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In the Dutch town of Veldhoven, social‑housing operator Woonstichting ’thuis has installed the first of its “rain fences” – garden fences that double as rain‑water storage units.Homeowners Theo and Willy Bolder report that the fence’s linked plastic blocks can retain up to 2,160 litres of water, lowering the load on municipal drains during intense rainstorms and supplying the garden when summer droughts hit."The rain is getting heavier and heavier nowadays, and if you have a cloudburst the drainage isn’t good and it comes up through the toilet," Willy explained, highlighting the growing problem of surface runoff in a country where average temperatures have risen by 1 °C since 2000 and cities are about 5 °C warmer than surrounding rural areas (KNMI data).Recent climate events underscore the urgency: the 2021 Limburg floods saw more than 15 cm of rain fall in 48 hours, causing the River Geul to burst its banks, while the historic 1953 North Sea flood claimed at least 1,800 lives and spurred the iconic Delta Works.Deputy mayor Rik Thijs of nearby Eindhoven stresses that traditional sewage capacity cannot keep pace with these extremes. "We need to capture as much as possible on the surface," he said, pointing to complementary measures such as resurfacing the old Gender river, creating wadi pools, and installing green roofs.The rain‑fence concept was developed by Harry den Hartigh of SunnyRain Solutions, whose personal connection to the 1953 disaster in Zeeland inspired a design that merges functionality with aesthetics: a fence that stores water while enhancing the garden’s look.Academic Jannes Willems, an urban‑planning professor at the University of Amsterdam, notes that simple, scalable solutions like rain‑water harvesting can offset the Netherlands’ “water‑shortage” concerns during hot summers, especially as the national water system was originally built to discharge water as quickly as possible.For property managers, the benefits extend beyond environmental stewardship. Matthijs Hulsbosch, sustainability manager at Woonstichting ’thuis, says the fences help protect the complex’s 11,000 homes from water‑related damage, potentially saving significant repair costs and reducing tenant inconvenience.Neighbourhood manager David Hearn adds that the pilot also improves community relations, turning a simple fence into a shared asset that residents are eager to adopt.

In a stark address delivered as the cease‑fire in the Iran conflict teetered, IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva warned that the war will leave a permanent scar on the global economy, slowing growth beyond the IMF’s original projections for 2026. Georgieva noted that, had the hostilities not erupted six weeks ago, the Fund would have been poised to raise its 2026 growth outlook. Instead, even the most optimistic scenario now entails a downgrade, and a swift return to pre‑war conditions appears unlikely. The uncertainty surrounding the cease‑fire—exacerbated by divergent positions of Washington and Tehran—has already pushed oil prices higher, reflecting fears of continued disruptions to shipments through the Strait of Hormuz, a vital conduit for world energy supplies. According to the IMF’s upcoming World Economic Outlook, the conflict’s “scarring effects” will translate into lower living standards worldwide. The Fund had previously forecast global growth of 3.1% in 2026, a modest slowdown from 3.2% in 2025, buoyed by a tech‑driven investment surge. Georgieva emphasized that the war arrived when the economy was riding “considerable momentum” from technology investment and supportive financial markets. She outlined the mechanisms of damage: damaged infrastructure, supply‑chain interruptions, eroded confidence, and prolonged uncertainty over oil and gas production in the region. These factors will depress growth regardless of whether a peace agreement is ultimately reached. Georgieva highlighted that the most vulnerable will be net oil‑importing nations, poorer economies and small island states, which stand to feel the brunt of higher energy costs and reduced trade flows. She urged governments to avoid unilateral measures such as export bans or price controls, warning that such actions could "pour gasoline on the fire" and further destabilise markets. With many countries already carrying elevated debt levels and higher borrowing costs, the IMF chief called for targeted, temporary assistance to protect the most at‑risk households. She cautioned against broad tax cuts or blanket energy subsidies, which could stoke inflation and strain fragile public finances. Central banks, she added, should keep policy rates steady while remaining ready to act against inflationary pressures. Bank of England Governor Andrew Bailey, who also chairs the Financial Stability Board, echoed the IMF’s concerns, describing the conflict as a "very big shock" that has heightened market volatility. He stressed that the situation remains fluid and that policymakers must stay vigilant. Overall, the IMF’s message is clear: the Iran war will reshape the global growth trajectory for the foreseeable future, and coordinated, prudent policy responses are essential to mitigate its lasting impact.

