trump jibes over British military involvement
John Healey says extra deployment is response to ‘expanding threat’ from IranMiddle East crisis – live updatesUK politics live – latest updatesThe UK is sending more military support to the Gulf ta...
theguardian.com
UN aid chief warns of new Israeli occupation in southern Lebanon
As Israel expands Lebanon invasion, Tom Fletcher asks how world will prepare for 'new addition' to occupied territory.
aljazeera.com
Israel says it will keep control over part of southern Lebanon after war with Hezbollah ends
Defence Minister Israel Katz also says houses in Lebanese villages near the Israeli border will be demolished.
bbc.com
Does anyone think Matt Goodwin’s book on Britain’s demise is a publishing sensation? I mean, other than him | Marina Hyde
Who needs critics when the Reform man is so adept at patting his own back – and that’s easy to do in publishing: there’s a sales list for everyone ‘She’s produced a bestseller!” panted the Spectato...
theguardian.com
ECB allows replacements for injury, illness & life events
Replacement players will be allowed in county cricket in England and Wales this season and will cover illness and significant life events as well as injuries.
bbc.com
Godspeed, Artemis II!
NASA astronaut Jessica Meir took this photo of an Artemis program patch floating in the International Space Station’s cupola. She posted it on X on March 30, 2026, with the following caption:...
nasa.gov
FedEx chooses partnerships over proprietary tech for its automation strategy
FedEx recently announced a partnership with Berkshire Gray as the company works with external players to develop its automation tech.
techcrunch.com
LIVE: Bosnia vs Italy – World Cup 2026 qualifying final
Follow our live build-up with full team news coverage before our text commentary stream of the FIFA decider.
aljazeera.com
Huawei comeback loses pace as cloud and phones falter
Chinese tech conglomerate reports slowest revenue growth in three years
ft.com
Nvidia invests $2bn in chipmaker Marvell to boost AI networking
Semiconductor groups join forces on silicon photonics to speed up data centre systems
ft.com
OSU's Day likens CFB to dinosaurs: 'Adapt or die'
Ohio State coach Ryan Day drew parallels between the evolving state of college football and what dinosaurs faced their extinction-level event. "Either adapt or you die," he said.
espn.com
Tottenham Supporters' Trust says it cannot support De Zerbi appointment
A Tottenham fan who has threatened to stop attending matches said it would be "unforgivable" to name Roberto de Zerbi as the club's new manager.
bbc.com
Nijman beats Cullen to win Players Championship Eight
Wessel Nijman maintained his imperious form by clinching his third ranking title of 2026 at Players Championship Eight in Leicester on Tuesday.
skysports.com
‘Money! Glamour! Yachts! But not for me!’ Adrian Searle relives 30 glorious years as our chief art critic
He has faced off a fighter jet, ridden a motorised bed and even been a Beano character. As he steps down, the mighty Guardian critic delivers his insights, confesses his crimes and relives his high...
theguardian.com
Venezuela’s ‘Chavismo’ movement faces a crossroads after US attack
Hugo Chavez founded a movement opposed to US intervention. How have his supporters adapted to new US-Venezuela ties?
aljazeera.com
Iran will play World Cup games in US - Infantino
Fifa president Gianni Infantino says Iran will play their World Cup games in the United States as planned.
bbc.com
UK deradicalisation scheme being used to speed mental health service access, review warns
Home Office has expressed concerns that Prevent programme is under pressure due to wider gaps in public services
ft.com
Are Scotland really going to name 55 players in World Cup squad?
Steve Clarke has disclosed he must submit a provisional 55-man Scotland squad for the World Cup. But what does that actually mean?
bbc.com
The attack on the right to protest in the UK is not just about Palestine
Patterns of politicised policing uncovered in a recent trial of pro-Palestinian activists should worry us all.
aljazeera.com
More UK troops to be sent to Middle East, defence secretary announces
The UK government announces further air defence systems will be sent to countries in the region along with troops to operate them.
bbc.com
Nomadic raises $8.4 million to wrangle the data pouring off autonomous vehicles
The company turns footage from robots into structured, searchable datasets with a deep learning model.
techcrunch.com
Iran War Live Updates: After Month of War, Hegseth Says Iran Retains Ability to Strike
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth conceded that U.S.-Israeli attacks had not thwarted Iran’s missile capabilities. He said that only President Trump could decide when to end the war, which has rattled...
nytimes.com
Health data giant CareCloud says hackers accessed patients’ medical records
CareCloud, a major provider of medical records storage, said hackers accessed one of its repositories of patient data earlier in March. It provides technnology for more than 45,000 providers coveri...
