Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez’s explosive entrance on to the US political scene at the age of 29, as the youngest woman ever to be elected to the House of Representatives, was a beacon of hope for the progressive left during the dark days of the Trump presidency.
Five years on, AOC is established as an influential figure in the Democratic party, known for her advocacy of green policies and efforts to engage marginalised groups. In a wide-ranging interview, she talks to Washington bureau chief David Smith about the climate crisis, misogyny in US politics and the potential – one day – for a presidential run of her own.
For many school and college students, this time of year marks a new term. But in England, a major political row has been threatening to engulf the government as safety fears over a form of aerated concrete used in many public buildings have forced more than 100 schools to remain closed, as Peter Walker and Sally Weale report.
For those with an eye farther afield, on the graduate jobs market, Hibaq Farah and Tom Ambrose consider the future careers most likely to withstand the coming onslaught of artificial intelligence.
In Features, Matthew Bremner’s investigation into the massacre of migrants in the north African Spanish enclave of Melilla is a sobering but important read. Jay Owens changes the pace somewhat with an exploration of dust, and what it reveals about the world around us.
Olivia Rodrigo is one of pop’s hottest properties – but her upbringing as a child TV actor meant her teenage years were often an isolated and lonely time. She opens up to Laura Snapes about her second album and trying to make sense of her life.
To round off, our lifestyle pages have a Middle Eastern flavour this week, with a delicious recipe from Meera Sodha for herbed saffron rice with pistachios, and tips on how to make the perfect hummus.