The two‑child benefit cap, introduced in 2015 by Chancellor George Osborne as a fairness measure, has been widely criticised for penalising families rather than influencing birth rates. Eleven years on, evidence shows the policy did not reduce family size but instead increased hardship for the poorest households.Research estimates that the cap pushed 350,000 children into poverty and drove another 700,000 deeper into deprivation. The impact fell disproportionately on the most vulnerable universal‑credit claimants, with a notable over‑representation of Muslim and Jewish families. Affected children missed out on school uniforms, extracurricular activities, and even regular meals.On Monday, the government announced the cap’s removal – a move that analysts say could deliver the most significant reduction in child poverty seen in a single parliamentary term. Modelling suggests that by 2030 450,000 children could be lifted out of poverty, while roughly 480,000 families may see an annual boost of £4,100. Parents anticipate being able to avoid food banks, afford hot school meals, and prevent bullying linked to clothing.The reversal was not inevitable. Persistent campaigning by think‑tanks, charities, and a handful of rebellious Labour MPs – some of whom faced suspension for defying party whips – forced the issue onto the political agenda. Nevertheless, the editorial notes that an estimated four million children will remain in poverty without further systemic reforms, such as raising Universal Credit rates and increasing local housing allowances.Public opinion remains divided: a recent YouGov poll found that six in ten Britons previously supported keeping the cap, though support for removal rose when the policy was framed as giving every child a good start. The editorial warns that other parties, including Reform UK, have pledged to reinstate the limit, underscoring the need for Labour to consolidate this victory and push for broader anti‑poverty measures.

Matthew Macfadyen headlines the new Sky Atlantic series ‘The Miniature Wife’, playing scientist Les Littlejohn, a brilliant but ethically dubious researcher who accidentally shrinks his wife Lindy (Elizabeth Banks) to six inches tall. The premise promises a darkly comic exploration of marital power dynamics and modern misogyny. However, the show quickly abandons this fertile ground. Showrunners Jennifer Ames and Steve Turner opt for a frenetic, screwball tone that feels forced, leaving the underlying commentary underdeveloped. The central conceit – a miniature wife trapped in a dollhouse – is treated more as a visual gag than a vehicle for satire. The series is littered with side plots that never coalesce. A subplot about a misattributed short story attempts to touch on authorship and truth in the digital age, yet it remains a superficial gesture. Likewise, the ensemble cast—including Zoe Lister‑Jones as a lab overseer, O‑T Fagbenle as a lovelorn colleague, and Sian Clifford as Lindy’s agent—offers colorful moments but fails to achieve narrative momentum. Visually, the production delivers inventive set pieces: Lindy’s daring escapes from towering household objects and explosive laboratory experiments provide occasional laughs. Nevertheless, the novelty wears thin before the series’ nearly ten‑hour runtime concludes. The original short story by Manuel Gonzales required far more expansion than the show supplies, resulting in a stretched‑out narrative that would have benefited from a tighter format. In short, while Macfadyen’s performance is competent, it is largely wasted in a series that promises depth but delivers only scattered comedy. ‘The Miniature Wife’ may satisfy viewers seeking light‑hearted antics, but it falls short of the incisive satire its premise suggests. The series is available on Sky Atlantic, streaming on Now in the UK and on Stan in Australia.

The planet is in the grip of an unprecedented climate emergency. The past three years rank as the hottest on record, emissions remain at historic highs and the world is edging ever closer to the critical 1.5°C threshold that scientists warned must not be crossed. In response, a trio of creators – actor Megan Prescott, filmmaker Bree Essrig and self‑described “climate narrative strategist” Jessica Riches – have launched Headline Newds, a series of bite‑size videos released through the non‑profit arm of Adam McKay’s Yellow Dot Studios. The series pairs climate data with the visual style of OnlyFans models, aiming to capture attention where traditional messaging has struggled. The concept echoes McKay’s own gamble with The Big Short (2015), where he hired Margot Robbie to explain complex mortgage‑backed securities while bathing. By swapping finance for climate, the creators hope to avoid the “long, boring explanation” that often alienates viewers. The debut episode, titled The Sun is Daddy, features Prescott gradually disrobing while arguing that solar power could satisfy global energy demand using less land than the fossil‑fuel sector. She frames the argument with the line “Daddy is a giver,” blending sensuality with a factual claim. Provocation is intentional. The Yellow Dot website admits the clips are likely to be taken down on Instagram and YouTube for breaching content policies, but they will remain accessible on OnlyFans, a platform perceived as more tolerant of adult‑oriented material. That platform may also be where the series makes its biggest splash. While mainstream users might approach the videos with a pre‑formed understanding, OnlyFans subscribers are less likely to expect in‑depth climate analysis, potentially making the stark facts about “impending global collapse” more memorable. Only the first episode is currently live, and critics note that the solar‑energy message is already widely accepted, questioning whether the series is reaching beyond basic awareness. Future installments promise sharper focus. An upcoming episode, Spank Banks, will see dominatrix Eva Oh name the banks that profit most from fossil‑fuel projects while delivering a literal spanking. Another short clip features model Sabrina Jade outlining the oil industry’s tactics to downplay its environmental impact, all within a two‑minute runtime that includes more “pelvic grinding” than typical educational content. Whether Headline Newds proves a catalyst for change remains uncertain. It has already generated the media buzz it sought, but its capacity to translate provocation into concrete climate action will likely be judged by any follow‑up series and measurable shifts in audience behaviour. Headline Newds can be watched on YouTube, Instagram and OnlyFans.

