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The Photographic Journey of Billy Dosanjh In the winter of 1962-3, when snow blanketed the industrial landscape of Walsall's Black Country, a newly arrived elderly Sikh man stood beneath an old carriage lamp, seemingly seeing snow for the first time. This moment, captured in Billy Dosanjh's epic photographic reconstruction 'After the Storm,' epitomizes his ability to freeze time and preserve cultural memory. Backed by a National Heritage Lottery Fund grant, Dosanjh has transformed oral histories from first and second-generation migrants into evocative images that evoke the work of American realist painter Edward Hopper or photographer Jeff Wall, but with a distinct British Asian perspective. Recreating a Bygone Industrial Era Dosanjh's exhibition 'Paths You Walk' at the New Art Gallery Walsall presents a gripping collection of photographs, films, and installations that meticulously reconstruct the post-war immigrant experience. The artist painstakingly sourced period details—Vimto advertisements, vintage cars, authentic clothing—to recreate scenes from the late 1950s onward when Punjabi men arrived in the Black Country to work in furnaces that native British workers had abandoned. The exhibition features real-life locals from Walsall districts like Caldmore, Palfrey, Pleck, and The Butts, areas that saw significant South Asian immigration. Cultural Significance and Personal Connection What makes Dosanjh's work particularly powerful is its deep personal connection. His own father arrived from the Punjab in 1967 at age 14, eventually buying a house and working in foundries before establishing the Rainbow Cafe—a business that features in Dosanjh's photographs. The artist explains his motivation: "When I do my work, I want the people to enter the space of their ancestors psychologically." This approach is evident in pieces like 'PayDay,' recreating an early 1970s pub, 'Furnacemen' depicting Sikh workers being lectured by a white foreman, and 'Dayshift' showing Sikh friends huddling around braziers. Contemporary Relevance in a Divided Britain Dosanjh's humane depictions of Sikh life have taken on sudden topicality as counterpoints to racist narratives promoted by far-right politicians. The exhibition emerged shortly after the jailing of Vickrum Digwa for stabbing student Henry Nowak with a ceremonial Sikh knife. In an era of increasing racial tension, Dosanjh's work serves as both historical documentation and cultural affirmation, celebrating the contributions of Sikh immigrants to British society while acknowledging the challenges they faced. Future Projects and Expanding Horizons The Walsall exhibition represents just one chapter in Dosanjh's ongoing documentation of British Asian experiences. He is currently developing similar projects for Stoke and Nottingham, while preparing to make a feature film about the 2005 race riots in Birmingham's Lozells and Handsworth districts. "There was a Pakistani-owned beauty product shop and a conflict arose between the Caribbean community and young Muslim men who, after 7/7, felt quite confused," Dosanjh explains of his planned film. "I thought I need to make my film here, about this place, because it's all there—different communities living together, empire, young people, confused identities." The Artistic Legacy of 'Paths You Walk' Through his work, Dosanjh has created what he describes as "a way of celebrating who you are." The exhibition continues at the New Art Gallery Walsall until July 12, offering visitors a chance to witness the transformation of industrial Britain through the eyes of its Sikh community. As Dosanjh himself reflects, "I never feel more alive than when I'm in the middle of doing something like this. It brings a good feeling for everybody really."

