“From wartime propaganda to modern debates over soft power, children’s animation has repeatedly been used to communicate political narratives across generations.”

A political dispute in the United Kingdom over the Russian animated series Masha and the Bear has renewed debate about the historical role of cartoons as vehicles for political messaging, with researchers and policymakers pointing to more than a century of animation being used to shape public attitudes during periods of conflict and ideological competition.

The controversy emerged after Liberal Democrat MP Tom Gordon, supported by a cross-party group of more than 50 Members of Parliament, called for restrictions on Masha and the Bear, arguing that the programme functions as an instrument of Russian soft power. The request was made in a parliamentary letter that cited concerns over what lawmakers described as the “militarisation of children” through symbolic messaging in children’s entertainment.

Masha and the Bear, produced in Russia and aimed primarily at preschool audiences, remains one of the world’s most widely viewed children’s animated programmes. It is distributed internationally through platforms including YouTube and is also available to viewers in the United Kingdom through ITVX and Netflix. The series follows the adventures of a young girl, Masha, and her bear companion living in a woodland setting.

Critics of the programme, including Ukraine’s Center for Countering Disinformation and Estonia’s foreign minister, have argued that recurring imagery, including Soviet-era military clothing and symbols, may contribute to projecting a favourable image of Russia abroad. Supporters of the criticism describe such content as an example of cultural influence rather than direct political messaging.

The debate reflects a broader historical pattern rather than a new phenomenon. According to David Welch, Emeritus Professor of Modern History at the University of Kent, governments have incorporated cartoons into propaganda efforts since the First World War. He notes that all major wartime powers used animation and illustrated entertainment to influence domestic audiences.

Among Britain’s early examples was animator Lancelot Speed, whose “lightning sketches” were shown in cinemas during the First World War. The short animated performances frequently depicted German Emperor Kaiser Wilhelm II through exaggerated caricatures intended to ridicule the wartime adversary. Welch says the productions became highly popular with British audiences and demonstrated the ability of animation to combine entertainment with political messaging.

The use of cartoons expanded significantly during the Second World War. Governments increasingly relied on animation to encourage public support for military campaigns, boost morale and portray opposing nations through simplified or exaggerated stereotypes. Animated films often presented complex political conflicts through accessible stories designed for broad audiences, including children.

The United States also integrated animation into government-backed information campaigns during the Cold War. Intelligence agencies and public institutions supported cultural productions intended to promote democratic values and counter Soviet influence, illustrating how children’s entertainment became one element of broader ideological competition during the twentieth century.

Researchers studying contemporary information campaigns argue that animation remains an effective communication tool because it conveys emotion and symbolism more readily than factual argument alone.

Jan Klincewicz, who introduced the term “slopaganda” in academic literature, argues that while much modern propaganda relies on text, animated content possesses a unique ability to influence emotional perception. According to Klincewicz, stylised characters and fictional settings can communicate narratives in ways that realistic depictions may not.

Gergely Földes, who researches political narratives and visual communication, says cartoons present particular challenges for analysts because their influence often lies in symbolism rather than explicit factual claims. He argues that current systems for evaluating misinformation are generally designed to verify factual accuracy, whereas fictional narratives operate through emotional association and recurring themes.

Regarding Masha and the Bear, Földes says additional research would be necessary before determining whether the programme should be classified as propaganda. While he identifies symbolic elements within the series, including the bear as a potential representation of Russia, he notes that such imagery appears only intermittently rather than consistently throughout the programme.

According to Földes, this distinguishes the series from animated productions that are explicitly commissioned as political propaganda, where ideological messaging forms the central objective of the content.

The parliamentary campaign against Masha and the Bear therefore reflects broader concerns about the role of cultural exports in international influence rather than allegations of direct political instruction. The discussion has also highlighted the growing scrutiny applied to children’s entertainment distributed globally through digital streaming platforms.

The programme’s future availability in the United Kingdom has not been determined. Streaming services and broadcasters have not announced any changes regarding its distribution following the parliamentary intervention.

Researchers caution that debates surrounding animation and political messaging are unlikely to disappear. Klincewicz argues that cartoons remain particularly effective because they present ideas in familiar and emotionally engaging forms that audiences may perceive as less confrontational than overt political communication.