As the deadline set by US President Donald Trump for Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz approaches, Iranians are bracing for a potential catastrophe. With over 90 million people facing uncertainty, daily life in Iran could drastically change by Wednesday.Trump has issued ominous warnings, stating that if Iran does not comply, its electricity, bridges, and other critical infrastructure will be targeted, despite this violating international law. Such actions could lead to the destruction of a whole civilisation, as Trump previously mentioned.In the hours leading up to the 8pm US Eastern Time (23:00 GMT) deadline, residents of Tehran express their fears. A Tehran resident noted, “We all know he’s crazy enough to do it. He doesn’t care as long as he believes it serves his interest.” This sentiment reflects the anxiety gripping the nation as the threat of an attack looms.Preparations for potential blackouts and shortages are underway. Iranians are charging phones and power banks, using household appliances, and stocking up on essentials like bread, flour, and bottled water. The price of bottled water has surged due to chronic inflation and the ongoing conflict.The impact on vulnerable populations, including the sick and disabled, could be severe. Long-lasting power cuts would hinder access to essential medicines and medical equipment, exacerbating the crisis.Market prices for electrical devices and generators have skyrocketed, with many struggling to afford these necessities. A resident from the northern province of Gilan shared that he purchased a generator to power essential items, spending nearly all his earnings.Despite the threats, there is some optimism about Iran’s decentralised power distribution system potentially mitigating damage. The Ministry of Energy assured the public that they are prepared for worst-case scenarios and urged calm.The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) announced readiness to expand its target list and attack critical infrastructure in neighbouring countries if the threatened attacks proceed. Iranian politicians, including former President Hassan Rouhani, have condemned Trump’s statements, highlighting Iran’s resilience and cultural heritage.As the situation unfolds, protests and demonstrations are taking place across the country. State-backed motorcades are roaming the streets of Tehran, playing revolutionary songs, while armed checkpoints maintain control over highways and public spaces.

A recent investigation by The Sentry has uncovered that Libyan businessman Ahmed Gadalla facilitated hundreds of millions of dollars in loans to support Khalifa Haftar's failed 2019-2020 assault on Tripoli. The report alleges that Gadalla, a key enabler for Haftar family members, secured $300m in loans from a minor bank based in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates (UAE), ahead of the offensive. The months-long campaign by forces loyal to Haftar to seize the Libyan capital from the United Nations-recognised government resulted in hundreds of deaths and displaced hundreds of thousands of people. The cost of the campaign was significant, with an estimated $700 million effort mobilised upfront. The investigation suggests that the money likely helped finance operations, including payments to Russia's mercenary Wagner Group, which supported Haftar's offensive. After Haftar's offensive collapsed, the loans remained largely unpaid, leaving the Libyan public to bear the financial burden. Gadalla has faced no accountability, and the report warns that he has since expanded his influence across eastern Libya's financial system, exerting control over key banks and facilitating large-scale letter-of-credit fraud and laundering illicit profits. The Sentry's report also links Gadalla to efforts to procure and transfer military equipment to Sudan, in violation of a UN arms embargo. The group has called on Western governments to impose targeted sanctions on Gadalla and his network, warning that without concerted international action, Libya faces the continued erosion of its economic foundations.

