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Brenton Tarrant, the Australian white supremacist who killed 51 people in the March 15, 2019 Christchurch mosque shootings, has lost his appeal to overturn his conviction and life‑without‑parole sentence.The Court of Appeal’s Unanimous Rejection of Tarrant’s AppealNew Zealand’s Court of Appeal ruled on Thursday that Tarrant’s appeal was “utterly devoid of merit”. A three‑judge panel concluded that his evidence about mental state and prison conditions was inconsistent and contradicted observations from prison officials and mental‑health assessments. The court affirmed that his guilty pleas were voluntary and not the result of coercion.Numbers Behind the Verdict: Charges, Sentencing and Prison Terms51 murder charges40 counts of attempted murder1 charge of committing a terrorist attackSentenced in August 2020 to life imprisonment without paroleTarrant, now 35, had previously argued that “torturous and inhumane” detention conditions impaired his rational decision‑making at the time of his pleas.What the Ruling Means for Survivors, Legal Precedent and Counter‑Terrorism PolicyLawyers for the survivors and families described the decision as a “huge relief”, noting that a new trial would have forced them to relive the trauma of March 15. The judgment reinforces the robustness of New Zealand’s legal framework for handling terrorism‑related crimes and sets a clear precedent that appeals based on alleged prison mistreatment will face stringent scrutiny.Looking Ahead: No Further Legal Recourse and Potential Legislative ResponsesWith the Court of Appeal’s dismissal, Tarrant has exhausted domestic avenues for appeal; any further challenge would require a petition to the Supreme Court, which is unlikely to be granted. The case may spur continued discussion on prison conditions for high‑profile terrorists and could influence future legislative reviews of New Zealand’s counter‑terrorism and mental‑health assessment protocols.

Protesters Interrupt NatWest AGM with Climate SongThe chair of NatWest was forced to defend the bank against accusations of “climate backtracking” when activists from the XR Money Rebellion sang a rendition of Frère Jacques—"No more bombs, no more oil"—during the opening speech of the annual general meeting in Edinburgh. The protest halted the proceedings for roughly thirty minutes before the meeting resumed.Protesters wore black T‑shirts reading “No more big oil” and “No bombs”.Representative Mara Lilley of the Church of England pension board announced a vote against chair Rick Haythornthwaite’s re‑election over climate concerns.The disruption coincided with heightened shareholder questioning of climate policy and staff remuneration.Financial Stakes: £19bn Transition Finance and £200bn Sustainable Lending GoalNatWest disclosed that it provided £19 bn of energy‑transition finance in the second half of 2025 and set an ambitious target of £200 bn in sustainable lending by 2030. The bank also reported that oil and gas financing now represents only 0.6% of total lending.Goal: halve climate impact versus 2019 levels (currently at 39%).Net‑zero financing target: 2050.Executive pay: CEO Paul Thwaite to receive £6.6 m in 2025‑26.Boardroom Tension: Shareholder Dissent and Policy Shift ImplicationsDespite a 92% approval for Haythornthwaite’s re‑election—the lowest among 25 resolutions—significant dissent emerged. Jeanne Martin of Share Action, representing investors with $1.4 tn assets, warned that the softened fossil‑fuel policy could amplify physical risks such as flooding and heatwaves, threatening long‑term financial stability.Share Action called the policy change a “slight shift” that risks “accelerating exposure to physical risks”.Unite union representatives highlighted rising dividends and executive pay versus staff hardship.Future Outlook: Pressure on NatWest’s Climate Commitments and Stakeholder RelationsHaythornthwaite agreed to meet with concerned investors within three months, signalling a potential recalibration of the bank’s climate roadmap. Continued activist pressure and shareholder activism suggest NatWest will need to balance its pragmatic middle‑road approach with demonstrable progress on sustainable financing to restore confidence.Potential outcomes: tighter fossil‑fuel financing restrictions, enhanced reporting on transition plans, or renewed stakeholder dialogue.Long‑term risk: erosion of investor trust could affect capital costs and market reputation.