The Cult of Eternal Values Documentaries about cults all have the same task, at which they nearly all fail: explaining exactly how so many people fell under the spell of a man (it’s always a man) who was, to outside observers, so obviously a damaged charlatan. None of it makes sense; it wouldn’t count as a cult if it did. The Rise of Frederick von Mierers Bring Me the Beauties: A Model Cult does a messy job of telling the story of Frederick von Mierers, who spent the 1980s luring models into his spiritual enlightenment society, Eternal Values. Von Mierers’ life was all lies, chaos and mystery and it would be hard to set it out coherently, however diligently you tried. But this is like trying to keep up with an erratic bar-room raconteur who keeps glossing over the important bits so they can skip on to the next bit of gossip. Admittedly, each new piece of info is wildly juicy. The Early Years of Frederick von Mierers The early years of Frederick von Mierers are murky, but the key facts are that, as a 40ish former model, he was an elegant socialite, living in an apartment in midtown Manhattan and frequenting Studio 54, where the doormen would pull back the velvet rope to let him sashay past the crowds and walk straight in. He had inherited wealth and alien good looks, somewhere between Christopher Walken, Gary Numan and a svelte Dolph Lundgren. In 1978 he suffered an ear infection, and when his fever subsided he announced that his body had become the vessel for a being from the red giant star, Arcturus. The Power of Eternal Values With an extraterrestrial glint in his already piercing eyes, Von Mierers began presenting a public-access television show where he spread the word about the benefits of a healthy diet, the power of controlled emotions – the notion of romantic love was an instrument of “the most diabolical and the most evil forces in this world” – and the importance of recognising that material possessions were not a route to happiness, all these being wisdom direct from the cosmos. The Dark Side of Eternal Values Ordinary punters sent cheques to Eternal Values for astrological readings; members of the inner circle got to share Frederick’s apartment, where they would sometimes wake to find that he had applied a mint-scented face mask to them during the night. Less adorably, he fostered a culture in which anyone who stepped out of line was ruthlessly pilloried in recriminatory interventions known as “slamming sessions”. As well as fearing the loss of the gang’s favour, the Eternal Values foot soldiers anticipated a re-alignment of the Earth’s magnetic poles, foreseen by the Arcturians, which prompted the organisation to purchase a second base in the North Carolina mountains that would survive the earthquakes and tsunamis to come. The Motivation Behind the Cult What’s never a mystery with cults is the motivation of the leader: it’s always sex and/or money, and, for Von Mierers, it was both. Our main witness is a man named John Hoyt, who under the name Hoyt Richards was one of the highest-paid male models of the late 1980s and 90s, regularly appearing in shoots with Cindy Crawford and the like. After completing jobs in Milan, the Caribbean or Los Angeles, John would return to sleeping on the floor of the EV flat, handing all his spare money to Frederick in return for ethereally powerful “gemstones” that may in retrospect have been costume jewellery. Occasionally Frederick would invite to his room young men, whose spiritual insights were so penetrating that John would be asked to hand them $100 on their way out. The Legacy of Eternal Values In the last episode of Bring Me the Beauties, there are desperately moving scenes as the admirably frank Hoyt recalls his agony at realising, a few years after Von Mierers’ death from an Aids-related illness, that he had abandoned his family and friends for nothing. Hoyt now works as an exit counsellor, trying to make cult members understand that they’re in one. As this programme discovers, however, why people join cults is hard to understand.

The Guardian’s Weekly Pick: A Curated Line‑up of Seven Streamable SeriesThis week’s roundup showcases a spectrum of genres and platforms, offering viewers new reasons to log in across Disney+, Netflix, Prime Video and Crime+Investigation.Intergenerational Romance Gets Cringe‑Funny in Alice and Steve (Disney+)Created by Sex Education writer Sophie Goodhart, the comedy follows middle‑aged best friends Nicola Walker and Jemaine Clement as their bond unravels when Steve falls for Alice’s 26‑year‑old daughter Izzy. The series leans into the messiness of the situation, delivering both excruciating dinner‑party moments and nuanced, sympathetic storytelling.True‑Crime Reflection in Rob Rinder: The Crime I Can’t Forget (Crime+Investigation)Former barrister Rob Rinder revisits the 2005 Liverpool murder case of Lucy Hargreaves, exploring courtroom dynamics and the lasting impact on those involved. The series blends archival interviews with fresh perspectives, offering a sobering look at due process.Global Food Adventures with Best of the World With Antoni Porowski (Disney+)Queer Eye’s culinary star Antoni Porowski travels to London, Paris, Mexico City and New York, immersing himself in each city’s food culture. While some choices feel familiar, his enthusiasm and on‑the‑ground curiosity make the four‑part series a lively cultural tour.Iconic Children’s Education Returns on Sesame Street (Netflix)After a period of uncertainty, Sesame Street is back on Netflix with new episodes that push the envelope—including a space‑mission storyline and inventive mid‑air repairs—while retaining its signature blend of sweetness and moral clarity.Teen Summer Romance Revived in Every Year After (Prime Video)Adapted from Carley Fortune’s bestseller, the series follows Persephone “Percy” Fraser (Sadie Soverall) and Sam Florek (Matt Cornett) across six summers in Barry’s Bay, Canada. Fans of The Summer I Turned Pretty will recognize its nostalgic, soft‑focus aesthetic and slow‑burn romance.LGBTQ+ Family Drama Proud (Netflix)Set against the backdrop of a small‑town community, Proud explores the challenges and triumphs of a gay couple navigating acceptance, family expectations and personal growth. The series adds a heartfelt voice to Netflix’s growing queer‑focused catalogue.Release Calendar and Platform DistributionAlice and Steve – Disney+, from Monday 8 JuneRob Rinder: The Crime I Can’t Forget – Crime+Investigation, from Monday 8 JuneBest of the World With Antoni Porowski – Disney+, from Monday 8 JuneSesame Street – Netflix, from Monday 8 JuneEvery Year After – Prime Video, from Wednesday 10 JuneProud – Netflix, from Monday 8 JuneWhy This Week’s Line‑up Signals a Shift Toward Inclusive, Cross‑Genre StreamingThe selections illustrate streaming services’ strategic push for diverse storytelling—mixing comedy, true‑crime, culinary travel, classic children’s content, teen romance and LGBTQ+ narratives. By offering fresh titles simultaneously, platforms aim to capture fragmented audiences and reinforce subscriber loyalty.What to Expect From Next Week’s Curated PicksGiven the current emphasis on representation and genre‑blending, upcoming recommendations are likely to feature more international co‑productions, limited‑run documentaries and series that foreground under‑represented voices, keeping the streaming ecosystem vibrant and competitive.