The continued expansion of digital platforms has also broadened the international reach of animated programming, allowing productions created in one country to reach millions of children worldwide. That accessibility has intensified discussions among policymakers and academics about the potential influence of entertainment content beyond its country of origin.

While opinions differ over whether specific programmes should be regarded as propaganda, historians broadly agree that animation has long served purposes extending beyond entertainment. From wartime caricatures shown in early twentieth-century cinemas to modern debates over international soft power, cartoons have repeatedly been employed to communicate national narratives, reinforce political identities and shape public perceptions across generations.

“Blending archaeology, cycling and classical literature, the journey traces the landscapes linked to Homer’s epic while acknowledging the enduring debate over its historical geography.”

Renewed global interest in Homer’s Odyssey, coinciding with the release of a major cinematic adaptation, has drawn attention to an Australian archaeologist who has recreated the legendary journey of Odysseus by bicycle, combining classical scholarship with archaeological exploration across the eastern Mediterranean.

Sam Wood, an Australian archaeologist, cyclist and founder of the historical cycling company Bike Odyssey, has spent years developing routes inspired by significant events and figures from ancient history. His latest itinerary follows locations associated with Homer’s Odyssey, connecting archaeological sites in modern-day Türkiye and Greece while recognising that many destinations described in the ancient epic remain the subject of scholarly debate.

Wood’s interest in historical cycling began during a backpacking trip through Europe with his brothers in 2009. Rather than following a conventional travel itinerary, the group chose to retrace the route taken by the Carthaginian military commander Hannibal during his 218 BC campaign across the Alps with war elephants.

Beginning in southern Spain, the brothers cycled through France before crossing the Alps into Italy. The expedition was later documented in a BBC production, encouraging Wood to explore the possibility of combining archaeology, history and long-distance cycling as a permanent venture.

Although trained primarily in Roman archaeology, including studies at the University of Sydney and three years working at the British Museum, Wood expanded his focus to include cycling expeditions based on major historical journeys. Over time, he developed routes following the campaigns of Alexander the Great, the path of Richard the Lionheart during the Third Crusade and the territorial expansion of the Venetian Republic.

Among those projects, Homer’s Odyssey remained the route Wood had long hoped to recreate. He says his university studies introduced him to the epic, whose themes of endurance, travel and homecoming closely matched the philosophy behind his company. The business was ultimately named Bike Odyssey, while its logo depicts Argos, the faithful dog that recognises Odysseus upon his return to Ithaca in the ancient narrative.

Transforming Homer’s story into a practical cycling itinerary required substantial adaptation. The original Odyssey, traditionally attributed to Homer, recounts the decade-long journey undertaken by Odysseus following the Trojan War as he attempts to return to his kingdom of Ithaca. The poem combines historical settings with mythology, making it one of the foundational works of classical literature while also presenting considerable geographical uncertainty.

Wood condensed the journey into a 27-day cycling expedition designed for modern participants. In doing so, he acknowledged that many locations described in the poem have never been conclusively identified by historians or archaeologists.

While Troy and Ithaca are generally accepted as identifiable locations within the narrative, the intervening destinations remain widely disputed. Over centuries, scholars have proposed multiple locations for places described in the epic, including the island of Aeaea, home of the sorceress Circe. Suggested sites have ranged from Sardinia in the western Mediterranean to regions near modern-day Georgia on the eastern Black Sea.

The blending of mythology with geography has contributed to continuing academic debate over whether many locations should be interpreted literally, symbolically or as combinations of multiple traditions. Tourism authorities in various Mediterranean regions have also promoted local associations with episodes from the Odyssey, further complicating efforts to establish definitive routes.

Wood chose to address those uncertainties by concentrating on locations with both archaeological significance and literary connections to the poem. Rather than attempting to recreate every mythical episode, his itinerary focuses primarily on sites across Türkiye and Greece that are referenced in the epic or hold established importance within the ancient Greek world.

The journey begins at the archaeological site of Troy in northwestern Türkiye, one of the best-known locations associated with the Trojan War tradition. Archaeological excavations at Troy have revealed multiple occupation layers, including evidence of destruction by fire during certain periods, findings that continue to inform scholarly discussion regarding possible historical events underlying later literary traditions.

From Troy, the route proceeds through several locations linked directly or indirectly to the Odyssey. Stops include the island of Lesbos and Mount Parnassus, both connected with the broader landscape of ancient Greek literature, alongside major archaeological centres such as Ephesus, Delphi and Mycenae.

