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The Defiant Sound of Queer ResistanceFor queer Malaysian punk band Shh … Diam!, every live gig is a small miracle. Their name translates as "Shut up!", a powerful and defiant cry in a country rife with homophobia. Favouring distorted riffs, heavy drums and swaggering lyrics, the band's powerful sound seeks to drown out the noise of prejudice and discrimination. Their courage, as well as their simple joie de vivre, thrum through Yihwen Chen's documentary portrait. Shot over six years, the film charts the monumental changes undergone by the band members and their home nation.Voices of the MarginalizedAlways ready with a joke, lead singer and guitarist Faris is a proud trans man. Rejected by his own family, the charismatic performer finds a safe haven with his bandmates Yon and Yoyo, and their audience. Their songs turn up the volume on issues faced by the queer community, and also bristle with an anarchic sense of humour. One particularly tongue-in-cheek tune is titled Lonely Lesbian; a title taken from a hostile rightwing article citing ways to spot a lesbian, its playful and defiant lyrics reconfigure homophobic ideology into satire, an act of rebellious subversion cloaked in irony.Music as ActivismThe band's activism extends from the stage on to the streets, as the members join in pro-democracy and queer rights protests. Faris is filled with optimism when, for the first time in 60 years, the conservative Barisan Nasional was defeated in 2018, but joy would later turn to anger when the party returned to power as part of a coalition in 2022. Despite the pessimism triggered by the cycles of electoral politics, Chen's film prioritises hope, foregrounding moments of personal triumph, such as Faris's top surgery and Yoyo's beautiful wedding to her girlfriend. Political parties might come and go, but people's power seems to rock on.Cultural Impact and RepresentationQueer as Punk offers a rare glimpse into the lives of LGBTQ+ individuals in Malaysia, a country where queer identities remain largely marginalized. The documentary not only captures the band's musical journey but also serves as a testament to resilience and community building in the face of systemic discrimination. By amplifying voices that are often silenced, the film contributes to a broader global conversation about queer rights and representation in media.The Future of Queer CinemaAs Queer as Punk makes its way to UK cinemas from May 15, it arrives at a time when queer stories are gaining more visibility in mainstream cinema. The film's focus on punk music as a vehicle for social commentary highlights the intersection of music, activism, and identity. For audiences, particularly those unfamiliar with Malaysia's cultural landscape, the documentary offers both education and entertainment, demonstrating how art can be a powerful tool for social change.

The Impact of 'Believe Me' In 1982, the film-maker Roger Graef made the first ever fly-on-the-wall documentary about the police, which led to a revolution in the way victims and their cases were approached and handled. However, conviction rates for rape remain low, and documentaries and dramas continue to highlight the role of the police in creating this phenomenon. A New Perspective on a Known Story 'Believe Me' is a four-part drama about the women who were drugged and sexually attacked by John Worboys. The show follows the stories of a few of the 14 women who reported their suspicions that they had been drugged and assaulted by Worboys. The drama showcases their preternatural determination to get justice for themselves and his other victims that the police and judicial system seemed uninterested in providing. The Data Analysis 14 women reported their suspicions that they had been drugged and assaulted by Worboys 100-plus women eventually came forward when Worboys went to trial and after he was convicted The Impact Analysis The drama highlights the failings of the police and judicial system in handling cases of rape and sexual assault. The show's creator and writer, Jeff Pope, has said that he is not interested in trying to get inside the mind of psychopaths, but rather in showcasing the heroism of ordinary people and the failings and inadequacies of others. The Prediction While 'Believe Me' is a compelling and nonexploitative drama, it remains to be seen whether it will make a difference to how we treat these rampant crimes. The show's success may pave the way for future projects, such as Pope's next project about the murder of Sarah Everard.