Newcastle’s Knats Turn Regional Grit into International Jazz BuzzThe duo of King David-Ike Elechi and Stan Woodward have evolved from a rebellious school‑rock club to a BBC Proms‑featured jazz outfit, proving that northern optimism can thrive on the world stage.The Rise of Knats: From Bedroom Experiments to the BBC PromsFormed after a “Whiplash moment” in a local music club, the pair built a DIY sound on a Tesco guitar and church‑learned drums. Over a decade they added Ferg Kilsby (trumpet), George Johnson (sax), Sandro Shar (piano) and poet‑vocalist Cooper Robson, shaping a genre‑bending style that blends hip‑hop beats, drum‑and‑bass, and classic jazz influences from Charles Mingus to Miles Davis.Key Milestones and Numbers Driving Knats' MomentumBBC Proms appearance – first major national platform.Collaboration with former Black Midi frontman Geordie Greep (pro‑bono production).Support slot for R&B legend Eddie Chacon on his UK tour.Upcoming release of debut album A Great Day in Newcastle on 1 May via Fontana.Spring 2026 tour across the UK, preceded by a US showcase at SXSW in March.Shifting the UK Jazz Landscape Beyond LondonThe Knats’ story highlights the persistent north‑south disparity in live‑booking opportunities and arts funding. While London‑based initiatives like Tomorrow’s Warriors dominate the narrative, the band’s success underscores a growing appetite for regional jazz scenes, especially as they champion free‑for‑kids programmes reminiscent of the defunct county bands.Future Trajectory: From Regional Roots to Global StagesWith a debut album that tackles themes from toxic masculinity to local pride, the Knats aim to cement a “Geordie jazz” identity while eyeing broader exposure. Their plan includes establishing a free youth jazz hub in Newcastle by age 30, ensuring the next generation can bypass the London bottleneck and keep the northern jazz renaissance alive.

The Guardian’s report follows a team of former political prisoners who have turned a historic Venetian church into a sprawling, multisensory protest against the authoritarian regime of Alexander Lukashenko. By staging the work as a “collateral event” rather than an official pavilion, the artists force the Biennale to confront the reality of state‑sanctioned terror.From Prison Cells to Venice: The Genesis of “Official. Unofficial. Belarus.”In a modest studio in west Warsaw, former detainees Natalia Kaliada and her husband Nicolai Khalezin coordinated painters, sculptors, composers and even two‑Michelin‑star chef Rasmus Munk to create an installation that has no performance element but functions as an immersive political statement.Numbers of Oppression: Six Masked Men, 20 Hours of Detention, and Over a Decade of Lukashenko’s RuleSix masked KGB officers broke into the Kaliada family home at 5 am in 2010.20 hours of detention for Natalia Kaliada, during which she was threatened with rape.Since 1994, Alexander Lukashenko has ruled Belarus, overseeing the imprisonment of thousands of opponents.Symbolic Arsenal: Wheat Stalks, Banned Books, and the Iron CrucifixGolden wheat stalks cut to 90 cm lengths, evoking the agrarian façade of the regime.A massive ball of banned books – including Harry Potter and works by Svetlana Alexievich – rests on a bulldozer claw, symbolising cultural suppression.Surveillance cameras are weathered and mounted on a towering iron crucifix, turning the church into a literal watchtower.A scent designed to mimic a freshly dug grave adds an olfactory layer of trauma.Political Shockwaves: The Installation’s Challenge to the Biennale’s NeutralityBecause the work is presented as a “collateral event” at the Chiesa di San Giovanni Evangelista, it sidesteps the official pavilion system that requires state approval. This move highlights the Biennale’s paradox: while Russia enjoys an official pavilion for the first time since its invasion of Ukraine, a dissident Belarusian collective is forced to operate on the margins. The artists hope the piece will spark protests – Pussy Riot have already pledged a takeover – and force a re‑examination of the Biennale’s policy of allowing any nation to participate regardless of human‑rights records.Looking Ahead: Will Art Spaces Become Frontlines for Authoritarian Accountability?If the installation succeeds in drawing media attention and activist pressure, it could set a precedent for future cultural events to act as de‑facto tribunals for repressive regimes. The artists anticipate that the “Official. Unofficial. Belarus.” project will inspire other exiled creators to claim public venues as platforms for dissent, potentially reshaping how global exhibitions negotiate politics and art.

