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The humanitarian situation in Sudan has reached a critical point, with millions of people struggling to access adequate food. A report by a group of nongovernmental organisations (NGOs), including Action Against Hunger, CARE International, and the Norwegian Refugee Council, highlights the dire situation.The conflict, which began in April 2023, has caused widespread hunger and displaced millions of people, creating one of the world's largest humanitarian crises. The report notes that nearly three years of conflict have systematically eroded Sudan's food system, leading to mass hunger.In the two states worst hit by the conflict – North Darfur and South Kordofan – millions of families can only access one meal a day. Often, they miss meals for entire days, and many have resorted to eating leaves and animal feed to survive.The NGOs also report that communal kitchens set up to collectively prepare and share meals are struggling to stretch the scarce food available as resources dwindle. The crisis is being compounded by a worsening economic crisis and climate change.The Sudanese government has denied the existence of famine, while the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) denies responsibility for such conditions in areas under its control. However, the UN has reported widespread atrocities and waves of ethnically charged violence.According to the 2026 Humanitarian Needs and Response Plan, 61.7 percent of Sudan's population – 28.9 million people – is facing acute food shortages. The UN-backed Integrated Food Security Phase Classification has confirmed famine conditions in several areas, including el-Fasher and Kadugli.

Colombian officials have authorized a plan to cull up to 80 hippos descended from animals brought to the country by Pablo Escobar in the 1980s. The feral beasts have displaced native species and threatened local villagers, prompting the government to take action.The environment minister, Irene Vélez, stated that other methods to control the population, such as neutering or relocating the hippos to zoos, have been expensive and unsuccessful. Up to 80 hippos will be affected by the measure, although the exact timeline for the culling has not been specified.Colombia is the only country outside Africa with a wild hippo population, which originated from four individuals imported by Escobar as he built a private zoo in Hacienda Nápoles. A study published by Colombia's National University estimated that around 170 hippos were roaming freely in the country in 2022.The hippos pose a threat to villagers who have encountered them in farms and rivers, and compete with local species such as river manatees for food and space. Despite the environmental challenges, the hippos have become a tourist attraction, with residents offering hippo spotting tours and selling hippo-themed souvenirs.Animal welfare activists have opposed the plan to kill the hippos, arguing they deserve to live and that addressing the problem through violence sets a poor example for a country that has experienced decades of internal conflict. Andrea Padilla, a senator and animal rights activist, described the plan as 'cruel' and accused government officials of trying to take the easy way out.

A 10-metre long humpback whale that became stranded on a sandbar in the Baltic Sea last month has left experts and the German public in a state of distress. The male whale, which has repeatedly stranded and freed itself, is now stranded once more and in the throes of death.The drama has captivated the country, drawing politicians, shamans, and animal rights activists to the scene. Experts have faced death threats and accusations of worsening the whale's plight, with some calling for the far right to take power.The local mayor has admitted: 'We have all been totally out of our depth.' A leading humpback whale expert has even stopped allowing her name to be quoted in the media, citing the danger of talking about humpback whales in Germany.The whale's condition has rapidly declined due to a fishing net caught in its jaw, weakening it and leading to a loss of direction. The Baltic Sea's low salt levels and shallow waters are not suitable for the whale's survival. Wounds and infections have been detected on its body, with experts describing it as 'very sick.'Despite the emotional public outcry and various rescue suggestions, including using cranes, planes, and inflatable pontoons, authorities have declared the whale beyond saving. The environment minister of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, Till Backhaus, has pleaded with the public to leave the animal in peace to die, saying it has been one of the most demanding operations of his 27 years in office.

The Department for Culture, Media and Sport, acting on Historic England’s advice, has awarded Grade II* listed status to a limestone rubble barn on a grassy knoll in the Lake District, joining an elite roster that includes Battersea Power Station and the London Coliseum.Dubbed “Henry’s Castle,” the structure was most recently used as a shelter for livestock, but research suggests it may date back to the 14th century and originally served a high‑status function that remains unknown.Only 5.8% of England’s listed buildings achieve the Grade II* level, indicating they possess “more than special interest.” The barn’s unusual features – a corbelled chimney stack, a stepped garderobe, and a plastered interior showing signs of fire – set it apart from ordinary field barns.Historic England’s listing team leader, Sarah Charlesworth, described the building as “one of those rare structures that raises more questions than it answers,” underscoring its intrigue for scholars and visitors alike.Lake District National Park’s built‑environment adviser, Rose Lord, recalled her 2022 visit, noting that despite layers of animal manure the barn’s architecture hinted at something “very special” – a construction far beyond typical agricultural outbuildings.Four years of meticulous work by archaeologists, architects, and conservation engineers have restored the barn’s most striking element: an oak roof featuring a hand‑finished, chamfered and pegged central truss, a technique associated with high‑quality carpentry of the 14th or 15th centuries.Experts speculate on the barn’s original purpose, ranging from a defensive lookout or hunting lodge to a luxurious summer house. Historic England notes similarities to bastles – fortified farmhouses common along the Anglo‑Scottish border – though the building’s location south of the border makes a strict classification unlikely.Originally converted to domestic use in the 16th or 17th century and later repurposed as a field barn by the 19th century, the structure takes its name from former owner farmer Henry Willison.Lord called the new listing the “cherry on the cake” for the restoration project, highlighting that most buildings of comparable significance have already been recorded in earlier surveys. Interpretation panels and an owl‑nesting box are slated for installation in the coming weeks, adding educational and ecological value to the site.