techcrunch.com
Iran will play World Cup games in US despite war, FIFA’s Infantino says
The chief of global football's governing body says US-Israeli war on Iran will not affect scheduling of 2026 World Cup.
aljazeera.com
Wiegman explains why Parkinson is ready for England
Sky Sports reporter Anton Toloui rounds up the best of Sarina Wiegman's news conference as England women prepare for their World Cup Qualifiers against Spain and Iceland.
skysports.com
For the Global Economy, ‘All Roads Lead to Higher Prices and Slower Growth’
A fertilizer plant outside Lagos, Nigeria. Fertilizer shortages driven by the fighting in the Middle East, where crucial inputs are produced, can lead to poorer harvests and higher food prices arou...
nytimes.com
In the Print review – Rupert Murdoch hits trade unions with fake news in tense thriller
King’s Head theatre, LondonThe media tycoon comes up against union boss Brenda Dean in Robert Khan and Tom Salinsky’s docudrama about the 80s Wapping disputeA teacher in Alan Bennett’s The History...
theguardian.com
Trump Lashes Out Again at Europe for Its Lukewarm Support Against Iran
President Trump arriving in Washington on Sunday. Mr. Trump criticized European allies on social media on Tuesday for their refusal to get more involved in the Iran War.
nytimes.com
In a Big Reversal, Zohran Mamdani Tells NYC Agencies to Use TikTok
The city will allow agencies to return to TikTok, but with strict new device and security rules.
wired.com
Trump shares a look at his future presidential library. Here's what to know about it
Trump posted the first architectural renderings of his future presidential library, planned for a prime plot of land donated by Miami Dade College.
npr.org
Where to invest during Iran war? Ask – or don’t – Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf
Iran’s parliamentary speaker is using X to shape market sentiment, blending war messaging with financial signalling.
aljazeera.com
Roku launches a standalone app for Howdy, its $2.99 streaming service
With this new app, Roku says subscribers can access Howdy's library of content on the go.
techcrunch.com
'A gift and a curse' - Fitzpatrick follows brother into winner's circle
Fresh from his first DP World Tour, Alex Fitzpatrick revealed the reality of playing in his brother's, Matt Fitzpatrick, shadows on the Sky Sports Golf podcast.
skysports.com
Meta launches two new Ray-Ban glasses designed for prescription wearers
Meta says these glasses are the most comfortable ones it has ever designed, as they're made for all-day comfort.
techcrunch.com
Scotland to host T20 tri-series before World Cup
Scotland women will play their first home fixtures since 2022 with a T20 tri-series against Bangladesh and the Netherlands across May and June.
bbc.com
Trump rebukes France as tensions rise with Europe over Iran war
Italy refuses US warplanes permission to refuel, adding to transatlantic divisions over conflict
ft.com
The company behind ClassPass and Mindbody just got a lot bigger with a $7.5B merger
The merger is a sign that the fitness industry is continuing to move toward consolidation to compete at a larger scale. Recent moves include MyFitnessPal acquiring Cal AI, an AI calorie counting ap...
techcrunch.com
Exclusive: Runway launches $10M fund, Builders program to support early stage AI startups
Runway is launching a $10 million fund and startup program to back companies building with its AI video models, as it pushes toward interactive, real-time “video intelligence” applications.
techcrunch.com
War on Iran: US’s history of making other nations pay for conflicts
White House says Trump could ask Arab nations to bear the cost of the Iran war.
aljazeera.com
The Broken System That Keeps Shipping Crews Stranded in the Strait of Hormuz
Vessels are increasingly being abandoned during the war on Iran, revealing a hidden failure in the global systems that keep goods—and people—moving.
wired.com
Will China join Pakistan-led efforts to mediate US-Iran peace?
