China has made a major achievement in polar exploration, successfully drilling through 3,413 meters of Antarctic ice to reach the area above Qilin Subglacial Lake. Conducted by the 42nd Antarctic Expedition on February 5, 2026, the achievement surpasses the previous global record for hot water drilling by nearly 900 meters, reported the State Council Information Office (SCIO) of the People’s Republic of China. Using a state-of-the-art, domestically developed hot water system, researchers have established a pollution-free route in one of the most isolated environments on Earth. This breakthrough not only highlights China’s advanced technological capabilities in extreme polar conditions, but also opens new doors for the study of paleoclimate changes, ancient biological evolution, and the fundamental dynamics of Earth’s ice sheets.

China breaks global drilling record by drilling 3,413 meters

The achievement of 3,413 meters officially beats the previous international benchmark of 2,540 metres. This leap in depth enables Chinese researchers to conduct drilling operations in more than 90 percent of the Antarctic ice sheet and the entirety of the Arctic ice cover, as reported in SCIO. The mission was successfully carried out in Princess Elizabeth Land in East Antarctica, about 120 kilometers from China’s Taishan Station.

How does modern drilling reach the subsurface?

Unlike traditional mechanical drilling, which uses rotating metal pieces that can cause contamination or mechanical failure in deep, cold environments, hot water drilling uses high-pressure, nearly boiling water to drill a clean, stable borehole. This method is now the international gold standard for accessing subglacial lakes because it minimizes disturbance to the surrounding ice and prevents the entry of foreign microbes, making it safe for collecting samples of ancient water and sediment. This initiative is very well run by Team Archery.

An ancient time capsule beneath the Antarctic ice

As reported in China Daily, Qilin Subglacial Lake, which was independently named by China in 2022, serves as a natural time capsule. Locked under kilometers of ice for millions of years, the lake exists in conditions of high pressure, complete darkness and extreme isolation. Scientists believe that studying the lake’s microbial communities and biogeochemical cycles is important for understanding Earth’s long-term climate evolution and providing analogs for possible life on icy moons such as Europa or Enceladus.

King Charles III will deliver a rare address to a joint session of the US Congress on Tuesday, where he is expected to call for “reconciliation and renewal” in relations between the United States and the United Kingdom amid tensions over the Iran war.The address, the first by a British monarch since Queen Elizabeth II’s speech in 1991, is expected to last about 20 minutes and will focus on strengthening the long-standing alliance between the two countries despite persisting political differences.King Charles III, accompanied by Queen Camilla, arrived at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland on Monday, where he was greeted by US protocol chief Monica Crowley and British Ambassador Sir Christian Turner, as well as a ceremonial welcome with the national anthem. She later met Donald Trump and Melania Trump for tea at the White House, before attending a garden reception at the British Embassy, ​​AFP reports.The visit marks the 250th anniversary of US independence and is being seen as a soft power effort by London to stabilize relations at a delicate moment. Security has been tightened in Washington following the shooting at a White House dinner attended by Trump, with King Charles III expected to make a brief mention in his speech expressing sympathy.His address came against the backdrop of tensions between Trump and Keir Starmer after Britain refused to support US-led military action against Iran. Trump publicly criticized Starmer, saying that their relationship was “not good at all.” He has also repeatedly criticized the British Prime Minister for his opposition to the war, as well as his government’s immigration and energy policies. Starmer has defended the state visit while publicly criticizing the war.According to royal aides, King Charles III would embrace such differences while insisting on continuity in the partnership, noting that “time and time again, our two countries have always found ways to come together.” He is expected to describe the alliance as “one of the greatest alliances in history” and underline the need for unity in the face of global challenges.King Charles III will stress that defending democratic values ​​is “vital to freedom and equality” and will advocate for cooperation on shared priorities, including NATO, the Middle East, Ukraine and the AUKUS treaty. They are also expected to highlight the values ​​of tolerance and peace, describing the transatlantic alliance as having a duty to promote “generosity of spirit” and mutual understanding.The British monarch will be given a full ceremonial welcome at the White House on Tuesday, including a 21-gun salute and inspection of troops before his address and a state dinner hosted by Trump. The royal couple will visit New York on Wednesday, including a visit to the 9/11 memorial, before departing for Bermuda on Thursday.