Jon Snow's Diagnosis and Documentary Former Channel 4 News anchor Jon Snow has been diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease, the most common form of dementia, the Alzheimer's Society has said. Snow, who presented his last news bulletin in December 2021, will take part in a documentary that will be broadcast on Channel 4 and in which he talks about his diagnosis. Jon Snow: A Last Big Story In the documentary about a mining disaster in Zambia, Jon Snow: A Last Big Story, he will say: “At the beginning I wanted to hide it, there’s so much prejudice. “Any sort of hint of mental decay, you’re sort of dead. There are moments when it pops up but it’s not an all-day, every-day condition, and that’s what I cling on to. “I’ve witnessed a great deal. I hope I’ve learned something – but I’ve still got a huge amount to learn. We all have. There’s still more to do.” Career Highlights and Personal Life Snow, 78, was the face of Channel 4 News for 32 years and was best known for his colourful ties and socks on air. He covered the fall of the Berlin Wall, the release of Nelson Mandela and Barack Obama’s inauguration while fronting the programme. Before that Snow had worked as a correspondent for ITN, reporting from Somalia and Vietnam. He was its Washington correspondent during the middle of Ronald Reagan’s presidency. Impact and Awareness Michelle Dyson, the chief executive of the Alzheimer’s Society, said: “Jon’s decision to talk publicly about his dementia diagnosis is a real act of courage and his story will resonate with so many. His support for Alzheimer’s Society will help spark a national conversation about dementia that we so desperately need. “Despite being the UK’s biggest killer, dementia is still not treated with the same urgency as other major health conditions like cancer.”

The Impact of Brexit on UK Musicians More than a quarter of British musicians have lost all their work in the European Union since 2021, according to new research. The report by European Movement UK, a cross-party campaign group advocating closer UK-EU relations, found that nearly half of British musicians had experienced a reduced amount of work in the EU since 2021. Financial Losses and Reduced Opportunities Average tour earnings had fallen by 45%, with 59% of musicians saying touring in Europe was no longer viable. The UK music sector, which contributes £8bn to the economy, is facing significant challenges, including different visa systems in each EU member state, new work permit requirements, and the Schengen 90-days-in-180 rule. The Broader Impact on the Creative Industry The issues highlighted are highly relevant to other creative industries, including film, TV, and video. Tom Kiehl, the chief executive of UK Music, said that touring the EU remains financially unviable post-Brexit for many musicians and performers. The Future of UK-EU Cultural Exchange Unless barriers to mobility are addressed, the UK risks further weakening a sector central not only to employment and growth, but to its cultural reach abroad. The report sets out a series of direct costs affecting touring artists, including temporary admission (ATA) carnets and cabotage rules.

The Appointment of Dawn Airey Dawn Airey, a veteran television executive known for her bold leadership and commercial instinct, has been appointed chair of Arts Council England (Ace). She will replace Nicholas Serota in August and has been tasked with supporting, nurturing, and protecting the arts. A Career Defined by Boldness and Commercial Instinct Airey's career in television spans over three decades, with senior roles at Channel 5, Sky, and ITV. She is known for her decisive leadership and ability to drive popular programming. Her appointment as chair of Ace follows an independent review by Margaret Hodge, who warned that the arm's-length public body must ensure funding is protected from politicization and simplify its application process. The Challenges Ahead Airey has identified artificial intelligence as a key challenge for the arts sector. She has called her appointment "an honour" and emphasized the importance of the council in championing art and culture, saying that the sector has "never been more vital to our nation". Airey's Background and Experience Airey has a strong background in broadcasting, having occupied senior roles in British television. She made her name in the 1990s as part of the founding team at Channel 5 and later became its head. She has also held roles at Sky and ITV, and has served as interim chair of Channel 4 and deputy chair of its board. Reaction to Airey's Appointment Ben Fenton, a veteran media consultant who worked with Airey at Channel 4 and her independent production company Moon&Back;, described her as "a wonderful person" and "the best thing that can happen to the arts in England". Peter Bazalgette, a former ITV chair and Ace chair from 2013 to 2017, praised Airey as "clever, completely fearless, and fun to work with".