Pakistan's Deputy PM Ishaq Dar visits China after Islamabad talks to broker negotiations between the US and Iran.
aljazeera.com
Waymo starts robotaxi services at San Antonio International Airport
It's the fourth airport Waymo is serving, adding to Phoenix Sky Harbor, San Francisco, and San Jose International airports.
techcrunch.com
Steel bosses warn ‘back door’ loophole in UK trade rules could lead to job cuts and closures
New measures will protect Tata and British Steel but allow foreign pre-made parts into the UK, say industry bossesSteel bosses have warned ministers that a “back door” in new trade rules could hit...
theguardian.com
Arab World Faces ‘Profound’ Economic Crisis From Iran War, U.N. Agency Warns
Unloading relief supplies at an aid distribution site in Tyre, Lebanon, last week.
nytimes.com
BMA to ballot senior doctors in England over strikes as pay dispute escalates
Union says there has been ‘far too little progress’ in talks over pay and career developmentUK politics live – latest updatesSenior doctors in England are to be balloted over the prospect of strike...
theguardian.com
US defence secretary says next few days in Iran war will be ‘decisive’
US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth warned the coming days of the war with Iran will be ‘decisive.'
aljazeera.com
Pats' Vrabel doesn't dismiss Brown trade chatter
As speculation swirls, coach Mike Vrabel didn't rule out the possibility of the Patriots possibly acquiring receiver A.J. Brown in a trade with the Eagles.
espn.com
Trump Faces a Decision on Whether to Start a Ground War in Iran
President Trump and his tight circle of close aides have made opening the Strait of Hormuz a new, and nonnegotiable, issue.
nytimes.com
Deepwater discoveries: scientists find more than 110 new fish and invertebrate species in the Coral Sea
Brittlestars, sea anemones and a catshark among new-to-science species collected during expedition off the Queensland coastGet our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcastMarine scientis...
theguardian.com
‘It was an exorcism’: how heartbreak, queer rebirth and finding love over Only Connect shaped Wendy Eisenberg’s stunning new album
The guitarist made their name on dazzlingly knotty musicianship and collaboration with the likes of Bill Orcutt. So their new album is their most surprising: a startlingly beautiful reflection of l...
theguardian.com
‘Hope, insight and burning humanity’: 2026 International Booker prize shortlist announced
The six finalists include Marie NDiaye and Yáng Shuāng-zǐ alongside Daniel Kehlmann’s second nomination for the £50,000 prizeDaniel Kehlmann, Marie NDiaye and Yáng Shuāng-zǐ are among the six autho...
theguardian.com
What’s Israel’s death penalty law that only applies to Palestinians?
Rights groups condemn Israel's new law, which will primarily apply to Palestinians, as discriminatory.
aljazeera.com
International Booker Prize Shortlist: 6 Novels With ‘Burning Humanity’
Books by Marie NDiaye, Daniel Kehlmann and Rene Karabash are among the shortlisted titles for the major award for fiction translated into English.
nytimes.com
Serrano? Scotney? World champ Meinke: I want more belts!
Nina Meinke will be a keen observer when Ellie Scotney takes to the ring this Sunday, but she also isn't giving up on a blockbuster showdown with Amanda Serrano just yet.
skysports.com
With its new app store, Ring bets on AI to go beyond home security
Ring's app store will allow the company to target broader use cases beyond security, like elder care or business needs.
techcrunch.com
AI Has Flooded All the Weather Apps
Weather forecasting has gotten a big boost from machine learning. How that translates into what users see can vary.
wired.com
Explained: Why have Spurs decided De Zerbi can help them avoid relegation?
Kaveh Solhekol explains why Spurs have decided to appoint Roberto De Zerbi, with the club on the brink of announcing the Italian as their new head coach.
skysports.com
Iran using children in security roles in war, reports and witnesses say
An 11-year-old is reported to have been killed in an air strike while manning a checkpoint in Tehran.
bbc.com
Spurs close to announcing De Zerbi as new head coach
Tottenham are close to announcing Roberto De Zerbi as their new head coach.
skysports.com
Are ICE detention deaths caused by systemic failures?
Mexican official Vanessa Calva Ruiz says the deaths of immigrants in ICE detention are caused by systemic failures.
aljazeera.com
Karl Turner has Labour whip suspended after criticism of Starmer and No 10
MP for Hull East had recently given interview with Jody McIntyre, campaigner who stood against Jess Phillips in 2024The MP Karl Turner has lost the Labour whip, after making a series of interventio...
theguardian.com
Ref not assigned to Final Four after Hurley bump
Roger Ayers, the official involved in a bizarre interaction with Dan Hurley near the end of UConn's NCAA tournament victory over Duke, is not among the referees assigned to officiate the men's Fina...
espn.com
Google is now letting users in the US change their Gmail address
Users will be able to change their username only once every 12 months. Plus, they won't be able to delete their new email address for that period of time.
techcrunch.com
Draper pulls out of Monte-Carlo Masters
Jack Draper has delayed the start of his clay-court season by pulling out of the Monte-Carlo Masters.
