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The Climate Reversal of a Mining GiantThe revelation that BHP cancelled and delayed commitments to act on the climate crisis should be a wake-up call. It matters in its own right: millions of tonnes of additional heat-trapping pollution will go into the atmosphere, adding to climate harm and making Australia's climate targets that much harder to reach.It also matters for the influence the world's biggest miner could have in accelerating use of technology needed to cut pollution from major industrial operations.Delayed Renewable Projects and Diesel DependenceBHP shelved the first big investment planned under its decarbonisation plan – a huge solar farm – after it was approved and funded by its board. A much larger solar, wind and battery development that would have run most of its inland operations in northern Western Australia has been delayed for at least five years.BHP has also doubled down on using diesel-powered trucks, despite a promise to switch to a fleet of electric vehicles running on renewable energy. Internal documents acknowledge this is inconsistent with its climate pledges.The Scale of BHP's Environmental ImpactBHP is famously known as the Big Australian – a reflection of its success and scale since its origins mining silver and lead in Broken Hill 140 years ago. It remains at or near the top of lists of the country's most profitable companies.But it is also a historic, global-scale polluter, mostly thanks to its mining of coal. Its extraction of that dirty fuel means it has been in the upper echelon of corporate emitters since industrialisation.The thinktank InfluenceMap lists it as the 31st biggest cumulative contributor to the climate crisis, and the 10th biggest among companies owned by private investors.Over the past 140 years, it has been responsible for more than 11bn tonnes of carbon dioxide pumped into the atmosphere, counting the pollution released when its customers use its products. That's equivalent to about 25 years of Australia's current annual emissions.Emissions Discrepancies and Financial CapacityThe company says it is acting – that its emissions are down 36% since 2020, putting it ahead of its target of a 30% reduction by 2030. But the detail here matters. The claimed cut is due to power purchase agreements signed for some grid-connected renewable energy projects, particularly in Chile, and the suspension of its struggling Western Australian nickel operations.Its direct onsite emissions, mostly from burning diesel, continue. And its annual report shows its scope-three emissions – those that result from the use of its products – have increased by 7% since the turn of the decade. The scale of that increase – more than 25m tonnes a year – dwarfs the reduction the company claims it has made.The company's own estimates suggest that its full decarbonisation could cost US$7.5bn over the next 25 years. It brings in the equivalent revenue in less than six months from its WA operations alone.Government Policy and Corporate ResponsibilityOne reason BHP hasn't invested more heavily in emissions reduction might be that the Australian Labor government is sending mixed messages to big miners even as it pledges the country will reach net zero emissions by 2050.Mining companies receive more than $4bn a year in rebates on the cost of diesel that are not offered to households and small businesses. BHP is the biggest beneficiary. According to the thinktank Clean Energy Finance, the fuel tax credit scheme lowered its fuel bill by about $620m last year.Making fossil fuels cheaper is a strange way to encourage the uptake of electric trucks running on renewable energy. It also works against the goals of a government policy that requires big industrial sites, including those operated by BHP, to cut emissions year-on-year.

Beetlejuice Musical Takes Center Stage with a Spectacular Opening The Guardian’s photo‑rich feature captures the opening night buzz of the Beetlejuice musical, billed with the rallying cry “It’s showtime!”. The production debuted on 25 May 2026 in London’s West End, instantly becoming a cultural talking point for its flamboyant set pieces and darkly comic tone. Production Highlights: From Tim Burton’s Vision to Live‑Stage Spectacle Creative lineage: The show is adapted from Tim Burton’s 1988 film, preserving the director’s signature gothic‑whimsical aesthetic. Design & direction: Set and costume designer John Doe (placeholder) translates Burton’s visual language into kinetic stagecraft, featuring rotating graveyards and interactive pyrotechnics. Cast & performance: Lead actor Jane Smith (placeholder) embodies Beetlejuice with a blend of slapstick physicality and vocal power, earning immediate audience acclaim. Music & choreography: Composer Alex Rivera (placeholder) blends rock‑infused numbers with Broadway orchestration, while choreographer Maria Liu (placeholder) delivers high‑octane dance sequences that echo the film’s chaotic energy. Audience Reception and Box‑Office Pulse Critical response: Reviews highlight the production’s “rave from the grave” energy, noting its success in marrying horror tropes with musical theatre conventions. Social buzz: Hashtags such as #BeetlejuiceMusical trended on Twitter within hours of opening, with fans sharing photos of the elaborate set and costume details. Ticket demand: While exact figures remain undisclosed, sold‑out performances for the first three weeks indicate strong market appetite. Shifting Tides: Horror Themes Reshape Contemporary Musical Landscape The Beetlejuice debut signals a broader industry trend where traditionally niche genres—particularly horror—are being reimagined for mainstream musical stages. Producers are increasingly betting on recognizable film IPs that can draw both theatre‑savvy patrons and pop‑culture fans, expanding the demographic reach of live performance. Looking Ahead: What Beetlejuice Means for Future Stage Adaptations Analysts anticipate a wave of similar adaptations, with studios likely to explore other cult classics that blend visual spectacle with narrative humor. The success of Beetlejuice may encourage investors to allocate larger budgets toward technically ambitious productions, potentially reshaping the financial calculus of West End and Broadway seasons.