Leeds fans celebrate before the FA Cup semi-final football match between Chelsea and Leeds on Sunday, April 26, 2026 in London, England. (AP Photo/Kin Cheung)

Leeds United’s FA Cup campaign ended with a narrow defeat at Wembley, but in the days since the focus has shifted from the result to what was happening in the stands. Sixteen supporters have been reported for prosecution to be considered following incidents of homophobic chanting during the semi-final against Chelsea FC, with police confirming a wider set of crimes surrounding a match which brought together a crowd of more than 82,000.

Police detail arrests and reported crimes in Wembley

The Metropolitan Police Service confirmed that 16 Leeds United supporters were among 18 individuals who would be reported for consideration of prosecution, specifically for their involvement in homophobic chanting in and around Wembley Stadium. A spokesperson said: “The FA Cup semi-final between Leeds and Chelsea at Wembley on Sunday passed largely without incident. There were 14 arrests in or around the stadium for offenses including GBH (grievous bodily harm), ABH (actual bodily harm), affray, assault on an emergency worker, common assault and tailgating. Another 18 people were not arrested, but will be reported for consideration for prosecution for other crimes. “This includes 16 Leeds fans who were seen and heard chanting homophobic slogans.” Arrests and reports cover a range of incidents, although the chant has attracted particular attention given the legal framework now in place around discriminatory language at football matches.

Why is chanting considered a crime?

The action taken by police comes under guidance introduced by the Crown Prosecution Service in 2022, when the “rent boy” chant, often directed at Chelsea FC players and supporters, was formally designated as a homophobic slur. The term has historically been used to imply that men are sex workers and, in this context, has been used as a derogatory chant aimed at Chelsea by rival fans, including Leeds United FC. This classification allows authorities to pursue cases as hate crimes where the evidence meets the threshold for prosecution. In practical terms, that change has changed the way events are handled inside stadiums. Behavior that was once dismissed as part of crowd noise is now considered a potentially criminal matter, especially in high-profile fixtures where policing and monitoring are more visible.

The wider issue of the Seville chant and the Leeds matches

The match was also affected by the context of the chants jimmy savilleThe convicted sex offender whose name has been used to taunt Leeds supporters for years, largely because of his birthplace rather than any formal connection to the club. Leeds United have repeatedly spoken out about the impact of those chants and have insisted on treating them as “tragedy chants”, which would bring them under the same legal scrutiny as other forms of abuse. A club spokesperson told The Athletic: “The club’s supporters are subjected to these disgusting taunts by opposition fans at every match, which should not happen in today’s game and is insulting to the victims of Jimmy Savile’s abuse. “At the same time, the club also rejects the counter slogans of our own supporters.”

Leeds fans hold up their scarves in the stands during the FA Cup semi-final football match between Chelsea and Leeds on Sunday, April 26, 2026 in London, England. (AP Photo/Alastair Grant)

The club’s position has been consistent on both sides of the issue, condemning the chants directed at their supporters, while also making it clear that the reactions from their own fans are not acceptable.

Match context and flashpoints on the pitch

On the pitch, the match was tight and sometimes scrappy, increasing the already tense atmosphere at Wembley. A major flashpoint came when Dominic Calvert-Lewin appeared to pull Mark Cucurella’s hair during a controversial moment, but referee Jared Gillette, supported by VAR official Paul Howard, opted to take no further action after a review. The physical nature of the game, coupled with the long-standing rivalry between the two groups of supporters, contributed to a volatile atmosphere in front of over 82,000 fans.

Chelsea’s Enzo Fernandez, left, celebrates after scoring the opening goal during the FA Cup semi-final football match between Chelsea and Leeds on Sunday, April 26, 2026 in London, England. (AP Photo/Alastair Grant)

The match was decided by Enzo Fernandez’s first-half header, which ensured a 1–0 victory for Chelsea in front of 82,542 spectators and set up an FA Cup final against Manchester City on 16 May.

Extensive investigation before FA Cup final

As the final stage approaches, the response from police and football authorities points to continued monitoring of crowd behaviour, particularly around discriminatory chants. The combination of arrests, reported crimes, and public statements reflects a change in the way these incidents are dealt with, with less tolerance for language that turns into abuse. For Leeds, the Wembley result closed a chapter in their season. The result has opened up another avenue, now beyond the pitch.

