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Big Mood returns for a second season on Channel 4, aiming to blend a serious look at bipolar disorder with broad‑scale comedy. Lead actress Nicola Coughlan reprises Maggie, now emerging from a harrowing episode of lithium poisoning that left her hallucinating and confused. The debut series introduced Maggie in the throes of a manic episode, followed by a depressive crash after she stopped her medication to protect her creative output. While the first season earned praise for its insightful depiction of mental illness, the new installment quickly pivots toward slapstick scenarios – from a militant maid of honour to a secret‑husband extortion plot – that dilute the original emotional weight. Central to the drama is Maggie’s strained bond with best friend Eddie, played by Lydia West. Their friendship, already intense in season one, becomes increasingly implausible as Eddie abandons London for California without explanation. In season two, Eddie resurfaces under the control of a dubious wellness guru named Whitney, who has siphoned her finances and seeks to erase any lingering connection with Maggie. Rather than deepening the exploration of mental health, the series now focuses on a far‑cical showdown between the two women. Maggie, now in a “stable girl” routine of retinol and Hello Fresh meals, obsessively attempts to expose Whitney as a fraud, enlisting Eddie’s friend Will – a character described as “incorrigibly nice” yet treated with contempt by both protagonists. The tonal shift raises questions about the show’s core ambition. While Coughlan delivers an empathetic performance that captures Maggie’s inner turmoil, the surrounding plotlines feel disjointed and at times toxic, especially in the portrayal of the once‑intoxicating platonic romance that now appears more destructive than supportive. Humor, inherently subjective, may still resonate with viewers who appreciate the series’ millennial‑centric chaos. However, the blend of “knockabout farce” with moments of genuine drama feels uneven, suggesting that the show’s initial promise of a heartfelt, realistic bipolar narrative has been eclipsed by over‑reaching comedic contrivances. In conclusion, Big Mood season two struggles to reconcile its dual aims. The ambitious premise that once offered a nuanced look at mental illness now feels buried beneath a barrage of gimmicks, leaving audiences to wonder whether it’s time for the characters – and perhaps the series itself – to move on.

Jason Allen-Paisant, an award-winning poet, has written an audiobook titled 'The Possibility of Tenderness', which is a meditation on nature, history, race, and the notion of belonging. The book is narrated by the author himself and is available via Penguin Audio, with a duration of 8 hours and 32 minutes.Allen-Paisant's early childhood in Coffee Grove, Jamaica, played a significant role in shaping his relationship with nature. He spent his early years climbing trees, picking fruit, and helping his grandmother harvest yams on their small plot of land. This close connection with the natural world had a profound impact on his life.As Allen-Paisant grew older and moved to Britain to study at Oxford, he noticed a significant change in his interactions with nature. He realized that his socio-economic status and class limited his access to the natural world in Britain, leading him to feel disconnected from the land and soil.The audiobook is a personal account of Allen-Paisant's journey to reconnect with nature and find a sense of belonging. He explains how surrounding himself with nature allows him to feel hopeful and find ways to cope with the constraints of racism. Allen-Paisant emphasizes the importance of non-anger and finding ways to live through difficult experiences.Further listening recommendations are also provided, including 'Don’t Let It Break You, Honey' by Jenny Evans and 'Slags' by Emma Jane Unsworth.

The second season of Beef has arrived on Netflix, but it seems to have lost the magic that made the first season so compelling. Critic Lucy Mangan argues that the show has become an unlovable White Lotus rip-off, with a similar premise but lacking the depth and nuance that made The White Lotus so impactful. The new season stars Carey Mulligan and Oscar Isaac as a married couple who oversee the running of a luxury country club. Their characters, Josh and Lindsay, are frustrated with where life has led them – close to wealth but far from achieving it. They are joined by their employees, Austin and Ashley, who become entangled in their problems. As the season progresses, the plot becomes increasingly convoluted with too many characters and complications introduced. The tension, which was so expertly ratcheted up in the first season, becomes diluted. Much is gestured towards but nothing is satisfactorily interrogated, including themes of racial tension, ageing, and the precarity of jobs. The characters themselves are also criticized for being hard to care about. Lindsay is described as a 'cold, hard spoilt brat', while Josh is weak and unconvincing. Austin is a cipher, and even Ashley, who is better served, has actions that feel forced. Overall, Beef season two feels like an entertaining but shallow potboiler rather than the dark march towards truth that the original was. It seems that the show has failed to live up to the standard set by its predecessor and The White Lotus.