These locations represent some of the most significant surviving sites of the ancient Greek world. Ephesus became one of antiquity’s principal urban centres, Delphi served as the sanctuary of the Oracle of Apollo, and Mycenae formed one of the leading political and cultural centres of the Mycenaean civilisation associated with the Late Bronze Age.

The renewed attention surrounding Homer’s epic also coincides with the release of filmmaker Christopher Nolan’s adaptation of The Odyssey. According to publicly reported production details, filming took place across multiple international locations, including Iceland, with additional landscapes in Scotland and Western Sahara representing settings inspired by the Mediterranean world described in the ancient poem.

Wood notes that the geographical complexity of Homer’s narrative makes any modern reconstruction necessarily selective. Rather than presenting a definitive map of Odysseus’ voyage, his cycling expedition reflects one interpretation grounded in archaeological evidence, literary references and practical travel considerations.

By linking classical scholarship with active exploration, the project offers participants an opportunity to experience landscapes connected with one of history’s most influential literary works while engaging with archaeological sites that continue to shape understanding of the ancient Mediterranean world.

England enters this year’s Open Championship at Royal Birkdale with one of its strongest groups of contenders in recent years, renewing hopes of ending a prolonged wait for a home winner. While several English players have established themselves among golf’s elite over the past two decades, translating that success into victory at the sport’s oldest major championship has remained an elusive achievement.

The country’s recent presence near the top of the Official World Golf Ranking reflects both the depth of English golf and the difficulty of sustaining dominance at the highest level. Luke Donald held the world No. 1 ranking for 56 weeks, Lee Westwood occupied the position for 22 weeks and Justin Rose spent 13 weeks at the summit.

Those achievements remain notable but stand in contrast to the extended periods of dominance enjoyed by Tiger Woods and Scottie Scheffler. Combined, Woods and Scheffler have spent 883 weeks as world No. 1, equivalent to nearly 17 years, illustrating the level of sustained excellence required to define an era in professional golf.

Beyond rankings, English players also face the unique pressures associated with competing in a major championship on home soil. Expectations from spectators, media attention and the emotional significance of the occasion can create additional challenges alongside the demands of elite competition.

Rory McIlroy, who has previously experienced similar circumstances while competing in two Open Championships at Royal Portrush, said playing before a home crowd brings a different psychological dynamic.

According to McIlroy, performing in front of local supporters often creates an added sense of responsibility, with players feeling they are trying to deliver success not only for themselves but also for those following them throughout the tournament.

Despite those pressures, McIlroy expressed confidence that leading English contenders, including Tommy Fleetwood and Matt Fitzpatrick, possess the temperament required to remain focused during championship week. He described both players as level-headed competitors capable of maintaining established routines regardless of the surrounding expectations.

McIlroy also said strong performances by English golfers would contribute to the atmosphere at Royal Birkdale, particularly given the wider sporting interest surrounding England during the period.

Among the home favourites, Fleetwood carries a particularly close connection to the venue. Raised in nearby Southport, he has spoken of visiting Royal Birkdale as a child and viewing the championship course as a place that inspired his golfing ambitions.

Rather than viewing local support as a burden, Fleetwood described competing at Royal Birkdale as the fulfilment of a lifelong ambition. He said the opportunity to play an Open Championship in his hometown before spectators supporting him represents a positive experience, recalling that even as an eight-year-old he regarded playing at Birkdale as something special.

Fleetwood’s familiarity with the course and strong public backing have made him one of the central figures entering the championship, although he faces competition from both domestic and international rivals.

Matt Fitzpatrick also arrives with encouraging recent form. The English golfer has recorded three victories on the PGA Tour this season and believes his current game compares favourably with the level that carried him to victory at the 2022 U.S. Open, his first major championship title.

Fitzpatrick said he is playing better golf than when he claimed that major success, highlighting improvements in both his short game and iron play. He noted that while his short game has remained consistently strong, his iron play has developed into a significant strength, providing greater confidence heading into another major championship.

Those improvements have strengthened expectations that Fitzpatrick could emerge as England’s leading challenger at Royal Birkdale. His combination of recent victories, major championship experience and confidence in key aspects of his game positions him among the players expected to contend during the tournament.

