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Rebuilding opens on a bleak, charred horizon, introducing Dusty (Josh O’Connor), a Colorado rancher whose ancestral land has been reduced to ash by a recent wildfire. A bank official’s blunt refusal to extend a loan underscores the decade‑long bleak outlook for the barren property.Stripped of his home, Dusty relocates to a spartan, government‑funded trailer camp and takes a humbling highway‑maintenance job. The film deepens his personal stakes through interactions with his ex‑wife Ruby (Meghann Fahy), their ten‑year‑old daughter Callie‑Rose (Lily LaTorre), and his ailing mother‑in‑law Bess, portrayed by Oscar‑winner Amy Madigan. A poignant scene shows Dusty ferrying Callie‑Rose to the local library, where they share a shaky Wi‑Fi connection for her schoolwork.Amid the trailer community, Dusty forms a tentative bond with the resilient Mali (Kali Reis), hinting at a potential romance beyond mere friendship. Their collective moments around a campfire evoke the tone of Chloé Zhao’s Nomadland, positioning the film within a growing genre of American stories about displacement and survival.Notably, the narrative avoids direct references to climate change or governmental responsibility, presenting the wildfire as an isolated tragedy rather than a symptom of a broader environmental crisis. This omission mirrors a recurring pattern in U.S. cinema, where the focus remains on personal resilience rather than systemic solutions.O’Connor delivers a nuanced performance, channeling the restrained British sensibility of his earlier work into Dusty’s quiet strength and vulnerability. His portrayal anchors the film’s emotional core, while the supporting cast—particularly Madigan’s compassionate Bess and Reis’s tough‑yet‑tender Mali—adds depth to the community portrait.Rebuilding arrives in UK cinemas on 17 April, offering audiences a contemplative look at loss, renewal, and the fragile ties that bind families and strangers alike.

The creation of the soundtrack for the film 'Mother Mary' was a collaborative effort between director David Lowery, actress Anne Hathaway, musician FKA twigs, and producers Charli xcx and Jack Antonoff. The film, which explores the story of a fictional pop star, required a soundtrack that captured the essence of 21st-century pop music.Lowery spent time studying the music of the last 25 years, including artists like Taylor Swift, Lorde, and FKA twigs, who appears in the film as a medium named Imogene. As the film's story emerged, Lowery's musical influences shifted towards artists like James Blake and Aldous Harding, who better captured the emotional tone of the film.Anne Hathaway, who plays Mother Mary, had a background in theater and had won an Oscar for her performance in the musical Les Misérables. However, the recording process for 'Mother Mary: Greatest Hits' was a new experience for her. She spent time with Jack Antonoff to record the soundtrack, exploring her vocal range and learning about production. She even changed minor lyrics to better fit her character.FKA twigs contributed to the soundtrack with her song 'My Mouth Is Lonely for You', which was not included in the final film but showcased her ability to create shimmeringly erotic and captivating music. Her other contribution, an ethereal song, was used in a scene featuring the dress Mother Mary requires from her former friend and designer, Sam.The soundtrack, 'Mother Mary: Greatest Hits', paints a uniform portrait of a 21st-century pop star with a cult-like following and avant-garde fashion sense. The music and performance footage have been acclaimed, with Hathaway and twigs delivering standout performances.Hathaway describes Mother Mary as a pop star who embodies a type of stardom that is neat, perfect, and huge, with a mass appeal that is slightly glossier than what twigs and xcx have experienced. The film implies that Mother Mary's fandom is attracted to her ecstasy and vulnerability, with fans feeling safe around her and seeking a motherly figure.

Budget airline easyJet has issued a profit warning, citing the impact of the Iran conflict on fuel prices and bookings. The airline has seen fuel costs rise by £25m in the last month alone, driven by the escalating tensions in the Middle East.EasyJet expects to report an increased pre-tax loss of £540-£560m for the six months to March, up from £394m in the first half of 2024-25. The carrier typically generates most of its revenue in the second half of the year, which includes the peak summer period.The airline has hedged 70% of its fuel needs for the rest of the financial year to September, but each $100 movement in the spot price of jet fuel per metric tonne adds £40m in costs for its unhedged supply. Currently, the price is about $800 higher than before the conflict started.Chief executive Kenton Jarvis said demand remained strong in the short term, but customers were leaving it later to book due to economic uncertainty. However, he assured that fuel supplies remained normal and that any talk of having to cancel flights was pure speculation.Jarvis added that there was continued positive demand, but easyJet's financial performance had worsened year on year, impacted by the conflict in the Middle East and the competitive environment in some markets. Shares fell 3% in early trading.

