Donald Trump promised Americans that, if elected, he would not involve the US in conflicts in faraway lands. But his America First mantra has been dropped – at least for now – for a war with no clear aim or long-term exit strategy.
Bullish and unapologetic, Trump has spent days listing his so-called achievements in his two-week-old Iran war. After 47 years of global damage, he says the Iranian regime is now "paying a big price." The rest of us are feeling it too.
Soaring oil and gas prices, rising interest rates, and inflation hitting everything from supermarket shelves to petrol pumps are making life painful for millions. Jon Sopel notes that in his second term, Trump prefers thigh-slapping "way to go, Sir" cheerleaders to critical friends, but in these scary times, even his base is deserting him.
At home, anxiety is mounting. Many are 'soft-prepping,' stocking basics in case the lights go out. Radhika Sanghani talks to those erring on the side of caution, while Peter Stanford speaks to trauma expert Dr Waheed Arian about how the Iran war is affecting all our brains. Influencers might joke about "their refugee era," but Arian warns that witnessing war, up close or from afar, has profound, far-reaching effects.
With all this going on, it might be easy to forget the other big story in town: the Epstein files (handy for some, maybe). As investigators start to search Epstein's sprawling Zorro ranch in Santa Fe to uncover the truth behind allegations of trafficking, eugenic experiments, and even murder, Alex Hannaford speaks to those spearheading the investigation and hears their concerns about missing local women and their part in the Epstein story.
And, to another investigation entirely, Megan Lloyd Davies talks to Amanda Knox about why she is looking into Lucy Letby's claims of a miscarriage of justice. Knox tells her, "'I was not looking for Lucy Letby; Lucy Letby found me,'" and shares what she really thinks about Letby's conviction.
And we are continuing to look at the debate around student loans too. Amy Blundell explains why the moving goalposts of the student loan system, which already put young people at a huge disadvantage, are even more unfair to women, who can end up paying thousands more for taking maternity leave.
Highlighting the motherhood penalty felt appropriate on Mother's Day, but it's not all bad news. We also have some fantastic recipes for a special splashy brunch from Jamie Oliver, Mary Berry, and Tom Kerridge. And if you're thinking more about a boozy lunch or dinner, check out some of these amazing wines. We all know alcohol can hit harder as you get older — and this can be even worse for women in midlife — but some bottles have a greater impact than others, says Rosamund Hall.
I'll drink to that!
Until next weekend,
Victoria Harper
Executive Editor, The Independent
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