Martin Short's Heartfelt Revelation Martin Short has spoken for the first time about the death of his daughter, Katherine Short, saying her death has been “a nightmare for the family”. Katherine died in February aged 42, at her home in the Hollywood Hills. The County of Los Angeles Medical Examiner’s office confirmed she died by suicide. The Pain of Loss Speaking on CBS News Sunday Morning, the 76-year-old comedian and actor compared his daughter’s death with that of his wife, Nancy Dolman, who died of ovarian cancer in 2010 aged 58. “The understanding [is] that mental health and cancer, like my wife’s, are both diseases, and sometimes with diseases they are terminal,” Short said. A Desire to Raise Awareness Short said he had a “deep desire” to take “mental health out of the shadows” so people wouldn’t be “ashamed” of talking about it. “Not hiding from the word suicide, but accepting that this can be the last stage of an illness,” he said. A Year of Loss Short also spoke of losing several close friends and family in the past year, including his sister-in-law, his daughter and his friends Diane Keaton, Rob and Michele Reiner and Catherine O’Hara. “It’s staggering,” he said, adding: “You just have to breathe in, breathe out.” Katherine's Legacy Katherine was the eldest of three children adopted by Short and Dolman. She largely kept out of the spotlight, though she sometimes attended events and walked red carpets with her father. She received a bachelor’s degree in psychology and gender sexuality studies from New York University in 2006, as well as a master’s in social work from the University of Southern California in 2010, and went on to work in private practice as a licensed clinical social worker. A New Documentary Short spoke to CBS ahead of a new Netflix documentary film about his life titled Marty, Life Is Short, which premieres 12 May. The documentary touches on Short’s many experiences with loss early in life: his older brother David was killed in a car accident when Short was 12, and both of his parents died when he was still a teenager. Resources In the US, you can call or text the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org. In the UK and Ireland, Samaritans can be contacted on freephone 116 123, or email [email protected] or [email protected]. In Australia, the crisis support service Lifeline is 13 11 14. Other international helplines can be found at befrienders.org

What a “Scientology speedrun” actually isThe term describes a viral TikTok challenge where participants rush into Church of Scientology buildings to see how far they can get inside, often wearing masks or costumes. The stunt blends prank culture with a curiosity about a controversial organization.From a viral LA raid to nationwide TikTok challengesThe phenomenon began in March 2026 when creator Swhileyy filmed himself storming the Los Angeles Scientology headquarters on Hollywood Boulevard. The clip amassed 90 million views before being removed, inspiring copycats across the globe.2026‑03: Original LA video posted, 90 m views.2026‑04‑30: Trend spreads to the UK, with teenagers targeting multiple Scientology sites.2026‑05‑07: Groups gather at Sydney’s Castlereagh Street and Brisbane’s George Street.View counts, arrests and police responses: the numbers behind the crazeTikTok videos of the raids have collectively drawn several hundred million views. Law‑enforcement actions in Australia included:Two arrests in Sydney (19‑year‑old woman, 17‑year‑old girl) for non‑compliance.Two teenagers (15 and 18) charged in Brisbane after a driver‑side car jump and a BMX stunt.Police deployed riot squads to disperse crowds of roughly 100 people in each city.Why the stunt is rattling the Church and sparking wider cultural debateThe Church of Scientology condemned the raids as “dangerous mobs” and announced heightened security. Former members such as Leah Remini criticized the trend for trivialising serious concerns about the organization, while activists like Alexander Barnes Ross warned it could undermine legitimate protest.Beyond the church, the craze highlights TikTok’s power to turn absurd pranks into flashpoints that attract police attention and fuel discussions about religious freedom, public safety, and digital‑era activism.Will the trend fade or evolve into a new form of digital protest?Analysts expect the “speedrun” format to mutate as platforms tighten moderation and law‑enforcement responses increase. The next phase may involve coordinated “virtual protests” that avoid physical trespass while still leveraging the viral mechanics that made the original craze so compelling.

