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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.

Jonathan Freedland contends that the record of Benjamin Netanyahu’s recent wartime conduct is one of stark failure, despite the spotlight it has received alongside former U.S. President Donald Trump.While Trump has dominated headlines with his rhetoric on Iran and a self‑announced cease‑fire, Netanyahu has quietly overseen a continuation of hostilities across the region. Israel’s air campaign on Lebanon—the most lethal single strike in recent memory—targeted roughly 100 sites in a ten‑minute window, leaving at least 303 dead and more than 1,150 injured, many of them civilians.Israel maintains that the U.S.‑brokered deal with Tehran does not extend to Lebanon, a claim disputed by Iran and Pakistani mediators. Netanyahu, meanwhile, has pledged to sustain “full‑force” attacks on what Israel labels Hezbollah launch positions, even as he publicly agrees to diplomatic talks with Beirut.Internationally, Netanyahu is already wanted by the International Criminal Court for alleged war crimes in Gaza, and his reputation abroad is that of a war‑time villain. Domestically, his supporters still view him as a security hawk, a perception that matters most as Israel faces elections no later than 27 October.Freedland highlights that the October 7, 2023 Hamas onslaught—Israel’s deadliest terrorist attack—occurred under Netanyahu’s watch, a fact that would have toppled most leaders in comparable democracies. Yet the prime minister promised “total victory” over Hamas, a promise that remains unfulfilled after a two‑year bombardment that has claimed roughly 70,000 lives in Gaza while leaving Hamas in control of the enclave’s unoccupied areas.Claims of having neutralised Hezbollah have also proved hollow. Although Israel announced the death of the group’s leader, Hezbollah continues to rebuild its arsenal and resumed rocket fire, undermining the narrative of a decisive Israeli triumph.Similarly, the 12‑day 2025‑2026 confrontation with Iran—branded by Trump as an obliteration of Tehran’s nuclear programme and by Netanyahu as a historic victory—has not diminished Iran’s strategic capabilities. The nation still possesses enriched uranium, a robust missile stockpile, and the ability to threaten global shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, effectively holding a lever over the world economy.Freedland argues that Netanyahu’s doctrine of perpetual military pressure yields only temporary relief, likening it to repeatedly cutting off a snake’s head only for it to regrow. Former Israeli general‑turned‑politician Yair Golan is quoted as saying that Netanyahu “does not know how to translate battlefield successes into lasting political security.”The human cost of this approach is evident not only in the casualties of Gaza, the Bekaa Valley and Israeli cities, but also in Israel’s deteriorating diplomatic standing. Recent legislation in the Knesset—pushed by far‑right minister Itamar Ben‑Gvir and supported by Netanyahu—introduces a death‑penalty provision for Palestinians convicted of terrorism, a move condemned internationally as discriminatory.As Israelis endure nightly bomb‑shelter drills and semi‑lockdown conditions, the electorate faces a stark choice. Polls suggest that even if Netanyahu is ousted, his successor may continue a similar hard‑line stance, albeit with different execution. Freedland concludes that Israel’s long‑term security cannot rely solely on force; a negotiated accommodation with neighbours, especially the Palestinians, may finally become politically viable after the exposure of Netanyahu’s repeated strategic failures.

Arne Slot acknowledges that last season’s Premier League title postponed the inevitable end of an era at Liverpool, but stresses that the club recognised the need for a rebuild when he was appointed to succeed Jürgen Klopp. Two more stalwarts of the Klopp era – Andy Robertson and Mohamed Salah – will exit on free transfers this summer, further signalling the transition. The remaining veterans who delivered league and Champions League glory – Virgil van Dijk, Alisson and Joe Gomez – are now entering the final years of their contracts. The campaign has been harsh, with Liverpool suffering 16 defeats, a tally Slot describes as “unacceptable”. Yet he insists that he, sporting director Richard Hughes, chief executive of football Michael Edwards, and the owners at Fenway Sports Group remain aligned on the causes of the club’s struggles and the path forward. “It’s normal for clubs to go through cycles,” Slot explained. “We were fortunate that last season’s success delayed the start of this cycle, but now we must manage the break‑up of a great Liverpool side.” He highlighted that the departing players have benefited from last summer’s signings, gaining insight into the club’s ethos and work ethic. Despite the recent run of poor results, Slot feels the backing of the board and, surprisingly, the fans. “Support isn’t always shouted daily; it’s felt in the conversations we have and the shared understanding of the challenges,” he said, adding that he has sensed that support since arriving at Anfield. Slot concluded, “Everyone – the ownership, Richard, Michael and the wider club – sees the same issues. We are all aligned on what needs to be done and why.”

