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“You can be the thickest bloke and still think you know more about football than a woman,” declares Jo, a Newcastle supporter, in the opening section of the Away From Home: The Untold Stories of Women Football Fans exhibition. The line sets the tone for a showcase that confronts the stereotype that only men can truly understand the game.Curated by Professor Stacey Pope, a leading sociologist of women’s football, and Durham University’s David Wright, the exhibition occupies the Beacon of Light pop‑up beside Sunderland’s Stadium of Light. It chronicles the presence of women on the terraces of the North‑East since the 1950s, using archival footage, hand‑sewn silk scarves and newly commissioned soundscapes to recreate match‑day rituals.The display is anchored by 22 recorded interviews with Newcastle and Sunderland fans, complemented by a broader research base of 200 interviews conducted over two decades. Pope notes that while the last thirty years have seen a “feminisation of sports fandom,” true gender parity remains elusive.Recent data underscore the exhibition’s relevance. In a survey of 2,000 male fans, three‑quarters expressed overt or covert misogynistic attitudes toward women in football. Moreover, the anti‑racism charity Kick It Out reported that sexist incidents at matches have doubled from the start of the season to the end of February compared with the previous campaign.Beyond statistics, the exhibition explores structural barriers: stadium designs that prioritize male comfort, safety concerns on public transport, and societal expectations that push women out of the stands after marriage or motherhood. As Pope explains, “football is sexist, what do you expect?” – a reality the exhibit seeks to expose and challenge.Visitors can experience mixed‑media installations that blend personal anecdotes with broader themes of loss, renewal, and the collective euphoria of a match. One soundscape, for example, transforms complaints of cold, mud, and hunger into the roar of a crowd as the game begins, illustrating how football has resonated with women for generations.The exhibition runs until the end of the season and is also available online for a wider audience.

In a fresh University of Massachusetts and YouGov poll of 1,000 U.S. adults conducted in early April, country‑music legend Dolly Parton emerged as the most favorably viewed global figure, securing a 70% favorable rating and only 5% unfavorable, translating to a net favorability of +65%. Former President Barack Obama ranked second with a net favorability of +14% (50% favorable, 36% unfavorable). Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy followed closely, posting a net favorability of +12% after 35% of respondents expressed a favorable view and 22% an unfavorable one. Other political figures fared poorly: former President George W. Bush earned a modest +5% net score, while Donald Trump and Joe Biden registered negative net favorabilities of ‑18% and ‑19% respectively. Pop star Taylor Swift managed a modest +3% net rating, and Russian President Vladimir Putin landed at the opposite extreme with a stark ‑65% net favorability. Parton’s dominance is notable not only for the size of the margin—over 50 percentage points ahead of her nearest rivals—but also because she is the only figure, aside from Obama, for whom a majority of respondents expressed a favorable opinion. Analysts attribute Parton’s success to her deliberately apolitical public persona and extensive charitable work. In a 2017 interview, she emphasized, “Everybody knows I don’t play politics,” a stance that has helped her maintain a broad bipartisan fan base. Her philanthropic impact is substantial. The Dollywood Foundation’s Imagination Library has donated more than 270 million books to children under five across the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Ireland, and Australia. Additional contributions include a $1 million gift to Vanderbilt University Medical Center that supported the development of the Moderna COVID‑19 vaccine, over $12 million to families displaced by the 2016 Tennessee wildfires, and ongoing funding for pediatric infectious‑disease research. Parton’s charitable achievements were recognized with the Carnegie Medal of Philanthropy in 2022**, and she was highlighted by Time as one of the most influential philanthropists of 2025. The poll’s findings suggest a public appetite for figures who embody generosity and cultural resonance without entanglement in partisan politics, underscoring a broader trend of voters gravitating toward non‑political icons in an era of heightened polarization.

The US naval blockade of Iranian ports in the Gulf has taken effect, marking a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict between the US-Israeli coalition and Iran. The blockade, which began on Monday at 5:30 pm Iranian time, applies to any ships entering or departing Iranian ports or coastal areas.US Central Command (Centcom) did not make a formal announcement, but the move is seen as a test of economic endurance for both nations. The blockade aims to restrict Iran's oil exports and imports, potentially costing the country approximately $276 million a day in lost exports and disrupting $159 million a day in imports, according to Miad Maleki, a former US treasury official.Iran has warned that the blockade will lead to higher petrol prices, which could impact ordinary Americans. The country's parliamentary speaker, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, taunted the US, saying Americans would soon be nostalgic for $4-$5 gas. The current average petrol price in the US is $4.13 a gallon, up from $2.98 before the conflict began.The conflict has also drawn in other nations, with France planning to organize a conference to create a multinational mission to restore navigation in the Strait of Hormuz. However, Germany, Spain, Italy, Poland, and Greece have ruled out sending naval forces to support the blockade. The UK has also stated that it does not support the blockade and will not be drawn into the war.The situation remains volatile, with Iran threatening to retaliate if its ports are threatened, and the US warning that any Iranian attack boats approaching the US flotilla will be "immediately eliminated". The conflict has also sparked a war of words between US President Donald Trump and Pope Leo XIV, with the pope condemning the use of religious language to justify the war in Iran.

