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Pope Leo has issued a powerful Easter message, condemning the brutality that plagues the world. In his first Easter services, the Pope emphasized the need for compassion, forgiveness, and peace in a world torn apart by conflict and violence. The Pope's message resonated with millions of people around the world, who are seeking hope and solace in these uncertain times. His words served as a reminder of the importance of embracing humanity and working towards a more peaceful and harmonious world.

An appellate panel in Colorado has ordered a new sentencing hearing for former Mesa County clerk Tina Peters, whose original nine‑year prison term was overturned on procedural grounds. The three‑judge panel ruled that the trial court improperly considered Peters's personal belief in alleged 2020 election fraud when determining her punishment, rendering the sentence invalid. While the conviction for assisting an out‑of‑state actor in accessing and copying Mesa County voting‑machine data remains intact, the court emphasized that the sentence, not the guilt, was flawed. "The trial court’s comments about Peters’s belief in the existence of 2020 election fraud went beyond relevant considerations for her sentencing," the opinion read. Judge Matthew Barrett, who previously described Peters as a “charlatan” peddling “snake‑oil” claims, was specifically cited for remarks that the appeals court deemed extraneous to the sentencing decision. Peters was found guilty in August 2024 of facilitating the theft of election‑system files for a person linked to efforts to overturn former President Donald Trump's 2020 loss. The stolen copies were later disseminated on social media, fueling the broader election‑denial movement. In December, President Trump issued a pardon for Peters. However, the appellate court clarified that a presidential pardon cannot override state convictions, stating, "We have found no instance where the presidential pardon power has been stretched in such a way as to invade an individual state’s sovereignty." Governor Jared Polis of Colorado has hinted at the possibility of clemency, though no formal action has been announced. The case continues to serve as a rallying point for Trump supporters who claim the 2020 election was riddled with fraud, a narrative that persists despite the former president’s re‑election in 2024 and ongoing legal scrutiny.

Zara Larsson, the 28-year-old Swedish pop sensation, is taking the music world by storm with her album 'Midnight Sun'. With three songs in the US Hot 100 and fourth biggest female artist on global Spotify, Larsson's career is moving at lightning speed. Larsson's journey to stardom began at 16 with her debut single 'Uncover'. However, it was her zeitgeist-hijacking album 'Midnight Sun' that reinvented her as a rave nymph, blending brash electro-pop and drum’n’bass. The album's success can be attributed to its genuine youthfulness, ultra-fun, and uber-femme vibe, which has resonated with fans worldwide. Larsson's lyrics have the immediacy of a voice note sent to a crush, and she is startlingly frank about her insecurities. Her music is a reflection of her unapologetic camp and accessible twist, making her a standout in the industry. Larsson has always been vocal about sex positivity, women's rights, and her support of Palestine. She declined to perform at Eurovision's halftime show in protest at Israel's inclusion and lost a $3m brand deal after joking about abortion on social media. Despite the challenges of fame, Larsson thrives on attention and sees her current hot streak as an opportunity to build and create. With her deluxe edition of 'Midnight Sun' coming soon, Larsson is set to take the music world by storm.

‘Your Friends & Neighbours’ returns for a second season that doubles down on its deliciously dark satire of the ultra‑rich enclave of Westport, New York – a thinly veiled stand‑in for Westchester’s high‑finance playground. The series remains a “rich dessert” of a show: indulgent, a little unhealthy, but undeniably moreish.Jon Hamm reprises Andrew “Coop” Cooper, a former Manhattan hedge‑fund star who now survives by burgling the opulent homes of his equally extravagant neighbours. Coop’s charisma is built on a blend of oak‑like steadiness and a perpetual tumbler of $500 whisky, allowing him to charm both victims and collaborators. Unlike Don Draper’s secret shame, Coop’s anxiety is a quieter, more comedic driver that fuels the season’s caper.Season two opens with Coop, now approaching fifty, injuring his back while rifling a mansion’s study. The mishap forces him to rely on his longtime lookout Elena (Aimee Carrero) and brings a new, reluctant ally into the fold. Meanwhile, the arrival of the flamboyant billionaire Owen (James Marsden) rattles the delicate Westport ecosystem, adding fresh tension to the criminal enterprise.The narrative also shifts focus to the personal toll of wealth. Coop’s ex‑wife Mel (Amanda Peet) navigates perimenopause and the looming emptiness of her children leaving for college, while their daughter Tori (Isabel Gravitt) deliberately flunks a Princeton interview, railing against the university as a “engine of rigged, corrosive capitalism.” This scene underscores the show’s satirical edge, reminding viewers that the glittering excess is built on fragile foundations.Despite its glossy façade, the series offers unexpected emotional depth. Hamm and Peet convey a wistful sadness that resonates beyond the bank‑balance zeros, suggesting that middle‑aged ex‑lovers remain bound by past mistakes. The season balances heist thrills with moments of genuine heart, positioning the show as a guilty‑pleasure dramedy that “gets away with it.”Your Friends & Neighbours is currently streaming on Apple TV+.