The play Good Golly Miss Molly! is a joyous tribute to community spirit, set in the 1970s in Tunstall, where residents resisted a council plan to demolish their houses. The show, written by Bob Eaton, uses rock'n'roll standards to tell the story of a community coming together.Eaton's show has taken a hold of the audience, with its insinuatingly woven narrative of social history, pop, and politics. The story revolves around the residents of Hawes Street, who fought against the council's slum clearance programme and successfully argued for home improvements instead.The director cleverly uses music as the glue that binds the community together, telling the story through a band reuniting for a nostalgic knees-up in a social club. The play's protagonist, Molly, played by Shirley Darroch, evolves from a belligerent schoolgirl to a lead singer, NUM staffer, and residents' association chair, finding self-fulfilment along the way.The company's performance is tremendous, with doo-wopping, harmonising, and swapping instruments, making the angst and yearning of the songs a perfect expression of the working-class struggle.While the conflict could be more fully explored, the play gives a joyful sense of the music pulling the audience into the action, providing an exuberant lift to the company's 40th anniversary season.The play is showing at the New Vic theatre, Newcastle-under-Lyme, until 2 May.

The latest offering from writer Theo Jamieson and director Adam Lenson is a boldly conceived musical that thrusts a turbulent romance into a sci‑fi framework. The story follows a young astronaut, Daniel, who vanishes from his shuttle with barely enough fuel, prompting a quest to uncover the motives behind his reckless flight.Stuart Thompson (as Daniel) and Poppy Gilbert (as Emily) anchor the piece with performances that are both visceral and nuanced. Their chemistry captures the push‑pull of a relationship scarred by childhood bullying, parental betrayal, and a shared history of trauma, delivering songs that soar and hit hard.Visually, the production leans heavily on interstellar projections that transform the stage into a shifting cosmos, while the score oscillates between Sondheim‑style wit and full‑blown symphonic passages. This combination creates an epic sense of strangeness that distinguishes Flyby from more conventional West End fare.However, the narrative’s fragmented structure hampers its emotional payoff. The non‑chronological storytelling leaves critical gaps, and the metaphor of being "stranded in space" feels over‑extended—especially with the protagonist’s surname, Defoe, a thin nod to Robinson Crusoe. The three narrators, played by Simbi Akande, Gina Beck, and Rupert Young, often drift into digressive asides that dilute the central arc.Despite these flaws, moments of brilliance emerge, particularly in the musical’s treatment of mental‑health themes. The show hints at the potential to join the ranks of modern theatre successes like Next to Normal and Dear Evan Hansen, should its structural rough edges be smoothed.The production is currently staged at Southwark Playhouse, Borough, London and will run through 16 May. Audiences seeking a daring blend of emotional intensity and cosmic spectacle will find Flyby a compelling, if imperfect, experience.

Stefano Gabbana left his post as chair of Dolce & Gabbana effective 1 January 2026, describing the move as part of a "natural evolution" of the company’s organisational structure and governance.The luxury house stressed that the resignation will not affect Gabbana’s creative responsibilities within the group.According to Bloomberg, Alfonso Dolce – Domenico’s brother and the group’s chief executive – assumed the chairmanship in January, taking over the role from the co‑founder.Sources indicate that Gabbana is exploring options for his 40 % equity stake as the brand continues negotiations with its bank lenders. In parallel, former Gucci chief Stefano Cantino has been appointed to a senior management position as part of the reshuffle.A D&G spokesperson added that the company “has no statement to make at this time” regarding its debt position, as talks with banks remain ongoing.The Italian label, founded in 1985, is grappling with a slowdown in the high‑end fashion market, a trend intensified by uncertainty surrounding the war in Iran – a region that represents a crucial market for luxury brands.In March, Dolce & Gabbana hired Rothschild & Co as its financial adviser to prepare for creditor discussions. At that point the group carried €450 million (£391 million) of bank debt, incurred after a 2025 refinancing aimed at supporting a new growth strategy while preserving independence. Lenders had temporarily waived certain borrowing terms.Ownership of the company remains split: each designer holds a 40 % stake through a holding vehicle, while the remaining shares are owned by Alfonso Dolce and their sister Dorotea.Founded by Stefano Gabbana and Domenico Dolce, the brand quickly became synonymous with a “molto sexy” Italian aesthetic, gaining global visibility after Madonna commissioned costumes for her 1993 Girlie tour. By 2009, Dolce & Gabbana reported a turnover of €1 billion.Despite its commercial success, the house has faced a series of controversies over the past 15 years, ranging from accusations of racism and homophobia to backlash over culturally insensitive advertising, which have at times threatened its market position.