Retired Counter-Strike pro PashaBiceps is once again in the headlines, but this time for a very good reason. He sold one of the most famous knife skins in Counter-Strike for over $21,000. Instead of keeping the money, he decided to donate it to a children’s cancer charity in Poland. The money was donated to the Cancer Fighters Foundation, which is supported through a large charity streaming event running in Poland.This story has attracted a lot of attention in the e-sports world for both its substance and its cause. The knife skin is one of the most iconic items in Counter-Strike history. It was first given to PashaBiceps several years ago by a well-known donor in the community. Now, its sales have become even bigger, helping children battling cancer in Poland.

PashaBiceps turns iconic CS knife skin into $21K donation for Poland Cancer Fighters stream

The knife skin sold for over $21,100, and PashaBiceps confirmed that every dollar goes directly to the Cancer Fighters Foundation. The foundation is part of a larger charity stream effort in Poland where multiple gamers and streamers raise money for children suffering from cancer.After the sale, he thanked everyone who participated in the donation process. He also extended special thanks to the two highest bidders who made the final purchase possible. The new owner of the skin is the CEO of an eSports team, who appreciated the move and called PashaBiceps “Living legend.”In his message, pashaBiceps also encouraged others to continue donating while the live stream was still running. He said the eSports community is a powerful force when it comes together for a good cause.Knife skins have a special history in themselves. It was originally gifted to him in 2015 by a well-known backer known for huge donations in the early Counter-Strike streaming days. One of those old donations made PashaBiceps emotional on stream, showing how important that item was to him.Ultimately, this moment shows how gaming can go beyond just playing. It can also help genuine people in need. pashaBiceps turned a rare digital item into real help for kids fighting cancer, making it one of the most meaningful stories in eSports.It’s a simple but powerful reminder that small actions in gaming can make a big impact in real life.

Barcelona’s Robert Lewandowski celebrates his team’s victory during the Spanish La Liga soccer match between Villarreal and Barcelona on Sunday, Dec. 21, 2025, in Villarreal, Spain. (AP Photo/Alberto Saez)

Reports from multiple outlets suggest that Robert Lewandowski is set to leave FC Barcelona at the end of the season, with the Polish giant’s contract expiring at the Camp Nou and the club already identifying a replacement. The striker is considering his next move after four years in Spain. The situation centers on a contract offer that has not convinced the player, and a sweeping shakeup inside Barcelona as they look to reshape their attack with interest from Italy, the United States and Saudi Arabia.

BBC report points to end of Barcelona’s four-year tenure

According to the writings of Guillem Balagué bbc sports columnLewandowski is expected to leave Barcelona this summer, bringing to an end a streak that began when he joined from Bayern Munich in 2022 and quickly became the focal point of the attack. During that time, he has scored almost 120 goals in all competitions, a return that places him alongside some of the club’s most productive forwards in recent years, while he has continued to perform well despite moving into the later stages of his career, with the striker currently aged 37 and will turn 38 before the start of the next campaign.

Barcelona’s Robert Lewandowski attempts a shot during the Spanish La Liga soccer match between Villarreal and Barcelona on Sunday, Dec. 21, 2025, in Villarreal, Spain. (AP Photo/Alberto Saez)

The same report indicates that Barcelona have offered a one-year renewal, although the terms include a significant cut in salary and a more limited role within the team, which Lewandowski has not liked. The Polish striker intends to continue competing in a top European league and play for Barcelona, ​​but the new offer is not in line with his football ambitions, as he still wants to play regularly at the highest level rather than transition to a secondary role.It has also been widely reported that the club do not intend to revise those terms, primarily due to their desire to create financial flexibility ahead of the summer window, meaning the decision now depends on whether Lewandowski is willing to accept a different position within the team or make a move where he remains the focal point of the attack.

Barcelona make move for Julian Alvarez as part of attacking reset

With Lewandowski expected to leave, Barcelona have already turned their attention to the next step in their attack, with Balagu reporting that Julian Alvarez has been identified as the club’s priority target for the summer window. The forward, currently at Atletico Madrid, is reportedly worth around €120 million, a figure that poses a significant challenge for Barcelona given their financial situation, although he remains the leading option in the search for a long-term successor.

