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The Absurdist Bridge Between ErasJulian Radlmaier's 'Phantoms of July' is an absurdist comedy-drama that connects the 18th-century rebellion of a maid with the modern struggles of a cleaner and an influencer. The film opens with a lingering image of Friedrich von Hardenberg (Novalis) in a chamber pot, setting a tone of irreverence that permeates the narrative.Interlocking Narratives in SangerhausenThe film uses a non-linear structure in the scenic German town of Sangerhausen, weaving together the stories of four distinct characters who feel trapped in their lives.Lotte (18th Century): A rebellious teenage maid inspired by the French Revolution who embarks on a Bonnie and Clyde adventure.Ursula (21st Century): A cleaner and waitress working two jobs, whose life is shaped by a single moment of pregnancy at age 18.Neda (Modern Day): An aspiring travel influencer from Iran who faces snide comments and anti-immigrant nationalism while filming.Sung-nam: A tour guide whose character arc completes the film's dreamlike structure.The Persistence of Class BarriersDespite the century gap, the film highlights the continuity of social oppression. While Lotte attempts a rebellion against aristocracy, Ursula and Neda navigate a world of gender and class discrimination. The film suggests that the longing for 'more' is a universal human experience, transcending time and geography.Quirky Cinema as Social CommentaryBy blending visual gags with a serious political point, Radlmaier creates a film that is both funny and bittersweet. The film proves that quirky storytelling can effectively address uncomfortable truths about society, making 'Phantoms of July' a relevant piece of cultural commentary in the current socio-political climate.

Harvey Fierstein’s Return to the Spotlight Through Quilting and Kinky BootsHarvey Fierstein, 73, welcomes visitors to a Connecticut quilt shop where he spends 10‑hour days stitching panels that blend LGBTQ+ symbols, Jewish motifs, and personal humor. In a candid conversation he links his new hobby to the revival of Kinky Boots in London and his ongoing fight for queer rights. From Broadway to the Quilt Store: How Fierstein Found a New Creative OutletFierstein took up quilting in 2009 after being inspired by the TV series *Simply Quilts* and the Names Project AIDS Memorial Quilt. He creates pieces such as:an LGBTQ+ rights quilt featuring pink triangles and yellow Stars of Davida humorous “horny” tree seriespersonal portraits of his two dogsHe donates the quilts, refusing to sell them, and even jokes about turning a casting director’s request into a job interview. Numbers Behind the Narrative: Age, Awards, and the Longevity of Kinky BootsAge: 73 years oldTony Awards: 5 wins, including for *La Cage aux Folles* and *Kinky Boots*Kinky Boots debut: 2012 (Chicago), 6 Tony Awards, still touring worldwide in 2026Sobriety milestone: 5 years to “get your marbles back” Why Fierstein’s Story Resonates in Today’s LGBTQ+ and Theatre LandscapeHis reflections on Kinky Boots highlight the show’s cross‑gender appeal: “women love it, but it’s for men,” he says, noting the musical’s focus on father‑son dynamics and acceptance. Fierstein also connects his personal healing to broader cultural battles, recalling his activism against recent anti‑LGBTQ+ rhetoric and emphasizing that self‑judgment, not just queer shame, hampers many. What Lies Ahead: Future Projects and the Ongoing Fight for Queer VisibilityFierstein is drafting a book about quilting while awaiting the off‑Broadway revival of La Cage aux Folles (June) and watching the London run of Kinky Boots starring Johannes Radebe. He predicts that “as long as there are stories about fathers, sons, and the courage to be yourself, the stage will keep echoing our struggles,” and he remains committed to using both theatre and textile art as platforms for queer advocacy.

The Shift from YBA Chaos to Suffolk SolitudeJohnnie Shand Kydd, once the unofficial chronicler of the Young British Artists (YBAs), has pivoted his lens from the chaotic, hedonistic nights of the 1990s art scene to the quiet, introspective landscapes of Suffolk. His new photobook, Ramsholt, captures the mundane yet profound moments of his dog-walking routine, offering a stark contrast to the explosive creativity he once documented.Documenting the Birth of the YBA MovementShand Kydd's early career was defined by his access to the inner circle of the YBAs, including Tracey Emin, Damien Hirst, Sarah Lucas, and Sam Taylor-Johnson. Unlike traditional studio portraiture, his images—collected in the 1997 book Spit Fire—showed these artists in candid, unguarded moments of partying and debauchery. He recalls that the "studio" was often a nightclub, where intense creative conversations occurred amidst the chaos.Subject Matter: Hirst balancing hats, Emin in a rubber dinghy, and the collective boozing of the era.Trust Factor: Shand Kydd leveraged his background as an art dealer to gain the trust of notoriously difficult subjects.Stamina: He admits to struggling to keep up with the 48-hour benders that defined the era's work ethic.The Legacy of the 1990s Art SceneThe YBA era was characterized by a rejection of traditional materials and a belief that "everything and anything is possible." Shand Kydd argues that these late-night revelries were actually extensions of the creative process, serving as incubators for ideas that would later define contemporary art. He notes that the optimism of that period, where Damien Hirst famously believed "No" didn't exist, was a driving force behind the movement's success.Death, Rebirth, and the Personal Cost of CreativityWhile his past work celebrated the vitality of youth, Ramsholt confronts mortality. Tracey Emin famously critiqued the new work, stating, "Your photographs are all about death." Shand Kydd embraces this, viewing the images of barren fields and rotting wood as part of a natural cycle of reincarnation. He connects this visual language to his own family history, using the landscape to process past tragedies.Future Outlook: The Enduring Artist-Photographer BondDespite the decades that have passed, the relationships forged during the YBA boom remain strong. With Tracey Emin curating his exhibition and Sam Taylor-Johnson developing a film based on his images, Shand Kydd's legacy is secure. His work suggests that while the art world changes, the fundamental human need to document life—and the inevitable cycle of life and death—remains constant.

