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America’s youth football pathways face calls for reform over access barriers
US soccer’s youth development system is facing renewed scrutiny following disappointing World Cup performances, with widespread acknowledgement that the “pay-to-play” model creates significant economic barriers preventing talented players from accessing elite pathways. The problem has persisted for years but has only recently gained serious attention from high-profile figures like women’s coach Emma Hayes, prompting fresh…
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Election crime arrests keep piling up as Dems insist it ‘just doesn’t happen’
Federal authorities have recently charged noncitizens in several alleged election offences, intensifying debate over whether such voting occurs and whether new federal safeguards are needed. The cases have emerged as Congress argues over the SAVE Act, which would require proof of citizenship to register for federal elections; Democrats say it could make voting harder for…
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Tokyo festival unveils 15-film contest featuring seven world premieres
Tokyo International Film Festival has announced its line-up, led by a 15-film Competition with seven world premieres. The selection highlights international and Asian cinema, while the festival’s wider programme includes sections for emerging filmmakers, Southeast Asian films and major gala titles. The world premieres include Garin Nugroho’s Indonesian historical drama *Red Before Dawn*, two Chinese…
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Kemi roasts Burnham’s ‘Corbynism with better packaging’ economic vision as PM says his plan to take money from pensions to cover care costs will make the elderly more ‘financially secure’
Kemi Badenoch, Conservative Opposition leader, has attacked Andy Burnham’s proposal to modify the state pension triple lock, describing it as “Corbynism with better packaging.” Burnham’s plan would slow annual pension increases to free up funds for a new National Care Service. The Prime Minister has defended the proposal, arguing that despite lower year-on-year pension rises,…
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Zimbra flaw breaches email servers; Huawei overtakes Nvidia in China
A critical Zimbra vulnerability is being exploited to steal corporate emails and credentials. Huawei claims its Ascend processors have overtaken Nvidia in China’s chip market.
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Jordan’s ‘Last Dance’ jersey sells for £9m
Michael Jordan’s game-worn jersey from the 1998 NBA Finals has sold for $12.3m (£9.3m), setting a record for Jordan memorabilia. The sale matters because it surpassed the previous high for one of his items and reflects the lasting cultural and sporting importance of his final championship season with the Chicago Bulls. Jordan wore the jersey…
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Inside Northern Ireland’s football conveyor belt
Northern Ireland manager Michael O’Neill is giving more young players opportunities in the national squad, raising the question of whether a new generation is emerging or the IFA’s academy is beginning to deliver. The residential programme at Campbell College aims to prepare elite teenagers for professional football and, potentially, senior international duty. The academy has…
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Labour proposes replacing state pension triple lock with double lock in 2030
Andy Burnham has said the state pension’s triple lock will end in its current form after 2029, with Labour proposing a double lock from 2030. The change matters because it would alter how pension increases are calculated, although the article does not specify exactly which two measures the proposed system would use. The triple lock…
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Money, family and sexism – why the number of women coaches is dropping
The number of women coaching sport in the UK has fallen, with the sharpest decline among volunteer coaches at grassroots level. UK Coaching says entrenched assumptions, bullying, harassment and unequal opportunities make it harder for women to enter and remain in coaching, despite greater visibility and success in women’s sport. A UK Coaching study found…
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GB’s Kartal wins on WTA return after six months out
Sonay Kartal won her first match back on the WTA Tour, beating Spain’s Andrea Lazaro Garcia 6-2, 6-3 at the China Open after nearly six months out with a back injury. The win marks a confident start to her return as she tries to rebuild her ranking. Kartal, 24, injured her lower back at Indian…