skysports.com
From the phone to the plex: why TV shows are turning into movies
A successful cinema release for the new Peaky Blinders movie provided marketing opportunities that could lead to a reverse in the stream-first modelIn its first three days on Netflix, Peaky Blinder...
theguardian.com
Pakistan cricketer Fakhar Zaman handed two-match PSL ban for ball tampering
Lahore Qalandars batter was found guilty of changing the condition of the ball in the match against Karachi Kings.
aljazeera.com
King Charles’s state visit to US to go ahead, Buckingham Palace confirms
Visit with Camilla to take place in late April despite calls for it to be delayed because of US war against IranUK politics live – latest updatesThe king’s state visit to the US is to go ahead next...
theguardian.com
Three Indonesian peacekeepers killed by Israeli attacks in Lebanon
Two Israeli attacks in southern Lebanon have killed three Indonesian UN peacekeepers in the past 48 hours.
aljazeera.com
Wiegman on 'speechless' Parkinson's England call-up
England manager Sarina Wiegman explains why she has handed a first senior call-up to 17-year-old midfielder Erica Meg Parkinson for World Cup qualifiers with Spain and Iceland.
bbc.com
Sky Sports and Jake Paul’s MVP agree major women’s boxing deal
Sky Sports and NOW will be the home of Most Valuable Promotions’ new women’s boxing platform, MVPW, in the UK and Ireland, after agreeing a multi-year deal with the promoter.
skysports.com
Supreme Court strikes Colorado ban on conversion therapy
The Supreme Court has ruled that Colorado's law banning conversion therapy "regulates speech based on viewpoint."
npr.org
Hundreds rally in West Bank against Israeli death penalty for Palestinians
Civil society joins protests as EU voices express 'great concern' about Israel's law targeting Palestinian prisoners.
aljazeera.com
Brent crude on course for largest monthly price rise on record
Cost of oil likely to keep climbing until Strait of Hormuz reopens to shipping
ft.com
Kissing a woman's hand can be sexual assault, Spanish court finds
The Supreme Court found that a man had done more than harass a woman by kissing her hand as there had been "a clear sexual component" to his behaviour.
bbc.com
England women's head coach Edwards on shortlist for new T20 Hall of Fame
England women's head coach Charlotte Edwards is amongst the names on a shortlist for the T20 Hall of Fame presented by Vitality, celebrating the icons of domestic T20 cricket in England and Wales.
skysports.com
The ECB’s three-pronged monetary strategy
Unless the war ends quickly, a rise in Eurozone interest rates looks inevitable
ft.com
Backup Files and Your Entire Digital Life (2026): Hard Drives, Cloud-Based Tools, and Tips
Backups are boring, but they’ll save your bacon. Here’s how to make sure your data lives on, even when your PC doesn’t.
wired.com
‘AI helped pick the first thousand targets in Iran’
‘AI helped pick the first thousand targets in Iran’
aljazeera.com
Fakhar gets two-match ban for ball tampering in PSL
Fakhar Zaman is given a two-match ban in the Pakistan Super League after being found guilty of ball tampering.
bbc.com
The UK has a chance to pioneer pornography regulation – it must take it | Susanna Rustin
The crime bill proposes a stronger model of consent – and with violent imagery and child sexual abuse soaring, who, really, can argue against it?Susanna Rustin is the author of Sexed: A History of...
theguardian.com
Billionaire Rokos donates record £190mn to Cambridge university
Gift from hedge fund boss will fund new school of government
ft.com
Williamson, Mead and 17-year-old Parkinson included in latest England squad
Leah Williamson and Beth Mead have been included in the latest England squad ahead of World Cup Qualifiers against Spain and Iceland.
skysports.com
A Gaza mother waits in agony: Did Israel kill her daughter, or arrest her?
Tahrir Abu Mady has her daughter Malak's death certificate. But a prisoner's list suggests she might have been arrested.
aljazeera.com
World Cup European playoffs, live updates: Italy looking to make their return
Enjoy all the moments from Tuesday's 2026 World Cup European playoffs.
espn.com
Canberra to host Australia v Ireland pre-World Cup
Ireland will play a Test match in Canberra for the first time when they take on Australia in a World Cup warm-up at GIO Stadium on 18 September, 2027.
bbc.com
Caster Semenya pledges to fight against Olympic gender-testing policy
'We're going to be vocal about it, we're going to make noise until we're heard,' South Africa's gold medallist says.
aljazeera.com
Gaza families reunite years after babies evacuated amid Israel’s war
Infants evacuated from al-Shifa Hospital during Israel's siege in 2023 return home after years of separation.
aljazeera.com
The Drama review – Zendaya and Robert Pattinson’s controversial wedding film delivers on its promise
A woman’s confession on the eve of her nuptials causes uproar in this insouciantly offensive provocation from the director of Dream Scenario• This review contains spoilersHow much of your past shou...
theguardian.com
Love on the Spectrum proves that we still crave wholesome reality TV
A new season of Netflix’s dating show about neurodivergent singletons is a welcome antidote to grim reality TV headlinesLogan is a big fan of Hannah Montana and Spongebob Squarepants. He loves mode...
theguardian.com
‘Something out of the ordinary’: why are Japan’s oysters dying en masse?
