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Five Guys' chief executive officer, Jerry Murrell, revealed that he gave a $1.5m bonus to employees of his US-based burger restaurant chain to make up for the chaos caused by a recent promotion. The buy-one-get-one-free offer, which was intended to celebrate the company's 40th anniversary, proved to be much more popular than expected, causing the chain's app to crash and many locations to become overwhelmed.Murrell stated that he gave the bonus because "I didn't want anybody shooting me in the back or anything … because we really screwed it up." The comment was made in an interview with Fortune, where he also joked that he preferred the employees receiving the bonus over his wife getting "a new fur coat."The promotion, which was launched in February, was initially met with intense criticism on social media, prompting Five Guys to apologize and restart the offer for four days. Murrell attributed the chaos to the company's underestimation of the promotion's popularity, stating that "we had no idea that we were going to get that kind of response."Five Guys currently operates 1,900 locations and employs 30,000 people in 28 countries worldwide. The company's CEO since its founding in 1986, Murrell has taken steps to address the backlash and improve customer satisfaction.

When Hurricane Beryl devastated Union Island in St Vincent and the Grenadines in July 2024, 61-year-old Tedica Alexander found refuge at the Ashton community center, which her grandchildren called 'Final Destination.' As the storm intensified, the shelter quickly filled to capacity with 47 children and 147 adults, including three people using wheelchairs, while windows shattered and floodwaters rose above ankle height. Alexander's experience mirrors a broader pattern revealed across the Caribbean: women often take on caretaker roles during natural disasters, yet studies show this responsibility can make their experiences more difficult. UN Women reported in 2022 that pre-existing social and cultural demands on women as primary caregivers increase their vulnerability during disasters, with gendered roles making women and girls more likely to be killed in such events. While emergency shelters provide critical protection from storms, they often fail to address gender-based violence risks. A 2021 systematic review published in BMJ Global Health found that post-disaster environments frequently heighten risks for women and girls, with inadequate shelter infrastructure—such as lack of doors, walls, and locks—contributing to increased violence in Haiti, Japan, and Nepal. The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies has been working to address these challenges, according to Loyce Pace, the organization's Americas regional director. The federation publishes manuals providing guidance to agencies working during natural disasters, focusing on ensuring governments understand their roles in emergencies and have access to necessary resources. Despite these efforts, significant challenges remain. In the Bahamas, emergency shelter capacity accommodates only 3% of the population, according to Aarone Sargent, managing director of the Disaster Risk Management Authority. During Hurricane Melissa in 2025, approximately 1,800 people from the southern islands were evacuated to New Providence and accommodated in six or seven shelters. The recovery phase presents particular difficulties for women. As Pace notes, while immediate response has improved attention to vulnerable populations, the recovery period often proves more challenging, especially for single women seeking loans or rebuilding businesses. Alexander, whose home and livelihood were destroyed in Hurricane Beryl, continues to live without electricity or water, struggling to regain stability months after the disaster. As the Caribbean region faces increasingly frequent and intense storms, experts emphasize the need for gender-responsive disaster planning and adequate shelter infrastructure that addresses the specific vulnerabilities women and girls face before, during, and after natural disasters.

Gianna, a 23-year-old Camden-based artist, has released her debut EP 'Behind the Wings', which blends polished boho-pop with elements of trip-hop and Balkan folk. Her music is reminiscent of early 2000s Nelly Furtado and All Saints. Gianna's songs are bright and effervescent, making a strong case for the revival of coffee-shop pop.Other notable new tracks include:Nia Archives – Danger: A UK junglist's return with a catchy playground chant acronym and swerving beats.deBasement – Aftermarket Bass (ft Nikki Nair): Fuzzed-out dancefloor bass and commanding icy vocals.Downtown Boys – No Me Jodas: Rhode Island punks return with an expanded sound, blending spit-and-sawdust squall with doom.Brennan Wedl and Waxahatchee – Six O’Clock News: A beautiful essay on outlaw love, combining Lucinda Williams and Sheryl Crow styles.Empress Of – Dream House: Sweet, shuffling R&B; offering to her family, whose home burned down in the Altadena fires.Lee “Scratch” Perry and Mouse on Mars – Rockcurry: Lee “Scratch” Perry's final sessions with a German electronic duo, producing synth-winking music.Khun Narin Electric Phin Band – Poet Wong Pt 1 (เปิดวง ตอน 1): Serene, intricate, psychedelic, and pulverising music from a marching band in northern Thailand.Subscribe to the Guardian's rolling Add to Playlist selections on Spotify or transfer it to Apple, Tidal, or other services.