Tehran, Iran – Amid a tentative cease‑fire with the United States and ongoing war‑related disruptions, Iran’s government has shifted its economic policy to prioritize the import of essential goods at a subsidised exchange rate. Reinstating a Preferential Exchange Rate for Essential Imports The cabinet added a clause to the annual budget allowing a 285,000 rials per US dollar rate for wheat, medicines, medical equipment and baby formula—far below the open‑market rate of 1.55 million rials and the budget rate of 1.23 million rials. This policy reversal follows protests against the previous plan to eliminate the cheap rate. Financial Scale of Subsidies and Sovereign Fund Withdrawals Up to $3.5 bn from oil and gas proceeds will be funneled to a network of trustees for essential imports. An additional $1 bn is slated to be drawn from the National Development Fund to purchase sugar, rice, barley, corn, soy‑bean meal, red meat and chicken. Current monthly cash assistance to citizens is less than $10 per person. Implications for Iranian Food Security and Inflation Officials say the cheap rate is intended to “guarantee food security” across 11 categories that have seen sharp price hikes, though exact inflation figures were not disclosed. The government is also considering larger handouts and electronic coupons to offset what is described as one of the world’s highest food‑inflation rates. Outlook for Iran’s Economy Amid Ongoing Conflict Analysts warn that while the exchange‑rate subsidy may provide short‑term relief, the broader economy remains vulnerable to sanctions, port blockades and the continued internet shutdown that has crippled jobs and commerce. The expanded powers granted to border governors to streamline imports could mitigate shortages, but persistent smuggling concerns and rising consumer anxiety suggest that price stability will be hard to achieve without a durable cease‑fire.

Queensland’s rapid transition away from coal in 2024 was abruptly halted when the Liberal‑National Party, led by David Crisafulli, seized government and rewrote the state’s energy agenda, sending renewable investors fleeing and leaving the state’s climate goals in jeopardy.The Sudden Policy Reversal That Halted Queensland’s Renewable Surge2024: Labor government pledged to decarbonise the grid by 2035, securing 3,202 megawatts of solar, wind and storage projects.October 2024: LNP wins election, repeals renewable targets and announces coal plants will run until at least 2046.Planning minister Jarrod Bleijie begins “calling‑in” approved projects, demanding local backing before proceeding.Numbers That Show the Collapse of Renewable InvestmentFinancially committed projects fell from 14 projects (3,202 MW) in 2024 to only 2 projects (510 MW) in 2025.Nationally, renewable closures were milder: 8,290 MW reached financial close in 2024 versus 6,529 MW in 2025.South Australia saw a surge, jumping from 210 MW (2024) to 2,118 MW (2025).Queensland’s backlog: over 100 projects awaiting federal environmental assessment; 75% of Queensland‑based applications remain pending.Maintenance fund for coal plants: $1.6 bn allocated, diverting resources from new clean‑energy projects.Why Queensland’s Energy Backslide Threatens Its Climate and Economic FutureThe state accounts for just under a third of Australia’s total emissions. Although official figures show a 34% drop since 2005, emissions from transport, energy and mining have risen when land‑use changes are excluded. The new roadmap is projected to achieve only a 50% cut by 2035, far short of the 75% target set by the previous Labor government.Industry leaders warn that the policy volatility is driving capital to states with bipartisan support for renewables, eroding jobs, skills development and future tax revenue for Queensland. Investor sentiment is clear: “Capital will go where it’s welcome,” says Francesca Muskovic of the Investor Group on Climate Change.What’s Next for Queensland’s Energy Landscape?Analysts suggest three possible trajectories:Policy Stabilisation: If the LNP adopts a clear, long‑term renewable framework, investment could gradually return, leveraging the state’s abundant solar and wind resources.Continued Coal Extension: Maintaining the 2046 coal‑plant deadline risks further isolation from national and global clean‑energy financing, potentially locking the state into higher‑cost, carbon‑intensive generation.Federal Intervention: Accelerated federal approvals and targeted funding (e.g., the $43.8 m for fast‑track assessments) could mitigate bottlenecks, but only if state policies align with national climate commitments.For Queensland to remain a competitive player in the emerging low‑carbon economy, it must reconcile its short‑term coal interests with a credible, stable pathway to renewable energy.