A death rate of up to 90%, attributed to warming seas, is threatening the trade in Hiroshima prefecture, which produces most of the country’s farmed oystersThe Kure oyster festival is doing a brisk...
theguardian.com
Cyclist killed at Worlds not found for 82 minutes
A cyclist who was killed during the Road World Championships was not found for 82 minutes after a crash, investigators find.
bbc.com
Palantir’s UK boss criticises ‘ideological’ groups as ministers move to scrap NHS contract
Louis Mosley says government should resist calls to trigger break clause in £330m deal with US analytics companyUK politics live – latest updatesPalantir’s UK boss has urged the government not to g...
theguardian.com
‘Iranians don’t consider Trump’s 15-point plan as beginning of diplomacy’
‘Iranians don’t consider Trump’s 15-point plan as beginning of a diplomatic track’
aljazeera.com
Dubois, Scotney and the future | 'The talent is phenomenal'
Elite world champions from Britain, like Caroline Dubois and Ellie Scotney, will showcase their talents on Sky Sports' stacked bill on Sunday.
skysports.com
U.S. Senators Press Taiwan to Raise Military Spending, as China Protests
Four visiting senators urged Taiwan to break an impasse over a $40 billion budget proposal, highlighting concerns in Washington about the threat from China.
nytimes.com
Putin’s Internet Blackout: A Chaotic Drive to Cut Off Russians From the World
Of all the examples of growing repression in Russia during four years of war in Ukraine, few have touched more people than deepening internet restrictions.
nytimes.com
Sudan war ‘being fought on women’s bodies’: Survivors detail sexual assault
In a new report, Doctors Without Borders says sexual violence is the ‘defining feature’ of the conflict in Sudan.
aljazeera.com
Tongue has 'learned' from NZ nightclub episode
England fast bowler Josh Tongue says he has "learned" from the New Zealand nightclub episode in which team-mate Harry Brook was punched by a bouncer.
bbc.com
Eurozone inflation jumps to 2.5% in March
Middle East energy shock pushes price growth to highest level in almost 2 years
ft.com
Trump Faces a Decision on Whether to Start a Ground War in Iran
President Trump and his tight circle of close aides have made opening the Strait of Hormuz a new, and nonnegotiable, issue.
nytimes.com
The twilight zone: Nocturnes, from piano to perfume and Russia to Richter
The 19th composer John Field was the first to name his gentle and delicate piano pieces ‘nocturnes’. The word – and the genre of ‘sleep music’ – it presaged, is ubiquitous todayOne of the most fam...
theguardian.com
Europe Has a ‘Guns vs. Butter’ Problem. War in Iran Makes It Worse.
A weapons factory in Herstal, Belgium, this year. Most European countries have realized that they need to spend a lot more on guns to reduce their military dependence on the United States.
nytimes.com
Newcastle announce record revenues but Howe's future uncertain
Newcastle's chief executive David Hopkinson says Eddie Howe's future will be discussed "when the time is right" as the club announced record revenues of £335.3m for the year ending June 2025.
skysports.com
First Canadian Astronaut Will Travel to the Moon Amid Fraying U.S.-Canada Relations
Robert Lucas of MDA Space helped develop the Canadarm3, a robotic system that will support astronauts during spacewalks and aid repairs in orbit.
nytimes.com
BMA dismisses Starmer’s 48-hour warning over resident doctors’ strike plan – UK politics live
Prime minister threatens to withdraw NHS training posts for residents doctors if they don’t call off strikeThe grooming gangs inquiry will directly examine whether ethnicity, culture or religion in...
theguardian.com
Top newcomers for Notre Dame and every Big Ten team; what coaches, GMs are saying
Which new faces in the league will make the biggest impact for each school?
espn.com
Somali army takes over key city in Southwest as state leader resigns
Somali federal government hails Baidoa's transition, urging peace and unity amid political changes and rising tensions.