The article examines the use of bullying as a tool in international relations, particularly in the context of Donald Trump's presidency. The author, Dave Schilling, argues that bullying may be effective in the short term, but it ultimately leads to negative consequences and does not achieve lasting results.Schilling draws on his personal experience of being bullied as a child to illustrate the dynamics of bullying behavior. He notes that bullies often target individuals who are remarkable or threatening in some way, and that the aim of bullying is to assert dominance and feel more powerful.The article critiques Trump's approach to foreign policy, which has been characterized by threats, bluster, and aggression. Schilling argues that this approach has not led to lasting results, citing examples such as the ongoing conflict in Iran and the tensions in the Strait of Hormuz.Schilling also explores the idea that bullying can be a successful strategy in certain contexts, such as in business or entertainment. However, he argues that this approach is not effective in international relations, where lasting relationships and cooperation are essential.The article concludes that bullying is not an effective long-term strategy for achieving success or resolving conflicts. Instead, Schilling suggests that empathy, understanding, and cooperation are essential for building strong relationships and achieving lasting results.

Luton Town, a team that once played in the Premier League, has experienced a remarkable transformation under the leadership of manager Jack Wilshere, who took over in October. Despite being relegated to League One, the team has shown resilience, with James Shea, Luton’s longest-serving player, highlighting the challenges they faced and their current upward trajectory.The team's journey to the Vertu Trophy final at Wembley against Stockport is a testament to their improved form, having lost only one of their past 11 games across all competitions. This surge in performance has lifted Luton to within three points of the playoffs, fueling hopes for a successful season.Kal Naismith, Luton's captain, praises Wilshere for his managerial skills and human connection with players, which has been pivotal in the team's resurgence. Naismith expresses optimism about the team's prospects, suggesting that they could have their 'greatest season ever' if they succeed in securing a playoff spot and potentially winning the Vertu Trophy.The team's path to the final has not been without controversy, including a unique incident in their match against Swindon, where Luton's opponents attempted to field an ineligible player. Despite this, Luton was reinstated into the competition, ultimately advancing to the final.As Luton prepares for the Vertu Trophy final, they are focused on enjoying this 'little distraction' before concentrating on their primary goal of securing a playoff spot and achieving promotion.

York City, affectionately known as the Minstermen, are on the cusp of achieving a significant milestone in their football history. With 101 points on the board and an impressive 109 goals scored, they are firmly in the sights of a Football League return, a decade after their relegation.Their journey to this point has not been without its challenges. A near miss last season served as a catalyst for the current campaign, which has seen them dominate the National League. A recent last-gasp win against Altrincham has put them two points clear of Rochdale at the top of the league with three games to play. The tantalizing prospect of a final-day shootout for the one automatic promotion spot against Rochdale on April 25 has their fans on the edge of their seats.Despite their attacking prowess, York's run-in has required a different skillset, with their past three games delivering narrow wins: 2-1, 1-0, and 1-0. The team's resilience and determination are evident in the words of defender Malachi Fagan-Walcott, whose 96th-minute header clinched the recent victory. He emphasized the team's never-say-die attitude, stating, 'We never stop until the final whistle.'As the pressure mounts, York's manager, Stuart Maynard, insists that the team's approach has not changed, but acknowledges that opponents are now more focused on stopping them. The upcoming match against Tamworth on Saturday will be a crucial test of their resolve.The heartbreak of last season's failure to secure promotion has driven the team forward, with Fagan-Walcott highlighting the learning curve and the team's newfound robustness. The majority owners, Julie-Anne and Matthew Uggla, have played a pivotal role in turbocharging the club's fortunes, investing in both the team and the city.York's captain, Ollie Pearce, has been instrumental in their success, top-scoring with 32 National League goals and providing nine assists. With York just eight goals shy of eclipsing the National League scoring record for a single season, their fans are eagerly anticipating what could be a historic moment for the club.