In March 2022, soon after the full-scale Russian invasion of Ukraine began, Kyiv-based illustrator Masha Foya produced what I think is one of the Guardian Weekly’s most powerful covers on the war, concerning the devastation of Mariupol. So it’s a pleasure to feature Masha’s work again for the current edition, this time marking 40 years since the Chornobyl nuclear disaster.
“Since childhood, the story of Chornobyl has always made me feel a strange dissonance – such a tragedy occurring on a beautiful spring day in April,” explains Masha on the thought process behind her design, in which seasonal greens fade away into ominous skies.
It also reflects present-day anxieties. For a special report, Pjotr Sauer visits the site of the world’s worst nuclear accident and sees up close how the giant containment structure around the failed reactor is in urgent need of costly repairs after a Russian drone strike, as fears grow of a possible new catastrophe.
Five essential reads in this week’s edition
Environment | Why apes are more like us than we ever thought Imagination, reason and ability to recognise faces from the past are not the sole preserve of humans, studies show. Gloria Dickie reports
Finance | The wagering of war Once largely siloed to sporting events, betting has now spread to include contracts on news events where insider information could pay handsomely. With over $1bn in perfectly timed bets on the Iran war having recently been seen, Lauren Aratani explores what exactly is going on
Feature | The big game hunters who believe they can save Africa’s wildlife One way to pay for wildlife conservation is to allow the rich to bag a few animals for high prices. But critics see this approach as an exercise in neocolonialism. Cal Flynwent in pursuit of answers
Opinion | Starmer’s listless government shows zombie politics is the new norm Distracted, listless and unambitious – the British PM’s true form has finally emerged. But whatever comes next must end this ruinous cycle for the country, argues Nesrine Malik
Culture | Iron Maiden on 50 years of heavy metal madness As a career-spanning documentary hits cinemas, the legendary rock band revisit their path from pubs to stadiums over half a century of headbanging hits. Harry Sword buckles up
Oil prices surged above $120 a barrel before pulling back in volatile trading on concerns that the war could escalate. Gasoline in the U.S. hit $4.30 a gallon.
The Trump administration wants to terminate humanitarian protections known as Temporary Protected Status for hundreds of thousands of migrants from Haiti and Syria.
Jeffrey Epstein’s messages cast light on an unusual building on his private island and show how his connections helped him secure tapestries from Mecca for it.
Mr. Musk’s lawsuit against Mr. Altman and OpenAI, which went to trial this week, makes the case that all-encompassing greed is Silicon Valley’s defining feature.
Geofence searches have become popular as a tool for law enforcement, but critics say they put Americans’ personal data at risk and violate the Constitution.
Israel’s President, Putting Off Decision on Pardon for Netanyahu, Will Push for Plea Deal
President Isaac Herzog of Israel has decided not to issue a pardon to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in his corruption case, and instead will seek mediation, officials say.
President Trump withdrew from the Obama-era nuclear accord in 2018. But Iran responded with an enrichment spree that haunts the negotiations to this day.
The Pentagon’s rush to rearm its Mideast forces makes it less ready to confront potential adversaries like Russia and China, administration and congressional officials say.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said that U.S. forces had stopped 34 vessels since President Trump imposed the order. Iran has made lifting it a condition of resuming talks to end the war.
Hamas said it was not participating in the municipal elections in Deir al-Balah, set for this weekend. Residents said it was a long-awaited opportunity to address the city’s problems
Many families felt the sting of the president’s now-illegal tariffs, but companies have said little about whether they will share the $166 billion return.
John Phelan is leaving the Pentagon after months of tension with Pete Hegseth and other leaders. The tumult comes as the Navy has been engaged in war with Iran.
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