The introduction of a commemorative gold coin featuring Donald Trump's image has sparked controversy, with many questioning the decision to put his face on a US coin. The coin, worth $1, depicts Trump sitting at the Resolute Desk in the Oval Office, a classic pose designed to make him appear intimidating. The Commission of Fine Arts recommended that the coin be 'as large as possible', which has raised eyebrows among critics. The article's author, Dave Schilling, argues that this decision is a reflection of Trump's ego and desire for attention. Schilling suggests that the coin's design could have been more creative and meaningful, paying tribute to Trump's legacy in a more nuanced way. American coins typically feature the faces of prominent individuals, such as Lincoln and Franklin Roosevelt. However, the reverse side of the coin often features symbols of American history and culture, such as the Liberty Bell or a buffalo. Schilling argues that the Trump coin's design could have followed this tradition, rather than featuring a generic bald eagle on the reverse side. Schilling proposes alternative designs that could have been used for the coin, such as: The Trump Tower in Manhattan, which was a seminal purchase for Trump and cemented his reputation as a shrewd businessman. The Central Park Five advertisement, which Trump took out in four separate New York City newspapers, although this would have been a more contentious choice. The Apprentice, Trump's popular NBC reality show that helped him become a household name. Ultimately, Schilling suggests that the defining image of Trump's presidency should be the bank statement of the average American citizen, reflecting the economic challenges faced by many during his term in office, including stagnant job growth, rising inflation, and high energy costs.

Ali Ahmed experienced goose bumps watching Canada walk out at the last World Cup, a surreal moment for the winger who had never witnessed his nation compete on football's biggest stage. This time around, he'll not only be at home but at the heart of the action in two cities that hold special significance for him.Jesse Marsch's Canadian side faces Qatar and Switzerland in Vancouver after an opener against a potential European playoff winner in Toronto. An encounter with Italy in Ahmed's hometown would carry particular weight, given the city's substantial Italian population and his parents' Ethiopian heritage with their love for Italian football. Football has been ingrained in his family since childhood, a passion that has guided his remarkable journey.On the outskirts of Toronto, a teenage Ahmed used to sneak onto Toronto FC's training pitches before dawn for kickabouts with friends. His persistence and determination eventually led him to professional football, though not through the conventional path. At 17, he turned down a Toronto FC academy spot to pursue opportunities in Portugal, Spain, and the Netherlands, facing numerous challenges along the way.Now at Norwich City since January, the 25-year-old has established himself as a key player on the left wing, contributing significantly to the team's improved form in the Championship. Ahmed started all seven Norwich matches during Ramadan, waking before 4am for Suhoor, the pre-dawn meal. His experience fasting during a crucial period of the English season has been a learning curve, though he's noted the exceptional support he's received in England.Ahmed candidly discusses his upbringing in Toronto's Lawrence Heights neighborhood, an area experiencing significant gun violence. Despite the challenges, he describes a close-knit community where people supported each other. Football provided an escape route, leading him to opportunities he never anticipated.His career has seen remarkable highs, including playing against Lionel Messi's Argentina at the Copa América and scoring in the MLS Cup final defeat to Inter Miami. After being knocked unconscious during a Canadian Championship match in 2023, Ahmed's determination only grew.As Canada prepares to host the World Cup, Ahmed sets ambitious goals: "I want to win our group. And then from there, into the knockout rounds. It's important to have that belief that we can play with anybody. Why not?" With home advantage in two cities that mean the world to him, Ahmed sees the perfect setup for both himself and the Canadian team.

The UK music industry is facing a significant disparity in executive roles, with black professionals underrepresented in senior positions despite black music generating £24.5bn out of £30bn in revenue over the past 30 years. A recent report by UK Music found that 80% of UK music revenue has been generated by black music, but industry figures are highlighting that black people are still excluded from top executive roles. According to the 2024 UK Music Diversity Report, 22% of the music industry workforce identify as Black, Asian or minority ethnic, compared with 46% of London's population. Eunice Obianagha, head of diversity at UK Music, emphasized the need for investment in genres such as "grime, garage and lovers rock" to support black music innovation. Charisse Beaumont, CEO of Black Lives in Music, noted that racial pay gaps and barriers to career progression are preventing black professionals from gaining executive roles. Industry experts, including Zeon Richards and Jasmine Dotiwala, stress that ensuring black people secure higher industry positions is crucial for driving cultural understanding and nuance. Mykaell Riley, professor of black music at the University of Westminster, argued that black music should be taught in schools to recognize its significant influence on popular music.

