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Heatwave Turns Yemeni Homes Into OvensMukalla, Aden and other coastal cities are experiencing temperatures above 40 °C (104 °F). Prolonged blackouts force residents to endure night‑time heat, with power often available for only two of every ten hours.Escalating Power Outages Amid Record TemperaturesAuthorities have been unable to boost supply, leaving millions without reliable electricity. Residents report cuts lasting up to eight hours, with restoration periods as short as two hours.Financial Toll of Blackouts on Households and BusinessesSaudi Arabia pledged $81.2 million in January to purchase 300 million litres of fuel for power stations.A second package of $150 million was announced on 27 May for fuel derivatives.Fish seller Omer Baesa spends about 10,000 Yemeni riyals ($6.7) daily on ice to preserve stock.Electricity bills in Hodeidah jumped from under 3,000 riyal ($5.6) to 19,000 riyal ($35.6).Exchange rates differ sharply: roughly 533 riyal per US $ in Houthi‑controlled zones versus 1,500 riyal in government‑controlled areas.Humanitarian and Economic Implications for War‑Torn YemenThe heat and power cuts aggravate health problems, disrupt sleep, and fuel frustration that could spark unrest. Businesses such as auto‑repair shops and fish markets face equipment failures and product spoilage, while many households rely on solar panels or seek refuge in air‑conditioned mosques.Outlook: Prospects for Relief and Energy StabilityNew electricity minister Adnan al‑Kaf acknowledges the “disastrous” situation and warns of a difficult summer. Without accelerated fuel deliveries, infrastructure repairs, and broader humanitarian aid, the risk of heightened instability and deeper economic decline remains high.

The Legacy of a Hollywood Icon Julie Newmar, the original Catwoman from the 1960s Batman TV series, is celebrating her 92nd birthday. In a recent interview, she shared her thoughts on her life, career, and experiences as a woman in Hollywood. Early Life and Career Newmar's career as an actor began to wind down about 40 years ago, but she still retains a touch of the grande dame. Her bearing is regal, her platinum hair bouffant, and her movements still elegantly feline, as they were in the role that made her name: the original Catwoman. The Impact of Her Roles Newmar's attributes were often used to cast her as a seductress or an object of desire, lusted after by men and usually wearing fewer clothes than them. However, she also played more progressive roles, such as in the 1961 film The Marriage-Go-Round, where she played an independent-minded young Swedish woman. A Life of Beauty and Care Newmar says that her life is about beauty, not just physical beauty but also beauty in behavior and treatment of others. She has lived in Brentwood, Los Angeles, with her son, John, who has Down's syndrome, for decades. They spend a lot of time in her secret garden, an oasis of greenery around her house. The Future Outlook As Newmar looks back on her life, she reflects on the evolution of her priorities. She says that in her 90s, one has evolved, and big things happen now, and they're more in the metaphysical, they're in the 'what can I do for others?' Because I've already done it for myself.

The Enforcement Conduct Board (ECB) has publicly warned that the UK government’s rollout of mandatory bailiff regulation is dragging, leaving millions of debt‑burdened Britons exposed to aggressive and unregulated enforcement practices. ECB Calls Out Government for Stalling Mandatory Bailiff Regulation One year after the Ministry of Justice announced plans to make independent regulation of bailiffs compulsory, Chris Nichols, ECB chief executive, said there is “still no clear plan” and urged immediate action. Announcement made: June 2025 Current status: No statutory requirement for enforcement firms to be authorised by the ECB. Key criticism: Lack of “visible progress” despite a consultation launched on 9 June 2025. £1 bn Annual Revenue and 7 million Enforcement Cases Highlight Industry Scale The bailiff sector is a substantial market: Annual collections exceed £1 bn, largely from unpaid parking, traffic fines, and council tax arrears. More than 7 million cases are sent to enforcement each year, affecting millions of households. Largest operator, Marston Holdings, was forced into a refunds programme after overcharging debtors. Consumer Trust Erodes as Unregulated Bailiffs Continue Aggressive Practices Consumer groups have highlighted a range of concerning behaviours, including: Doorstep aggression and intimidation. Overcharging and illegal clamping of vehicles, even those used by disabled people. Threats to seize “exempt” possessions. Financial‑advice guru Martin Lewis called the lack of an independent regulator “outrageous”, citing widespread distress and bullying. Potential Legislative Push Expected After Growing Public Pressure The Ministry of Justice reiterated its commitment to stronger regulation and promised to announce next steps soon. Analysts predict that mounting public and political pressure could accelerate statutory reforms within the next 12 months. Upcoming milestones: Publication of detailed proposals following the current consultation. Stakeholder sentiment: Broad support from debt charities, the public, and a majority of the enforcement industry for statutory regulation.