US-Iran Diplomatic Efforts Collapse as Islamabad Talks StallUnited States President Donald Trump has cancelled a planned visit by his envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner to Pakistan, where indirect talks between the US and Iran remain deadlocked over issues including the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz. The cancellation signals a significant setback in diplomatic efforts to resolve the conflict that has spilled into the larger Middle East region, causing the worst global energy crisis since the 1970s and risking a global recession.Trump Cancels Envoys' Visit to Pakistan"If they want to talk, all they have to do is call!!!" Trump wrote on his social media platform Truth Social on Saturday, signalling that Washington for now would not send negotiators to Pakistan, the country mediating between the longtime adversaries. The US president told reporters in Florida that he scrapped his envoys' visit because the talks involved too much travel and expense to consider what he called an inadequate offer from the Iranians.After the diplomatic trip was called off, Trump claimed Iran "offered a lot, but not enough." On Truth Social, he also wrote that there was "tremendous infighting and confusion" within Iran's leadership, stating "Nobody knows who is in charge, including them." Trump added, "Also, we have all the cards, they have none!"Iran's Position on Blockade and NegotiationsIn Tehran, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian reiterated that his government will not enter negotiations while the US maintains a blockade on Iranian ports. In a phone call with Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Saturday night, Pezeshkian said Washington "should first remove operational obstacles, including the blockade," before any new talks can begin, according to Iranian news agencies.Meanwhile, during his visit to Islamabad on Friday, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi held separate meetings with Pakistan's army chief, Field Marshal Asim Munir, and Sharif. In a post on Telegram, Araghchi said their discussions covered regional dynamics and Iran's non-negotiable positions without disclosing specifics. He added that Tehran intends to engage with Pakistan's mediation efforts "until a result is achieved."Pakistan's Continued Mediation EffortsDespite hardening public positions from Washington and Tehran, Pakistan's political and military leadership is continuing to mediate, two Pakistani officials said on Sunday, according to The Associated Press news agency. They described the indirect ceasefire contacts as still alive but fragile.Al Jazeera's Kimberly Halkett, reporting from Islamabad, said Pakistani officials are underscoring that the expected return of Araghchi to Islamabad is seen as a "hopeful sign." "What they hope is that this will in fact be something that can be incremental in the process and will advance forward," she reported.Global Energy Crisis Escalates Amid ConflictThe conflict has caused the worst global energy crisis since the 1970s, with significant implications for international markets. The Strait of Hormuz, through which one-fifth of the world's oil and liquefied natural gas supplies were shipped before the war began, has become a central dispute in the conflict.Iranian forces have essentially blocked the Strait of Hormuz, capturing commercial vessels, while the US has intercepted or detained ships suspected of violating its naval blockade of Iranian ports. The naval blockade is seen by Iran as a breach of the ceasefire. Tehran has warned that reopening the Strait of Hormuz is impossible as long as the blockade remains in place.The critical waterway lies within the territorial waters of Iran and Oman. Iran insists on sovereignty over the waterway and has floated the idea of levying tolls while Washington demands full freedom of navigation. The Gulf nations, which export most of their petroleum through the strait, have opposed the Iranian plan to impose tolls.Middle East Tensions Widen as Blockade Dispute PersistsThe US-Iran conflict has spilled into the larger Middle East region, including Lebanon, with both sides continuing to accuse each other of ceasefire violations. While the truce has held for the most part since it began on April 8 after nearly six weeks of US and Israeli strikes on Iran and retaliatory Iranian attacks, tensions remain high.Another key issue in the negotiations is the debate over Iran's stock of enriched uranium. The US and Israel are pushing for zero uranium enrichment and have accused Iran of working towards building a nuclear weapon while providing no evidence for their claims. Iran has insisted its enrichment effort is for civilian purposes only, though it has enriched uranium to 60 percent, a level far higher than what is needed for civilian use.Prospects for Lasting Ceasefire Remain UncertainWith neither Washington nor Tehran showing much willingness to soften their positions, prospects for a diplomatic breakthrough in the US-Israeli war on Iran and securing a lasting ceasefire remain stalled. After repeated threats of restarting the war if Iran did not heed Washington's demands, Trump extended the ceasefire on Tuesday without a set deadline, saying he was in no rush to conclude a peace deal with Iran.Iranian Foreign Minister Araghchi, after departing Islamabad on Saturday, travelled to Oman where he discussed ways to end the conflict with Sultan Haitham bin Tariq al-Said, according to state media. He was then scheduled to continue on to Russia, with Iran's IRNA news agency saying Araghchi is expected to return to Islamabad on Sunday for additional talks.