The Evening's TV LandscapeTelevision tonight offers a diverse lineup headlined by Richard Gadd's highly anticipated follow-up to 'Baby Reindeer', with other notable programs including cooking competitions, design shows, and sporting events. The Guardian's TV critics provide insights into what makes each program worth watching.The Gadd Effect: 'Half Man' Arrives on BBC OneRichard Gadd's 'Half Man' makes its regular television debut on BBC One at 10.40pm, following its initial release on iPlayer last week. The show features Mitchell Robertson and Stuart Campbell as 1980s schoolboys Niall and Ruben, with Jamie Bell and Gadd themselves portraying their adult counterparts as they form a toxic lifelong bond. Critics praise the performances of both lead actors in what promises to be another psychologically complex drama from the creator of 'Baby Reindeer'.The Reality TV Spectrum: From Design to DatingBBC One offers two contrasting reality programs at 8pm and 9pm. 'Interior Design Masters With Alan Carr' challenges contestants to create romantic love nests in a medieval castle in Cheshire, with guest judge Linda Boronkay providing her 'classy taste' as arbiter. Later, 'MasterChef' continues its heats with an eager new batch of contestants, including Yuvi's confident duck dishes and Tony's sixfold pork preparations. The apron cook-off featuring fishfinger sandwiches provides 'glorious carnage', while judge Grace Dent offers her signature lyricism, describing a solitary boiled egg as a 'visiting dignitary'.On BBC Three at 9pm, 'Better Date Than Never' offers a gentler approach to reality television, following first-time daters in Australia. The double bill features Charles struggling with small talk and Olivia finding instant connection with a fellow Taylor Swift fan, alongside Liv who is already planning her wedding despite not having found a groom.The Travelogue Tradition: Michael Portillo in StockholmChannel 5's 7pm slot features Michael Portillo in Stockholm, offering viewers a tour of Swedish culture including meatballs, schnapps, and saunas. Though critics note the program has been 'thriftily recycled' from Portillo's previous 'Long Weekends' series, the 'inquisitive Tory grandee' remains 'reliably chummy company' and continues to sport items from his 'startling yellow wardrobe'.The Heritage Restoration: 'Our Welsh Chapel Dream'Channel 4's 8pm offering follows Keith Brymer Jones and Marj Hogarth as they continue their transformation of a Welsh chapel, now turning the Sunday school hall into a pottery studio. The episode also celebrates Keith's significant birthday with Welsh gin, a 50-strong male voice choir, and a unique cover of a Talking Heads song.The Film Choice: 'Small Things Like These'For streaming viewers, 'Small Things Like These' (2024) arrives on Netflix. Adapted by Enda Walsh from Claire Keegan's novel, Tim Mielants's drama approaches Ireland's Magdalene laundries scandal from a domestic angle. Cillian Murphy stars as 1980s coal merchant Bill Furlong, whose compassion is ignited by the brutal treatment of girls at a convent where he makes deliveries. The film explores his struggle against community silence in the face of church power.The Sporting Event: Champions League ActionPrime Video offers football fans the Champions League semi-final first-leg tie between PSG and Bayern Munich at 7pm, providing high-stakes European competition to cap off the evening's television offerings.

