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The highly anticipated fifth season of the Cork-set comedy The Young Offenders premieres on BBC One at 9:30pm. The new season kicks off with Jock, played by Chris Walley, breaking out of a Colombian prison and reuniting with Conor, played by Alex Murphy, back in Ireland. Their adventures quickly take a turn as they find themselves in a hostage situation with an elderly couple while wearing floral dresses.Elsewhere on television, Rob Beckett brings his unique brand of humor to Sky One with his show Giraffe at 9pm. The comedian takes viewers on a stream-of-consciousness journey through topics like poshness, parenting, and pubes, often pushing the envelope with his audience.On Channel 4, The Last Leg continues its 34th series at 10pm, featuring presenters Adam Hills, Josh Widdicombe, and Alex Brooker. This week's guests include Josh Pugh, Lorraine Kelly, and Steve Bracknall.In addition to these shows, BBC One also airs Extraordinary Portraits With Bill Bailey at 7:30pm, highlighting the story of Eddie, the 'Iron Gran', who became the oldest British woman to complete an Ironman triathlon at 72. Meanwhile, Beyond Paradise airs at 8pm, with Humphrey solving a series of burglaries in Shipton Abbott.For film enthusiasts, The Wolf of Wall Street, directed by Martin Scorsese and starring Leonardo DiCaprio, is broadcast on BBC Two at 10pm. This financial crime caper is based on the memoir of stockbroker Jordan Belfort and features memorable performances from Matthew McConaughey and Margot Robbie.

A plush toy designed by eight-year-old Lucas Ye from California has become an unlikely participant in NASA's Artemis II mission, the agency's first crewed lunar mission in over 50 years. The toy, named Rise, serves as a zero-gravity indicator and was included in the mission after Lucas won a global competition.Rise is a smiley-faced plush toy wearing a baseball cap with a star-spangled visor and a crown resembling Earth's surface. Lucas's design was chosen from over 2,600 entrants in a competition presided over by NASA and Freelancer, a crowdsourcing company.The Artemis II mission, which launched on Wednesday, aims to send astronauts farther from Earth than any humans in history. The crew will travel over 250,000 miles into space and back over a period of 10 days. If successful, the mission will pave the way for future lunar exploration, including the 2028 scheduled mission to place humans back on the moon.Rise's journey is not without precedent; similar zero-gravity indicator objects have been part of space missions in the past. Lucas's achievement is a significant milestone for the young space enthusiast, who aspires to work at NASA or become an astrophysicist.The Artemis II mission also marks a historic moment for diversity in space exploration, with a woman, Christina Koch, and a person of color, Victor Glover, flying between Earth's orbit and the moon for the first time.

The United States has reaffirmed that it is still prepared to engage Tehran in diplomatic talks, despite the ongoing US‑Israel war against Iran and President Donald Trump’s renewed threats to target the country’s civilian infrastructure. State Department spokesperson Tommy Pigott told Al Jazeera that President Trump had pursued negotiations with Iran before the conflict erupted, but accused the Iranian regime of persisting in its quest for a nuclear weapon. "The president is always open to diplomacy, but he’s also clear that we will see our objectives fulfilled here," Pigott said, underscoring the administration’s dual track of diplomatic engagement and military pressure. In a primetime address aired on Wednesday, Trump echoed his earlier claims that the United States is winning the war, yet offered no concrete roadmap for ending the hostilities or reopening the Strait of Hormuz – a chokepoint whose closure by Tehran has driven global energy prices higher. The conflict began on February 28, shortly after a round of Geneva talks that Omani mediators and Iranian officials described as “positive.” Last year, Israel struck Iran’s three primary nuclear facilities in an operation the White House dubbed “Midnight Hammer.” Iran continues to deny any intention to develop a nuclear weapon, while Israel is widely believed to possess an undeclared nuclear arsenal. Former intelligence chief Tulsi Gabbard testified to Congress that Iran was not rebuilding enrichment capacity before the June 2025 attacks, and later reiterated that there have been no efforts to restore its nuclear program since the strikes. Nevertheless, Tehran insists on the right to enrich uranium domestically and has ruled out negotiations over its missile program and support for groups such as Hezbollah and Hamas. Pigott emphasized that the United States is maintaining high‑level diplomatic contacts across the region, stating, "We see diplomatic engagement at the highest levels of this administration, with our partners in the region, to pursue our interests and explore what can happen here." The spokesperson also accused Iran of targeting civilians and civilian infrastructure, describing the threat of a nuclear‑armed Tehran as "intolerable." In response, Iran has launched missile and drone attacks against U.S. and Israeli assets, as well as energy facilities, hotels, and airports throughout the Middle East. Trump later posted footage of a U.S. strike on a major Iranian bridge, warning that similar attacks could follow. He wrote on social media, "IT IS TIME FOR IRAN TO MAKE A DEAL BEFORE IT IS TOO LATE, and there is nothing left of what could become a great country." In the same speech, he threatened to destroy Iran’s power plants and, earlier in the week, suggested the United States could also target water desalination stations – actions that legal experts say would constitute collective punishment under international law. Barbara Slavin, a distinguished fellow at the Stimson Center, told Al Jazeera that Trump appears to be "scrambling" to intensify the war in hopes of forcing a resolution before the conflict turns into a definitive failure.

