Michael Avery, a 45-year-old construction worker and Manchester United fan, has admitted to making vile gestures and engaging in ‘tragedy chanting’ during a match against Liverpool at Old Trafford in March. His actions, which referenced the Hillsborough and Heysel stadium disasters, caused widespread upset and went viral on the internet. Avery expressed deep shame and remorse during his court appearance, and received a three-year football banning order and an £800 fine.
Former Newcastle United striker Alan Shearer has expressed his surprise at Jason Wilcox’s appointment as Manchester United’s technical director. Shearer and Wilcox were teammates prior to the latter’s move to St James’ Park, and Shearer never expected Wilcox to ascend to such a senior position at Old Trafford.
Germany’s plan to provide Ukraine with hundreds of Mine Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicles has encountered delays due to documentation issues. While the initial delivery was scheduled for January, no vehicles have yet been delivered, with the revised schedule now indicating a possible delivery in June or later.
Students at New York University and The New School have established encampments on their respective campuses in protest of the ongoing conflict in Gaza. The encampments echo a similar demonstration at Columbia University last week, which resulted in the arrests of over 100 protesters. The students demand university divestment from Israel and the end of disciplinary actions against pro-Palestinian activists.
Global military spending hit a record high in 2023, with a 6.8% increase to $2.4 trillion. The United States, China, and Russia remain the top spenders, while Europe, the Middle East, and Asia have seen significant increases. The Ukraine conflict has fueled spending not only in Ukraine and Russia but also in European countries. Geopolitical tensions in the Middle East have also driven up defense spending in the region, with Israel among the largest spenders.
Western financial firms are reducing their operations in China due to the country’s sluggish economy, which fell short of expectations in 2023. Companies such as Fidelity International, Morgan Stanley, and Legal & General have suspended expansion plans or cut jobs in the region. Goldman Sachs, JPMorgan Chase, and Citigroup have also cut investment banking positions focused on China. Despite the drawbacks, most firms are not withdrawing entirely, waiting for China’s economic recovery.
Earth Day, celebrated annually on April 22, highlights the crucial role of bees in our ecosystems and the importance of protecting the environment. Google has created a fun video game to engage users in celebrating this day, showcasing the significance of bees for pollination and plant reproduction. The game serves as a reminder of the threats bees face due to human activities, emphasizing the need to safeguard their well-being and preserve our planet’s delicate balance.
Diane Kruger and Fatih Akin reunite for the German period drama ‘Rheingold,’ set in the final days of World War II. Kruger plays a farmer’s wife, while the film follows the coming-of-age story of a 12-year-old boy named Nanning. The film is based on the childhood memories of Akin’s co-screenwriter, German author and director Hark Bohm, who initially planned to direct the film before handing it over to Akin. Warner Bros. Germany, Rialto Film, and Akin’s Bombero are producing the film, with Warners set to release it in German cinemas next September.
A Russian court has convicted and sentenced Andy Stone, the spokesperson for Meta, to six years in prison in absentia for justifying terrorism. The charges stem from Stone’s comments in 2022 following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, in which he announced temporary changes to Meta’s hate speech policy to allow for certain forms of political expression that would normally violate the company’s rules. The Russian authorities have since outlawed Meta as an extremist organization and blocked Facebook and Instagram in Russia. Stone, who is based in the United States, was initially charged with calling for terrorist activity, public calls for extremist activity, and publicly justifying terrorism, but the first two charges were dropped in the final version of the indictment.
George Mallory’s final letter to his wife before his ill-fated attempt to summit Mount Everest in 1924 conveys a mix of optimism and the harsh realities of the expedition. Mallory expressed high hopes despite acknowledging the slim odds of success (50 to 1 against them) and described the challenging conditions and exhaustion faced by the team. Ultimately, Mallory’s fate remains a mystery, as his body was discovered far below the peak, while his climbing partner Andrew Irvine’s remains have never been found.