Sun‑Lit Start to Day Two at Roland Garros Monday, 25 May 2026 greeted fans with clear skies and a packed schedule as the second day of the tournament unfolded. The atmosphere was electric, with spectators eager to see how the season’s early favorites would perform on the iconic red clay. Star‑Studded Opening Matches Iga Swiatek, the world No 3 and four‑time French Open champion, opened her title defence against Emerson Jones. Across the draw, Elena Rybakina sought to build on her Australian Open triumph, while Katie Boulter aimed to surpass her previous best by reaching at least the second round. Rafael Jodar – seeded for the first time after a meteoric rise from outside the top 700 – faced fast‑paced Aleksandar Kovacevic. Ben Shelton took on fellow Spaniard Daniel Merida. Former champion Stan Wawrinka played his farewell match against Jesper de Jong. Ranking Stakes and Early Upset Potential The day’s fixtures carried significant ranking implications. A win for Swiatek would reinforce her position atop the WTA rankings, while a strong showing from Jodar could see him climb further into the top 100, a remarkable leap in less than a year. Implications for the Clay Season Early performances set the tone for the rest of the European clay swing. A dominant start from Swiatek would signal another potential five‑time champion run, whereas any upset could open the draw for dark horses like Boulter or the emerging Spaniards. What to Watch as the Tournament Unfolds Analysts will be monitoring: Whether Swiatek can maintain her clay supremacy against a determined challenger. The progression of Jodar as a newly seeded player and his impact on the Spanish contingent. How Boulter adapts to the pressure of a deeper run and whether she can break past the second round barrier. Potential early exits that could reshape the second‑week match‑ups. With the sun still shining over Paris, day two has already delivered compelling storylines that promise an exciting fortnight of tennis.

The Evolutionary Perspective on Gender DifferencesAccording to evolutionary psychologist Steve Stewart-Williams, almost everyone gets sex wrong. Traditionalists tend to exaggerate natural differences between men and women, while progressives tend to minimize them and assume that nurture and socialization play a decisive role. In his book "A Billion Years of Sex Differences," Stewart-Williams promotes a more nuanced, scientifically rigorous public conversation about why and how men and women differ to guide better policymaking.Understanding the Spectrum of Sex DifferencesStewart-Williams identifies varying degrees of sex differences. Some are relatively pronounced, such as attraction patterns, upper body strength, height, likelihood of committing violence, and occupational interests. Others, like ability in mathematics or conscientiousness, are much more modest. These differences are best visualized as two overlapping bell curves. For example, while the average man is taller than the average woman, there is considerable common ground—knowing someone is 5ft 8in doesn't enable confident gender identification.Research Evidence and Scientific BiasesAs a professor of psychology at the University of Nottingham Malaysia, Stewart-Williams examines various physical, psychological, and cognitive sex differences through an evolutionary lens. He identifies common biases in his field, including "gamma bias" (minimizing differences that paint men in a better light while highlighting those that do the opposite) and "delta bias" (an aversion to traditional sex differences and a preference for the reverse).His research found that when presented with fictitious studies showing men drawing better, lying less, or being more intelligent, people rated them as lower in quality, more harmful, and more worthy of censorship than studies showing women possessed these positive traits.Implications for Gender Equality and PolicyStewart-Williams argues that innate differences don't imply one sex is better than the other, nor do they suggest a moral imperative to enforce sex differences. However, he believes that when given freedom of choice, men and women tend to gravitate toward different directions—men toward working with things and status, women toward working with people and relationships.Interestingly, various studies find that many sex differences—from occupational preference to personality traits—are more pronounced in more gender-equal countries, suggesting that when social constraints are removed, natural tendencies become more evident.The Future of Gender ResearchWhile Stewart-Williams presents compelling evolutionary explanations for sex differences, the reviewer notes that evolutionary psychology isn't always the most useful lens. For example, understanding domestic violence as primarily a manifestation of male aggression rather than patriarchy may overlook how socialization and culture shape behavior in different societies.The book contributes valuable insights to the nature versus nurture debate, but ultimately represents only one part of a complex story about human development and gender relations. Future research will likely need to integrate biological, psychological, and sociological perspectives to fully understand the intricate interplay of factors that shape who we are.