Recent CDC data reveal a dramatic 1,200% increase in kratom‑related poisonings across the United States over the last ten years, with the most pronounced surge recorded in 2025. Researchers link this rise to the growing presence of 7‑hydroxymitragynine (7‑OH), a synthetically produced compound that mimics kratom’s effects but carries opioid‑like risks. Walter Prozialeck, pharmacology professor at Midwestern University, said the trend was expected, noting that the synthetic alkaloid has entered the market through energy drinks and other products since 2024. Christopher McCurdy of the University of Florida warned that marketing 7‑OH as “enhanced kratom” blurs the line for consumers, turning poison‑control calls into a conflated metric for both natural and synthetic products. By contrast, natural kratom (Mitragyna speciosa)—a Southeast Asian plant used for centuries as a pain reliever—has demonstrated a relatively favorable safety profile in animal and human studies. A 2018 statement from then‑HHS Secretary Brett Giroir rejected the DEA’s push to schedule kratom as a Schedule I substance, citing insufficient evidence of harm. Despite the scientific distinction, several states have moved to implement or propose blanket bans on all kratom products, prompting concern from clinicians and patient advocates. A recent user survey indicated that about 50% of respondents rely on kratom for chronic pain, while roughly 40% use it during addiction recovery. Personal testimonies underscore the plant’s therapeutic role. Jeff Maslan, a 68‑year‑old Californian with severe osteoarthritis, credits kratom with easing opioid withdrawal after multiple surgeries. Similarly, “Steven,” a disabled California resident, describes how kratom eliminated unbearable oxycodone withdrawal symptoms without producing the euphoric “warm fuzzy” feeling typical of opioids. Researchers emphasize that 7‑OH carries genuine opioid hazards, including addiction, severe withdrawal, and respiratory depression that can lead to fatal overdose. In animal models, 7‑OH demonstrated the same respiratory‑depression risk as classic opioids, whereas kratom’s primary alkaloid did not. Prozialeck and colleagues explain that kratom’s pharmacology is more nuanced: it partially activates opioid receptors while also engaging adrenergic and serotonin pathways, resembling a hybrid of a weak opioid and an SNRI‑type antidepressant. This multimodal action likely accounts for its lower euphoric potential and the reported boost in energy among users. Nevertheless, experts caution that kratom is not without risk. Fatal poisonings often involve co‑ingestion of potent opioids such as fentanyl, suggesting that some users may cycle between kratom and stronger substances, raising overdose danger due to reduced opioid tolerance. Additionally, heavy‑metal contamination has been detected in certain kratom batches, though the source—soil, processing, or storage—remains unclear. Given these complexities, the consensus among scholars like Austin Zamarripa (Johns Hopkins) is that natural kratom should remain accessible, while concentrated 7‑OH products merit stricter regulation. “These products may offer meaningful benefits to some individuals, and those benefits could be lost if access is restricted too broadly,” Zamarripa said, urging a differentiated policy approach. As the debate unfolds, patients like Steven worry that a sweeping ban would ignore the nuanced safety profile of the plant. “There’s corn on the cob, there’s high‑fructose corn syrup, there’s whiskey— all derived from corn but fundamentally different,” he remarked, highlighting the need for targeted, evidence‑based regulation rather than a one‑size‑fits‑all prohibition.

Big Mama Thornton, born Willie Mae Thornton in 1926, was a force to be reckoned with in the music industry. Standing at 6ft 2in, with an imposing physique and a razor-scarred face, she exuded uncompromising intensity. Her voice conveyed struggle and defiance, fury and hurt, like few others.Thornton's music career began in the 1940s, performing with comedians, dancers, and musicians in the touring Hot Harlem Revue. In 1950, she was signed to Duke and Peacock Records and adopted the stage name 'Big Mama' by Johnny Otis. Her most famous song, 'Hound Dog', was written for her by Mike Stoller and Jerry Leiber and topped the R&B charts for nearly two months in 1953.Despite her early success, Thornton's career was marked by financial struggles and racism. She was often forced to perform animal-themed comedy songs and was underpaid by her manager, Don Robey. Her frustration with the music industry and her experiences with racism and sexism are etched in her voice, says Black British blues singer Dawnette Fessey.Thornton's legacy extends beyond her music. She was a trailblazer for Black female artists and an inspiration to many, including Janis Joplin, who recorded Thornton's song 'Ball and Chain'. A new documentary, Big Mama Thornton: I Can’t Be Anyone But Me, aims to right the wrongs of her overlooked legacy and celebrate her contributions to blues music.