The Rise of a Provocative Comedy StarOnce in a while, you get to see a legend at the absolute top of their game," booms a voice at the beginning of Robby Hoffman's Netflix special, Wake Up, welcoming her to the stage. High praise indeed – especially since the voice is that of the leading US comedian John Mulaney, who directed the special, and who clearly thinks this 36-year-old New Yorker is one of the hottest talents around.Over the last year, Hoffman's star has risen at a stunning pace. She is currently on TV in Rooster, a college campus comedy starring Steve Carell, as well as the fifth season of the critically acclaimed sitcom Hacks. This is only her second season as talent agency assistant Randi, but last year the role earned her an Emmy nomination.From Religious Upbringing to Hollywood Success"Last week, I was a Hassidic Lubavitch Jew living in Crown Heights, New York," was Hoffman's first line as Randi. "Now I'm in LA, I'm gay and probably an atheist." Hoffman's own life has taken a similar about-turn after being thrust into the spotlight. Randi, a role that was created for her by writers Lucia Aniello, Paul W Downs and Jen Statsky and draws on Hoffman's own background, has been "a life-changing part," she says on a video call from the home in Los Angeles that she shares with her wife, the reality TV star Gabby Windey.Home life in Montreal was chaotic, living in a house that was "so packed with so many people," Hoffman says. She would frequently get into physical fights with her brothers and "cried every single day … sometimes I was kicking and screaming on the floor." She got out as soon as she could, at 17, when she began renting a place of her own, taking on a part-time job to support herself through her Cégep, a type of pre-university college unique to Quebec.Awards, Recognition, and Controversial Comedy StyleAlthough Hoffman insists she isn't trying to offend ("I do think that a lot of my jokes are misinterpreted"), she also doesn't think being offended is the worst thing: "Being poor is." She's speaking from experience: she grew up in a family that relied on welfare payments, the seventh of 10 children.Wake Up includes gags about "disgusting" women ("always the hottest ones are sickest") and abortion ("we raise the age of abortion till 10, we got a lot of well-fucking-behaved kids on our hands"). Not to mention the jokes about paedophilia. But although her punchlines make some audience members bristle, "I just don't get to choose my thoughts," the comedian says. "I'm just sharing it with you. I wish I didn't know some of these things. I truly wish paedophilia was not something that I was introduced to or heard about. I think it's more democratic that I joke about everything, you know?"The Changing Landscape of ComedyThe comedian's proclivity for referring to women, including herself and her mother, as "bitches" is an aspect of her onstage coarseness that carries over into our call, in which she is otherwise much more mellow and thoughtful. Sure, she doesn't follow the typical Hollywood script of simpering self-deprecation, instead unapologetically backing herself and frequently talking about how great it is to be rich. But you get the impression that this is self-conscious gaucheness, a send-up of convention rather than outright rudeness."I come in hot," Hoffman admits – especially on stage. But she is not pretending to be something she's not – unlike, she says, supposedly "kind and nice" figures such as Will Smith, who was banned from the Oscars after slapping the comedian Chris Rock, or Ellen DeGeneres, whose talk show was cancelled after allegations that junior staff had been bullied.Future Prospects and Industry ImpactHoffman is endearingly grateful for her success. "Am I not living one of the greatest lives you've heard about?" she said during her recent appearance on Late Night With Seth Meyers. "I really do feel that," she says. When she started out in comedy, it felt like "such a risk" to pursue a career with no promise of financial stability: "It's becoming harder and harder to go from no money to money, so when we get one of our guys in, it always feels miraculous."She wishes it wasn't so miraculous – Hoffman is a Bernie Sanders supporter and believes "everybody's entitled to dignity." She resents being an example of someone who "did it" – got herself out of poverty via talent and determination. "You shouldn't have to be this special, you shouldn't have to be this talented," she says. Throughout her adolescence, she was "so sick of being poor," so focused on working hard at the Jewish private school for which her grandfather had helped her win a scholarship, then pursuing a degree in accounting.