aljazeera.com
NHL playoff watch: Hurricanes, Blue Jackets battle to bolster playoff seeds
Both clubs need the two points on the line in Tuesday's matchup. Plus, full playoff projections and more.
espn.com
A Rebel and a Traitor by Rory Carroll review – the extraordinary story of Roger Casement
A journalist tells the improbable tale of a British diplomat who worked to free Ireland – and paid the ultimate priceRoger Casement had a life that defies categorisation: an imperial administrator...
theguardian.com
Ghost Killer review – fantastic karate chopping and gunslinging in in supernatural action-comedy
Top notch choreography features heavily in tale of a student who is inhabited by an assassin’s spirit determined to wreak revengeOn her way home from a bad day at work and a disappointing drinks da...
theguardian.com
Iran war wipes $120bn off Dubai, Abu Dhabi stock markets
The UAE's financial markets have been some of the hardest hit by the fallout of the US-Israel war on Iran.
aljazeera.com
Iran war: What is happening on day 32 of US-Israel attacks?
In an exclusive interview with Al Jazeera, Secretary of State Rubio said US war objectives would be achieved in 'weeks'.
aljazeera.com
Arsenal's 11 international withdrawals - injury crisis or crafty caution?
With 11 Arsenal players withdrawing from international duty, are the Gunners facing an injury crisis or are they simply being cautious?
bbc.com
A wagon... or a freight train? How the Sabres became the newest Stanley Cup contender
Buffalo isn't just ending a playoff drought; it's smashing the gate open. Here's how the Sabres have done it, and how dangerous they'll be this spring.
espn.com
Ghana fires football head coach Otto Addo 72 days before World Cup
Addo exits after 2 - 1 defeat by Germany in a friendly match and Ghana's failure to qualify for AFCON 2025.
aljazeera.com
South Korean president promises maximum response to energy crisis
South Korean president Myung vowed to respond to the energy crisis caused by Iran war to the fullest extent possible.
aljazeera.com
The Silicon Valley congressional race is getting ugly
The primary isn’t until early June, but the CA-17 race between five-term incumbent Ro Khanna and tech founder Ethan Agarwal is already getting nasty. Agarwal entered the race in March, backed...
techcrunch.com
Why innovative Canadian league is trialling daylight offside rule
BBC Sport looks at why the Canadian Premier League is trialling Arsene Wenger's 'daylight' offside rule in 2026.
bbc.com
The toughest job facing the new head of Ofcom: tackling the blatantly partisan GB News | Polly Toynbee
It will take a regulator with grit and guts to enforce the UK’s impartiality laws. This is Labour’s chance to remedy our twisted media landscape Labour feels more sure-footed. A stronger sense of...
theguardian.com
Keir Starmer gives resident doctors 48 hours to call off strike or lose offer
PM says decision by union to reject offer including thousands of extra training posts and 7.1% pay rise without putting it to members for a vote is ‘reckless’Keir Starmer has threatened to withdraw...
theguardian.com
Ghana sack manager Addo, 72 days before World Cup
Ghana dismiss manager Otto Addo, 72 days before the start of the 2026 World Cup, following a run of defeats.
bbc.com
Inflation worries become growth worries
A longer war makes long bonds interesting
ft.com
How Scotland found their base camp for 'travelling' World Cup
Gary Dicker and Steven Naismith explain why Scotland picked Charlotte FC as their World Cup base.
bbc.com
Ujiri joins ownership group of Toronto Tempo
Former Raptors president Masai Ujiri has joined the ownership group of the city's new WNBA franchise.
espn.com
Trump tells Europe 'go get your own oil,' Iran hits oil tanker off Dubai
Iran attacked and set on fire a massive Kuwaiti oil tanker off Dubai overnight, as Gulf states increasingly suffer the fallout from the war.
npr.org
Starmer gives doctors 48 hours to cancel strike or lose new jobs package
The prime minister says the NHS could lose 1,000 extra training places if resident doctors go ahead with a six-day strike next week.
bbc.com
Two Women review – sex comedy remake is French-Canadian answer to Confessions of a Window Cleaner
This tale of a pair of women who tire of their partners and arrange sex with strangers is not sexy enough for erotica and not real enough to be dramaChloé Robichaud’s new film is a remake of the 19...
theguardian.com
Spheres of influence: the Bauhaus’s radical female photographers – in pictures
The images are famous, but the women who took them are often forgotten. An inspiring exhibition focuses on the pioneering ‘new vision’ of Marianne Brandt, Lucia Moholy and more Continue reading...
theguardian.com
Robinson and Tribe among England Test contenders ahead of county season
Ahead of the County Championship season from Good Friday, we look at some of the players looking to press their England Test claims for the series at home to New Zealand from June 4.
skysports.com
Who are the Japan players England should look out for?
