Will he? Won’t he? Do the King of the North’s antics remind you of anyone? | Marina Hyde

In a heartfelt gesture, Liverpool's owners, Fenway Sports Group, have decided to honor the late Diogo Jota by paying the remaining two years of his contract to his family. This decision comes after the tragic passing of the talented striker, which has left the football community in shock. Arne Slot, the team's manager, expressed his emotional struggle with the loss, highlighting the deep impact Jota had on the club and its fans. This act of compassion not only supports Jota's family during a difficult time but also reinforces the values of solidarity and care within the sport.

Menzies Campbell, the former leader of the Liberal Democrats, has passed away at the age of 84. He served as the MP for North East Fife for 28 years and led the party from 2006 to 2007. His contributions to British politics and his dedication to public service will be remembered, marking a significant loss for the political community.

As the weekend approaches, Manchester City fans can breathe a sigh of relief as Erling Haaland is fit to play. However, Liverpool faces a setback with Leoni out for the season, raising questions about potential transfers, particularly the speculation surrounding Marc Guehi from Crystal Palace. This news is significant as it impacts team strategies and player dynamics in the Premier League.

At the Global Progress Action summit, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer emphasized the need for progressive politicians to tackle the false narratives propagated by populists. He criticized the negative portrayal of London as 'decaying and lawless' and called for a united front to challenge the 'industrialised infrastructure of grievance' that fuels such rhetoric. This matters because confronting misinformation is crucial for maintaining public trust and fostering a more informed political discourse.

London Mayor Sir Sadiq Khan has addressed the recent criticisms made by Andy Burnham regarding the Prime Minister. This discussion highlights the ongoing political dynamics and the importance of holding leaders accountable, especially in times of public concern. It matters because it reflects the voices of local leaders advocating for their communities.

UK fuel retailers are facing accusations of overcharging motorists at the pumps, raising concerns about fairness in pricing. This situation is particularly troubling as it comes amid new tariffs announced by Trump on various goods, which could further strain the economy. The implications of these rising fuel costs and tariffs are significant, affecting not just individual drivers but also the broader market and economic stability.

Chris Mason highlights the growing tension between Prime Minister Starmer and Andy Burnham, as Burnham's recent comments appear to have irritated Starmer. This situation is significant as it reflects the challenges Starmer faces in managing dissent within his party and addressing criticism from influential figures like Burnham, which could impact his leadership and the party's unity moving forward.

This weekend's Premier League matches promise excitement as players like Marc Guéhi take on Liverpool, while Xavi Simons aims for a key role at Spurs. Arsenal needs to keep an eye on Sandro Tonali, who could pose a threat. Manchester United, despite facing criticism, are showing signs of improvement, which adds to the intrigue of the matches. These games are crucial not just for the teams involved but also for fans eager to see how the season unfolds.

Labour's internal conflicts have escalated as Keir Starmer and cabinet ministers publicly criticized Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham for his recent comments about the bond markets. Starmer is reportedly furious over Burnham's admission of a potential leadership challenge, drawing comparisons to the reckless approach of former Conservative prime minister Liz Truss. This situation highlights the growing tensions within the Labour Party, which could impact its unity and effectiveness moving forward.

Andy Burnham's recent call to end the UK's reliance on foreign lenders has raised alarms among investors, who warn that this could lead to a new bond market crisis. As a prominent Labour figure and the mayor of Greater Manchester, Burnham's stance is significant, especially amid speculation about his political ambitions in Westminster. This situation matters because it highlights the delicate balance between national financial independence and the stability of the bond market, which is crucial for economic health.

A significant number of Labour MPs have expressed their opposition to Andy Burnham's ambitions to challenge Keir Starmer for leadership. This backlash highlights internal divisions within the party and raises questions about the future direction of Labour. With the party gearing up for crucial elections, the dissent among MPs could impact their unity and effectiveness in addressing key issues.

Steph Driver, the head of communications for Keir Starmer, has decided to leave Downing Street, marking another significant departure from the Prime Minister's inner circle. This follows closely on the heels of the resignation of the director of political strategy, raising concerns about stability within Starmer's team. Such exits can impact the government's ability to communicate effectively and maintain public confidence, making this a noteworthy development in UK politics.

Assata Shakur, a prominent figure in the Black Liberation Army and a symbol of resistance, has passed away at the age of 78 in Havana, Cuba. Her life was marked by her activism and her controversial escape from the U.S. after being convicted of killing a New Jersey state trooper. Shakur's death is significant as it highlights the ongoing discussions around race, justice, and the legacy of political activism in America.

A recent forensic audit of the Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations has raised serious concerns, revealing that over $34 million of its expenditures from April 2019 to March 2024 were deemed questionable, unsupported, or ineligible. This finding is significant as it highlights potential mismanagement of funds within an organization that plays a crucial role in representing Indigenous interests, raising questions about accountability and transparency in financial practices.

Keir Starmer's proposal for mandatory digital IDs in the UK has sparked significant criticism from rivals and civil liberties groups. Concerns are rising about the potential risks, including the creation of a major hacking target and the exclusion of individuals without smartphones. This initiative, aimed for implementation by mid-2029, raises important questions about privacy and accessibility in an increasingly digital world.

The Ryder Cup 2025 kicked off with an exciting day of foursomes at Bethpage Black, where the USA trails Europe 1-3 after the first round. This event is significant as it showcases top golfers from both sides competing for national pride and glory. With players like Bryson DeChambeau aiming to ignite the American team, fans are eager to see how the competition unfolds in the coming days.

This week's photo gallery showcases significant global events, including protests in Milan, Israeli strikes on Gaza, and the impact of Super Typhoon Ragasa in China, alongside lighter moments like a pelican relaxing in London. These images not only capture the diversity of human experiences but also highlight the pressing issues facing different regions, reminding us of the interconnectedness of our world.

Iran's President Masoud Pezeshkian has issued a stark warning about the potential consequences of the Trump administration's actions, suggesting they could ignite further conflict in the Middle East. He also reflected on a personal injury from the recent war with Israel and expressed openness to international nuclear inspectors visiting Iran. This statement highlights the ongoing tensions in the region and the delicate balance of international relations, making it crucial for global leaders to engage in dialogue to prevent escalation.