Atletico Madrid’s Julian Alvarez celebrates after scoring the second goal for his team during the Copa del Rey final football match between Atletico Madrid and Real Sociedad on Saturday, April 25 in Seville, Spain. 18, 2026. (AP Photo/Jose Breton)

As well as that search, the club are also targeting a second striker with a different profile, closer to the style of Lamine Yamal and Raphinha, with reports suggesting they want a player who provides more aggression without the ball, applies consistent pressure and plays in tight spaces rather than focusing solely on finishing.

Interest from Juventus and AC Milan has now been described in multiple reports as active discussions, with both clubs willing to give Lewandowski a more prominent role at the highest level in European football.

Barcelona’s Robert Lewandowski gestures as heavy rain falls on the field during the Spanish La Liga soccer match between Barcelona and Real Oviedo in Barcelona, ​​Spain, on Sunday, Jan. 25, 2026. (AP Photo/Joan Monfort)

a report from tuttosport The situation at Juventus has been further detailed a few days ago, indicating that Lewandowski’s agent Pini Zahavi is expected to meet with club officials with an offer that would include an annual salary of around €6 million plus bonuses, as well as a central role in the team under Luciano Spalletti. Although the offer does not match the financial scale available in other markets, it more closely matches the sporting expectations that have shaped Lewandowski’s thinking at this stage of his career.

MLS interest wanes while Saudi offers remain available

Interest from Chicago Fire FC has also been reported, with the earlier approach suggesting a desire to build a project around Lewandowski as a marquee signing. However, according to athleticThe MLS side have recently taken a step back and re-evaluated their priorities as they plan the next phase of their squad. separate reports from barcauniversal There are indications that Lewandowski has also received attractive offers from Saudi Arabia in the long term, although those options have not yet been seriously considered, with the player still focused on competing in Europe’s top leagues.

Final decision awaited as contract stance remains unchanged

Lewandowski is understood to be aware that Barcelona’s renewal offer will not be improved, with the club prioritizing flexibility in the transfer market as they look to strengthen their attack, meaning their decision now centers on whether to accept reduced terms or make a move. Discussions in the coming weeks are expected to define the next step in his career, with Italy currently emerging as the most likely destination if he leaves Barcelona.

A proposed US immigration rule backed by the Trump administration could effectively block work authorization for asylum seekers indefinitely, according to a coalition of state attorneys general who have urged federal officials to withdraw the plan.California Attorney General Rob Bonta has led a group of states opposing a Department of Homeland Security (DHS) proposal that would change the way employment authorization documents (EADs) are processed for people with pending asylum cases.The rule would increase the waiting time for asylum seekers to apply for a work permit from six months to one year. After that, processing may take 30 to 180 days.The proposal would also halt all new work permit applications if the asylum process takes more than 180 days. Officials say such delays can last for years, effectively preventing asylum seekers from obtaining work permits indefinitely.In a public statement, Bonta said the move would hurt both individuals and the broader economy.Attorney General Bonta said, “Asylum seekers need a fair and efficient system that allows them to work legally while awaiting a decision on their applications for asylum, which will allow them to contribute to our communities and build lives.”He added: “I am committed to protecting and empowering immigrants to support their families and help our communities thrive, while protecting California’s economic and humanitarian interests from the unfair barriers created by the Trump Administration. Once again, the federal government has taken drastic action – indefinitely halting critical legal action authorizations for asylum seekers, which will have serious consequences. “I strongly oppose this proposed rule.”According to the coalition letter, the policy could leave asylum seekers unable to work legally, increasing the risk of exploitation, financial hardship and instability. States warned it would also hurt local economies, reducing tax revenues, increasing health care costs and placing additional strain on public services and law enforcement.They estimate that the economic impact of the loss of annual compensation for asylum seekers could reach $126.6 billion.The Attorney General argues that the rule will harm physical and mental health, food security, housing stability, and access to health care and legal services, while forcing some individuals into unsafe working conditions.The coalition also claims that the proposal violates US administrative law, saying it is “arbitrary and capricious” because it ignores evidence and fails to accurately assess its impact.In addition to California, the letter is supported by the attorneys general of Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, New Jersey, New Mexico, Nevada, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, and the District of Columbia.The proposed rule has not yet been finalized, and DHS has not withdrawn it, but it now faces legal and political opposition from several states.