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MAINSTREAM Hollywood Reporter • 1 days ago

‘Wayward’ Star Alyvia Alyn Lind Unpacks the Limited Series’ Lingering Questions: “We All Want More”

The limited series Wayward explores the dark realities of a troubled teen industry through the fictional Tall Pines Academy in Vermont, a facility run by the cult-like leader Evelyn Wade. The story centers on Leila, a Canadian teenager who crosses the border to rescue her best friend Abbie from the institution but ends up enrolled herself. Leila struggles with unresolved trauma from her older sister Jess’s drowning, a pivotal event manipulated by Evelyn to control her through psychological mind games. Leila faces conflicting memories about Jess’s death, with one version suggesting an accidental drowning and another, influenced by Evelyn, implying Leila’s involvement. Actress Alyvia Alyn Lind believes the accidental version is more accurate, highlighting how trauma can distort memory. Leila’s mother’s emotional withdrawal and Tall Pines’ control lead Leila to stay behind, choosing the academy’s community over escape, a decision shaped by Evelyn’s manipulation. The series raises questions about memory, trauma, and control within such institutions.

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MAINSTREAM BBC Europe • 21 hours ago

BBC finds Russian guards, Iranian trucks and rusting railway on Trump's Caucasus peace route

An abandoned Soviet-era railway in southern Armenia’s Syunik province is central to a proposed peace initiative known as the Trump Route for International Peace and Prosperity (Tripp). The plan aims to link Azerbaijan to its exclave Nakhchivan through a 43-kilometer corridor across Armenian territory, featuring a railway, motorway, and pipelines developed by US companies under a 99-year agreement. This initiative follows renewed conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan over Nagorno-Karabakh, which Azerbaijan recaptured in 2023, displacing the Armenian population. Azerbaijan’s demand for a corridor through Syunik, also called the Zangezur corridor, was rejected by Armenia, leading to border clashes. In August 2025, former US President Donald Trump brokered a deal between Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev, aiming to resolve the conflict. However, the project faces political resistance from Russia, which considers the region within its influence, and Iran, whose hardliners threaten to block the route. The ambitious plan highlights complex geopolitical tensions in the South Caucasus.

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MAINSTREAM ABC News Australia • 8 hours ago

At least 63 killed in Indonesian school collapse with others still missing

At least 63 people have died following the collapse of a school building in Indonesia, with several others still missing. Rescue teams have been working to recover victims, using heavy machinery after families of the missing gave permission once the critical 72-hour survival window had passed. The incident marks Indonesia’s deadliest disaster this year, according to the national disaster agency. Preliminary investigations suggest that substandard construction practices may have played a role in the collapse. This tragedy has intensified concerns over lax building regulations and safety standards in the country. The disaster follows a similar incident in September, when a building hosting a prayer recital in West Java collapsed, killing three and injuring dozens. Authorities continue to investigate the causes of these structural failures as public scrutiny grows over construction oversight and enforcement in Indonesia.

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MAINSTREAM The Guardian Environment • 14 hours ago

Weather tracker: Typhoon Matmo batters southern China

Photograph: Xinhua/Shutterstock View image in fullscreen Damage caused , southern China. Photograph: Xinhua/Shutterstock Analysis Weather tracker: Typhoon Matmo batters southern China Ishani Mistry for the MetDesk About 350,000 flee homes as heavy rain and winds sweep region, while Hurricane Priscilla forms near Mexico Typhoon Matmo made landfall on the southern coast of China on Sunday afternoon, shortly after sweeping across the island province of Hainan. The powerful storm forced the evacuation of about 350,000 people, bringing torrential rain and damaging winds, especially between Wuchuan in Guangdong and Wenchang in Hainan. Ferry services were suspended and flights cancelled at Haikou Meilan airport. Matmo, the 21st typhoon of the year, had sustained wind speeds of 94mph (151km/h) and dumped more than 50mm of rainfall in six hours in Chongzou and Qinzhou. The city of Nanning also had high rainfall totals. The storm prompted China’s highest-level red alert, with disruptions in Zhanjiang, where businesses, transport links and roads were shut. In Hong Kong, 100 flights were affected and 30 cancelled. As Matmo moves inland towards Cao Bang province in Vietnam, it is expected to weaken into a tropical depression with 55mph winds but will continue to bring heavy rainfall. Northern Vietnam could face 130-150mm on Monday, raising the risk of flooding and landslides.