A New York jury has ruled against Ticketmaster and Live Nation, finding that the concert giant and its subsidiary had a harmful monopoly over big concert venues. The verdict is a significant loss for the companies, which were sued by dozens of states in the US over claims of anticompetitive practices.The jury deliberated for four days before reaching its decision, which could cost Live Nation and Ticketmaster hundreds of millions of dollars. The companies were found to have overcharged consumers in 22 states by $1.72 per ticket. The verdict also opens the door for potential penalties and sanctions, including court orders to divest some entities, such as venues.The civil case, initially led by the US federal government, accused Live Nation of using its reach to smother competition by blocking venues from using multiple ticket sellers. The company's lawyers argued that it is not a monopoly, saying that artists, sports teams, and venues decide prices and ticketing practices.Live Nation Entertainment owns, operates, controls booking for, or has an equity interest in hundreds of venues. Its subsidiary Ticketmaster is widely considered to be the world's largest ticket-seller for live events, controlling 86 percent of the market for concerts and 73 percent of the overall market when sporting events are included.The verdict marks a significant victory for fans and some artists who have long complained about Ticketmaster's high fees and limited competition. The company has faced criticism from artists such as Pearl Jam, which battled the business in the 1990s and filed an antimonopoly complaint with the US Department of Justice.

Sudan, one of the world's most impoverished countries, has been ravaged by a civil war that began in 2023. The conflict, driven by a power struggle between the army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), has left the nation unrecognizable. Over 40,000 people have been killed, and about 14 million – a quarter of the population – have been forced to flee their homes. Civilian infrastructure across the country has been extensively damaged.“We are not just facing a crisis – we are witnessing the systematic erosion of a country’s future,” Luca Renda, the United Nations Development Programme’s (UNDP’s) resident representative in Sudan, told Al Jazeera. A report by the UNDP and the Institute for Security Studies highlights the scale of Sudan’s economic collapse. Even under the most optimistic scenario of peace being achieved in 2026, Sudan would still lose an estimated $18.8 billion in gross domestic product (GDP) by 2043.The war has had a devastating impact on Sudan's infrastructure and basic services. $6.4 billion was lost in GDP in 2023 alone, reflecting a simultaneous collapse across all major parts of Sudan’s economy. The destruction of infrastructure has triggered displacement and made it difficult for people to secure adequate housing or access basic services. Up to 40 percent of power generation capacity has been lost, and key water infrastructure has been destroyed or seized, cutting communities off from clean water and sanitation.The labor market has also been severely affected, with agriculture – once the backbone of Sudan’s economy – severely hit. Cultivated land has shrunk, adversely impacting rural livelihoods. Average incomes have fallen back to levels last seen in 1992. About 90 percent of manufacturing activity has been destroyed in key economic hubs, eliminating thousands of jobs.The oil industry has suffered significantly, with oil output falling amid widespread instability and infrastructure damage. The Khartoum refinery, which previously processed up to 100,000 barrels per day, has been out of operation since July 2023. Key infrastructure, including pipeline routes carrying crude to Port Sudan, has been hit.The collapse of the Sudanese pound and supply chains has caused a sharp rise in living costs. Food prices have surged, with four pieces of bread now costing about 1,000 pounds, an amount that had previously bought six pieces. Wages have failed to catch up with inflation, leaving many households without access to necessities. Nearly half the population is now experiencing acute food shortages.The economic collapse has had a profound impact on Sudan's people, with 34 million people in need of assistance and 19 million facing acute food shortages. The war has caused death, trauma, and profound loss, casting a long shadow over Sudan’s future and dimming the prospects of a generation whose lives are being shaped by violence. If the conflict continues to 2030, Sudan’s economy in 2043 would be about $34.5 billion smaller than it would have been without the war, and GDP per capita would drop by roughly $1,700.

Lamine Yamal, Barcelona's rising star, has reaffirmed his commitment to winning the UEFA Champions League with the club. A day after their quarterfinal elimination by Atletico Madrid, Yamal expressed his determination on Instagram, stating that he will not give up on his promise to capture the trophy with Barcelona.“We are Barca, and we will be back where we belong,” Yamal said. “My parents taught me that a man’s word always has to be fulfilled … we’ll bring it to Barcelona.” This statement comes after Barcelona's 2-1 win over Atletico Madrid on Tuesday, which wasn't enough to overcome a 2-0 deficit from the first leg.Yamal, who scored one of Barcelona's goals, had similar sentiments after their 2025 semifinals loss to Inter Milan, vowing not to stop until he fulfills his promise. His inspiration, LeBron James, was evident as his Instagram profile featured James holding the NBA trophy in 2016.Barcelona's president-elect, Joan Laporta, criticized the refereeing in both legs against Atletico, calling it “shameful” and “inadmissible.” The club plans to file a formal complaint with UEFA. Despite the setback, Barcelona leads La Liga by nine points over Real Madrid.Coach Hansi Flick emphasized that the young team will learn from their mistakes and improve. With their next match against Celta Vigo, Barcelona aims to bounce back and move forward in their quest for Champions League glory.

