US debt ceiling deal overcomes hurdle, Medvedev crashes out of French Open, and more, Gulf News Editors comment on the top stories on May 31

PROGRESS ON US DEBT CEILING TALKS: The US debt ceiling bill moved forward in the House of Representatives, overcoming resistance from hard-line Republicans. After months of negotiations, the White House and House Republicans have finally closed in on a deal. Now, President Joe Biden and Speaker of the House Kevin McCarthy need to convince their fellow lawmakers to support the bill before the deadline. The Treasury adjusted the borrowing limit deadline to Monday, June 5. While financial markets have calmed down for now, there is still a risk of economic chaos if the approval process faces obstacles in the coming days. The agreement includes new spending limits and restrictions on aid programs in exchange for increasing the debt ceiling. That is finally some much awaited glad tidings. (By Sadiq Shaban, Opinion Editor)

NO FREE MONEY: There’s something about “free” money that makes us ignore personal responsibility while splurging on our wants on credit, instead of paying for our needs with cash. The story of Victor King, how he drowned in Dh1.3 million in debt between 14 credit cards to a point that he was held at the airport over outstanding balances — and how he turned his life around by facing his creditors and working out a win-win solution — offers useful insights for everyone. It took a strong resolve from King, with his family’s cooperation, to have a grip on the impulse to buy, settle all his dues, instead of running away from personal responsibility. His journey to a debt-free life took some hard decisions. Credit card purchases are never free. Spending beyond one’s means is something we should run away from like a gazelle running away from a hunting lion. (By Jay Hilotin, Senior Assistant Editor)

DOOR OPEN FOR DJOKOVIC TO MAKE HISTORY AS MEDVEDEV CRASHES OUT: Daniil Medvedev’s hatred of clay has been well-documented but it was still surprising to see the Russian world number 2 crash out of the French Open first round to qualifier Thiago Seyboth Wild. Medvedev had arrived at Roland Garros in good form and in contention for the world number one ranking. But 172nd-ranked Seyboth Wild caused one of the biggest upsets of the tournament so far. Medvedev has never been shy to express his negative perception of clay and has historically struggled on the surface. After the match he claimed he had clay in his mouth whilst openly declaring his relief that his clay season had concluded. Without king of clay Rafael Nadal in Paris the path looks clear for Novak Djokovic – who has won 80 per cent of his 322 matches on clay – to take the title. He is also chasing history as he looks to become the first men’s player to win 23 Grand Slam singles titles. (By Imran Malik, Assistant Sports Editor)

AL PACINO, THE FATHER OR GODFATHER OF ALL THINGS UNORTHODOX: Who says becoming a parent is reserved solely for the young? Hollywood actor Al Pacino, 83, proved age is just a number when news emerged that the ‘Godfather’ star is going to embark on a new role in his life during his Octogenarian phase: fatherhood. While many might embrace this new information with a sly sarcasm and digs at his potency, there’s no denying that Al Pacino has proved that he prefers to live life on his own terms. He has company. His peer from the iconic blockbuster ‘Godfather’, Robert De Niro, has also decided to defy conventions and turn dad at age 79 recently. These brave men are pushing us to live life on their own audacious terms. (By Manjusha Radhakrishnan, Entertainment Editor)