The National Education Union has announced two additional days of strikes on July 5 and 7, potentially affecting millions of pupils and their end-of-year trips. This escalation follows previous regional and national strikes since February. The Department for Education criticized the action for its detrimental impact on learning and parental disruption. Union leaders Kevin Courtney and Mary Bousted have repeatedly called for negotiations with the Education Secretary for a fully funded teacher pay increase. The NEU is also considering coordinated strikes with other teaching unions, which could close every state school in England this autumn. The government's offer of a £1,000 one-time payment and a 4.5 percent pay rise for the next year has been rejected by the NEU as 'insulting'.

Mohammed Sallam, an Egyptian, is a finalist in the Mars One mission, which aims to establish the first human colony on Mars by 2025. Sallam, who has a passion for astronomy, could become the first Egyptian in space and believes his participation could inspire interest in space and astronomy in Egypt and the Middle East. Over 200,000 applicants were narrowed down to 100, with further cuts to 40 for full training expected after the summer. The mission, led by Bas Lansdorp, faces funding challenges and may be delayed. Sallam, who has a revolutionary past, hopes to avoid politics on Mars and looks forward to the benefits the colony could bring to Earth, although he will always consider Earth his home.

The article discusses the impact of a terrorist attack on the National Bardo Museum in Tunisia on March 18, which resulted in the death of 22 people, mostly foreigners. This event has raised concerns about the future of Tunisia's tourism industry, which is a significant part of the country's GDP. Cultural entrepreneur Aymen Gharbi and others in the tourism sector, such as Amin Bouktila and Saliha Chouchane, express their determination to reassure tourists and to protect the industry. The article also mentions the historical context of tourism decline following the 2011 revolution and the 2002 synagogue bombing in Djerba. Despite the challenges, there is a sense of defiance among both industry workers and tourists, with a shared belief in the resilience of Tunisia's tourism sector.

Israeli media outlets issued warnings on January 24th to Israeli citizens vacationing in the Sinai Peninsula to leave immediately due to a high and concrete threat identified by Israeli intelligence. Despite the warnings, Israeli tourists, including a group of youngsters near Nuweiba, continued to enjoy their time on the Sinai coast, highlighting the area's appeal for its beaches and relaxed atmosphere compared to Israel.

The article discusses the situation in Ben Gardane, Tunisia, a town near the Libyan border, which is markedly different from the rest of the country. The local economy relies heavily on smuggling contraband, weapons, and jihadists to and from Libya. The Tunisian government's focus on the northern tourist areas has led to neglect of Ben Gardane, prompting residents to turn to illegal activities for survival. The town's youth often quit school early to join the smuggling trade. The article also touches on the informal money transfer network in Ben Gardane, which operates outside legal channels and is used for various purposes, including potentially funding terrorism. The town has become a breeding ground for jihadist recruitment, with many locals joining extremist groups due to a combination of economic hardship and religious radicalization. The returnees from jihad face a difficult reintegration into society, often feeling used and disillusioned.

Ben Gardane, a town in Tunisia near the Libyan border, is characterized by economic hardship and government neglect, leading to a thriving smuggling and jihadist recruitment scene. Local residents, like schoolteacher Saad and money-changer Ahmed, describe a community where education is undervalued, and illegal activities are a means of survival. The Tunisian government's focus on the more prosperous northern regions has left Ben Gardane marginalized, fostering anti-government sentiment. The town's informal economy includes smuggling and an underground money transfer network, which, while sometimes used for benign purposes, also risks funding terrorism. Radicalization among the youth is driven by both economic and religious factors, with many being recruited online or in marketplaces rather than mosques.

Tunisia's tourism industry faces challenges following a terrorist attack on the National Bardo Museum that killed 22 people. Despite the setback, local entrepreneurs and industry workers remain optimistic about the sector's recovery. They emphasize the importance of reassuring tourists about safety and promoting the country's cultural heritage. The tourism industry, which contributes significantly to Tunisia's GDP, had already been struggling since the 2011 revolution. However, stakeholders believe that the country will bounce back, as it has in the past, and continue to attract visitors.