The Current Fracture: Diplomatic Tensions Under King CharlesThe United Kingdom’s ambassador to the United States, Christian Turner, has framed King Charles III's recent four-day visit as a critical effort to "renew and revitalise a unique friendship." However, this diplomatic mission arrives at a precarious moment. The relationship is currently under severe strain due to President Donald Trump's public criticism of Prime Minister Keir Starmer. Trump has accused Starmer of failing to assist Washington in the fight against Iran or help reopen the strategic Strait of Hormuz, famously branding him "not Winston Churchill." This tension is compounded by Starmer's initial refusal to allow US forces to utilize UK military bases for strikes, a decision that has tested the limits of the alliance.Historical Context: From WWII Solidarity to Modern FrictionThe current discord is not unprecedented; it is merely the latest chapter in a century of volatile cooperation. The timeline of the "special relationship" reveals a pattern where the US often prioritizes its own strategic interests over its closest ally.1940-1944 (WWII): The alliance was cemented through the "Germany first" strategy and the Lend-Lease Act, where the US provided crucial supplies to the UK before officially entering the war.1956 (Suez Crisis): The relationship was tested when President Eisenhower pressured the UK and France to halt their invasion of Egypt, forcing a humiliating retreat that signaled a shift in US-European power dynamics.1982 (Falklands War): The US initially refused military assistance to the UK during the Argentine invasion, only providing logistical support after Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher refused Reagan's peace proposals.2003 (Iraq War): The alliance reached a peak of coordination with Prime Minister Tony Blair committing tens of thousands of troops to support President George W. Bush, despite massive domestic protests.Strategic Divergence: Military and Political DisagreementsAnalysis of recent conflicts reveals a recurring theme of divergence between London and Washington regarding the scope of military intervention. During the 1998-1999 Kosovo War, Prime Minister Tony Blair was a vocal advocate for deploying ground forces to halt ethnic cleansing, while President Bill Clinton favoured a limited NATO air campaign. Similarly, in the 2011 Libya War, President Barack Obama later accused Prime Minister David Cameron of becoming "distracted" and failing to invest in the post-conflict management, highlighting a gap in strategic vision.The Future Outlook: Can the Alliance Survive?As the US-UK relationship enters a new era under King Charles and a potentially contentious Trump administration, the alliance faces a critical test. The current friction over the Iran conflict suggests that the "special relationship" is increasingly transactional. While historical precedents show that the two nations can weather periods of intense diplomatic strain, the current lack of unified military support for a key strategic objective—blocking the Strait of Hormuz—could signal a long-term erosion of the trust that defined the post-WWII era.

The Legacy of Nedra Talley Ross and The Ronettes Nedra Talley Ross, a key figure in the formation and success of The Ronettes, has died. When she turned 18 in January 1964, her birthday celebration was attended by George Harrison, highlighting her early fame. Alongside her cousins Veronica and Estelle Bennett, Ross was part of the group from 1963 to 1967, during which they produced some of the most iconic pop records of all time, including 'Be My Baby', 'Walking in the Rain', and 'Sleigh Ride'. The Ronettes' Impact on Pop Music The Ronettes, under the production of Phil Spector, became the epitome of a girl group. Their music embodied teenage emotional extremity set to soaring, symphonic pop. Despite her later feelings towards Spector, describing him as arrogant, Ross's contributions to these timeless tracks remain invaluable. The group's magnificent beehive hairstyles and style made them the coolest looking group in pop history. Life After The Ronettes After stepping away from pop stardom, Ross found a second act in the Christian circuit with her husband Scott Ross. They became famous for their unique church services, which included music with a rock 'n' roll feel. Their daughter, Heather, shared insights into her mother's life, revealing that even in her later years, Ross maintained her sex appeal and stage presence. The Enduring Legacy of The Ronettes Though Nedra Talley Ross may not have prioritized legacy in her later years, her voice and the group's music continue to be celebrated worldwide, especially during Christmas. Their contributions to 'A Christmas Gift for You from Phil Spector' remain a staple of holiday playlists. Ross took pride in the personal connections fans shared with her and the group, often making autographs very personal. A Lasting Tribute The Ronettes will forever be remembered as the platonic ideal of a girl group. Their records, made over 60 years ago, continue to bring joy to listeners around the world. As we remember their music, we also honor the incredible young women who created it, ensuring their legacy lives on through the timeless sound of The Ronettes.