The Life and Legacy of Anthony Head Anthony Head, the actor best-known for playing Rupert Giles in Buffy the Vampire Slayer, has died aged 72. “He passed away peacefully of complications due to pneumonia, surrounded by his family,” his daughters Emily and Daisy Head said in a statement. Early Life and Career Head was born in Camden, London, and was raised by artistic parents. His father was a documentary film-maker, while his mother was an actor. He began his professional career on the stage, starring in the 1978 West End revival of Godspell alongside Su Pollard. Notable Roles Rupert Giles in Buffy the Vampire Slayer Rupert Mannion in Ted Lasso Recurring role in Little Britain Roles in The Iron Lady and The Inbetweeners Movie Tributes and Legacy Tributes have been pouring in from those who knew and worked with Head, including Matt Lucas, David Boreanaz, James Marsters, Eliza Dushku, and Brett Goldstein. The Impact of His Passing Head's daughters said: “Our grief is far greater than the hole he has left behind but we know his legacy will live on in the shows he was a part of and in the audiences that love them.” The Future of His Work Head's work will continue to be celebrated by fans of Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Ted Lasso, and other shows he appeared in. His legacy as a talented actor and kind soul will live on.

The Administration’s Push to Rescind the Roadless Rule Since 2001, the Roadless Area Conservation Rule has shielded more than 58 million acres of U.S. national forests from new roads and timber harvests. In June 2026, USDA Secretary Brooke L. Rollins announced a plan to repeal the rule, opening the lands to logging and infrastructure projects. Origins of the Roadless Rule and Its Bipartisan Backing The rule was crafted with broad support, drawing nearly 2 million public comments that overwhelmingly favored protection. It has been credited with preserving wilderness corridors, protecting endangered species, and maintaining water quality across the western United States. Scale of Protection and Economic Stakes 58 million acres of roadless forest remain off‑limits to development. 320 million visitors toured national parks in 2025, many of whom also use adjacent national forests. 180 million Americans depend on forested watersheds for drinking water filtration. Potential timber revenues from opening the lands are estimated at $2‑3 billion annually, according to industry forecasts. Ecological and Community Consequences of Repeal Removing the rule would threaten habitats for grizzlies, wolves, salmon, elk, and mule deer, and could increase sedimentation that raises water treatment costs for millions. Indigenous communities, such as the Cayuse and Walla Walla, view the lands as a cultural covenant tied to salmon stewardship. Looking Ahead: Legal Battles and Policy Options Environmental groups have pledged litigation, and several congressional members have sign‑posted opposition. If the repeal proceeds, the Forest Service will likely issue new road‑building permits, but the process could be delayed by court injunctions. The outcome will shape U.S. forest management for the next decade.

The Critical Role of the Ocean Observatories Initiative (OOI) The OOI, managed by the US National Science Foundation, is a vast network of seafloor systems, underwater gliders, and moored surface platforms. It feeds data to researchers, policymakers, and mariners worldwide, covering both US coastlines and extending into the North Atlantic and Southern Ocean. It has been instrumental in studying marine heatwaves, harmful algal blooms, and ocean acidification. The Cost of Blindness: 163% Error Increase Research published in Nature Climate Change indicates that removing US observations would lead to a massive increase in error for annual ocean heating rates. Specifically, it would result in a 163% increase in error for these estimates. The study found that losing US data is worse than randomly losing 80% of all ocean data globally, as US-funded platforms plug critical gaps in every ocean basin. Economic and Safety Risks from Dismantling US Monitoring The degradation of forecasts would affect early warning systems for storms, tropical cyclones, and El Niño, sometimes 'dangerously so.' Experts argue this is 'penny-wise, pound foolish.' The US suffered 400 climate and weather disasters exceeding $1bn between 1980 and 2024, with costs reaching $177bn in 2024 alone. Farmers rely on El Niño forecasts for agricultural decisions, and insurance sectors face significant exposure. A Global Race Against the Clock: The EU's Counter-Move While the US moves to descope the OOI, the European Union is boosting its own monitoring with a €92m ($107m) initiative called OceanEye. However, scientists emphasize that international cooperation is essential. Samantha Burgess of the Copernicus Climate Change Service warned that without ocean observations, the world is 'flying blind,' and the loss of US data could compromise the ability to predict and mitigate extreme weather events in the coming years.