The Escalation: Missile Exchanges Between Iran and IsraelIran and Israel were on Monday locked in tit-for-tat missile attacks, as the fragile ceasefire that has held in place since April 8 appeared closer to collapse than at any point in the past seven weeks. These escalating hostilities between Iran and Israel come as the United States-Israel war on Iran enters its 101st day on Monday.Iran's Response: Explosions and Strategic TargetsExplosions heard in Iran: Iran's IRNA news agency reported that at least "two powerful explosions" were heard in Tehran and at least three in the city of Isfahan. The broadcaster also reported that explosions were heard in Tabriz. The Israeli military had said it "attacked military targets" in western and central Iran.Power plant in Mahshahr attacked: A security officer in the southwestern Khuzestan governorate told the Fars news agency that Israeli forces have attacked the Karun Petrochemical Company in the city of Mahshahr. The Israeli army confirmed striking the petrochemical plant. The Mahshahr Petrochemical Special Economic Zone announced that its workers have evacuated the site following the Israeli strike.Iran denies attacking base in Saudi Arabia: Responding to reports of an explosion at the Al-Kharj airbase in Saudi Arabia, Iran's IRIB broadcaster cited a military official as saying that "Iran has not fired any shots."Red Crescent on standby: The Iranian Red Crescent says it is standing by to respond to any fallout from Israel's attacks across the country this morning.Israel's Position: Security Measures and Military ActionsSecurity cabinet meeting: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will convene a security cabinet meeting at 11am local time (08:00 GMT) amid escalating hostilities with Iran, according to multiple Israeli media reports.The Israeli military issued a series of alerts starting Sunday over waves of missiles launched from Iran towards Israeli territory.Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) said on Monday that they launched attacks against Israel's Nevatim and Tel Nof airbases as a response to attacks on radar sites within Iran, the Fars news agency reported.Israel's Channel 12 broadcaster and Ynet News said a missile fired from Yemen was intercepted.US Involvement: Diplomatic Maneuvers and Political ImplicationsThe US State Department issued a security alert for citizens in Jordan over reports of projectiles in the country's airspace – presumably missiles fired by Israel towards Iran, or by Iran towards Israel.Democratic Senator Chris Murphy said Israel's latest attack on Iran "compounds" the "humiliation" for US President Donald Trump, as it comes after the US president reportedly told Netanyahu not to retaliate to Iran's missiles fired at northern Israel.Lebanon: Cross-Border Tensions and Rocket InterceptionsExplosions were heard in the Lebanese capital Beirut early on Monday, but these were likely rocket interceptions, Al Jazeera's Zeina Khodr reported from Beirut.On Sunday, Israel had hit the suburbs of Beirut, in attacks that Iran described as crossing a red line in terms of violating a ceasefire between Lebanon and Israel. Iran then said its decision to hit northern Israel was in response to these attacks near Beirut.International Diplomacy: Regional Powers Attempt MediationIsrael defends attacks on Iran: The Israeli ambassador to the US, Yechiel Leiter, defended the attacks on Iran, saying "no self-respecting country" would tolerate Iran's missile launches against Israel.Canada expresses concern: Canada's Foreign Ministry has expressed concern about the resumption of conflict between Iran and Israel, saying it jeopardises the ongoing negotiations and "the prospects for peace".Saudi-Qatari foreign ministers speak: Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud spoke by phone with his Qatari counterpart, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani, the Saudi Foreign Ministry said.Qatari-Iranian foreign ministers speak: The Qatari foreign minister, who is also the country's prime minister, spoke by phone with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi about mediation efforts between Iran and the US, as well as the latest developments in Lebanon, according to a Qatari statement.Regional Outlook: Ceasefire in JeopardyThe escalating military exchanges between Iran and Israel have put the fragile ceasefire established in early April at serious risk. With regional powers including Saudi Arabia and Qatar attempting to mediate, and the United States involved through both military support for Israel and diplomatic channels, the coming days will be critical in determining whether the conflict can be de-escalated or if it will expand further across the Middle East.