NatWest’s upcoming AGM in Edinburgh is set to become a flashpoint as investors and climate scientists demand a reversal of recent policy roll‑backs that they label “climate backtracking”.ShareAction Mobilises Investors Ahead of NatWest AGMShareAction is leading a coordinated campaign to present protest votes against Rick Haythornthwaite, the bank’s chair. The group will deliver letters signed by major institutional investors and a separate statement signed by 70 climate scientists, urging NatWest to restore its former fossil‑fuel restrictions.Letters will be presented at the AGM on Tuesday in Edinburgh.Investors such as the Church of England Pensions Board, Rathbones, EdenTree, Nest and the Greater Manchester Pension Fund are backing the protest.The scientists’ letter calls for an immediate halt to the “backtracking on climate commitments”.Scale of Investor Opposition: $1.4 tn in Assets and Institutional BackingThe campaign cites signatories who collectively manage $1.4 tn in assets, underscoring the financial weight behind the climate push.70 climate experts have signed the scientific appeal.Key policy roll‑backs include dropping a ban on lending to oil‑and‑gas firms without credible transition plans and abandoning sector‑specific targets for aluminium, cement, iron and steel.Potential Repercussions for NatWest’s Climate Credibility and Shareholder TrustIf the protest votes succeed, NatWest could face a credibility gap that jeopardises its positioning as a climate‑conscious lender. The backlash may also trigger:Increased scrutiny from UK regulators on green‑finance disclosures.Pressure from other ESG‑focused investors to reinstate stricter lending criteria.Reputational damage that could affect retail banking relationships.What the Outcome Could Signal for UK Banking Climate GovernanceThe AGM will serve as a bellwether for how UK banks balance shareholder returns with climate commitments. A decisive vote against the chair could compel NatWest to:Re‑commit to net‑zero financing by 2050 with clearer interim targets.Re‑introduce bans on financing high‑emission sectors lacking transition plans.Engage more transparently with activist investors on climate strategy.Conversely, if the board retains its current course, activist groups may intensify campaigns, potentially influencing future policy reforms across the sector.

The Rumored Nuptials in SicilyPop superstar Dua Lipa and actor Callum Turner are at the center of a media storm following reports that the couple plans to marry in Palermo, Sicily, this June. The speculation has been fueled by a series of visits the pair made to the city last July, where they were photographed strolling through baroque alleys and enjoying local cuisine. Local business owners, such as Alessandro Minnone of Colletti bar, have expressed immense pride and honor at the prospect of hosting the international stars, describing the potential event as a significant milestone for the city.Speculation Over Venues and DatesDetails regarding the ceremony are emerging from Italian media, with conflicting timelines and specific location suggestions. While some reports initially suggested a September wedding, sources at Villa Igiea have confirmed that rooms for guests have been booked for June. The ceremony itself is not expected to take place at the hotel, but rather at one of the city's historic landmarks.Possible Venues: The Gallery of Modern Art (GAM), the restored Church of Santa Maria dello Spasimo, and Piazza Croce dei Vespri.Accommodation: An entire floor of suites has reportedly been reserved at the five-star Villa Igiea for guests.Palermo's Cultural Renaissance Meets Celebrity CultureThe potential wedding highlights Palermo's dramatic transformation over the last decade from a mafia battleground to a vibrant cultural capital. The city's appeal to high-profile figures is evident, with comparisons already being drawn to the 'wedding of the century' hosted by Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sánchez in Venice last year. However, unlike the Venice event, which was criticized for its disruption, the rumors surrounding Lipa and Turner suggest a more culturally integrated celebration that locals hope will boost tourism without overwhelming the city's charm.What the Future Holds for the CoupleDespite the lack of an official confirmation from the couple or their representatives, the anticipation is palpable. Local media suggests that the pair may soon return to Palermo to scout locations in person. For the people of Sicily, the arrival of the 'Wedding of the Year' would not only be a personal triumph for the couple but a validation of the city's enduring beauty and cultural resurgence.