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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.

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 Story Museum: A Family-Friendly Gem in Oxford Play cafes are not for everyone, but that doesn’t mean you can’t have a fun and engaging experience with your toddler in a museum. The Story Museum in Oxford is a great example of a family-oriented museum that sparks curiosity in arts and culture. Exploring the Galleries The museum offers a variety of interactive exhibits, including the Small Worlds gallery for under-fives, inspired by picture books and nursery rhymes. The Story Portal, where children receive a special passport, leads to the Whispering Wood, an indoor forest filled with fables and fairytales from around the world. A Dragon-Themed Temporary Exhibition During the visit, a temporary exhibition space was filled with all things dragon, co-curated with How to Train Your Dragon author Cressida Cowell. Children could dress up as a dragon, create their own origami dragon claw, and discover what a dragon’s den might smell like. The Enchanted Library The Enchanted Library takes visitors through the history of children’s literature in an engaging way. Visitors can play digital Pooh sticks in the Hundred Acre Wood and explore a wardrobe into the frosty forest of Narnia. A Hands-On Approach The museum’s approach is hands-on and interactive, encouraging children to touch, explore, and learn. As Lucy Webber, the museum’s head of learning, says, “We’re very much the opposite of a don’t-touch environment. So, do talk, do touch, see what happens.” More Story-Focused Museums to Explore Seven Stories, Newcastle Discover, London The Storybarn at The Reader, Liverpool

The Season's Narrative: A Managerial RenaissanceThe 2025‑26 campaign proved that tactical acumen, recruitment savvy and leadership can overturn pre‑season expectations. Four managers emerged as the league’s most influential architects, each delivering results that reshaped the competitive landscape.Régis Le Bris's Blueprint for Sunderland's Survival and Europa LeapRégis Le Bris turned a newly promoted Sunderland side into a Europa League qualifier. After a summer overhaul that swapped out much of the promotion‑winning squad for a blend of youthful vigor and seasoned heads, Le Bris favoured "lightning‑fast transitions" and selective width against weaker opponents. Key moments included a decisive win over Chelsea on the final day and double victories against Newcastle (home and away).Promotion‑driven recruitment overhaulStrategic focus on rapid counter‑attacksEuropa League qualification secured on season’s last matchdayUnai Emery's Aston Villa Turnaround: From Early Struggles to Europa GloryUnai Emery steered Aston Villa from a meagre three points in the opening five games to a 12‑win run in 13 matches, culminating in a Europa League triumph. Operating under strict profitability and sustainability constraints, Emery balanced squad rotation, injury management and European ambitions, delivering one of the most impressive mid‑season recoveries in recent memory.Early season: 3 points from 15 availableMid‑season surge: 12 wins in 13 gamesEuropa League title secured despite financial limitsMikel Arteta's Arsenal: Tactical Tweaks that Secured the TitleMikel Arteta guided Arsenal to the league crown after a period of doubt surrounding the squad’s mental resilience. Following back‑to‑back defeats in April, Arteta introduced subtle tactical adjustments and re‑energised the Emirates crowd, sparking a run of crucial victories that clinched the championship and set the stage for a Champions League final.Four‑point lead in April eroded by defeats to Bournemouth and Manchester CityStrategic tweaks restored confidence and consistencyLeague title secured; Champions League final pendingKeith Andrews' Brentford: A Rookie's Gamble Paying OffIn his debut season, Keith Andrews defied scepticism surrounding his appointment after the departure of Thomas Frank. By evolving, rather than overhauling, the existing tactical framework, Andrews guided Brentford to high‑profile victories over Aston Villa, Liverpool and Manchester United, keeping the club in contention for European qualification.Maintained core set‑piece strength while adapting tacticsNotable wins against top‑six oppositionEuropean qualification narrowly missed but club’s value enhancedFinancial and Competitive Implications Across the LeagueThe managerial successes highlighted the growing importance of efficient recruitment and adaptable tactics in an era of tightened financial regulations. Clubs that combined data‑driven signings with flexible game plans—Sunderland, Aston Villa and Arsenal—outperformed rivals constrained by legacy spending models.Looking Ahead: The Next Season's Managerial RaceAs clubs plan for 2026‑27, the performances of Le Bris, Emery, Arteta and Andrews will set benchmarks for aspiring managers. Expect heightened competition for top‑flight roles, with a premium placed on coaches who can deliver results under fiscal discipline while maintaining tactical innovation.