Overall, England is represented by 21 players in the championship field, giving home supporters multiple opportunities to witness a long-awaited breakthrough. The size of the English contingent reflects the country’s continued strength in professional golf and provides several realistic contenders across different generations.

However, the challenge extends well beyond domestic competition. The championship also features 135 golfers representing 27 other countries, underlining the international depth that has long characterised the Open Championship.

As a result, while optimism surrounding England’s prospects has grown with the performances of Fleetwood, Fitzpatrick and other leading players, any attempt to secure the Claret Jug will require overcoming one of the strongest global fields in professional golf.

Royal Birkdale’s return as an Open Championship venue has intensified hopes among home supporters that England’s extended wait for another champion can finally end, but the outcome will ultimately depend on performances against an experienced and highly competitive international field.

“The complaint alleges sexual assault during Israeli detention and calls for an independent investigation, while Israeli authorities categorically deny the accusations.”

A German activist who participated in a humanitarian flotilla bound for Gaza has filed a criminal complaint in Israel alleging that she was sexually assaulted by female prison guards while in Israeli detention, according to legal documents submitted by her lawyers. Israeli prison authorities have rejected the allegations, describing them as entirely unsubstantiated.

Anna Liedtke, 25, alleges that the assault occurred while she was being held for five days after Israeli forces intercepted a flotilla carrying humanitarian aid to Gaza in international waters on Oct. 8 last year. According to her complaint, she was subjected to multiple strip searches during her detention and alleges that one of those searches escalated into sexual violence.

Liedtke said the alleged assault was carried out by female prison guards in a detention area separated from a corridor by a partially drawn curtain. She further alleged that male guards were present nearby and could be heard laughing during the incident. She believes the assault may have been observed or recorded, although no evidence supporting that claim has been publicly presented.

In interviews accompanying the filing of the complaint, Liedtke said she believes the alleged abuse formed part of a broader effort to intimidate activists participating in humanitarian missions supporting Palestinians in Gaza. She said the experience was intended to discourage campaigners from continuing their advocacy.

Following her release, Liedtke said she disclosed the alleged assault to friends and medical professionals within days. She later became one of the first participants in the flotilla to publicly allege rape while in Israeli detention. According to the report, more than a dozen other flotilla participants have reported allegations of sexual assault, although most have remained anonymous.

The criminal complaint has been submitted to several Israeli authorities, including the Attorney General, the legal adviser to the Israel Prison Service (IPS), the Department for the Investigation of Prison Guards (Yahas), and the commander of Givon Prison. The filing requests a formal criminal investigation into the allegations.

Liedtke’s legal representative, Muna Haddad of the Palestinian human rights organization Adalah, said the complaint seeks both accountability for the alleged assault and an official investigation into the conduct described by her client.

According to Haddad, the case also aims to examine how Israeli authorities respond to allegations of abuse occurring within the prison system. She argued that investigating the complaint is necessary to address what she described as a broader culture of impunity surrounding alleged mistreatment of detainees.

Haddad further alleged that sexual violence against Palestinian prisoners has been documented over recent years and argued that similar conduct is now affecting foreign nationals participating in solidarity campaigns. Those assertions reflect the position of the complainant and her legal team.

Israeli authorities have rejected the allegations.

A spokesperson for the Israeli military said the armed forces reject claims of abuse by personnel involved in intercepting the flotilla and referred questions concerning detention conditions to the Israel Prison Service.

In a separate statement, an Israel Prison Service spokesperson said the allegations contained in media inquiries were “categorically denied” and described them as entirely unsubstantiated. The spokesperson also rejected allegations of rape, sexual assault or systematic abuse by prison personnel.

The complaint has been formally submitted, but no public announcement has been made regarding the opening of a criminal investigation by Israeli authorities. It remains unclear whether prosecutors or prison oversight bodies will proceed with further inquiries into the allegations.

The case comes amid continued international scrutiny of detention conditions related to the Israel-Gaza conflict, with human rights organizations, governments and international institutions continuing to monitor allegations concerning the treatment of detainees. Israeli authorities have repeatedly stated that claims of abuse are investigated where credible evidence is presented while denying allegations of systematic mistreatment.

The allegations contained in Liedtke’s complaint have not been independently verified, and no judicial findings have been made regarding the claims. The legal proceedings remain at the complaint stage as Israeli authorities consider the filing.