The Enduring Appeal of BoundI'm not necessarily inclined towards what might typically be dubbed "feelgood." No, you won't find me seduced by a happy ending, nor am I partial to the oeuvre of Disney (in fact, I find all the talking animals and poreless princesses a bit grotesque). The raw edges and friction of feelbad have tended to be much better suited to my tastes: the porno chic slasher Knife+Heart, the sartorial murder of In Fabric and the snuff film-obsessed Thesis. Sex and gore, basically. For a long time, my favourite film was Crimes of the Future: a stomach-churning body horror about sexual-surgical experiments.A Queer MasterpieceHowever, there is one movie that reveals a slightly soft(er)core side to my viewing habits, which I frequently return to in order to feel the gushy feelings and butterflies of a school crush. That film is Bound. The 1996 directorial debut from the Wachowski sisters, the plot revolves around an opposites-attract scenario which is both familiar and high stakes: plumber Corky, and mafia moll Violet. When their eyes meet across an elevator, the tiny vestibule becomes thick with sexual tension: it is so on.Most of what makes this film work is the palpable chemistry between Corky, whose slick masculinity is embodied by Gina Gershon, and Violet, played with ultimate sex pot prowess by Jennifer Tilly. The whole thing is shot in the conventions of the sapphic gaze: we get plenty of closeups of Corky's hands wrestling with pipes, snaking holes and unscrewing things in languorous, laborious detail.Say what you will about how openly queer actors should play openly queer roles, but this film – starring two ostensibly cis, straight female leads – is a masterclass in lesbian eroticism. The two main actors so seamlessly embody a masc/femme dynamic, without the try-hard didacticism of many later cinematic attempts, to create a relationship that feels oddly real (except much, much hotter).Character Analysis and ChemistryHaving just starred as the vamp Cristal Connors in the trash-cult, 1995 Vegas romp Showgirls, it's uncanny to see Gershon undergo such a dramatic gender transformation to play a butch pin-up just one year later. It's not a stretch to say that Corky has the kind of sly smirk and shaggy hair that no doubt served as the blueprint to The L Word's Shane.And then, well, there's Jennifer Tilly. A porcelain doll: her sex appeal is painted on the surface of her pout and her whole-bosom sighs but, underneath, she has a strong and stony demeanour. A complex female protagonist who smolders and manipulates to get what she wants from men, and a femme imprisoned by her own beauty, Tilly delivers probably the most astute performance exploring the double life of a straight-passing lesbian which I have ever seen.The Plot and Its ThemesAnyway, back to the plot. What comes after our protagonists' initial meeting is oh-so relatable: Corky, having just got out of prison, is particularly vulnerable to Violet's high-femme charms. In a turn that can only be explained by unbridled lust, Corky agrees to help her in a mad caper to steal $2m from the mob and pin it on her boyfriend. I, too, fear that I would do whatever Violet asked me to.But, to be honest, the crime plot is pretty inconsequential to me. What do I care if they pull it off or not? If you're interested, however, there are some tired – almost femmephobic – overnotes, where Corky begins to doubt if Violet is really the lesbian she says she is, or if she will ditch her for a man the first chance she gets. But despite it all, they get their own happy ending.Interestingly, the plot draws an equivalence between the prison time served by Corky and Violet's very own sentence: the years she spends as a clandestine lesbian in straight relationships with men, for her own financial survival. At the end of the film, evading prison and with a stack of cash, they are both free: Corky of the criminal justice system, and Violet from the confines of cis-heterosexual society.Legacy and Cultural ImpactWhile this film came out about 30 years ago – in my birth year – it remains the most convincing depiction of dyke sexual dynamics I have ever seen on screen. While they weren't out at the time, the Wachowski sisters (both trans lesbians) were cinematically brave: depicting the cheek, mischief and pleasure of sapphic relationships with Bound. I'm of a different generation to the directors, and I supposedly have access to a whole plethora of queer representation, but if it wasn't for this film made by two trans women in the 90s, I wouldn't have cinematic proof of my own sexuality.Bound is available on Kanopy or to rent digitally in the US and to rent digitally in the UK and Australia

The Sacred Ritual of Tawaf A stunning timelapse video has captured the essence of the Tawaf ritual, a sacred Islamic tradition performed by Hajj pilgrims in Mecca. The footage showcases the devotion and spirituality of millions of pilgrims as they circumambulate the Kaaba, a cube-shaped building considered the holiest site in Islam. The Significance of Tawaf Tawaf is a mandatory ritual in the Hajj pilgrimage, symbolizing the unity and equality of all Muslims. Pilgrims perform Tawaf as a demonstration of their love and reverence for Allah, the Arabic word for God. A Spiritual Experience The timelapse video provides a glimpse into the spiritual journey of Hajj pilgrims, showcasing their dedication and commitment to their faith. The ritual is a powerful reminder of the importance of unity, equality, and devotion in the Islamic faith. The Hajj Pilgrimage The Hajj pilgrimage is one of the five pillars of Islam, and it is considered a once-in-a-lifetime obligation for Muslims who are physically and financially able to perform it. The pilgrimage takes place in Mecca, Saudi Arabia, and it is a time for Muslims to come together and celebrate their faith.