Moya Brennan, the celebrated voice behind Irish folk ensemble Clannad, passed away at the age of 73 in her native County Donegal, surrounded by family. The 73‑year‑old had been living with pulmonary fibrosis and was awaiting a possible double‑lung transplant when she died peacefully. Born 4 August 1952 in Dublin as Máire Philomena Ní Bhraonáin, she grew up in a large musical family that performed in their local pub. She later honed her craft at the Royal Irish Academy of Music before co‑founding Clannad in 1970 with her brothers and two uncles. Clann2’s early breakthrough came at the Slógadh Youth Festival, where a prize‑winning performance secured a Polydor contract—though the band members were too young to sign. Their commitment to singing in the Irish language set them apart; as Brennan recalled in 2022, they felt they were “letting the language down” but fell in love with its melodies. The group’s commercial breakthrough arrived in 1983 with the album Magical Ring and its hit single “Theme from Harry’s Game.”strong> The track reached No. 5 on the UK Top 40, earned Clannad a historic appearance on Top of the Pops as the first act to perform in Irish, and paved the way for a BAFTA‑winning score for the ITV series Robin of Sherwood. Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, Brennan earned the moniker “first lady of Celtic music,” garnering praise from peers such as Bono of U2 and contributing vocals to major film soundtracks including Titanic and King Arthur. Her sister Eithne, later known as Enya, also emerged from Clannad before launching a wildly successful solo career. Beyond her musical achievements, Brennan’s personal journey was marked by hardship. She publicly discussed a 1972 abortion in England, subsequent substance use, an 18‑month marriage to fellow musician Pat Farrell, a miscarriage in 1987, and a brief relationship with U2’s Adam Clayton. A deepening Christian faith after the miscarriage helped her overcome addiction, and she later married photographer Tim Jarvis in 1990, a partnership she credited with ending her drug use. Her solo discography began with the critically acclaimed album Máire in 1992 and continued through 2024’s Voices & Harps IV with Cormac de Barra. Brennan also devoted considerable energy to philanthropy, working with Christian Blind Mission Ireland on projects across the Democratic Republic of Congo, Rwanda, Brazil, and Tanzania, and supporting programs for those battling drug and alcohol dependency. In 2002 she officially adopted the stage name Moya Brennan, formalising the change by deed poll in 2009. Over the years she collaborated with a diverse roster of artists, from Shane MacGowan and Robert Plant to Bruce Hornsb​y, the Doobie Brothers, and Ronan Keating. Brennan is survived by her husband Tim Jarvis and their two children. In a 2022 interview she attributed her resilience in the face of her lung disease to her Christian faith, stating, “I know God is with me… that’s where my strength comes from.”

The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame has revealed its list of 2026 inductees, showcasing a diverse range of artists who have made significant contributions to the music industry. Phil Collins, known for hits like 'In the Air Tonight' and 'One More Night', will be inducted, despite already being part of the hall as a member of Genesis. Collins has earned eight Grammys, including album of the year in 1985 for 'No Jacket Required'.Oasis, the iconic Britpop band, will also be inducted, marking a significant recognition of their impact on the music scene. Sade, the soul-jazz vocalist, is another notable inductee, known for songs like 'Smooth Operator' and 'The Sweetest Taboo'. This will be her second nomination, following her first in 2024.The Wu-Tang Clan will be recognized as rap innovators, having released their game-changing debut album 'Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers)' in 1993. Other inductees include Iron Maiden, who helped power the new wave of British heavy metal, and Luther Vandross, who sold over 25m albums and inspired artists like Kendrick Lamar and SZA.The induction ceremony will take place on November 14 at the Peacock theater in Los Angeles. In addition to the performer category, the Hall of Fame will also celebrate contributions across three special categories: early influence, musical excellence, and the Ahmet Ertegun non-performer award.This year's early influence category will honor Queen Latifah, Celia Cruz, Fela Kuti, MC Lyte, and Gram Parsons. The musical excellence category will recognize songwriter Linda Creed and producers Arif Mardin, Jimmy Miller, and Rick Rubin. The Ahmet Ertegun non-performer award will go to Ed Sullivan, the legendary host of the eponymous TV show that launched many musical icons of the 1950s and 1960s.

Up early on a remarkable day, the moon still visible in the morning sky, evoking a sense of wonder with the knowledge of four humans having traveled further from Earth than anyone in history. The author seeks Easter tranquility by the sea in the Ventnor Undercliff, Isle of Wight, where on a clear day, France seems within sight.Sitting on the terrace, taking in the view, the author notices a fast, lithe, slender movement. A wall lizard, camouflaged against the olive tree bark, is basking in the warmest day of the year. Its coloring features olive, muted grey, brown, and yellow flank stripes.The origin of the well-established wall lizard population in the area is disputed, with theories including shipwreck survivors, wild animals at the northernmost end of their range, or introduced by collectors in the late 19th century. A genetic study suggests their origins are in Italy, in the middle of their European range.The Undercliff's microclimate suits the lizards' lifestyle, with south-facing terraces, scrubby plants, and handy crevices. The lizard's bold behavior leads it to dash straight towards the author, stopping inches away, seemingly unafraid and possibly indignant. After a moment, it scampers past without acknowledgment, and both the lizard and the author continue their day.