Protesters in Ireland and Norway have escalated demonstrations against rising fuel costs, turning major highways into blockades and prompting a convoy of lorries to converge on Oslo’s parliament. The unrest is linked to the broader spike in oil prices triggered by the conflict in the Middle East. In Dublin, hauliers, farmers and other groups have shut down motorways for the fourth consecutive day, causing fuel shortages, traffic chaos and warnings that essential supplies—food, clean water and animal feed—are at risk. The Irish police force, An Garda Síochána, described the blockades as unlawful and warned that continued defiance could lead to arrests. The Irish government has placed the army on standby to clear the obstructions, while the justice minister accused outside actors, including far‑right figures such as Tommy Robinson, of exploiting the protests for political gain. Fuel prices have surged dramatically: Irish diesel has risen from roughly €1.70 per litre to €2.17, and petrol from about €1.74 to €1.97. In Norway, despite a recent fuel‑tax cut on 1 April, diesel prices jumped 23.6 % from February to March, with overall fuel and lubricants up 17.9 %. Statistics Norway noted this as the steepest month‑on‑month increase on record, comparable only to the post‑Ukraine‑invasion spike of spring 2022. Irish Prime Minister Mícheál Martin warned that blockades of the Whitegate refinery and key depots in Galway and Foynes were pushing the country to the brink of turning away oil shipments. He called the situation “unconscionable and “illogical.” In response, Dublin unveiled a €250 million relief package that includes a temporary excise duty cut, an expanded diesel rebate for hauliers and bus operators, and an extended fuel allowance. Nevertheless, industry leaders remain skeptical about the measures’ ability to quell the unrest, and many protesters demand direct talks with ministers. Across the North Sea, Norwegian demonstrators—part of the “Dieselbrølet” (diesel roar) movement—marched a convoy of 70‑80 trucks toward the Storting. Their banners read “nok er nok!” (enough is enough). While only a few vehicles were permitted into Oslo, the show underscored hauliers’ demand for more predictable, lower fuel prices despite Norway’s status as an oil producer. Other nations have taken emergency steps: the Philippines declared a national energy emergency, and France authorized fuel tankers to operate on weekends and holidays until 11 May to stave off shortages. Back in Ireland, the blockade of the sole refinery and depots has left dozens of petrol stations empty, prompting a rush of motorists to fill up before supplies run out. Emergency services report slower response times, and the Irish Medical Organisation warns that delayed care could jeopardise patient health. Courier firm DPD has halted deliveries, and protesters have vowed to remain in Dublin for weeks, with spokesperson John Dallon stating, “If it takes a month, we are prepared to sit here.” The crisis has also forced the Irish Taoiseach to postpone a trade mission to Canada, highlighting the domestic political fallout of the fuel‑price turmoil.

In a series of remarkable wildlife encounters, a strong>ostrich on the lam has captured public attention, alongside a tortoise crossing a road and seals surfing.These unusual animal sightings have been reported from various locations, showcasing the unpredictable nature of wildlife. While details of the incidents are scarce, they highlight the fascinating interactions between animals and their environments.

In the 1970s and 80s, fewer than 250 mountain gorillas survived worldwide, prompting dire predictions of extinction. Decades of focused protection have lifted that number to over a thousand, and the trend continues upward.Recent patrols on the Democratic Republic of the Congo side of the Virunga range have documented an extraordinary event: two pairs of twin gorilla infants were born within a three‑month span. Twins are exceptionally uncommon in this species, representing less than 1% of all births, making the double occurrence a remarkable indicator of population health.Jacques Katutu, head of gorilla monitoring at Virunga, emphasized that the twin births “provide another vital indicator that dedicated conservation efforts… support the growth of the endangered mountain gorilla population within Virunga National Park.” Rangers suggest the thriving families are robust enough to meet the added demands of raising twins.Infant mountain gorillas face high mortality, often succumbing to infanticide, injury or disease. Yet the first twin pair, born in January, is reported to be alive and thriving, with troop members assisting the mother, Mafuko, in caring for her male infants.The achievements occur against a backdrop of extreme danger for park staff. More than 220 rangers have been killed protecting wildlife in the DRC over the past two decades, while rebel groups such as M23 continue to operate with impunity.Integral to this success are the Gorilla Doctors, a veterinary NGO whose interventions are credited with about half of the species’ population increase. Their teams trek daily through the dense forest, identifying each gorilla by name and providing medical care for injuries and disease in the isolated habitats of Virunga and Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.Dr. Benard Ssebide, a leading Gorilla Doctor, guided the author through the gorilla family on Mount Muhabura, narrating each animal’s story as they foraged for thistles, leaves and wild blackberries.These twin births serve as a powerful reminder that, even amid global environmental challenges, concerted human effort can foster tangible recovery for one of the planet’s most iconic endangered species.