James Gunn's early feature film Slither, initially released in 2006, is being re-released in cinemas ahead of its 20th anniversary. The film, a comedy horror with a heavy focus on body horror, was Gunn's first feature-length project. At the time, it was met with commercial disappointment but has since garnered attention due to Gunn's subsequent success with major franchises such as Guardians of the Galaxy and Superman.The film's plot revolves around an alien lifeform that crash-lands on Earth and takes over a small town in South Carolina. The alien larvae, resembling flaccid phallic worms, infect the townspeople through various orifices, turning them into evil minions or hideously swollen incubators. The movie features Michael Rooker, Elizabeth Banks, and Nathan Fillion in key roles.Despite its thinly conceived science fiction elements and reliance on rubbery practical effects and lame jokes, which align more closely with the style of Troma, a production company where Gunn got his start, the film does showcase Gunn's early experimentation with comic timing and musical cues. A notable scene features a killing spree set to Air Supply's 'Every Woman in the World', a technique Gunn would later refine in his Guardians of the Galaxy films.The cast, including Michael Rooker and Elizabeth Banks, appears to be enjoying the film's humor, bringing some bright spots of wit and amusement to the movie. Slither is set to re-release in UK cinemas on April 10 and will be available on digital platforms from May 1.

When Elle Middlemas turned 18, she began wondering whether she owned a Child Trust Fund (CTF) – a government‑backed savings account created for children born between 1 September 2002 and 2 January 2011. Her search hit a dead end; she could not confirm if she was entitled to any money and an email to HMRC yielded no response.Middlemas, a Whitby college student, explained that the loss of her mother at age 11 left her with little guidance. “My sister is 21 and spent three years looking for a fund and found nothing, so we assumed we didn’t have one,” she said, expressing the frustration felt by many of her peers.She and her sister are part of an estimated 758,000 people aged 18‑23 who have unclaimed CTFs. Collectively, these dormant accounts hold roughly £1.5 bn, a substantial sum that disproportionately belongs to low‑income families who are often unaware of its existence.Advocates are now pressing the government to automatically release CTFs when holders reach 21 years of age. Experts estimate that such a policy could inject up to £286 m directly into the pockets of young people who need it most.Middlemas finally learned of her entitlement after a conversation with a friend’s parent six months after her birthday. She discovered the Share Foundation, a charity that helps reconnect youths with their funds, and located a NatWest account bearing her name.“I had £700 sitting in my bank and thought, ‘What is going on?’ My sister also had one but never knew how to access it,” she recalled. The sisters plan to use the money to support university expenses and repay debts, underscoring the tangible impact of the scheme.The CTF programme was launched by the Labour government in 2005 to encourage parental savings. Every child received a £250 government contribution, with an additional £250 for those from low‑income families or in local authority care. Parents could add up to £9,000 per year, and any investment gains accrued until the child turned 18.If a parent failed to open an account within 12 months of birth, HMRC would create one on the child’s behalf. Today, the average value of a CTF stands at about £2,200.More than two‑thirds of the six million original recipients are now over 18 and eligible to claim their funds, with HMRC‑allocated accounts representing 28 % of all CTFs.Geographically, the North‑East of England has the highest concentration of HMRC‑allocated accounts, totalling £48 m. Across the UK, youths from the most disadvantaged 15 % of families hold accounts averaging £2,900 in value.Gavin Oldham, chief executive of the Share Foundation, warned that the scheme is hampered by poor communication, limited financial education, and “policy neglect”. He indicated the charity is considering a judicial review to compel the government to release the unclaimed assets.Oldham noted that the charity has already linked “well over 100,000 accounts to young adults”, yet the “sheer quantum of these unclaimed accounts remains a major problem”.“It is strange to find a government which expresses concern over youth poverty while doing so little to deliver on a groundbreaking scheme,” Oldham added.The charity’s proposal to release HMRC‑allocated funds automatically at 21 would free roughly £500 m, including £350 mOldham cautioned that a legal challenge, while potentially successful, could delay payouts for years, leaving vulnerable youths “denied their birthright for far too long”.Beyond immediate release, the Share Foundation is urging the creation of a new, targeted scheme for low‑income youths that embeds a financial‑awareness component, allowing participants to top up their funds through education‑linked incentives.Labour MP Laura Kyrke‑Smith echoed these concerns, describing the CTF system as “confusing and opaque” and calling for proactive tracing of account holders and clearer public information.HMRC responded that it is “directly sending every eligible young person information to help them find their child trust fund”, while also raising awareness via social media, broadcast interviews, and an online tracing tool. The agency added that banks, building societies, and investment firms managing the funds share responsibility for communicating with account holders.