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MAINSTREAM Variety • 15 hours ago

China Box Office: Chen Kaige’s ‘The Volunteers: Peace at Last’ Opens at No. 1

Chen Kaige’s film “The Volunteers: Peace at Last” opened at number one at the China box office, marking a strong debut. The nationwide weekend box office totaled $99.9 million, contributing to a year-to-date total of $6.012 billion, a 19.1% increase compared to the previous year. Following Chen’s film, “Evil Unbound,” a World War II drama about Japan’s Unit 731 biological warfare program, held second place with $18.9 million for the weekend and has grossed $248.5 million over three weeks. “A Writer’s Odyssey 2,” a fantasy action sequel, debuted third with $15.5 million, accumulating $31.3 million since midweek. Other notable releases included “Sound of Silence,” a legal drama focused on a fraud case affecting the hearing-impaired community, which earned $12.6 million, and the comedy-drama “Row to Win,” which placed fifth with $11.7 million. These films also ranked within the top ten of the global box office chart.

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MAINSTREAM Irish Independent • 16 hours ago

Ruth Medjber: ‘I could no longer stomach the atmosphere’ – why touring in US made me grateful to live in Ireland

Photographer Ruth Medjber recently completed a world tour in the United States, an experience that highlighted the stark contrast between the American touring environment and the strong sense of community she associates with Ireland. While the opportunity was unique and professionally significant, Medjber found the loneliness and atmosphere on the road increasingly difficult to endure. The isolation she experienced underscored her appreciation for Ireland’s supportive social fabric, which she missed deeply during her time abroad. Her reflections emphasize the emotional challenges faced by artists and professionals working internationally, particularly in environments where community connections are less tangible. Medjber’s experience sheds light on the personal toll that touring can take, beyond the professional demands, and highlights the importance of social support systems for those working away from home. This perspective offers insight into the broader human aspects of global creative industries and the value of cultural and communal ties.

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MAINSTREAM ABC News Australia • 9 hours ago

Alleged Croydon Park gunman charged with 25 offences

Artemios Mintzas, 60, has been charged with 25 offences following a shooting incident at Croydon Park, Sydney. Police described the event as a "highly dangerous operation" after Mintzas allegedly fired shots indiscriminately from a unit window above a business. Bullets struck 13 vehicles and a nearby bus shelter, causing minor injuries to 16 people treated at the scene, with two men hospitalized, including one who underwent emergency surgery for gunshot wounds to the neck and chest. Mintzas was arrested around 9:30 pm after tactical officers stormed the unit, seizing a 30-calibre rifle and ammunition. He was taken to hospital for eye injuries and health assessments before being returned to Burwood Police Station and charged with 18 counts of shooting with intent to murder, possession of a loaded firearm, firing near a public place, and resisting arrest. He was refused bail and is due to appear in court. Authorities confirmed he has no links to organized crime or terrorism, with minimal prior police interactions. Investigations continue under Strike Force Cornwood.

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MAINSTREAM The Guardian Environment • 1 days ago

Trump’s hatred for renewables means the US is falling behind the rest of the world

The US’s slow descent in planet-heating emissions is expected to worsen. Composite: Prina Shah for the Guardian/Getty View image in fullscreen The US’s slow descent in planet-heating emissions is expected to worsen. In 2009 Trump, then a real estate developer and reality TV personality, was among a group of business leaders behind a full-page in the New York Times calling for legislation to “control climate change, an immediate challenge facing the United States and the world today”. The US must lead on clean energy, Trump and the others wrote, to avoid “catastrophic and irreversible consequences for humanity and our planet”. Today, the letter is jarring. The world continues to dawdle politically in its response to the climate crisis but clean energy is booming, responsible for almost all new energy capacity and drawing double the investment of fossil fuels globally. The market, as those business leaders from 2009 would now note, has shifted. Most starkly, though, Trump has become the planet’s foremost advocate of fossil fuels, throwing the might of the US presidency into a rearguard battle to keep the world mired in the era of combusted carbon. There is now no fiercer single opponent to the collective effort to stave off climate breakdown than Trump.