The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Secretary-General, Jassim al-Budaiwi, has urged the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) to take immediate action to stop Iranian attacks on Gulf countries, which he described as a 'flagrant violation' of international law and the UN Charter.Speaking at the UNSC, al-Budaiwi called on the council to 'take all necessary measures' to bring an end to Iran's attacks on Gulf countries and to protect maritime corridors and guarantee uninterrupted maritime navigation through strategic waterways in the region.The GCC chief also emphasized the need for the six GCC states – Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Bahrain, Oman, Kuwait, and the United Arab Emirates – to be included in any talks or deals with Iran 'to enhance regional security and prevent further escalation or repetition of such attacks in the future.'Iran has been carrying out daily missile and drone attacks across the Middle East, including in Arab Gulf nations, since the US and Israel launched a war against the country on February 28. These attacks have struck civilian sites, including critical energy facilities, and have effectively closed the Strait of Hormuz, a key Gulf waterway through which about one-fifth of the world's oil and liquified natural gas supplies transit.The situation has sent global energy prices skyrocketing, and frustrations are growing across the Gulf as the US-Israeli war on Iran drags on. According to Al Jazeera's Zein Basravi, 85 percent of the projectiles fired by Iran have targeted Gulf countries, with the UAE being the hardest hit.

Thousands of Iranians assembled in Tehran for the funeral of senior IRGC naval commander Alireza Tangsiri, who was killed in an Israeli strike, vowing steadfast resistance even as the United States issued stark warnings.The ceremony took place on the 47th anniversary of the Islamic Republic, a milestone that marks the 1979 revolution that ended the centuries‑old monarchy.This year’s commemoration carries added weight as the capital endures relentless U.S.-Israeli bombardments that began on February 28."This war has lasted a month. No matter how long it takes, we will keep fighting," declared Moussa Nowruzi, a 57‑year‑old pensioner, adding, "We will resist until the end."Among the mourners, a young boy brandished a sign reading "Revenge", while massive Iranian flags fluttered as crowds filled Enghelab Square, the heart of the city named after the revolution.Chants of "God is greatest, Khamenei is the supreme leader" echoed through the square, and a man was seen sobbing in the arms of a woman dressed in black.Participants also honored relatives lost in the conflict, their faces displayed on placards, as Tangsiri’s coffin was carried slowly through the gathering.Tangsiri, one of the IRGC’s longest‑serving senior officers, was credited with orchestrating the closure of the Strait of Hormuz to vessels aligned with the United States and Israel during the ongoing war.Later that day, U.S. President Donald Trump addressed the nation on television, reiterating that the war was inevitable and that America intended to "finish the job" in Iran.Trump previously claimed that Iran’s president had sought a truce—a statement Tehran denied—and warned that bombardments would continue until the Hormuz waterway was "open, free, and clear."Funeral attendees dismissed the president’s threats. "We have heard Trump say things that even the American public finds confusing," said Homa Vosoogh, 36, adding, "His statements do not affect us."Government employee Mohammad Saleh Momeni echoed the sentiment, asserting that Trump "cannot translate his words into action" and reaffirming their loyalty to Iran’s leadership.While the United States and Israel initially framed their campaign as a push for regime change, Trump’s stance has since wavered.According to the report, air strikes have claimed the life of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who led Iran for 36 years, yet the governing structure remains functional, retaining its missile and drone capabilities.Portraits of the late leader and his son Mojtaba Khamenei, who has yet to appear publicly, dominate public spaces throughout Tehran."They believe killing our commanders will weaken us, but it will not," Momeni asserted, describing the adversaries’ misconceptions.Despite a wave of anti‑government protests that peaked in January, a segment of the population continues to harbor hopes for political reform.

Out of roughly 43 million Americans who collectively owe close to $1.7 trillion in student loans, only a limited number have seen their balances wiped clean. For those fortunate few, the impact has been profound, reshaping financial stability and opening new career possibilities.Laura Kluss, a 41‑year‑old clinical social worker from Sacramento, California, received forgiveness through the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program at the end of 2025. Her loan, which had ballooned into the six‑figure range, was reduced to zero, allowing her to consider a shift from government work to the private sector without the weight of debt.Earlier this week, the U.S. Department of Education began alerting approximately 164,000 additional federal borrowers that they may qualify for automatic loan discharge. The outreach focuses on individuals who attended any of more than 150 colleges alleged to have misled students about graduation rates, employment outcomes, or true program costs.For borrowers like Kimberly from Pennsylvania, the news feels like “hitting the lottery.” She explained that the forgiveness will enable her to settle other obligations, such as her mortgage and vehicle loan, and she warned that “college is a scam unless you become a doctor or a lawyer,” urging prospective students to consider trade schools instead.Ian Hobbs, a 43‑year‑old adjunct professor in Arizona, also saw his loans discharged, yet he stresses lingering repercussions. He noted that a high debt‑to‑income ratio has blocked mortgage approvals and job opportunities for over a decade, describing the experience as akin to “indentured slavery.”Jennifer Alfonso, a disabled stay‑at‑home wife from Florida, is awaiting a decision on a Total and Permanent Disability (TPD) discharge. She said that relief would prevent automatic deductions from her SSDI benefits, which currently leave her barely able to cover basic living costs.Alfonso also cautioned others to verify a school’s accreditation, recounting her own ordeal with an unaccredited institution that forced her to restart her nursing education after transferring credits.Brad Hufeld, a retiree in Delaware, Ohio, has carried a loan for 23 years after his college closed before he could graduate. He highlighted the personal toll, including the loss of his mother during that period, and urged borrowers to read the fine print before signing up for any program.A woman in her 60s working at a bottling plant in Kentucky, who filed for Chapter 13 bankruptcy two years ago, expressed hope that forgiveness could finally allow her to retire and keep her bills current.Finally, a 65‑year‑old semi‑retired truck driver in Texas, whose loan finances a truck‑driving certification rather than a degree, said that discharge would improve his credit score and provide much‑needed financial relief, adding a reminder to “do your homework before committing to any educational path.”p>