Stella McCartney, a renowned luxury fashion designer known for her commitment to sustainability, has partnered with Swedish retail giant H&M; to launch a new eco-friendly clothing collection. The collaboration, set to hit stores in May, aims to make sustainable fashion more accessible to a wider audience. The collection includes a range of stylish pieces, such as a 'Rock Royalty' T-shirt (£37.99), a grey oversized pinstripe blazer (£259.99), and matching trousers (£139.99) made from wool that meets responsible wool standards. A vegan version of her iconic Falabella bag will also be available for £189.99, crafted from recycled polyamide to reduce dependence on fossil fuels. McCartney emphasized her desire to break down barriers in the fashion industry, stating, 'I hate how elitist the fashion industry is. I want a younger and wider audience to have access to my stuff.' The collection's focus on sustainability is reflected in its use of eco-friendly materials, such as beads made from 80% recycled glass and a python-effect jacket crafted from plastic derived from recycled vegetable oil and agricultural waste. While some critics have accused McCartney of 'greenwashing' by collaborating with a fast-fashion brand like H&M;, which produces 3 billion garments annually, McCartney defended her decision, saying it's better to 'infiltrate from within and have conversations with people who are like 'the devil' in a sense and then try to change them into a more conscious way of working.' This collaboration marks McCartney's second effort with H&M;, following a successful partnership 21 years ago. The collection's emphasis on transparency is evident in the swing tags on each piece, which will disclose the materials used. By working together, McCartney and H&M; aim to promote sustainable fashion practices and make eco-friendly clothing more mainstream.

Warner Bros' new take on The Mummy, directed by Lee Cronin, has been met with criticism for its grandiose approach and lackluster execution. The film's attempt to distance itself from Universal's upcoming return to the franchise and capitalize on the current trend of auteur-driven horror films has been seen as unearned and indulgent. Cronin, an Irish filmmaker with only two previous films under his belt, has been praised for his visual talent, but his Mummy has been criticized for being absurdly overlong at 134 minutes and tonally unsure. The film's attempt to blend elements of classic monster movies with modern horror tropes has resulted in a messy and unoriginal product. The film's plot, which revolves around a creepy kid who returns from the dead with a malevolent presence, has been compared to other horror films such as The Exorcist and The Omen. However, the execution falls short, with rubbery prosthetics and an exhaustingly loud finale that fails to deliver scares. Despite its bold ambition and stunning visuals, the film ultimately feels like a lesser imitation of other horror films. The lack of character development, suspense, and logic makes it difficult to become invested in the story. The Mummy is set to release in Australian cinemas on April 16 and in the US and UK on April 17.

Israel has appointed Michael Lotem as its first ambassador to Somaliland, marking the latest milestone after the country officially recognized the self‑declared state in December 2025. Lotem, who previously served as Israel’s ambassador to Kenya, was announced by Israel’s public broadcaster on Wednesday. Somaliland’s president, Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi, hailed the appointment in a joint parliamentary session, declaring Israel a “reliable partner” and prompting applause from lawmakers. In stark contrast, Somalia’s foreign ministry condemned the decision, labeling it a “direct breach” of Somali sovereignty and unity. The condemnation echoed broader disapproval from the UN Security Council, the African Union, the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation and the European Union, all of which have criticized Israel’s recognition of Somaliland. Since the December announcement, diplomatic activity has accelerated. Israeli foreign minister Gideon Saar visited Hargeisa in January, and Somaliland’s water ministry sent a delegation to Israel for training in water‑management techniques. President Abdullahi told Reuters in February that a trade agreement with Israel is expected soon. Israel has also granted diplomatic approval to Mohamed Hagi, a presidential adviser instrumental in securing recognition, designating him as Somaliland’s first ambassador to Israel. Somali officials warn that the deepening ties could destabilise the region. President of Somalia earlier this year called Israel’s outreach the “gravest attack” on Somali sovereignty and suggested Israel might seek to establish a military base to launch operations against Yemen. Geographically, Somaliland sits across the Gulf of Aden from Yemen, where the Iran‑backed Houthi movement controls the northwest and remains hostile to Israel. The Houthis have publicly stated that any Israeli presence in Somaliland would be a legitimate target. In March, Somaliland’s minister of the presidency, Khadar Hussein Abdi, told Bloomberg that the country aims for a “strategic relationship” with Israel that includes security cooperation. He did not rule out the possibility of an Israeli military base, noting that such a decision “will be analysed at some point.” Somalia’s state minister for foreign affairs, Ali Omar, reiterated to Al Jazeera that Somalia does not want its territory drawn into external confrontations that could further destabilise an already sensitive region. The appointment of an Israeli ambassador therefore not only solidifies bilateral ties but also introduces new strategic calculations for regional actors, potentially reshaping security dynamics in the Horn of Africa and the broader Red Sea corridor.