The LeadThe western Syrian city of Homs is only a husk of its former self. Previously a major industrial centre, the region became a key battleground between 2011 and 2014, for Bashar al-Assad's army and rebel forces. Amid the immense bloodshed, hundreds of thousands of civilians were either displaced or trapped inside their own homes.The Documentary's Visual TestamentFilmed in the summer of 2023, this deeply moving documentary from Palestinian-born and Syria-based film-maker Anas Zawahri maps out the collective trauma and sorrow that continue to linger, even after the shooting has stopped. Unfolding in languorous, largely static shots of bombed rubble, hollowed-out buildings, and deserted streets, the film lays bare the startling extent of wartime brutality.Human Stories Amidst RuinsA sense of stillness and stagnancy hangs in the air, and almost every wall is riddled with bullet holes, urban scars that mirror the psychological wounds borne by the survivors. Their heart-wrenching testimony is laid over these images of destruction, lending a human dimension to the ruins. One resident ruminates over how Homs changed from a city of laughter to one of agony and grief. With bitter irony, another considers himself lucky to be blind, and thus does not have to suffer the mental shock of seeing his beloved home town razed.The Resilience of YouthPunctuated by songs of lamentation, the film is elegiac in tone, a visual hymn for what Homs once was. While bearing witness to the pain left behind, Zawahri also makes space for the resilience of the living, with a special focus on children and adolescents. The war's impact on their lives is enormous – many are working as adults instead of going to school, though we see them engage in spirited play, even when surrounded by ruins. With peace more fragile than ever, their innocence and joy strike a bittersweet chord.

Quick Take: A Glamorous Yet Vacuous Travel Series The new four‑part series Best of the World With Antoni Porowski lands on Disney+ with high‑budget visuals, but the Guardian argues it sacrifices substance for style, leaving viewers with a string of pretty shots and no clear narrative. ‘Best of the World With Antoni Porowski’ – Concept and Execution Produced by National Geographic, the show follows former Queer Eye food‑and‑wine expert as he hops between London, Paris, Mexico City and New York, sampling “the best” of each city’s sights, sounds and flavors. The format is deliberately loose: each episode strings together rapid‑fire montages of landmarks, local characters and quirky encounters, with Porowski delivering catch‑phrase‑laden soundbites rather than deep analysis. Episodes cover four cities, each framed as a quest for “the best” experiences. Host **Antoni Porowski**, age 42, adopts a breezy, unscripted persona. Production leans heavily on drone footage, split‑screen edits and stylised captions. Cost Highlights and Production Scale The series flaunts extravagant price tags that underline its luxury positioning: Afternoon tea for two at the Shard is billed at $200. A night in the Shard’s hotel suite runs about £14,000. The bagel shop featured in London boasts a 50‑year heritage. These figures reinforce the show’s “destination‑marketing” vibe, positioning the series as a high‑end travel brochure rather than an investigative travelogue. What the Show Signals for Travel‑TV and Streaming Platforms By marrying celebrity hosting with glossy production, the series reflects a broader trend on streaming services: leveraging star power to attract niche audiences while filling content libraries with visually appealing, low‑risk formats. The Guardian notes that the show’s lack of depth may limit its appeal to casual viewers but could resonate with fans of Porowski and those seeking aspirational travel content. Strengthens Disney+’s portfolio of lifestyle‑focused originals. Highlights National Geographic’s shift toward entertainment‑driven travel programming. Signals continued investment in celebrity‑led, short‑form travel series. Future Prospects for Destination‑Driven Content on Disney+ If audience metrics favor visual spectacle over narrative depth, we can expect more high‑budget, star‑fronted travel shows from Disney+. However, the mixed critical reception suggests a potential pivot toward formats that blend aesthetic appeal with richer storytelling to retain discerning viewers. Possible integration of interactive travel guides within the platform. Greater emphasis on local voices and cultural context in upcoming series. Continued experimentation with hybrid documentary‑reality structures.