The Sudden Departure of Andrew Abdo National Rugby League chief executive Andrew Abdo is set to make one of the great leaps across Australia’s sporting divide with reports linking him to a job with Tennis Australia. The Leadership Transition at NRL Abdo replaced Todd Greenberg as NRL chief executive in 2020 having spent much of the preceding decade in a commercial role at the organisation. Alongside influential Australian Rugby League Commission chair Peter V’landys, Abdo has consolidated rugby league’s financial health and expanded the competition’s footprint into Papua New Guinea and Western Australia. The Financial Impact of Leadership Changes Abdo's departure comes as negotiations intensify over the next NRL broadcast and player pay deals. Tennis Australia revenues are now around $700m per year, behind only the AFL and NRL among Australian sporting organisations. The Impact on Australian Sports Landscape Craig Tiley, chief executive at Tennis Australia, announced earlier this year he would be taking on the same role with the US Tennis Association. International executive recruitment firm Egon Zehnder has been responsible for finding Tiley’s replacement since his departure was announced in February. The Future of Tennis Australia Speculation around contenders to replace him included Tom Larner, the current chief tennis officer, chief of events Stephen Farrow, as well as Tennis Queensland chief executive, Cameron Pearson. Tiley’s departure, after more than two decades with Tennis Australia, represents a significant shift in the country’s sporting landscape.

The Lead: Conte's Abrupt Exit from NapoliAntonio Conte has announced his departure as Napoli head coach after guiding the team to a 1-0 home victory over Udinese in their final Serie A match of the season. The 56-year-old confirmed the decision at a press conference alongside Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis, revealing he had initiated the exit talks a month ago.The Event Details: Conte's Napoli Tenure and Reasons for DepartureHaving joined the club in July 2024, Conte won the league title in his debut campaign as well as this season's. His final match was settled by a 23rd-minute goal from striker Rasmus Højlund, securing a second-place finish in the league table for the hosts behind Inter.The former Italy and Chelsea manager revealed he had initiated the exit talks based on his relationship with the club's owner. "I rang the chairman a month ago … and told him: 'Given the friendship we share, I feel that my time here is coming to an end.' The decision was mine," Conte told reporters. "I've never been one for mediocre seasons, and I never will be."Reflecting on the turning point of his decision following a loss to Bologna this month, Conte cited friction over January signings and internal squad dynamics. "I saw situations there that I did not like," Conte said. "Certainly some new signings arrived in January while the old group and I were in very difficult dynamics. There came a moment when it was right to speak out and take responsibility."I failed at one thing in Naples: I was unable to bring everyone together," he added. "I saw too much poison, too much malice. The moment you can no longer do things with ease is a step backwards for me."Conte is a frontrunner to take over as Italy manager, local media reported. "There is satisfaction, honour and prestige in what I achieved coaching Naples. I thank De Laurentiis for giving me this opportunity."The Impact Analysis: Como's Historic Rise to Champions LeagueComo qualified for the Champions League for the first time in their history, the lakeside club being joined by Roma in the top four as giants Milan and Juventus missed out on an eventful final day marred by fan violence.Como's 4-1 win at Cremonese, who drop down to Serie B, and Milan falling to a shock 2-1 home defeat to Cagliari was enough for Cesc Fàbregas's side to cap their incredible rise from lower leagues to Europe's top table. Como will finish the season fourth, two points behind Roma, whose 2-0 win at already-relegated Verona ensured third place and an end to their long absence from the Champions League.Juve's match at Torino kicked off over an hour late for "public safety" after one of the Turin giants' fans was admitted to hospital following pre-match clashes with rival supporters.The Data Analysis: Final League Standings and European QualificationThe final Serie A standings saw Inter claim the title, with Napoli finishing second. Roma secured third place, with Como fourth. This means the top four teams for next season's European competitions are:Inter: Champions LeagueNapoli: Champions LeagueRoma: Champions LeagueComo: Champions League (first qualification in history)Teams finishing fifth and sixth will enter the Europa League, while those in seventh and eighth positions will qualify for the new Europa Conference League.The Prediction: Future Implications for Italian FootballConte's departure from Napoli creates a significant vacancy at one of Italy's biggest clubs, with potential ripple effects across Serie A. His possible move to the Italy national team could reshape the national team's approach as they prepare for major tournaments.Como's historic Champions League qualification represents a changing power dynamic in Italian football, with smaller clubs making breakthroughs into Europe's elite competition. This could lead to increased investment and competitive balance in Serie A.The final day's fan violence also highlights ongoing challenges in Italian football, with authorities likely to implement stricter security measures for future matches.