As tax day arrives in the United States, trillions of dollars flow into the government coffers. However, a recent analysis sheds light on how these funds are allocated, revealing some striking priorities. Over $5 trillion in US taxes is being directed towards sectors such as war, defense contractors, and border enforcement.This allocation raises questions about the values and priorities of the US government, particularly when juxtaposed with the mounting pressures and cuts faced by essential services like healthcare and food assistance. As the national deficit grows and everyday costs rise, the budget choices being made reveal a lot about who the system is designed to serve, both domestically and internationally.Lindsay Koshgarian, programme director at the National Priorities Project, provides insight into these dynamics. The conversation delves into the implications of these budgetary decisions and what they signify about the current state of US priorities.

The SAVE America Act, a sweeping voting law championed by US President Donald Trump, has become a contentious issue in the country's electoral landscape. The bill, which has garnered near-total support from Republicans, aims to enhance election security by imposing stricter documentation standards for proving citizenship when registering to vote and casting a ballot.At its core, the legislation seeks to require voters to provide proof of citizenship, such as a birth certificate or passport, when registering to vote. It also proposes implementing stricter voter identification requirements for individuals casting ballots, whether by mail or in person. The bill's passage is considered a top priority by Trump ahead of the midterm elections in November, which will determine which party controls the Senate and the US House of Representatives.However, critics argue that the bill will lead to widespread voter disenfranchisement, particularly among marginalized communities. They point out that about 11% of eligible voters lack access to birth certificates, while 52% do not have valid passports. This could potentially affect around 21.3 million people, according to a recent study by election-monitoring groups.The legislation has also raised concerns about its impact on women and individuals who have changed their names after marriage or for other reasons. An estimated 69 million women in the US lack easy access to documentation linking their current legal names to those at birth, according to the League of Women Voters, a leading opponent of the bill.The bill's fate remains uncertain, with Republicans needing to change the Senate's longstanding rules to pass the legislation, which currently requires 60 votes. Trump has urged Republican leaders to scrap the filibuster rule, writing on Truth Social in March that they need to 'Kill the Filibuster.' As debate continues in the Senate, major shifts in support appear unlikely, and it remains to be seen whether the bill will ultimately pass.

The Energy Information Administration (EIA) is set to transition from voluntary pilots to a mandatory nationwide survey, compelling data centers to publicly disclose their energy usage and power bills. This regulatory shift aims to bring a rapidly expanding industry into the fold of federal oversight, addressing concerns over its escalating environmental footprint. From Pilot to Nationwide Regulation The EIA's strategy involves a phased approach, beginning with targeted pilot surveys in key regions. These initial studies focused on 196 companies across Texas, Washington state, and the Washington, D.C.-Northern Virginia metro area. The agency anticipates completing these pilot surveys by September, after which it will roll out a comprehensive, mandatory questionnaire covering data centers nationwide. Political Catalyst: The initiative was spurred by a letter from Sens. Josh Hawley and Elizabeth Warren urging the EIA to monitor the industry's energy consumption. Implementation Timeline: While the mandatory survey date is not yet set, the EIA expects to finalize the methodology following the September pilot completion. Strategic Focus: The surveys will specifically target the details of power bills, providing granular data on electricity demand. Why the Grid is Under Pressure Requiring data centers to reveal their power usage is a critical step for grid stability and environmental planning. As the technology sector, particularly AI, drives a surge in data center construction, the strain on the national power grid becomes increasingly apparent. By mandating transparency, the EIA aims to provide policymakers with the data needed to manage load balancing and prevent potential energy shortages. The Future of Data Center Compliance This move signals a new era of regulatory scrutiny for the tech industry. We can expect that once the mandatory data is collected, the EIA will use it to model future energy scenarios. This could lead to stricter efficiency standards or targeted infrastructure investments in regions with the highest concentrations of data center activity.