The UK's National Energy System Operator (Neso) is set to launch a new initiative urging households to boost their consumption of renewable energy during periods of high production. This move aims to balance the power grid and reduce energy bills, which are expected to rise to almost £2,000 a year from July. Under the plan, households may be encouraged to run appliances like dishwashers and washing machines, or charge electric vehicles, during times when there is a surplus of wind and solar power. Energy suppliers may offer discounted or free electricity during these periods. The goal is to avoid making costly payments to turn off wind and solar farms when demand is low, which ultimately affects energy bills. This approach could prove popular as households face rising energy costs. Great Britain has recently set records for solar power and is expected to have a summer where the grid could run entirely on zero-carbon electricity. The country is also anticipated to be a net importer of electricity from continental Europe. The abundance of low-carbon electricity supplies poses a risk of grid overload on breezy summer weekends, potentially leading to unplanned blackouts. However, future grid upgrades and increased power consumption by electric vehicles and green technologies are expected to mitigate this issue. Businesses and manufacturers will also be able to increase their electricity demand during certain times in exchange for better rates. Additionally, the UK is expected to have sufficient gas supplies to meet its needs this summer, primarily relying on North Sea gas from Norway and the UK.

The Philippines has made a grave accusation against China, claiming that Chinese boats were found with cyanide near the disputed Second Thomas Shoal in the South China Sea. Laboratory tests confirmed the presence of the toxic substance in bottles seized by the Philippine navy last year. Security officials warned that the cyanide could have severe consequences for marine life and potentially weaken the reef that supports a warship Manila grounded on the atoll to reinforce its maritime claim. The use of cyanide is seen as a form of sabotage aimed at killing local fish populations and depriving navy personnel of a vital food source. Cornelio Valencia, spokesperson for the National Security Council, emphasized that the cyanide could damage the reef and compromise the stability of the warship. In response, China's Foreign Ministry dismissed the Philippines' assertions as a 'stunt,' accusing Manila of illegally harassing Chinese fishing boats and staging the incident. The incident is part of a broader maritime dispute between China and the Philippines, with China claiming nearly all of the South China Sea, including areas claimed by other nations. The dispute has led to several confrontations, including a violent incident on June 17, 2024, where a Filipino sailor lost a finger. The Philippines also accused Chinese coastguard ships of firing water cannons at Filipino fishermen in December 2025, injuring three people and damaging two fishing vessels. Despite these tensions, China and the Philippines held high-level talks last month to explore preliminary steps towards oil and gas cooperation and confidence-building measures at sea. However, the Philippine Foreign Ministry noted that the scope of coastguard cooperation would be limited and did not include joint patrols. The South China Sea is a critical waterway, with over $3 trillion in annual ship-borne commerce traveling through it. A 2016 ruling by an international arbitral tribunal found China's sweeping claims had no basis under international law, a decision China rejects.

In a forceful statement released on Monday, a panel of 13 United Nations experts demanded that Israel halt all attacks on displaced Palestinians sheltering in Gaza and cease the accelerating forced‑displacement campaign in the occupied West Bank. Israeli air strikes in March set fire to tents housing Gaza’s internally displaced people, causing numerous fatalities, the experts noted, describing the tactic as part of a broader strategy to make life untenable for Palestinians. “This cycle of displacement, terror, and targeted attacks serves an ultimate purpose: to make life unbearable for Palestinians and permanently force them from their land,” the panel declared, underscoring the systematic nature of the violence. The experts warned that the targeting of makeshift shelters violates international humanitarian law and amounts to a grave breach, given that the majority of Gaza’s population has already endured multiple forced transfers. Beyond the immediate danger of bombardment, civilians living in tents face severe health threats—including hunger, exposure to freezing temperatures, flooding, and a lack of basic services. Women and children, the panel stressed, bear a disproportionate share of deprivation. Turning to the West Bank, the panel condemned what it described as a “sharp escalation in forced displacement” driven by the Israeli army and “state‑backed settler terrorism.” Daily attacks have resulted in killings, injuries, and the widespread destruction of homes, farmland, and livelihoods. According to a 2025 report from the UN Human Rights Office, more than 36,000 Palestinians have been forcibly displaced amid the expansion of illegal settlements, a figure the experts say illustrates a broader policy of ethnic cleansing across the occupied Palestinian territory. The panel urged Israel to end all forced‑displacement activities in the West Bank and to facilitate the safe return of those uprooted. It also called on the international community to uphold its legal obligations, launch independent investigations, and refrain from providing assistance that could enable the continuation of the occupation. The 13‑member panel includes UN special rapporteurs such as Francesca Albanese (occupied Palestinian territory), Paula Gaviria Betancur (rights of internally displaced persons), Michael Fakhri (right to food), and Reem Alsalem (violence against women and girls).