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MAINSTREAM The Guardian Culture • 23 hours ago

Frauds review – Suranne Jones gives her best ever performance in this absolute triumph of a heist drama

Suranne Jones and Jodie Whittaker star in "Frauds," a six-part heist drama centered on two former conwomen reuniting for one last job. Jones co-created the series with Anne-Marie O’Connor, who wrote every episode. The story follows Roberta (Jones), recently released from prison due to a terminal cancer diagnosis, and Sam (Whittaker), who has cared for her since her release in the Andalucían hills. Their complex friendship, marked by guilt and past betrayals, reignites as Bert pushes for a daring heist she planned while incarcerated. The narrative explores themes of friendship, loyalty, and redemption, using a non-linear timeline to reveal key heist moments before their backstory. The women’s dynamic drives the plot, blending thrilling con artistry with emotional depth. The series is praised for its stylish execution and strong performances, particularly Jones’s portrayal of Bert, which is described as her best to date. "Frauds" offers a fresh take on the heist genre by focusing on the psychological and relational stakes behind the crime.

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MAINSTREAM Irish Independent • 16 hours ago

Over 17,000 workers qualified for €450 wage-related ‘income shock’ payment after losing their jobs

Over 17,000 workers who lost their jobs qualified for a new income support payment introduced on March 31. The payment provides up to 60% of a worker’s previous wage, with a maximum of €450 per week. After 13 weeks, the payment rates decrease. This measure aims to ease the financial impact on those affected by job losses, offering temporary relief during a period of economic uncertainty. The scheme is significant as it supports a substantial number of unemployed individuals, helping to stabilize household incomes and maintain consumer spending. It also reflects government efforts to address the challenges faced by workers amid ongoing economic pressures. By providing a capped wage-related payment, the program balances support with fiscal responsibility. The initiative highlights the importance of targeted financial assistance in mitigating the effects of unemployment and sustaining economic resilience during recovery phases.

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MAINSTREAM Straits Times Singapore • 8 hours ago

Rest in progress: Participants reimagine downtime in design contest at bustling Distripark

Nine teams of students and creatives aged 15 to 40 participated in a design competition at Tanjong Pagar Distripark, transforming a 1.5m by 2m space into imaginative rest areas. The event, titled Pockets of Rest, challenged participants to rethink downtime within the industrial environment surrounding the Singapore Art Museum (SAM). Using discarded materials sourced from the Distripark, such as bubble wrap and plywood, teams had one hour to build their installations. Among the creations was Dara Dara, a modular living room space made by Hans Chew and Jun Tan, which highlighted the potential for repurposing waste and acknowledged the labor behind exhibition setups. The competition was linked to the ongoing Insomniac States art installation by Daniel Chong, which explores restlessness in the area through sculptures representing rest objects. Co-organized by SAM’s public art initiative The Everyday Museum and Chong, the event aimed to provoke reflection on the concept and politics of rest. Dara Dara won the Programmer’s Choice award and will be displayed at SAM.

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MAINSTREAM The Guardian Climate • 13 hours ago

Cause of Gold Coast mass fish kill unknown with marine heatwave most likely culprit, scientists say

Thousands of dead fish have washed ashore on the Gold Coast, with high water temperatures believed to be the most probable cause. Photograph: Save Our Southern Gold Coast/Kath Down View image in fullscreen Thousands of dead fish have washed ashore on the Gold Coast, with high water temperatures believed to be the most probable cause. Photograph: Save Our Southern Gold Coast/Kath Down Cause of Gold Coast mass fish kill unknown with marine heatwave most likely culprit, scientists say Local community group says whatever the cause ‘kids shouldn’t be in the water’ with dead fish Australia news live blog for latest updates Get our email, free app or daily news podcast Queensland authorities are investigating the deaths of thousands of fish that washed up on a popular Gold Coast beach. The state environment department said dead baitfish had been observed at The Spit, at the northern end of the Gold Coast since last Wednesday, but no obvious source of pollution had been found. A spokesperson said water quality monitoring “indicated high water temperature and low dissolved oxygen in the area”, which can cause fish deaths. World’s oceans fail key health check as acidity crosses critical threshold for marine life Concerned locals posted videos showing dead fish along the shores of the popular spot over the weekend and expressed frustration that warning signs did not appear to be in place for swimmers.