Heat Haze Over Westmorland: A 1951 Summer SnapshotWestmorland in early June 1951 was caught in a lingering summer heat that turned the fells into a drowsy, hazy tableau. The Guardian’s Country Diary captures the atmosphere: brown grass, bright bracken, and still waters that betray a season arriving “perhaps too soon.”Dry Conditions and Declining Lake LevelsThe diary notes that lake levels were “lower than they have been for months,” with virtually no ripples and an absence of fish activity. Rock climbers felt the heat “rebound from the great rocks like sound from a gong,” while mosses, usually sodden for most of the year, had become “brittle as tinder.”Quantifying the Agricultural ShortfallHay harvest projected to be later than any previous year.Prospects for winter fodder described as “grim,” threatening livestock nutrition.Livestock—dairy cows and sheep—were observed seeking shade or wading in the drying lakes, indicating stress.Although exact figures are absent, the narrative signals a significant reduction in usable pasture and a likely shortfall in stored feed for the upcoming winter months.Implications for Rural Livelihoods in Post‑War BritainThe entry underscores the vulnerability of post‑war British agriculture to weather extremes. With farms already operating under tight margins, a delayed hay cut and insufficient fodder could exacerbate economic pressures on farmers, potentially leading to reduced milk output and higher feed costs.What a Similar Drought Could Mean TodayModern climate models warn that heatwaves of this intensity may become more frequent. If a comparable event struck today, advanced irrigation and forecasting could mitigate some impacts, yet the fundamental challenge—ensuring adequate feed for livestock during prolonged dry spells—remains. The 1951 diary serves as a historical reminder of the tight link between weather, water resources, and agricultural resilience.

The Student-Led Digital RevolutionSchools banning pupils from having smartphones are commonplace. But what about a school where pupils ban teachers from using their smartphones, and then get their parents to join in? At Holy Family Catholic primary school in west London, teachers are barred from using laptops, monitors or tablets during the school's screen-free Mondays, after an idea that came from the pupils themselves.Yvonne Rutherford, the school's deputy head, said the screen-free days were such a success that they had become monthly events on the school's calendar. But she said the enthusiastic response from parents had been the biggest surprise.The Origins of Screen-Free MondaysThe idea for the screen break came from Sophie Janashia, a year 6 pupil at the state school in Ealing. She wanted her school to hear what children thought about smartphones and devices, and raised the possibility of an entirely screen-free school day with her classmates and teachers."I thought if maybe we could have just one day without screens, across the school so that no one was left out, it could be good for everyone," Sophie said. "It's difficult for parents to get their children off screens. We enjoy using screens but we can spend way too much time on them. It's very important to me because I see people I know spending all their time on screens and it means sometimes we are together but we're not really together."The Community ImpactAfter the first screen-free Monday, some parents sent in photographs of the family activities they did in the evening. "That set off more so that now we get a flood of photos every month, showing what they've been doing instead of screen time: playing cards and reading books, going for walks and doing sport with their children. It's been great to see," Rutherford explained.Students report carrying the screen-free routine into their evenings. Leo said: "At first it was just at school but then my parents joined in, and we started playing games after dinner instead of watching TV. I've got more time left after homework and violin practice."Others said they liked having their parents less distracted by phones at mealtimes, giving them an opportunity for more attention and discussion. "Sometimes when they are using their phone, they say they have to because it's for work, but I don't think it is," said one student.Parental TransformationFabiola Vicente, a parent of a pupil in year 6, said the screen-free days made her more aware of how much time she spent on her phone. "It's a bad habit that crept up on me," she said. She now makes a conscious decision to leave her phone in another room on other days of the week too."My first thought was: what am I going to do if they can't watch TV? But now we are more prepared, we say, OK it's