The Continued Journey of the Sumud Flotilla The Global Sumud Flotilla, a coalition of ships from various countries, is persisting in its mission to challenge the Israeli blockade on Gaza. The flotilla, which has been sailing for several years, aims to provide humanitarian aid to the Palestinian people and raise awareness about their plight. The Significance of the Sumud Flotilla The Sumud Flotilla is a symbol of resistance and solidarity with the Palestinian people. The word 'Sumud' is an Arabic term that means 'steadfastness' or 'resilience,' reflecting the determination of the Palestinian people to remain in their land despite the challenges they face. The Israeli Blockade on Gaza The Israeli blockade on Gaza, which has been in place since 2007, has had a devastating impact on the local economy and population. The blockade has restricted the movement of people and goods, leading to widespread poverty, unemployment, and shortages of essential supplies. The Humanitarian Aid Efforts The Global Sumud Flotilla is carrying humanitarian aid, including food, medicine, and other essential supplies, to the people of Gaza. The aid is intended to alleviate some of the suffering caused by the blockade and provide support to those in need. The Future of the Sumud Flotilla Despite facing numerous challenges and attempts to disrupt its journey, the Global Sumud Flotilla remains committed to its mission. The flotilla will continue to sail to Gaza, determined to provide humanitarian aid and raise awareness about the plight of the Palestinian people.

The Savings Landscape in the UKEarning as much as 7% on your savings sounds great – but what's the catch? The top-paying accounts often come with strings attached, which could mean your money is not working as hard as you thought. That's important because there is a lot of cash sitting in fixed-rate savings accounts that are about to reach the end of their term. The total amount in accounts maturing between April and June is £90bn, according to the savings app Spring – and that money will need to find a new home.On top of that, there is an estimated £329bn sitting in current accounts earning 0% interest, and another £99bn in savings accounts paying 1% or less, all of which should be doing more. At a time when inflation is creeping up, it is crucial that your savings keep pace with the cost of living.The Hidden Limitations of High-Yield AccountsRegular savings accounts are a great way to build a pot, and many of them have decent interest rates – but they often limit how much you can save and for how long. The Co-operative Bank's Regular Saver (available to the bank's current account holders) pays a generous 7% interest, for example, but only on up to £250 a month. Saving the maximum into this account every month – so £3,000 over 12 months – could earn you £114 interest after a year.If that is less than you expected, the reason is that you are drip-feeding the money in over the 12 months rather than putting it all in as a lump sum at the beginning, so you are only getting 7% on the full £3,000 for one month. If you have a decent-sized lump sum to invest, you may find that something like a high-paying fixed-rate savings account is a better bet. For example, someone with a £5,000 lump sum who put it all in a savings account paying quite a lot less – 4% – could earn close to double that amount of interest in a year: £200.The Financial Impact of Bonus Rate StructuresSome top-paying accounts include "bonus rates", which disappear after a certain period, leaving you with a less generous rate. The Post Office's Online Saver, for example, offers a rate of 4.1% interest – but that is boosted by a 3.2% bonus rate for 12 months. So the interest rate without the bonus after 12 months is just 0.9%. Similarly, Tesco Bank's Internet Saver pays 4.12%, which includes a 12-month bonus rate of 3.07%.Some bonus periods may be shorter, lasting only three or six months. Savers don't need to completely avoid such accounts, but they should make a note of when the bonus ends and then move their money. Derek Sprawling at Spring says: "Check how long any bonus lasts, what balance it applies to, and what rate you will earn once it ends."Access Restrictions That Limit FlexibilityEasy access accounts are great for anyone who might need to get hold of their money quickly. But the access might not be as easy as you think. Analysis by Spring found that 77% of easy-access accounts that come with paid-for or premium current accounts have extra restrictions. Almost half have tiered interest rates, while nearly a third have withdrawal restrictions.Be sure to understand the rules or you may face a penalty, such as a reduced interest rate or forfeiting the interest you have earned. Sometimes there is a clue in the name. Mansfield building society's Triple Access Bonus Saver pays 4.25%, which includes a 1% bonus