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MAINSTREAM The Guardian Culture • 13 hours ago

The Boundless Deep by Richard Holmes review – wild times with young Tennyson

Richard Holmes’s biography explores the turbulent early life of Alfred Tennyson, focusing on the poet’s youth rather than his later fame. Before becoming poet laureate and a celebrated literary figure, Tennyson endured a troubled family environment marked by mental illness, addiction, and tragedy. His father was an alcoholic clergyman, one brother was institutionalized for life, another battled depression and alcoholism, and a third struggled with opium addiction. Tennyson himself experienced severe bouts of melancholy and mysterious seizures, which influenced his poetry. The book highlights the period before 1850, when Tennyson was a restless young man grappling with personal demons and societal expectations. That year marked a turning point as he published *In Memoriam*, married after a long courtship, and settled into a more stable life, gaining wealth and recognition. Holmes portrays this youthful phase as rich and complex, revealing the emotional and psychological struggles behind the poet’s later public success and iconic works.

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MAINSTREAM RTE News • 14 hours ago

Lewis Moody diagnosed with motor neurone disease

Former England rugby captain Lewis Moody has been diagnosed with motor neurone disease (MND). Moody, 47, revealed the diagnosis two weeks after receiving the news, describing a reluctance to fully face the future despite understanding the severity of the illness. He currently experiences minor symptoms, including muscle wasting in his hand and shoulder, but remains active and hopeful to maintain his capabilities for as long as possible. Moody is a celebrated figure in rugby, having earned 71 caps for England, five for the British and Irish Lions, and winning the 2003 Rugby World Cup. He also achieved significant success with Leicester Tigers, making 223 appearances and securing multiple titles. The Rugby Football Union and Leicester Tigers expressed deep sadness and support for Moody, highlighting his bravery, skill, and lasting impact on the sport. His diagnosis follows the deaths of fellow rugby players Doddie Weir and Rob Burrow from MND, underscoring the disease’s ongoing impact on the rugby community.

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MAINSTREAM Straits Times Singapore • 9 hours ago

S’porean man admits to laundering nearly $170k in dirty money from fraud cases in the US

Jayakanth Mukku, a 55-year-old Singaporean, pleaded guilty to laundering nearly $170,000 obtained from US wire fraud victims. He recruited others to open bank accounts to receive and transfer these illicit funds. Mukku claimed he believed he was helping students receive money from relatives in India, but instead used the scam proceeds for personal expenses, including credit card payments. The scheme involved multiple individuals, including Ravikumar Sangavaii and Balusamy Anbazhagan, who received funds from overseas scam victims and funneled the money to Mukku. Some of the cash was then passed to a man named Harmeet Singh. The Commercial Affairs Department uncovered the transfers in 2021, prompting an investigation. Deputy Public Prosecutor Wong emphasized the seriousness of money laundering and Mukku’s self-interest, seeking a jail term of at least 14 months. Mukku faces sentencing after admitting to three counts of acquiring criminal benefits, with additional charges considered. The case highlights ongoing efforts to combat cross-border financial crimes.

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MAINSTREAM The Guardian Climate • 1 days ago

Youth-led US climate activists widen focus to fight authoritarianism

Hundreds of young climate activists march to the White House on in Washington DC. Photograph: Chip Somodevilla/ View image in fullscreen Hundreds of young climate activists march to the White House on in Washington DC. But Stevie O’Hanlon, a co-founder and spokesperson for Sunrise, said the projects will aim to build a world where climate action is possible. “In order to win the bold action that we’ll need to prevent climate catastrophe, we’re going to need a country where we have the right to dissent and protest,” she said. “How are we going to win on climate under authoritarianism?” One key focus will be campus organizing to urge schools to resist Trump’s attempts to control their curricula and rules around political dissent, the letter from Shiney-Ajay says. Another will be garnering rapid responses to the administration’s deployment of troops and immigration policies to cities, and attempts to “infringe on our first amendment rights”. And a third expansion area will be training young activists to “recognize authoritarianism” and resist it using non-violent tactics. Climate activists gather in New York for ‘Sun Day’ solar energy and anti-billionaire rallies The missive formalizes work already underway at Sunrise. Last month, the group helped organize student walkouts at four Washington DC universities to protest Trump’s deployment of the national guard and their intimidation of activists and immigrants.