The Unicorn Theatre's production of 'A Midsummer Night's Dream' is a playful and punchy adaptation of Shakespeare's romantic comedy, made accessible to a young audience. Co-directors Rachel Bagshaw and Robin Belfield have trimmed down the original language while incorporating slapstick comedy and playful captions.The production feels like the start of a brilliant venture, still finding its feet. The editing is smart, but could have been more radical. The framing story in Athens has been cut down but not excised, making it harder to understand.The magical elements are kept low-key and gently engaging, with Titania's fairies conjured up using childlike voiceovers, Holly Khan's delicate soundscape, and Will Monks' entrancing word projections. Joséphine-Fransilja Brookman's Puck is an impish schoolkid who climbs up balconies, jumps on tyre swings, and causes mischief.The standout star is Emmy Stonelake as Bottom, a natural comic and talented Shakespearean who raises big laughs without compromising the language. When Bottom is turned into a donkey, Stonelake cries out: “This is to make an ass of me!” and is met with big laughs and heavy sighs.The most lucid and enjoyable scenes are those with the rude mechanicals as they rehearse their (terrible) play. There's a whiff of the CBeebies panto to these encounters, with the actors dressed in neon costumes and delivering their gags with gusto. The hard-working ensemble jump from playing heartsick lovers to hammy actors with real aplomb.At the Unicorn theatre, London, until 10 May.

The Black Country, a region in the West Midlands, is grappling with the highest levels of physical inactivity in England. With 1.2 million residents, it is one of the poorest parts of the country, and the statistics are stark: 28.4% of adults in the West Midlands are physically inactive, with some areas like Sandwell and Walsall recording even higher rates of inactivity.However, local volunteers and organizations are taking proactive steps to address this issue. Kelvin Gilkes, founder of the Pendeford Community Bike Hub, is working to encourage people to get active through cycling. His initiative not only provides a space for people to repair and ride bicycles but also aims to expand horizons and promote physical activity among community members.Another initiative is led by Tracy Tromans, who runs a weekly walking group through Leasowes park in Halesowen. Her group focuses on friendship and being aware of everyone's limitations, gently encouraging people to leave their homes and get moving. Nadia Inglis, director of public health for Walsall, emphasizes the benefits of physical activity, including lowering the risk of chronic conditions and improving mental wellbeing.Organizations like Sport England and Active Black Country are also playing a crucial role in supporting local initiatives. They are funding networks of 'place-based' Active Partnerships to improve physical activity in areas where it is scarce. The goal is to turn local insight into community action and create a broader impact.These community-driven initiatives offer a glimmer of hope in the face of a significant challenge. By making parks more accessible and promoting non-traditional activities, such as Nerf clubs, these efforts aim to unlock spaces and encourage people to get active. While change is slow, there is a sense of momentum and ownership within the community, which is essential for long-term success.

A writer decided to hand over his dating life to AI for six weeks, using it to write his dating profile and generate conversation prompts. He matched with a woman, A, who was fine with his experiment, and they arranged a daytime cinema trip. The AI advised him to wear a turtleneck, dark jeans, and boots or minimal trainers, and helped him craft messages, including "Morning! Still on for Marty Supreme? Are you more of a trailers-lover or a trailers-hater?". However, A ignored the question and simply confirmed she was coming. During the date, the writer used AI-generated lines, such as "That hair has pure A24 energy", which A found confusing. The AI also suggested complimenting her hair, which he did, but A seemed unimpressed. As the date progressed, A began to notice that the writer's messages sounded "emotionally intelligent, yet something's off about them". She eventually discovered that he was using AI to generate his lines and told him that if someone had sent those messages without her knowing about the experiment, she wouldn't have come on the date. The writer concluded that "AI is great at choosing date ideas. Relying on it for conversation, though, comes at a price of not trusting yourself – your own curiosity, ability to listen, and what you have to offer". He realized that the artificial confidence of AI-generated lines can make them worse than someone who is honestly nervous.