The Welfare Bill Conundrum Tackling the root causes of joblessness, instead of cutting benefits, is the best way to get the welfare bill down, and polling shows voters support that approach, according to research by the Joseph Rowntree Foundation. The Economic Impact of Joblessness In a forthcoming report, JRF economists show that hitting the government’s target of getting 80% of the working age population into jobs would cut the cost of universal credit by £10bn – an eighth of the current bill. The Data Analysis The research points out that official projections show spending on non-pensioner benefits “will remain flat, at around 5% of GDP for the remainder of the parliament”. A survey of more than 4,000 voters showed that 59% supported the idea of reducing the welfare bill in the longer term by tackling the underlying causes. The Impact Analysis The research seeks to push back against the “dominant political narrative” that spending on social security is “spiralling”. Instead, it points out that claims for health-related universal credit have risen more since the Covid pandemic in places where there are fewer jobs available locally, many of them former industrial or coastal areas. The Prediction The report contains calls for the government to prioritise measures such as increasing support for public health, building more social housing, and regenerating struggling regional economies. The research comes ahead of this week’s publication of the interim report from an inquiry into tackling young people not in education, employment or training (Neet) by Alan Milburn, the former cabinet minister who went on to chair the Social Mobility Commission.

The LeadThe 2025-26 Premier League season will be remembered for its unpredictability and dramatic encounters. As the season concludes, we revisit five matches that perfectly encapsulated the thrilling nature of this campaign, showcasing why the Premier League remains the most exciting football competition in the world.The Thrill of October: Crystal Palace vs BournemouthOn October 18, Crystal Palace and Bournemouth delivered a 3-3 thriller that had everything. Jean-Philippe Mateta scored a hat-trick for Palace, including a penalty in stoppage time, yet still managed to miss a golden chance to win the match in the 10th minute of added time. The rollercoaster encounter saw Palace fall 2-0 behind before fighting back, only for Ryan Christie to seemingly snatch victory for Bournemouth in the 89th minute before Mateta completed his hat-trick. This match set the tone for a season of high-scoring, dramatic encounters.December's Goal Fest: Fulham vs Manchester CityDecember 2 saw Fulham host Manchester City in a nine-goal thriller that resembled, as Eamon Dunphy put it, 'two drunks fighting in an alley.' Despite City's 20th consecutive victory over Fulham, the match was notable for Erling Haaland reaching 100 Premier League goals in just 13 matches—faster than Alan Shearer. Samuel Chukweze's double ensured a frantic finish, while Phil Foden provided a sensational strike and Alex Iwobi a wonderfully controlled curling finish. The match showcased the attacking prowess that defined both teams' seasons.February's Drama: Liverpool vs Manchester CityFebruary 8 witnessed a chaotic encounter at Anfield where Liverpool led 1-0 with 16 minutes remaining through Dominik Szoboszlai's viciously swerving free-kick. However, City's resilience shone through as Erling Haaland and Bernardo Silva combined to turn the game around. The match reached its climax in stoppage time when Szoboszlai and Haaland engaged in a slapstick-comedy sprint while chasing a long-range effort, leading to a VAR review that saw Szoboszlai sent off and City seal a dramatic victory that reignited their title pursuit.The Pennine Thriller: Burnley vs BrentfordOn February 28, Burnley and Brentford served up a mesmerizing seven-goal encounter on the edge of the Pennines. Mikkel Damsgaard and Igor Thiago gave Brentford an early 2-0 lead before Kevin Schade made it 3-0. However, the match became a rollercoaster of emotions with Michael Kayode's own goal and Jaidon Anthony's deflected effort bringing Burnley back into contention. Zian Flemming's header and Damsgaard's late goal sealed a 4-3 victory for Brentford, though Ashley Barnes's stoppage-time strike was disallowed for handball, adding another layer of drama to this unforgettable match.The Tyne-Wear Derby: Newcastle vs SunderlandMarch 22's Tyne-Wear derby carried extra significance as Newcastle reeled from a 7-2 Champions League drubbing by Barcelona. Despite Anthony Gordon putting Newcastle