When fighting erupted in Sudan’s streets in April 2023, families fled their homes, cities and even the country itself. Three years on, the exodus continues, with millions still on the move.The Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) surveyed 1,293 displaced households in Sudan, Chad and South Sudan, exposing a grim cycle of loss. Each forced relocation strips survivors of the last remnants of their former lives.According to the findings, about 90 % of respondents have lost their homes and nearly three‑quarters report having no income. Food scarcity has become critical: more than 80 % of households in Sudan and virtually all in South Sudan regularly skip meals.Within Sudan alone, over nine million people remain displaced, while an estimated 28.9 million face acute hunger. The cumulative trauma is evident—by the fourth displacement, almost two‑thirds of individuals feel completely exhausted and depleted of resources, and roughly 65 % have been separated from family members.Despite these hardships, a remarkable degree of solidarity persists. In Sudan and Chad, one in three aid recipients continue to share their limited supplies with neighbors, strangers and newly arrived families.“In Sudan now, you are always running,” says Amina, who escaped Khartoum with four children and only the clothes on her back after her husband vanished in the early days of the fighting. “Running from war. Running for food.”Education has collapsed: only 45 % of displaced children across the three nations attend school regularly, while 18 % of households have been forced to send children to work.The NRC’s conclusion is stark. While resilience and generosity have kept the humanitarian response afloat, communities are signaling that they can no longer bear the burden alone. The mutual support that has acted as an “invisible backbone” is now stretched to its breaking point.This photo essay is provided by the Norwegian Refugee Council.

French footballer Hugo Ekitike has been ruled out of the 2026 FIFA World Cup due to a serious injury. The 23-year-old striker ruptured his Achilles tendon during Liverpool's Champions League quarterfinal second leg against Paris Saint-Germain, which ended in a 2-0 loss for Liverpool.The injury occurred at Anfield on Tuesday night, where Liverpool exited the competition with a 4-0 aggregate defeat. Ekitike, who pointed to his Achilles tendon as medical staff attended to him, was carried off on a stretcher.Reports from French newspapers Le Parisien and L’Equipe confirmed the news of Ekitike's injury on Wednesday. The 2026 World Cup is scheduled to take place in the United States, Mexico, and Canada from June 11 to July 19.Ekitike, who joined Liverpool from Eintracht Frankfurt for £69 million ($93.58m) last July, has had a significant impact this season, scoring 17 goals in all competitions. He has also made a notable contribution to the French national team, scoring two international goals in his last four games for France.As a key understudy to Real Madrid's Kylian Mbappe, Ekitike's absence will be felt by the French team. The French football federation (FFF) has yet to comment on the matter.

President Donald Trump declared that the war with Iran is "very close to over," even as Washington maintains a naval blockade of the strategic Strait of Hormuz. In Washington, D.C., Israeli and Lebanese ambassadors convened for uncommon direct talks, seeking a cease‑fire while Israel pressed for Hezbollah’s disarmament. Trump also hinted at a possible second round of negotiations with Tehran, suggesting talks could resume in Pakistan within days. The United States, however, is set to let a temporary sanctions waiver on stranded Iranian oil expire, tightening economic pressure on Tehran. The International Committee of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies delivered its first shipment of medical supplies and humanitarian aid into Iran since hostilities began, offering a modest lifeline to civilians. Inside Tehran, minor explosions caused limited damage and injuries, underscoring ongoing instability. Iran estimates its war‑related losses at $270 billion and plans to seek reparations. On the diplomatic front, the United Nations' IAEA chief Rafael Grossi noted that the duration of any uranium‑enrichment moratorium would be a political decision, reflecting the delicate balance of future negotiations. In the United States, the Senate is poised to vote as early as Wednesday on a Democratic initiative to restrict the president’s war powers, signaling growing congressional scrutiny of the conflict. Former defence official David Sedney warned that the Hormuz blockade is backfiring, increasing pressure on Washington as global trade routes are disrupted and domestic support wanes. Meanwhile, CENTCOM Commander Admiral Brad Cooper affirmed that the blockade of Iranian ports is fully operational and that U.S. forces retain maritime superiority in the region. President Trump publicly rebuked Italy’s Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni for not joining U.S. actions against Iran, describing her stance as lacking courage. U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced that American forces will intercept Chinese tankers carrying Iranian oil through the Hormuz Strait, effectively cutting off Iran’s oil exports while allowing non‑Iranian cargo to pass. Israel has proposed a long‑term troop presence extending up to 8 km into southern Lebanon until Hezbollah is dismantled, and continues air strikes aimed at encircling the strategic town of Bint Jbeil. Former U.S. Assistant Secretary of State Jeffrey Feltman highlighted a growing divergence between U.S. and Israeli priorities, noting Israel’s heightened concern over Iran’s ballistic‑missile program. In Lebanon, Israeli raids have resulted in multiple civilian casualties, with reports of villages being razed in a manner likened to Gaza. Hezbollah has rejected the ongoing Israel‑Lebanon talks, while public opinion remains split between hopes for peace and opposition to negotiations. The International Monetary Fund warned that any further escalation could push the global economy toward recession. It cut its 2026 growth forecast for the Middle East and North Africa to 1.1 % from 3.9 %, citing disruptions to Gulf oil and gas exports. On the markets, stock indices rose while oil prices slipped, reflecting renewed optimism for a diplomatic resolution and the reopening of the Hormuz Strait.