Executive Summary: Ryanair Pulls Out of Berlin Amid Tax and Fuel PressuresRyanair will close its Berlin operating base, halving its winter schedule and moving seven aircraft to other hubs. The airline blames the decision on Germany’s rising aviation taxes and a doubling of jet‑fuel prices since the Gulf conflict began.Ryanair Announces Closure of Berlin Base Over Soaring Aviation TaxesCEO Eddie Wilson confirmed that passenger traffic will fall from 4.5 million to 2.2 million annually, with flights from October served by aircraft based elsewhere. Staff are offered transfers to other European locations.Seven aircraft reassigned to other Ryanair centres13 aircraft already withdrawn from Frankfurt, Düsseldorf and Stuttgart basesGerman trade union Verdi condemns the move as profit‑drivenFinancial Ripple: Passenger Cuts and Aircraft RelocationThe reduction translates to a loss of roughly 2.3 million passengers per year. Combined with the doubling of jet‑fuel prices, the airline faces higher operating costs. American Airlines warned of a $4 billion hit this year from fuel price spikes, underscoring industry pressure.Broader Implications for German Aviation and European RailUnion leader Dennis Dacke argues Ryanair treats employees as “disposable commodities”. Environmental groups and rail advocates see an opening: Berlin’s rail links to Amsterdam, Warsaw, Prague, Vienna, Paris and a new Copenhagen service could attract displaced flyers.Potential increase in rail passenger volume to BerlinPressure on German airports to revisit tax and fee structuresRisk of reduced connectivity affecting trade and tourismOutlook: Ryanair’s Next Moves and German ConnectivityRyanair’s boss Michael O’Leary warned that up to 10 % of late‑summer flights could be cancelled if fuel shortages persist. The airline may focus on more tax‑friendly hubs while German policymakers face pressure to reform aviation taxes to retain low‑cost carriers.

The Lead: Historic Trial Marks New Era for SyriaSyria has begun its first public trial of officials who served under longtime leader Bashar al-Assad, 15 years after the start of the civil war. Trial proceedings opened in Damascus on Sunday for Atef Najib, the former head of political security in southern Syria's Deraa province, who is accused of overseeing a violent crackdown on protesters during the 2011 uprising.The Accusations: Crimes Against the Syrian PeopleNajib, who is a cousin of al-Assad, faces charges related to "crimes against the Syrian people," according to Syria's state-run news agency, SANA. He was the sole defendant in court for Sunday's preparatory session of the trial set to continue next month. Charged in their absence are Al-Assad and his brother, Maher, former commander of the Syrian military's 4th Armoured Division. Along with other former high-ranking security officials also charged in absentia, they are accused of killings, torture, extortion and drug trafficking.The Catalyst: From Deraa Uprising to Civil WarNajib oversaw political security in Deraa when teenagers who scrawled antigovernment graffiti on a school wall were arrested and tortured, in a case that became a catalyst for the broader uprising. Further protests were met by a brutal government crackdown and spiralled into a 14-year civil war that ended with al-Assad's overthrow in December 2024 in a lightning rebel offensive. Al-Assad then fled to Russia, and most members of his inner circle have also escaped Syria.The Justice Process: Transitional AccountabilityThe government of interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa has faced criticism over delays in launching a promised transitional justice process following the civil war, in which an estimated half a million people were killed. But authorities now appear to be moving more aggressively to prosecute officials linked to al-Assad. On Friday, Syrian authorities arrested former intelligence officer Amjad Yousef, the main suspect accused of the 2013 Tadamon massacre in Damascus, when at least 41 people were killed. In 2022, a leaked video appeared to show Youssef shooting civilians who had been detained and blindfolded, with their hands bound.The Public Response: Victims Seek ClosureCrowds gathered outside the court on Sunday in celebration, as families of victims, including some from Deraa, attended the session. Speaking to Al Jazeera Mubasher, a spokesman for Syria's Justice Ministry said holding the trial in public was important to ensure transparency and judicial independence as part of the transitional justice process.The Future Outlook: Accountability and ReconciliationThis trial represents a significant step in Syria's post-conflict transition, signaling the new government's commitment to addressing human rights abuses committed during the Assad era. While many high-ranking officials remain at large, the prosecution of lower-level officials like Najib could pave the way for more comprehensive transitional justice measures. The public nature of these proceedings may also help address the demands of victims' families for accountability, though the long-term success of Syria's transitional justice process will depend on its ability to address widespread atrocities while promoting national reconciliation.

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.