“If the allegations prove accurate, they would reveal an intelligence strategy aimed not merely at influencing events inside Iran, but at shaping the country’s post-regime political landscape.”

A report published by The New York Times has ignited a political storm by alleging that Israel pursued a long-running covert effort to cultivate former Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad as a potential leader for a post-Islamic Republic Iran. If accurate, the revelations would represent one of the most audacious intelligence operations ever attributed to Israel against its regional rival.

According to the report, Israeli intelligence agencies allegedly spent years attempting to establish contact with Ahmadinejad, viewing him as a possible figure capable of leading Iran in the event of a regime collapse. The newspaper claims that these efforts extended beyond intelligence gathering and evolved into a broader political strategy aimed at shaping Iran’s future leadership.

The report further alleges that Ahmadinejad has recently been placed under house arrest by Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) after authorities uncovered what they describe as extensive clandestine contacts between the former president and Israeli operatives. Iranian officials have not publicly confirmed these allegations, and the claims remain unverified by independent sources.

Ahmadinejad, who served as Iran’s president from 2005 to 2013, has long occupied a unique and often unpredictable position in Iranian politics. Although once regarded as a staunch defender of the Islamic Republic’s revolutionary ideology, he has increasingly found himself at odds with sections of Iran’s political establishment in recent years. His repeated criticisms of senior officials and occasional challenges to the country’s ruling elite have fueled speculation about his political ambitions and his relationship with the state.

The New York Times investigation reportedly describes a multi-year intelligence effort in which Israeli officials explored whether Ahmadinejad could emerge as a viable political alternative should the Islamic Republic undergo dramatic political change. Rather than portraying him simply as a source of information, the report suggests Israeli planners allegedly viewed him as someone capable of stabilizing a transitional government while preserving enough nationalist credibility to gain public acceptance.

One of the report’s most striking claims concerns an alleged secret meeting in Hungary during 2024. The gathering reportedly took place under the cover of an academic conference, providing participants with plausible deniability. According to the newspaper, former Mossad chief David Barnea was among those who attended at least one of these meetings. The report suggests the discussions focused on Iran’s political future and the possibility of leadership transition following a hypothetical collapse of the current system.

Neither Israeli authorities nor Barnea have publicly commented on the allegations. Israel traditionally maintains a policy of refusing to confirm or deny intelligence operations attributed to Mossad.

The reported operation reflects the broader strategic rivalry that has defined relations between Israel and Iran for decades. Intelligence agencies on both sides have frequently been accused of cyber operations, sabotage, espionage, and covert action targeting military, nuclear, and political objectives. However, allegations involving the grooming of a former head of government as a future national leader would represent an unprecedented escalation in both ambition and political complexity.

Analysts caution that intelligence-related reports involving Iran are often difficult to independently verify due to the secrecy surrounding both Israeli and Iranian security institutions. While the New York Times cites unnamed sources familiar with the alleged operation, many aspects of the story remain beyond public confirmation.

Within Iran, Ahmadinejad’s political trajectory has become increasingly uncertain. Once celebrated by conservative factions, he later experienced repeated clashes with influential institutions and was barred from returning to the presidency despite several attempts. His outspoken criticism of certain state institutions has occasionally led observers to speculate about widening divisions within the political establishment.

The reported house arrest, if confirmed, would signal serious concern among Iranian authorities regarding Ahmadinejad’s activities. House arrest has historically been used in Iran against political figures viewed as posing a challenge to state stability without pursuing formal criminal proceedings.

International observers are likely to closely watch any official responses from Tehran or Jerusalem in the coming days. Should additional evidence emerge supporting the report, it could significantly influence perceptions of Israeli intelligence operations and deepen tensions between the two regional adversaries.

At present, the allegations remain exactly that—allegations. No official documents have been released publicly to substantiate the claims, and neither government has provided detailed comment. Nevertheless, the report has already generated widespread debate among analysts, journalists, and policymakers because of its extraordinary implications for Middle Eastern geopolitics.

Whether the story ultimately proves accurate, partially correct, or disputed, it underscores the extent to which intelligence competition has become intertwined with political succession and regional power struggles. The controversy surrounding Ahmadinejad’s alleged contacts with Israel is likely to remain a subject of intense scrutiny as further information emerges.