England face Japan in their next friendly match as they continue their preparations for the World Cup this summer. BBC Sport takes a look at the Japanese players to look out for.
bbc.com
What could six fictional voters teach us about how social media really works?
On the run-up to a landmark election, we look at what Welsh voters could be seeing on social media.
bbc.com
LeBron James records triple-double as Lakers dominate Wizards
Led by James's 125th regular-season triple-double, the LA Lakers destroyed the Washington Wizards for their 49th win.
aljazeera.com
TV tonight: fun new dating show Muslim Matchmaker
Hoda and Yasmin help US Muslims navigate the path to true love. Plus: a tender film about a throuple having a baby. Here’s what to watch this evening10pm, BBC Three“Wait, did my mom send you?” Musl...
theguardian.com
Olise? Vinicius? Lamine Yamal? Ranking the most exciting wide men
Few things in football are more exciting than an in-form wide man, but who are the most exciting in the world right night?
bbc.com
Kosovo in euphoria as they dream of World Cup history
Having gained independence in 2008, Kosovo are one game away from qualifying for the World Cup and sparking "the biggest celebrations ever seen in Pristina".
bbc.com
More drilling in North Sea ‘not the answer’ for UK energy security, say former military leaders
Government told to focus on transition to mix of wind, solar, tidal and nuclear energyMore drilling in the North Sea would do nothing to improve the UK’s energy security, former military leaders ha...
theguardian.com
‘A national scandal’: trawlers scour seabeds of supposedly protected UK waters
‘Precious ocean life is being pushed to the brink,’ say campaigners, arguing that overfished marine areas are ‘protected only on paper’Almost 40% of England’s seas are designated as marine protecte...
theguardian.com
Litter-Robot Promo Codes and Deals: Up to $150 Off
Get the latest Litter-Robot Discounts on Litter-Robot self-cleaning litter boxes, accessories, and more.
wired.com
Babies are an afterthought in the birthright citizenship case, advocates say
An end to birthright citizenship would mean a new layer of bureaucracy for all babies born in the U.S., and could cause delays for health insurance and other benefits.
npr.org
Born out of the Civil Rights era, the EEOC pivots toward protecting white people
Andrea Lucas, the Trump-appointed chair of the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, has set a new agenda for an agency that long prioritized vulnerable and underserved workers.
npr.org
Rep. Jim Himes, D-Conn., discusses the White House's messaging on the war in Iran
NPR's Leila Fadel asks Rep. Jim Himes, a Connecticut Democrat and ranking member of the House Intelligence Committee, about the White House's messaging on the Iran war.
npr.org
Republican Party may face consequences for Trump's mixed messaging on the Iran war
President Trump's mixed messages make it hard to see how the war with Iran will end, and it may lead to political consequences for his party in the upcoming midterm elections.
npr.org
Children in Gaza reenact a funeral procession during play
A group of children reenacted a funeral with their doll as they played together in a displacement camp in Gaza.
aljazeera.com
Spain closes airspace to US warplanes involved in war on Iran
Spain has taken another step in rejecting the US-Israeli war on Iran, denying US warplanes the use of its airspace.
aljazeera.com
Outrage and condemnation over Israel’s death penalty law for Palestinians
Outrage and widespread condemnation has followed Israel legalising the death penalty for Palestinians.
aljazeera.com
Transfer rumors, news: Real Madrid eye Fernandez if Rodri pursuit fails
Enzo Fernández is on Real Madrid's shortlist, plus RB Leipzig could yet tempt Liverpool-linked winger Yan Diomande to stay. Transfer Talk has the latest.
espn.com
UK pro-Palestine activist arrested weeks after being released on bail
UK pro-Palestine activist Qesser Zuhrah has been arrested on terrorism charges after being released on bail last month.
aljazeera.com
US-based dissident artist put on trial in China over satirical Mao sculptures, says rights group
New York-based Gao Zhen was detained in 2024 during a family visit to China and then tried for ‘defaming national heroes’ The Chinese dissident artist Gao Zhen, known for making satirical sculptur...
theguardian.com
Offensive vs. Defensive: On Iran, the Distinction Matters for Britain’s Leader
Prime Minister Keir Starmer of Britain at a meeting in London on Monday. “We will not be drawn into the wider war,” he told lawmakers in mid-March.
nytimes.com
Why do politicians want AI to go faster?