The ongoing conflict between the US and Israel against Iran has significantly impacted global oil supplies, causing prices to surge. Despite this, US President Donald Trump claims that the US is 'totally independent' of the Middle East and doesn't need their oil. However, experts argue that the oil market is highly interconnected, making it unlikely that the US can escape the effects of the crisis.The US is a major oil producer, having surpassed other countries due to the fracking boom. Yet, it still imports millions of barrels per day, with a significant portion coming from Gulf nations. This reliance on imports means that the US is not as insulated from global price trends as Trump suggests.Oil prices have risen by nearly half since the start of the war, with Brent crude trading above $100 per barrel. This increase has had a ripple effect on the global economy, with US fuel prices breaching $4 per gallon for the first time since 2022. The surge in fuel costs is likely to impact the US economy and may influence the midterm elections.Experts warn that the concept of 'energy independence' may be a 'smokescreen' and that low-income households will be disproportionately affected by higher fuel prices. While some sectors of the US economy, such as energy production, may benefit from the current situation, the overall impact on consumers is expected to be negative.The article also highlights the broader implications of the conflict, including disruptions to global fertilizer supplies and helium production. With the Strait of Hormuz remaining paralyzed, the effects of the crisis are likely to be prolonged, and experts are skeptical that fuel prices will quickly return to normal even if the conflict ends soon.

Chris Haskins, Lord Haskins, who has died at the age of 88, was a highly influential figure in British business and politics. He was a key supporter of Tony Blair's New Labour project and played a crucial role in advising on regulatory reform and rural affairs. Early Life and Career Born in Dublin, Ireland, Haskins studied modern history at Trinity College Dublin, where he developed a reputation as a radical. He began his career in journalism, covering the Aldermaston marches for the Irish Times, before moving into business. In 1959, he traveled to England, married Gilda Horsley, and joined his father-in-law's company, Northern Dairies, which later became Northern Foods. Business Achievements Under Haskins' leadership, Northern Foods grew into Britain's leading food manufacturer. He was instrumental in developing chilled food techniques, which enabled the mass production of ready meals and convenience foods. A significant partnership with Marks & Spencer was established, which became a cornerstone of the company's success, generating annual sales of half a billion pounds. Public Service and Politics Haskins was a vocal advocate for various public causes, including European monetary union, English regional devolution, and the reduction of subsidies to British agriculture. He served as a 'rural tsar' during the foot and mouth outbreak of 2001 and authored a rural recovery report for Defra, which proposed a shift towards environmental concerns and a long-term reduction in subsidies. Legacy Throughout his life, Haskins was known for his 'no-nonsense approach' and his commitment to telling the truth as he saw it. He was a passionate advocate for regional devolution and took an active role in various Yorkshire economic bodies. Despite facing disappointment as governments wound down bodies he chaired, Haskins remained dedicated to his causes, reflecting on his life's work: 'Most of the campaigns of my life have failed, largely, I comfort myself, because I have been ahead of my time.' He is survived by his wife, Gilda, their five children, nine grandchildren, and a great-granddaughter.