“A successful split is not just about reaching the floor, but maintaining proper alignment, control and comfort throughout the movement.”

Developing the flexibility required to perform the splits is a gradual process that depends on consistent stretching, proper technique and patience, according to fitness and movement specialists. They say the goal should be to improve mobility safely rather than forcing the body into an advanced position.

Experts recommend beginning with gentle mobility exercises that prepare the hips and surrounding muscles before attempting deeper stretches. One suggested starting point is sitting comfortably on a yoga mat and performing gentle hip-opening movements, particularly for people who spend long periods sitting during the day.

Preparing the hamstrings and calves is another important step because these muscle groups play a central role in both front and middle splits. Forward folds and lunges are commonly recommended to stretch both the front and back of the hamstrings while gradually improving lower-body flexibility.

Specialists also advise paying attention to ankle mobility, an area that is frequently overlooked during flexibility training. According to movement coach Overton, regularly flexing the ankles can improve alignment and may help practitioners gradually move closer to the floor over time.

A deep resting squat can also help improve flexibility and stability in the hips, pelvis and legs. Fitness instructor Louis recommends incorporating the position into a daily routine by lowering into a squat with the feet flat on the ground, maintaining an upright back and holding the position for short periods.

Stretching should produce a feeling of mild discomfort but not pain, experts said. According to Overton, the sensation experienced during stretching reflects the muscle being lengthened. However, researchers caution against pushing beyond manageable discomfort.

Exercise scientist Behm recommends moving only to the initial point of discomfort and holding the stretch for between 30 and 60 seconds.

“What we normally say is go to your initial point of discomfort, and just hold it there for 30 to 60 seconds. That’s sufficient,” Behm said.

He warned that severe pain, holding one’s breath or visibly straining during a stretch are signs that the exercise has gone too far. Forcing the body into position or bouncing while stretching may increase the risk of muscle or ligament injuries.

For those working toward front splits, experts recommend warming up thoroughly before moving into an extended lunge. The front foot is gradually moved forward while the back leg extends behind, allowing flexibility to develop progressively. According to Behm, a completed front split is achieved when both legs remain parallel to the floor.

For middle, or centre, splits, trainers advise beginning from a seated position with the legs spread in a wide “V.” From there, practitioners can slowly walk their hands forward, gradually increasing hip flexibility over time until the torso can comfortably rest closer to the floor. Standing entries into the position should only be attempted after sufficient flexibility has been developed.

Experts recommend monitoring progress by measuring the distance between the body and the floor over several weeks rather than expecting rapid improvements.

They also stress that reaching the floor should not be viewed as the only measure of success. According to Overton, correct body alignment is equally important.

“A successful split isn’t just about getting your legs flat on the floor. It’s about reaching the position with proper alignment, keeping your hips as square as possible and feeling supported rather than forcing your body into the pose,” she said.

Overton added that flexibility varies naturally between individuals and encouraged people to evaluate progress based on improvements in mobility, comfort and control rather than comparing themselves with others. Experts agree that gradual, consistent practice remains the safest and most effective approach to achieving the splits while reducing the risk of injury.

“Tee up on Thursday, just because you can,” supporters chanted after Joe Dean earned the final available place at The Open

Joe Dean secured the final available place at The Open Championship after emerging successful from the tournament’s last-chance qualifying event, earning the opportunity to compete in golf’s oldest major.

Dean’s qualification adds to a positive season on the DP World Tour, where he currently occupies 67th place in the Race to Dubai rankings. His position leaves him on course to retain his tour card for the 2027 season, subject to the remaining events on the schedule.

Despite securing one of the biggest opportunities of his career, Dean joked that his immediate concern was finding accommodation for the remainder of Open week.

“I’m sleeping in my car at the moment,” he said with a smile.

The structure of the final qualifying event attracted discussion among players and spectators. Some questioned the composition of the 12-player field, which included three amateur golfers alongside YouTube golfer Wesley Bryan.

Bryan completed the event with a final-round score of 74, finishing 10th and missing out on qualification.

The event also prompted debate over the allocation of qualifying places, with some observers suggesting that more than one Open Championship berth could have been made available through the competition.

Dean received strong support throughout the day from spectators following his round. A group of fans wore Dolly Parton-themed T-shirts while repeatedly chanting his name as he progressed toward qualification.

