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The Zarabanda Variations review – free jazz project is a thrillingly original dive into colonial history
Keir GoGwilt’s *The Zarabanda Variations* is reviewed as an ambitious and highly original collaborative album that re-examines the colonial Latin American roots of the sarabande, before the dance became associated with European baroque composers. Its fusion of free jazz, baroque strings, percussion and spoken-word poetry creates a challenging but compelling alternative to familiar classical interpretations,…
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Rubio says U.S. is ready to help end war in Ukraine but no quick deal ahead
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the Trump administration is prepared to help end Russia’s war in Ukraine, but that no rapid agreement is in prospect. His comments underline that previous US-mediated efforts have stalled and that any settlement would need terms acceptable to both Moscow and Kyiv. Rubio spoke after meeting Russian Foreign…
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Rare night heron spotted at National Trust site
A black-crowned night heron, a bird rarely seen in the UK, has been recorded by wildlife cameras at the National Trust’s Holnicote Estate near Minehead, Somerset. The sighting is significant because it suggests newly restored freshwater habitats at the estate may be attracting scarce wetland species. Conservationists have created wetlands at Holnicote, which also support…
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TV tonight: the great pandemic drama you might have missed
Tonight’s television highlights include the Sky Atlantic debut of Station Eleven, a hopeful post-pandemic drama, alongside programmes on progressive rock, celebrity homes, crime and Ukraine’s war. The listings also recommend two streaming comedies centred on pickleball and competitive parents. – Station Eleven, 9pm Sky Atlantic: a dual-timeline drama about survivors after a flu pandemic kills…
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Arsonists used stray cats as fire-starters during Italy’s wildfire emergency, police say
Italian police have said that arsonists deliberately used stray cats as fire-starters during the country’s ongoing wildfire emergency, according to reporting on the incidents. The claim points to a particularly disturbing method allegedly employed by those responsible for starting blazes, adding an animal cruelty dimension to what is already a serious public safety crisis as…
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All eyes on Qantas as thousands watch airline’s test for world’s longest non-stop route between Melbourne and Toulouse
Qantas has been conducting a widely watched test flight for what would become the world’s longest non-stop commercial route, connecting Melbourne in Australia with Toulouse in France. The trial has drawn significant public attention, with thousands reportedly tracking the flight’s progress, reflecting ongoing interest in ultra-long-haul aviation and the technical challenges of operating such extreme-distance…
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Thune says Iran sanctions to be added to Russia sanctions bill
Senate Majority Leader John Thune said sanctions targeting Iran would be added to pending legislation aimed at increasing pressure on Russia. The change could broaden the bill’s reach beyond Moscow’s war in Ukraine, while helping secure support for bringing the long-delayed measure to a Senate vote. The bipartisan Russia sanctions package would penalise Russia if…
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DSA member leads Dem primary in Midwest battleground — but trails likely GOP nominee: poll
Wisconsin state representative Francesca Hong, a member of the Democratic Socialists of America, is leading the Democratic field in the state’s gubernatorial primary, according to a new Marquette Law School poll. Her position is significant because Wisconsin is a closely contested political battleground, although the article says she trails the likely Republican nominee in a…
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Italy confirm Ancelotti approach before Guardiola
Italy approached Carlo Ancelotti about becoming national team manager before opening talks with Pep Guardiola, according to technical director Paolo Maldini. The Azzurri are seeking a new coach after Gennaro Gattuso resigned in April following Italy’s third consecutive failure to qualify for the World Cup, making the appointment significant for the country’s football recovery. Ancelotti…
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EU gives antritrust approval to the Saudi-led $55 billion takeover of EA
The European Commission has approved the Saudi-led $55 billion takeover of Electronic Arts on antitrust grounds, finding it is unlikely to harm competition in gaming and esports markets. The decision is an important advance for what could become the largest leveraged buyout in history, although the transaction still needs further regulatory clearance. The EU is…