Bullish rhetoric about ‘unleashing’ the technology is badly out of touch with the sensibilities of many voters
ft.com
Cracks appear in US-UK security co-operation after Trump-Starmer tensions
Differences over war in Iran are hitting working relationships between diplomats, officials and military personnel
ft.com
Foreign central banks sell US Treasuries in wake of Iran war
International official holdings at New York Federal Reserve fall to lowest level since 2012
ft.com
BlackRock looks at HSBC’s Canary Wharf tower for new London HQ
Asset manager is seeking at least 600,000 sq ft as demand for high-end offices rises
ft.com
James McAvoy: ‘I’ve been “that Scottish person”, reduced to a noise that comes out of my mouth’
He went from a Glasgow council estate to Hollywood fame. Now, in his directorial debut, the X-Men star is challenging stereotypes about his homeland via the remarkable tale of a real-life hip-hop h...
theguardian.com
‘Pump anxiety’ from soaring fuel prices prompts surge in interest in EVs
Increased costs since outbreak of Middle East conflict prompt more test drives and advert views
ft.com
In trade’s ‘law of the jungle’, the winners are clear
It is China and the US that prosper when power sets the terms for global commerce
ft.com
The City law firm that found wealth in private capital
Macfarlanes has transcended its roots to become one of London’s most profitable legal partnerships
ft.com
Iran’s hackers go to war
Tehran’s cyber operatives have sought to sow fear and hoover up intelligence in series of attacks in Israel and the US
ft.com
Fallen hedge fund Pelham Capital plots back-to-basics comeback
Founder Ross Turner to put $100mn into new fund to be managed by Kayvan Larizadeh
ft.com
Wales v Northern Ireland - the match nobody wants
Wales host Northern Ireland in a friendly in Cardiff on Tuesday because both teams lost their World Cup play-off semi-finals on Thursday.
bbc.com
‘Extremely rare’ Bob Dylan draft lyrics discovered inside Allen Ginsberg book
A torn page bearing Dylan’s lyrics for the 1967 song I’m Not There is set to go under the hammer in April when it could fetch £40,000Almost 60 years after it was first typed out by Bob Dylan, a tor...
theguardian.com
'A succulent Chinese meal' - iconic Australian quote immortalised in national archive
The theatrical monologue given by Jack Karlson as he was arrested in 1991 has been officially recognised as a "lasting piece of cultural folklore".
bbc.com
How Pakistan won over Trump to become an unlikely mediator in the Iran war
Pakistan's role as intermediary in this conflict took many by surprise. But perhaps it shouldn't have.
bbc.com
Pentagon denies Hegseth’s broker sought defence investment before Iran war
US Department of Defense demands retraction of report alleging broker sought multimillion-dollar investment for Hegseth.
aljazeera.com
Sad faces all round as Bolivia’s clowns protest over decree threatening their livelihoods
Clowns in Bolivia are upset by mandate that stops schools hosting events from which they earn a livingDozens of clowns have marched through the streets of Bolivia’s capital to protest against a gov...
theguardian.com
Nats' Wiemer ties mark before on-base streak ends
Seven Washington batters had at least two hits, including Joey Wiemer, who tied a Major League Record for most consecutive plate appearances to reach base to start a season and the Nationals defeat...
espn.com
Here’s What Happened in the War in the Middle East on Monday
Residents viewing the damage to their apartment in Tehran after airstrikes on Monday.
nytimes.com
At least 70 killed, 30 wounded in Haiti gang attack, rights group says
Death toll by the Defenseurs Plus rights group significantly exceeds official estimates of 16.
aljazeera.com
Al Jazeera’s full interview with Marco Rubio on US war on Iran
In an exclusive interview, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio says Iran war objectives will be achieved 'within weeks'.
aljazeera.com
Iran war live: Kuwaiti oil tanker hit in Dubai port; 3 UN troops killed
Saudi, Qatari, Jordanian leaders meet as Iran continues to retaliate for US-Israeli raids with attacks on Gulf nations.
aljazeera.com
How Geopolitics Overran Globalization
The end of the dream of economic integration.
foreignaffairs.com
The Iran War Comes to Iraq
Baghdad slides into a conflict it long wanted to escape.
foreignaffairs.com
The Real War for Iran’s Future
Who will determine the fate of the Islamic Republic?