Their celebrations continued after Dean secured his place in the championship, with supporters encouraging him to take his place in Thursday’s opening round after completing one of the final routes into this year’s Open field.

“The play is about passion, love and death, and flamenco expresses those themes with remarkable intensity,” director Indiana Lown-Collins said.

Shakespeare’s Globe is presenting a new production of William Shakespeare’s Love’s Labour’s Lost that combines the playwright’s language with the rhythms and movement of flamenco, as director Indiana Lown-Collins seeks to reinterpret one of Shakespeare’s earliest comedies through a distinctly Spanish artistic tradition.

Rehearsals at the Globe have brought together actors, flamenco musicians and dancers, with live guitar, singing and percussive footwork forming an integral part of the production rather than serving as background accompaniment.

Lown-Collins, who is half-Spanish and spent part of her childhood in Spain, said flamenco provided her introduction to the performing arts. During her earlier role as resident associate director at Shakespeare’s Globe, she became convinced that the theatre’s open-air architecture and oak stage would complement the sound and energy of the traditional Spanish art form.

“I just knew it would sound incredible,” she said, referring to the Globe’s acoustics.

When invited to direct a production at the theatre, Lown-Collins searched for a Shakespeare play that could naturally accommodate flamenco’s themes and emotional intensity. She selected Love’s Labour’s Lost, a comedy centred on a King of Navarre and his companions, who vow to avoid the company of women before their resolve is challenged by the arrival of a visiting princess and her attendants.

According to the director, the play’s exploration of love, desire and mortality aligns closely with the emotional vocabulary traditionally associated with flamenco.

“A lot of this play is about passion, love, sex and death – and flamenco does sex and death really well,” she said.

The production also uses flamenco rhythm to support Shakespeare’s language. Lown-Collins noted that Love’s Labour’s Lost contains an unusually high number of rhyming couplets, creating opportunities for actors to connect spoken dialogue with musical patterns.

She said members of the cast began experimenting with delivering sections of dialogue according to flamenco rhythms rather than relying solely on conventional Shakespearean speech patterns, an approach she said proved effective during rehearsals.

The score has been composed by flamenco guitarists Michael McMahon and Adrián Solá, who also perform on stage as part of the production. They are joined by additional musicians, including singer Carlos Lobo Cordón.

Widely regarded as one of Shakespeare’s most linguistically complex works, Love’s Labour’s Lost is often recognised for its elaborate wordplay and rhetorical style.

Lown-Collins said combining the text with a physically expressive performance style was intended to balance intellectual engagement with movement and emotion.

“It is a very wordy play,” she said. “What if you put something that is extremely visceral and physical alongside it?”

The production also extends that physical engagement to audiences. At the conclusion of the performance, spectators will be invited to participate in the traditional celebratory finale, with Lown-Collins expressing hope that the atmosphere created by the music and movement will encourage audience members to join in.

Love’s Labour’s Lost will run at Shakespeare’s Globe in London from July 17 until September 13.

“While celebrations erupted around her, Victoria Beckham remained seated, a brief moment that quickly became one of the tournament’s most widely shared social media images.”

A brief reaction from Victoria Beckham during England’s FIFA World Cup quarter-final against Norway has become one of the tournament’s most widely shared moments on social media, generating thousands of posts and memes despite involving little visible emotion.

The moment occurred late in the first half of England’s quarter-final in Miami. After Norway took an early lead through Andreas Schjelderup, Jude Bellingham equalised with a stoppage-time goal, prompting widespread celebrations among England supporters inside the stadium.

Television cameras captured Victoria Beckham seated in the stands alongside her husband, former England captain David Beckham, and three of their children, Romeo, Cruz and Harper. While those around her reacted enthusiastically to Bellingham’s goal, Victoria Beckham remained seated with an expression that many social media users interpreted as calm and composed.

The contrast between her reaction and the celebrations unfolding around her quickly attracted attention online. Screenshots of the moment circulated widely across social media platforms, with users adding humorous captions that portrayed her as remaining entirely unfazed during one of England’s most dramatic moments of the tournament.

One widely shared post jokingly described her reaction as evidence of an unusually restrained display of emotion, using sarcasm to highlight the contrast between her expression and the excitement of other supporters.

Rather than attracting widespread criticism, many online users embraced the moment as humorous, with some describing her composed demeanour as relatable amid the emotional intensity typically associated with major football matches.

