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PETER HITCHENS: The real reason the BBC failed to tell us that a man who beat his mother to death was a cannabis user is more shocking than you think
Peter Hitchens criticises the BBC for not attending the sentencing of Simon Carter, who was convicted of beating his 72-year-old mother to death. He argues that this meant the broadcaster missed the judge’s comments linking Carter’s cannabis use to mental-health problems and warning against cannabis decriminalisation, which Hitchens considers a matter of national importance. According…
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Marianela: Timeless review – perfect ballerina shows off a leg-whipping, frictionless mastery
Marianela Núñez’s first programme bearing her name, Timeless, is presented as a polished celebration of her long Royal Ballet career and of the company’s choreographers. The reviewer praises the 44-year-old principal’s exceptional technical control and generosity towards fellow dancers, while suggesting that her refined restraint can sometimes limit the sense of emotional rawness. The Royal…
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WNBA suddenly wants to stick to basketball after years of making politics part of the product
The article argues that some WNBA media figures have recently urged players and commentators to focus on basketball, despite the league having previously embraced political and social issues as part of its public identity. It presents this as an inconsistency, particularly when players speak about sex-based eligibility in women’s sport. The piece centres on Sophie…
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Trump tells foreign students: Overstay your visa, face the consequences
The article argues that the Trump administration’s student-visa reforms are intended to strengthen enforcement and accountability for foreign students studying in the United States. It presents the changes as a response to visa holders who remain in the country after they are no longer complying with their visa conditions. It explains that most international students…
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San Sebastian Sets 2026 New Directors Lineup
San Sebastian Film Festival has announced the filmmakers selected for its 2026 New Directors programme, which showcases first and second feature films and runs from 18 to 26 September. The sidebar will bring together emerging directors from 13 countries, underlining the festival’s role in introducing international new talent. Jaime Lorente’s Spanish debut The Bad Son…
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Knats express surprise at Mercury Prize shortlist nomination
Newcastle jazz group Knats said their Mercury Prize shortlist nomination felt “absolutely mental”, expressing surprise at the recognition for their debut album. The nomination is significant because it places the band among the year’s leading British and Irish recording artists and may introduce their music to a wider audience. Knats were shortlisted for their self-titled…
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San Sebastián New Directors: Billy Lumby, Marlene Emilie Lyngstad, ‘Money Heist’ Star Jaime Lorente and More
San Sebastián Film Festival has announced entries for its New Directors competition, showcasing debut and emerging filmmakers from 13 countries. The programme will open with “The Bad Son”, the directing debut of “Money Heist” actor Jaime Lorente, and close with BAFTA nominee Billy Lumby’s first feature, “Florid”. – “The Bad Son” (“El mal hijo”) —…
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The Asus ROG NUC is a Steam Machine for the big kids, with their big wallets
The Asus ROG NUC is presented as a compact but powerful gaming PC that can function much like a premium Steam Machine for a living-room setup. The review finds its small size, strong performance and comparatively accessible internals appealing, but argues that its high price limits its appeal to buyers with substantial budgets. The system…
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In a Bid for New Viewers, The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power Season 3 Begins With a Fellowship-Style Prologue
The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power will open its third season with a Fellowship of the Ring-style prologue, intended to bring new and returning viewers up to speed. The approach accompanies a five-year time jump and signals a renewed focus on the central conflict with Sauron as the series moves towards the…
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Shark Week fans may want to think twice before eating this ocean predator, experts warn
Shark meat is consumed in many countries and remains available in some US restaurants and seafood markets, but experts warn that it can carry high levels of mercury and other heavy metals. The warning is particularly relevant during Shark Week, when public interest in sharks may encourage people to consider eating them despite health and…