for 12 months – but you are restricted to three withdrawals in each calendar year.How Balance Tiers Affect Your ReturnsThe interest rate you get can sometimes depend on your balance. Some accounts offer a better rate the more money you have, while others pay the top rate only up to a certain amount, so those with a larger pot miss out. The Santander Edge Saver account pays 6%, for example, but only on balances up to £4,000. Savers with this amount stashed away could earn £200 over a year. But those with more won't earn any extra – no interest is paid on balances above £4,000 – so they would be better-off taking their additional savings elsewhere.Other accounts have eligibility criteria that restrict who can open one. These might include needing a current account with the bank or a minimum deposit. Other accounts are open only to certain professions, such as teachers, or to people in particular regions or postcodes.The Future of UK Savings and Consumer ProtectionAs more consumers become aware of these traps, financial institutions may face pressure to offer more transparent products. James McCaffrey at the credit score app TotallyMoney warns: "When it comes to savings, if it looks too good to be true, it might well be. Check the small print – headline-grabbing rates don't always tell the full story."With billions of pounds sitting in low-yield accounts and maturing fixed-term products, the coming months will see many UK savers making critical decisions about where to park their money. Those who take the time to understand the full terms and conditions of high-interest offers will be best positioned to maximize their returns while maintaining the flexibility they need.

The Life and Legacy of Abe Foxman Abraham 'Abe' Foxman, a renowned Jewish American leader and advocate for Israel, has passed away at the age of 86. The Anti-Defamation League (ADL), the organization he led for 28 years, confirmed his death on Sunday, describing him as an 'outspoken, passionate, and tireless advocate for the Jewish people and Israel.' Foxman's Impact on Jewish Advocacy As a Holocaust survivor, Foxman played a significant role in shaping the conversation around Israel and anti-Semitism in the US for decades. He joined the ADL in 1965 and served as the group's national director from 1987 to 2015. Under his leadership, the ADL became one of the most influential advocacy organizations in the country. Tributes and Legacy Foxman's death has sparked an outpouring of tributes in Israel and the US. Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar described him as a 'towering voice against antisemitism,' while Israel's President Isaac Herzog called him a 'legendary leader of the Jewish people.' Foxman's Stance on Israel and Anti-Semitism Foxman was a staunch supporter of Israel and defended its conduct during the war on Gaza. He also remained a vocal critic of anti-Semitism, warning about its rise on both the right and left of the political spectrum in the US. Despite his assertions, rights advocates often criticized the absence of Palestinian perspectives in US media. The Future of Jewish Advocacy Foxman's legacy will continue to shape Jewish advocacy in the US. His successor at the ADL, Jonathan Greenblatt, has continued to advocate for Israel and combat anti-Semitism. As the Jewish community continues to evolve, Foxman's impact on the conversation around Israel and anti-Semitism will be remembered for years to come.

The Emergence of a New Weapon Recent reports from Lebanon have highlighted the use of a new Israeli weapon that fires tiny metal cubes into people, sparking concerns and drawing parallels to its alleged use in Gaza. Details of the Weapon The weapon in question is described as firing small, potentially lethal metal cubes. While details are scarce, the use of such a weapon raises significant concerns about the escalation of military technology and its humanitarian implications. Comparisons to Gaza The use of this weapon in Lebanon has been compared to its alleged use in Gaza, a region that has seen significant conflict in recent years. These comparisons underscore the potential for such technology to be used in densely populated areas, raising concerns about civilian casualties. International Scrutiny The international community is likely to scrutinize the use of this weapon, given the potential humanitarian implications. The use of such technology in conflict zones could lead to calls for greater regulation and oversight of military advancements. The Future of Military Technology The emergence of this weapon highlights the rapid advancement of military technology and the need for ongoing dialogue about the ethical and humanitarian implications of such developments. As conflicts continue to evolve, the international community will need to address the challenges posed by new and potentially lethal technologies.