The image rapidly evolved into one of the World Cup’s most recognisable internet memes, illustrating how brief television moments can gain significant attention beyond the sporting action itself.

Victoria Beckham has not publicly commented on the viral reaction. David Beckham, however, responded on social media, saying she had been “celebrating inside,” accompanied by a laughing emoji.

The incident has become another example of how major sporting events increasingly generate online discussion extending beyond performances on the field, with spontaneous crowd reactions often becoming as widely shared as the matches themselves.

“If it were one week or two weeks, fine. But this is as if a hurricane had passed,” restaurant owner Jonathan Collazo said after weeks of unreliable water service.

Prolonged water shortages across Puerto Rico are disrupting households and businesses, increasing operating costs and placing renewed pressure on authorities to restore reliable service after weeks of interruptions linked to infrastructure failures and drought conditions.

The shortages have affected thousands of customers served by the Puerto Rico Aqueducts and Sewer Authority (PRASA), with municipalities including San Juan, Loíza, Guaynabo and Bayamón experiencing repeated service interruptions. In response, Governor Jenniffer González-Colón activated the National Guard to assist with the distribution of drinking water across the U.S. territory.

Water distribution stations have been established in several densely populated areas, but residents say the disruptions have forced them to reorganize daily routines around collecting water for drinking, bathing and sanitation.

Restaurant owner Jonathan Collazo, who operates Lela’s Eatery and Fefis in San Juan, said the shortages have significantly increased operating expenses. To remain open, he depends on two water cisterns, including a 1,000-gallon storage tank that requires refilling every two days.

According to Collazo, each refill costs about $300. On one recent day alone, he spent approximately $600 to ensure running water remained available at both restaurants. He said logistical difficulties have occasionally forced him to close restroom facilities.

“We were without water for more than 50 days here on Calle Loíza,” Collazo said, referring to one of San Juan’s busiest commercial districts known for its restaurants and entertainment venues.

He said the disruptions began in May and have continued with only brief periods of reliable service.

“Customers are confused. It’s not just me, it’s all the businesses next door,” Collazo said. “If it were one week or two weeks, fine. But this is as if a hurricane had passed.”

Nearby businesses have also reported mounting costs. Café Regina displayed a public count of the days without dependable water service, highlighting the prolonged nature of the disruption.

Kali Solack, co-owner of Café Regina and Hilda Deli, said operating two businesses without reliable water had become increasingly difficult.

“We’re treating it kind of right now as a norm, unfortunately,” Solack said, estimating that her businesses spend about $300 each day securing water supplies while also purchasing additional disposable products to continue serving customers.

She added that business owners had received limited information explaining why outages had persisted for such an extended period.

Puerto Rico has experienced periodic interruptions to water service in recent years because of aging infrastructure and long-term maintenance challenges. However, conditions deteriorated further in June after a rupture in the 72-inch Superaqueduct pipeline in Bayamón, one of the island’s main water distribution systems.

Since that incident, additional disruptions affecting water treatment plants and reservoirs have compounded supply problems. Authorities have not publicly identified a single explanation for the severity or duration of the continuing outages.

The shortages have imposed additional financial burdens on households across the island. Many residents have been purchasing bottled water or transporting supplies from distribution centers, while others have relied on municipal emergency management offices for deliveries.

The impact has been particularly significant for households without water cisterns, which require substantial upfront investment. According to U.S. Census data, more than 40% of Puerto Rico’s population lives below the federal poverty line, limiting many families’ ability to install private storage systems.

Marta Acevedo, a 75-year-old San Juan resident, said her apartment building’s two cisterns have helped provide limited access to water, although residents still depend on scheduled periods when stored supplies are released.

Acevedo, who has lived in the building for 44 years, described the current disruption as the longest she has experienced, including the period following Hurricane Maria in 2017, which caused widespread destruction across Puerto Rico and was later estimated to have contributed to 4,645 deaths.

The continuing outages have also prompted legal action. San Juan Mayor Miguel Romero filed a lawsuit against PRASA in late May over the prolonged disruptions affecting the capital.

The shortages are unfolding as parts of Puerto Rico continue to experience drought conditions associated with prolonged rainfall deficits. The situation has added further pressure on water resources as the Atlantic hurricane season, which runs from June through November, continues.