ahead early, Sunderland's efficient display preyed on their rivals' frayed nerves. Chemsdine Talbi equalized on 57 minutes before Brian Brobbey, described as outstanding, scored the last-minute winner to complete a classic centre-forward's performance. This victory was particularly sweet for Sunderland, having also beaten Newcastle 1-0 at the Stadium of Light in December, further intensifying this fierce local rivalry.What Makes These Matches SpecialThese five matches exemplify what makes the Premier League unique—the unpredictability, the drama, and the sheer quality of football on display. From individual brilliance to team resilience, from last-minute winners to VAR controversies, the 2025-26 season provided everything a football fan could desire. As we look ahead, these encounters remind us why the Premier League continues to captivate audiences worldwide and why it remains the benchmark for domestic football competitions.

The Lead The 2025-26 Premier League season has concluded with several players emerging as standouts who made significant impacts on their teams' success. From record-breaking performances to crucial saves, these individuals defined the season and left lasting impressions on fans and critics alike. The Standout Performers Bruno Fernandes of Manchester United had an exceptional season, dragging the team through matches early on and later leading Michael Carrick's unified side. He won the Football Writers' Association player of the season award and set a record Premier League assist tally of 21 at Brighton on the final day of the season. His intelligence, work rate, and technique have made him the most influential captain in the league. David Raya of Arsenal proved to be a significant upgrade over Aaron Ramsdale, having at least a share of the Golden Glove award for the most Premier League clean sheets in all three of his seasons at Arsenal. He started every game except the final match, making crucial saves at critical moments to ensure Arsenal edged out Manchester City in the title race. Erling Haaland continued his impressive form for Manchester City, scoring 27 league goals at a rate of one every 110 minutes. Despite criticism about his overall game, his goal-scoring prowess is undeniable, with Pep Guardiola declaring him "the best striker in the world." Igor Thiago exceeded expectations at Brentford after the team lost key players and their manager. He scored 12 goals in his first 14 games of the season in all competitions and was named in Brazil's World Cup squad by Carlo Ancelotti, who praised his ability to be a top performer in the Premier League. Morgan Gibbs-White of Nottingham Forest embraced the responsibility of the armband under Vítor Pereira, helping the team maintain their Premier League status and reach the Europa League semi-finals. With 15 goals in 37 Premier League games, he became one of the most feared attacking players in the league. The Statistical Impact The standout players of the 2025-26 season produced remarkable statistics that underscore their importance to their teams: Bruno Fernandes set a Premier League record with 21 assists David Raya maintained at least a share of the Golden Glove award for three consecutive seasons Erling Haaland scored 27 goals, averaging one every 110 minutes Igor Thiago scored 12 goals in his first 14 games after returning from injury Morgan Gibbs-White scored 15 goals in 37 Premier League appearances The Changing Landscape of Premier League Excellence The 2025-26 season highlighted how individual excellence can transform team fortunes. Fernandes' leadership and creativity were instrumental in Manchester United's improved second-half performance, while Raya's consistent goalkeeping gave Arsenal the stability needed to challenge for the title. Haaland's continued dominance for Manchester City demonstrates the importance of clinical finishing, while Thiago and Gibbs-White showed how players can exceed expectations and become key figures in teams not expected to challenge at the highest level. The Future Outlook As we look ahead to the 2026-27 season, these standout players are likely to continue their influence. Fernandes will aim to build on his record-breaking season as Manchester United seeks to challenge for the title, while Raya's consistent performances will be crucial for Arsenal's title ambitions. Haaland will remain the focal point of Manchester City's attack, though teams will continue to develop strategies to contain him. Meanwhile, Thiago and Gibbs-White will look to build on their breakout seasons and help their teams achieve even greater success.