The Turning Point for Tottenham Tottenham Hotspur's 1-0 win over Everton on the final day of the season secured their Premier League survival, marking a significant turnaround for the team under manager Roberto De Zerbi. The victory was a relief for fans and players alike, who had witnessed a tumultuous season. De Zerbi's Impact on the Team Roberto De Zerbi, a manager of great promise, has made an immediate impact at Tottenham. With 11 points in seven games, his influence has been stark, especially considering the injury crisis that has plagued the team. His appointment may signal a new era for Spurs, one that could bring a bracing clarity of vision and rejuvenation. The Data Behind the Win Tottenham secured their Premier League survival with a 1-0 win over Everton. Roberto De Zerbi has accumulated 11 points in seven games. The team's injury crisis has been a significant challenge. The Impact on Tottenham's Future The win not only secured Tottenham's Premier League status but also provided a much-needed boost to the team's morale. With De Zerbi at the helm, Spurs may be able to build on this momentum and aim for a European qualifying position next season. The squad will likely undergo reshaping, but the positive vibes around the club could be well-founded. The Prediction for Next Season While challenges remain, particularly with the switch from profitability and sustainability regulations to squad cost ratio, Tottenham's relative lack of games should make finishing in a European qualifying position a viable goal. Relegation, certainly, shouldn’t be a threat. De Zerbi's success in avoiding relegation sets a positive tone for the future, and fans will be eager to see how the team progresses under his leadership.

The Erosion of the College PremiumFor generations, a college degree has been viewed as the golden ticket to a stable, middle-class life. However, for Jes Vesconte, a 29-year-old with a master’s from Columbia University and a Fulbright in Germany, that promise has fractured. Vesconte is currently struggling to afford everyday life, supplementing income with service-industry jobs while navigating the looming start of student loan repayments. Their monthly income struggles to exceed $3,000, a stark contrast to the prosperity once guaranteed by a degree.Unemployment Gaps and Rising DebtThe experience of Vesconte is not an outlier but part of a broader trend identified in a recent report by the Economic Policy Institute. The report suggests that the college degree is "losing its edge" even as the overall economy grows and unemployment rates remain low. The data reveals a significant divergence in the labor market:The unemployment rate for recent college graduates has been higher than that of the overall American workforce since the pandemic.The gap between college graduate unemployment and overall unemployment has narrowed significantly compared to previous decades.The graduating class of 2024 left with an average of $29,560 in loans, contributing to a total national student debt of over $1.8tn.The "Just Not Much Out There" PhenomenonEven for those who secure employment, the quality of work is often insufficient. Sophia Xu, a 28-year-old designer at a big tech company, expressed a sentiment shared by many: "There's just not much out there." This scarcity is forcing young professionals to settle for roles that do not align with their career aspirations or personal values, leading to a sense of professional stagnation.Living at Home and Social IsolationThe financial strain has forced many young adults to retreat to their parents' homes. While the percentage of Americans aged 25 to 34 living with parents has dropped slightly since the pandemic, one-fifth of young adults still rely on this arrangement. For Ragini Subramanian, a 23-year-old journalism graduate, moving back home was a financial necessity rather than a choice, though it came with the cost of social isolation and a lack of autonomy in a creative field.Navigating a Fractured FutureThe current economic landscape has created a complex psychological puzzle for Gen Z. Unlike previous generations who faced economic challenges, today's young adults are navigating multiple existential crises simultaneously, leading to low expectations for both the present and the future. Despite the structural hurdles, many, like Subramanian, maintain a resilient outlook, viewing their current struggles as a temporary phase rather than a permanent state of being.