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MAINSTREAM RTE News • 21 hours ago

Yuno Energy announces price freeze for customers

Yuno Energy has announced a price freeze on electricity and gas for its 65,000 customers throughout the winter months, with no increases expected until at least March. This move contrasts with recent price hikes by several other energy suppliers, including SSE Airtricity, Bord Gáis Energy, Energia, Pinergy, and Flogas. Electric Ireland, meanwhile, has kept electricity prices steady and reduced gas costs. The company’s chief executive, Cathal Fay, emphasized that the absence of universal energy credits this winter will heighten customer sensitivity to price changes. He highlighted the challenging conditions many households will face and positioned the price freeze as a way to provide cost predictability and reassurance. Yuno Energy also noted that customers switching to its services for both electricity and gas could save up to €945 annually, based on average usage, with €551 saved on electricity and €384 on gas. This announcement comes amid ongoing concerns about rising living costs and energy affordability.

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MAINSTREAM BBC Asia • 1 days ago

'A legacy worth millions' - India's former royals who draw a meagre pension

In Hussainabad, Uttar Pradesh, about 1,200 descendants of the former Awadh royal family continue to receive a symbolic pension called wasika. This pension originates from loans made by Awadh nawabs to the British East India Company in the early 1800s, where the interest was perpetually paid to their families. Despite the abolition of monarchies and privy purses in India, these payments persist as a historical legacy. Recipients like 90-year-old Faiyaz Ali Khan receive a meagre sum—currently just nine rupees and 70 paise monthly—reflecting a significant reduction over generations. The pension amount diminishes as it is divided among descendants, making the payments largely ceremonial rather than financially meaningful. For families like Khan’s, the wasika represents a tangible connection to their royal heritage and past prestige. Historians note that these pensions stem from complex colonial-era financial arrangements, underscoring the lasting impact of historical ties between Indian royalty and British colonial powers.

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MAINSTREAM Inside Climate News • 11 hours ago

New Report Examines Fossil Fuel Ties of Dozens of Trump Administration Hires

The Trump administration wasted no time in tapping individuals with ties to fossil fuel industries and right-wing think tanks funded , according to a new report. Public Citizen and the Revolving Door Project, two nonprofit organizations that monitor corporate influence in government, analyzed the backgrounds of 111 nominees and appointees to executive branch positions in agencies including the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Department of the Interior (DOI) that chart environment and energy policy. They found 43 people with ties to the fossil fuel industry and 12 people tied to right-wing think tanks, many of which receive funding from oilmen, including Texan Tim Dunn.  The report found that of 37 nominees to the Department of Energy (DOE), EPA and DOI who required Senate confirmation, 25 had ties to polluting industries, including oil and gas and mining. The report covers the fossil fuel ties of Cabinet members like Energy Secretary Chris Wright and Interior Secretary Doug Burgum as well as lesser-known nominees like Audrey Robertson, a former fracking executive nominated to lead the DOE’s efficiency and renewable energy office.  ICN Weekly Saturdays Our #1 delivers the week’s climate and energy news – our original stories and top headlines from around the web. Get ICN Weekly Inside Clean Energy Thursdays Dan Gearino’s habit-forming weekly take on how to understand the energy transformation reshaping our world.

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MAINSTREAM Sydney Morning Herald • 10 hours ago

Dame Jilly Cooper dies aged 88 after fall

Dame Jilly Cooper, renowned British author known for her vivid portrayals of the upper classes, has died at 88 following a fall. Cooper gained fame with her bestselling novels such as Rivals and Riders, many of which are set in the Cotswolds and explore themes of class, sex, marriage, and rivalry. Her work, including the Rutshire Chronicles series, has been praised for its sharp social insights and enduring popularity. Cooper’s novel Rivals was adapted into a successful Disney+ TV series, currently filming a second season. She was honored with a damehood for services to literature and charity, having previously received an OBE and CBE. Cooper began her writing career over 50 years ago and was celebrated for her wit, intricate plots, and candid exploration of societal norms. She was a close friend of Queen Camilla and recently appeared at the Queen’s Reading Room Festival in Derbyshire. Her family described her death as a profound loss, highlighting her warmth and infectious spirit.

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