a screen-free day so let's get ready to do something together," Vicente added.Hisae Suzuki, another parent at the school, said her daughter had been "a little bit addicted" to screens so the introduction of screen-free days was "a good reminder – we all knew about it but we didn't do anything about it, we needed a trigger".National Attention and Future OutlookThe initiative has attracted interest from other schools in the area, who have visited Holy Family and spoken to Sophie and her classmates about screen-free days and other aspects such as online safety.The government has taken notice too. Sophie recently took part in a discussion with Liz Kendall, the technology secretary, who is considering plans to ban or restrict social media for under-16s. Kanishka Narayan, the minister for AI and online safety, has also visited the school to speak to Sophie and pupils who act as online safety ambassadors for their peers.As digital device usage continues to rise, particularly among children, the Holy Family model represents a potential blueprint for schools nationwide seeking to balance technology use with real-world connection and healthy boundaries. The student-led approach has proven particularly effective, suggesting that when young people are empowered to shape their own environments, they can create meaningful change that extends beyond the classroom into family homes and communities.

The Misinformation Crisis in Local Communities Local social media groups are fuelling misinformation in areas with no reliable sources of news, according to an investigation that reveals the scale of fake news flowing to vulnerable communities across Britain. The study by the Social Market Foundation (SMF) thinktank analyzed more than 125,000 social media posts across local Facebook groups, X searches and Nextdoor communities, uncovering a worrying trend of misinformation that threatens trust in local institutions. The Scale of the Problem Misinformation was nearly three times more common in areas with little or no recognized local journalism, with immigration and Islamophobia emerging as the most prevalent topics across platforms. The research found that two in five local Facebook groups and more than four in five X searches featured at least one piece of misinformation in their most recent 1,000 posts. Nearly one in 26 news-related posts on Facebook contained misinformation, while on X, the ratio was more than one in four. Election-Related Misinformation Surge Spikes in misinformation were identified around local elections, with the study revealing that misinformation grew as a share of news posts by 56% in the run-up to polling day, compared with earlier in the year. This increase rose from 8.2% of all news posts to 12.9%, indicating a clear pattern of misinformation campaigns timed to influence electoral outcomes. The Impact on Trust and Democracy The authors of the SMF study described local online groups as "the silent killer of trust in Britain," highlighting how these platforms are filling the void left by declining local news outlets. With more than 4.4 million people in the UK now living in a "news desert" where there is no dedicated local news provider, the influence of these unregulated social media groups continues to grow, affecting how people vote, how they feel about their neighbors, and whether they trust the institutions that serve them. Case Studies of Misinformation The analysis uncovered numerous examples of harmful misinformation, including faked local authority communications, AI-generated content, and misleading claims of councils behaving corruptly. One post falsely suggested Birmingham council meetings had "stopped being conducted in English altogether," while another pointed to a false expansion of London's congestion charge. During the recent byelection in Gorton and Denton, misinformation was detected in three out of four local groups, with fake quotes attributed to candidates and false characterizations of political campaigns. Government Response and Future Outlook The government has acknowledged the dangers of online misinformation but has indicated it will concentrate on the most "prevalent and concerning harms" rather than implementing broader regulatory measures. MPs have called for immediate action, with Chi Onwurah, the Labour chair of the science and technology select committee, stating that ministers should adopt recommendations to embed core principles such as responsibility and transparency into the online safety regime. As local media continues to decline, the threat of misinformation is expected to grow, potentially influencing upcoming elections and further eroding public trust in democratic institutions.