UAE cancer fight gets a boost and Emirates-Etihad deal is a winner: Gulf News Editors comment on top stories of May 5

SHARJAH STEPS UP CANCER FIGHT: The power of collaboration will boost cancer treatment and research in the UAE through a new ambitious project — the Jawaher Boston Medical District in Sharjah. Mass General Brigham Hospitals Network and Dana-Farber Cancer Institute are also part of Beeah group’s effort. The facility will enhance Sharjah’s efforts to fight cancer. The project was approved by His Highness Dr Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, in the presence of his wife, Her Highness Sheikha Jawaher bint Mohammed Al Qasimi, Chairperson of the Board of Directors of the Beeah Group. (By Faisal Masudi, Assistant Editor)

EMIRATES-ETIHAD DEAL A WINNING MOVE: The Emirates and Etihad deal elevated the power of combined networks to optimum effect. The airline pact makes it convenient for business travellers and holidaymakers to book a ticket, arrive at one airport in the UAE and exit via another seamlessly. This is much more than a codeshare in the scheme of benefits that will be derived once the programme rolls out by Summer. It is a winning move for the UAE aviation industry. (By Manoj Nair, Business Editor)

ANOTHER VICTORY FOR US JUSTICE DEPARTMENT: Four members of the far-right Proud Boys militia group, including its former leader Enrique Tarrio, have been convicted of seditious conspiracy. The jury found that they plotted to attack the US Capitol on January 6, 2021, in a failed bid to block Congress from certifying President Joe Biden’s election victory. Tarrio, Ethan Nordean, Joseph Biggs and Zachary Rehl were found guilty on Thursday of seditious conspiracy and three separate conspiracy charges, obstructing the Electoral College vote and tampering with evidence. The convictions, after a trial lasting nearly four months, handed another victory to the US Justice Department as it pursues criminal charges against more than 1,000 people arising from the Capitol rampage by supporters of Republican then-President Donald Trump. (By Stephen N.R., Senior Associate Editor)

RADUCANU VOWS TO COME BACK STRONGER: Another injury has laid low Emma Raducanu, the 2021 US Open tennis champion. She would be out of action for a couple of months after undergoing surgery to her troublesome hand while bracing for another surgery on her ankle. The 20-year-old has shown great maturity in dealing with the situation, vowing to return soon. After her Grand Slam win at Flushing Meadows, Raducanu has failed to live up to expectations as injuries have beset her fledgling career. The Briton has to work on her fitness before she returns so that her body can stand up to the rigours of the WTA tour. (By A.K.S. Satish, Sports Editor)

STAR SUPPORT FOR HOLLYWOOD WRITERS’ STRIKE: The Writers Guild of America — a body representing Hollywood screenwriters — has gone on a strike demanding better pay, working hours and other benefits. They have even picketed outside major studios, accusing them of shrinking their pay even as budgets have ballooned, thanks to the advent of streaming. Actress Drew Barrymore is reportedly stepping down as host of this year’s MTV Movie & TV Awards in a show of support and solidarity to the striking Writers Guild members. Leading late-night US TV hosts, including Seth Meyers, have also supported the strike. It’s heartening to see leading Hollywood stars weighing in and supporting the writers. (By Rajagopalan Venkataraman, Assistant Editor-Features)