Ed Miliband's stock is rising in the Labour Party as he fills a void left by Morgan McSweeney's departure, becoming a key figure in shaping the party's thinking. His influence has grown significantly in recent weeks, with some suggesting he is the real prime minister, calling the shots on key issues. Miliband's popularity among Labour members has increased, with him leapfrogging Angela Rayner as the membership's favourite cabinet minister. This surge in popularity has led to speculation that he could potentially win a leadership contest if one were to happen. The Labour Party's shift to the left, partly due to the Greens' victory in Gorton and Denton, has contributed to Miliband's rise. His reputation as a deep thinker and intellectual heavyweight has become increasingly valuable in a time when the party needs to address complex global challenges. Miliband's background in intellectual pursuits has prepared him for this role. Having cut his teeth in Gordon Brown's court, which was known for its intellectual voraciousness, Miliband has developed a unique ability to think through complex arguments from first principles. The current political landscape, marked by an energy crisis, potential recession, and rising populism, has highlighted the need for big ideas. Miliband's approach, which emphasizes thoughtful consideration and intellectual rigor, is seen as a welcome change from the party's previous focus on small, practical solutions. While Miliband is not infallible, his tendency to think years ahead of his time has been noted by those who have worked with him. His ideas, though not always successful, have the potential to sharpen the party's mental blades for the challenges ahead. In conclusion, Ed Miliband's rise to prominence is a reflection of the Labour Party's need for intellectual heavyweights who can provide big ideas and thoughtful leadership in a rapidly changing world.

US investors are making significant inroads into Indian cricket, with two separate deals worth a combined $3.41 billion being announced on the same day for teams in the Indian Premier League (IPL).The deals involve the acquisition of the Rajasthan Royals for $1.63 billion by a consortium backed by US businessmen Kal Somani and Rob Walton, the former Walmart chairman. Additionally, the reigning champion Royal Challengers Bengaluru was bought for $1.78 billion by another consortium that includes US billionaire David Blitzer’s Bolt Ventures and US asset manager Blackstone.These transactions underscore the increasing allure of India’s national pastime among international investors seeking to tap into the most popular sport in the world’s most populous country. The valuations for the two teams represent a substantial jump from their original 2008 sales, when liquor baron Vijay Mallya bought RCB for $111.6 million, and Rajasthan sold for $67 million.The IPL, which features the sport’s shortest format called Twenty20, has developed into cricket’s hottest property. In 2022, the broadcast rights for the 2023-27 cycle were bought for $6.4 billion by Disney Star and Reliance Viacom18.“It’s mind-boggling numbers,” Indian cricketing great Sourav Ganguly told local reporters. “But great news for Indian cricket and the way forward. I think it’s already as big as the NBA.”Sport teams overall have become a major target of global investments, as businesses try to tap into new markets abroad and spending from their fan bases. Deloitte analysts wrote in an outlook published last month that the industry is “entering an age of expansion” — and that private equity deals across sports leagues have jumped in recent years.

The film The Blue Trail (O Último Azul in Portuguese) has struck a chord with older women in Brazil, who see themselves in the protagonist Tereza, a tenacious woman who refuses to be defined by her age.The movie's themes of ageism and ageing resonate strongly in Brazil, where older women are increasingly prop up the community. The film offers a dark solution to the issue, depicting a dystopian future where senior citizens are banished to a remote housing colony.The film's director and screenwriter, Gabriel Mascaro, was inspired by his grandmother, who took up painting in her 80s after losing her husband. The film has been praised for its portrayal of older women as vibrant and full of life.Gilda Olinto, an 80-year-old woman who was given a prize at work recently, felt as if she was being told “nothing more is expected of you”. She relates to Tereza's story and sees her as a woman who “resists and is hungry for life”.The film's star, Denise Weinberg, puts her casting down to the fact that she is one of the few Brazilian actors her age who hasn’t had any cosmetic procedures. She joked with the director: ‘did you choose me because I have wrinkles?’Brazil is undergoing a rapid demographic shift, with the number of over-60s more than doubling between 2000 and 2023. This demographic is expected to account for a third of the population by 2050, prompting questions as to whether the country is prepared for this new reality.