The recent statements and actions by the US, particularly by President Donald Trump, have raised serious concerns about potential war crimes under international law. During a national address, Trump warned that if Iran did not reach a deal with him, the US would target Iranian electric-generating plants and reduce the country to the 'stone ages.'Legal experts and human rights organizations have strongly criticized these threats. Erika Guevara Rosas, Amnesty International's senior director of research, advocacy, policy and campaigns, emphasized that intentionally attacking civilian infrastructure, such as power plants, is generally prohibited under international law. Such actions could cause disproportionate harm to civilians and are considered unlawful and potentially war crimes.More than 100 US experts in international law from prestigious universities, including Harvard, Yale, and Stanford, have expressed similar concerns. They highlighted Trump's comments, including the statement that the US may conduct strikes on Iran 'just for fun,' and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth's remarks about not fighting with 'stupid rules of engagement.'The experts and legal experts point to the principle of distinction in international humanitarian law, which requires parties to avoid targeting civilian objects. Article 52 of the Geneva Conventions defines civilian objects as those that are not military objectives, and it is a war crime to intentionally direct attacks against them if they are not military objectives.Human rights organizations and experts warn that targeting Iran's power plants would have a devastating impact on the civilian population, affecting hospitals, water supplies, and other vital needs. Sarah Yager, Washington director of Human Rights Watch, noted that such actions would be catastrophic for the Iranian people.

When a loved one passes away while a care home still holds prepaid weeks, many families are told that the provider’s "policy" does not allow refunds. In one recent case, a family challenged this stance, discovered that the contract actually obligated the home to return the unused fees, and successfully secured a refund. The experience underscores a wider issue: care‑home operators often withhold money from bereaved families, banking on their grief and lack of legal knowledge. The author, forewarned by similar reports, enlisted a family lawyer who identified the contractual breach and drafted a decisive email that compelled the provider to comply. Importantly, the complaint was not about the quality of care. The writer notes a clear separation between the compassionate on‑site staff and the profit‑focused head office, suggesting that the latter may deliberately adopt a “no‑refund” stance as a revenue‑preserving tactic. Historically, the practice traces back to the privatisation of care homes under Margaret Thatcher. The original promise was that market competition would increase choice for residents while lowering public spending. In reality, the economics of private care demand near‑full occupancy to stay profitable, forcing operators to raise prices when referrals dip. This creates a paradox: the need for vacant beds to offer choice clashes with the profit motive to maximise occupancy, ultimately undermining the policy’s goals. For families navigating this landscape, the lesson is clear: scrutinise contracts and seek legal advice before accepting a provider’s blanket “no‑refund” policy. A vigilant approach can turn a potentially lost sum into a reclaimed right, and may pressure care‑home chains to rethink opaque refund practices.

Cameron Boozer earned the Associated Press men’s college basketball Player of the Year honor, marking the fifth time a freshman has captured the award and the second consecutive year a Duke freshman has done so. The 6‑foot‑9 forward was a cornerstone of a Duke squad that posted 35 victories, topped the AP Top 25 poll, secured the No. 1 overall seed for March Madness and advanced to the Elite Eight. Boozer’s versatility—scoring against physical defenses, stretching the floor with perimeter shooting, and facilitating the offense—proved decisive throughout the campaign. Joining the ranks of Cooper Flagg (2025), Zion Williamson (2019), Anthony Davis (2012) and Kevin Durant (2007), Boozer joins a short list of freshmen who later became top‑two NBA draft picks. He noted, “It’s not just about me; the team’s success amplifies these recognitions.” In the AP voting, Boozer secured 59 of 61 votes, with the remaining two cast for BYU freshman AJ Dybantsa, who averaged a national‑best 25.5 points per game. Statistically, Boozer averaged 22.5 points (ninth in Division I) and 10.2 rebounds (twelfth), while dishing out 4.1 assists. His shooting efficiency stood at 55.6% from the field and 39.1% from three‑point range**, and he tied for the national lead with 22 double‑doubles. These numbers underscore his readiness for the professional level. Highlights of his season include a career‑high 35 points against Arkansas, a 29‑point effort versus defending champion Florida, and a dominant 18‑point, 15‑rebound performance against Michigan State. Even in Duke’s season‑ending loss to UConn, Boozer contributed 27 points despite a swollen right eye from an early‑game blow. Duke associate head coach Chris Carrawell praised Boozer, saying the program has been “fortunate to have two of the best freshmen ever play back‑to‑back,” and placed him “right up there” with the sport’s recent legends. In related honors, Fred Hoiberg was named AP Coach of the Year after guiding Nebraska to a breakthrough 28‑win season.