Do we really need to be prepping for disaster?

Tributes have poured in for Patrick Stewart, who has died aged 86. The distinguished actor had a long and varied career that began on stage with the Royal Shakespeare Company before going on to global stardom on the screen in the Star Trek and X-Men franchises. Stewart was born in Yorkshire in 1940, and had spoken of a challenging childhood marred by alcoholism and domestic violence – something he campaigned against for much of his life. Lucy Hough speaks to the Guardian film critic Peter Bradshaw – watch on YouTube -- Watch the full Patrick Stewart sketch: what has the ECHR ever done for us?. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

Washington bureau chief David Smith reports from Texas, where the Democrats are hopeful of a stunning victory that could also signal a much wider defeat for Trump in the midterms. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

Spain has begun three days of mourning after at least 69 people were killed and more than 100 were injured in a crash between two high-speed trains. The town of Urda has become the site of a major operation, as emergency services continue to search through the wreckage and relatives wait for news of their loved ones. There is growing public anger over the incident, which is the second fatal train collision in Spain in less than a year. Lucy Hough speaks to the Guardian’s Madrid correspondent, Sam Jones – watch on YouTube. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

After two years of protests, a student-led movement has defeated Serbia’s authoritarian leader, Aleksander Vučić, at the ballot box. But can a leaderless movement govern a country? Send your comments and questions to [email protected]. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

In his first budget as chancellor, John Healey has pledged to offer ‘breathing space’ to help Britons navigate ‘global economic storms’. There were a record number of measures, including a one-off £100 energy payment to millions and a rise in the levy on bank profits. But the Conservatives have criticised the government for postponing big decisions, including on defence and welfare. Lucy Hough speaks to economics editor Heather Stewart – watch on YouTube. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

Food security expert Prof Tim Lang and prepper and YouTube influencer Ana talk about the government’s new campaign encouraging the public to store three days’ worth of basic supplies. Send your comments and questions to [email protected]. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

Harry Kane is the men’s Ballon d’Or winner for 2026, the first Englishman to win the trophy in 25 years. At a lavish ceremony at the Palladium Theatre in London, Kane unexpectedly won ahead of co-favourites Lamine Yamal of Barcelona and Kylian Mbappé of Real Madrid. In a contest that has been critiqued for promoting individualism and celebrity in sport, Lucy Hough speaks to the Guardian’s chief sports writer, Barney Ronay, about the symbolism of Kane’s win – watch on YouTube. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

It’s being called the most consequential election in Israel’s history. Emma Graham-Harrison explains what’s at stake. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

Brazil’s Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva has won a historic fourth term as president, defeating the far-right candidate Flávio Bolsonaro in a dramatic comeback. Lula is the first candidate to win a runoff election after losing in the first round, taking victory with 51.79% of the vote to his rival’s 48.21%. His win bucks a regional trend, after the son of the former president Jair Bolsonaro had spearheaded a radical populist movement. But with Flávio Bolsonaro refusing to concede defeat, what’s next for Brazil? Michael Safi speaks to Latin America correspondent Tom Phillips – watch on YouTube. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

After the prime minister recently intervened to defend Manchester City’s beleaguered ownership, many began to ask: just how deep are the ties between Andy Burnham and the UAE? With North of England editor Josh Halliday. Send your comments and questions to [email protected]. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus