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TGI Fridays, a global bar-restaurant chain, is set for a UK revival under the leadership of Ray Blanchette, who has acquired the brand's UK arm. Blanchette, a former TGI Fridays kitchen manager, believes the chain can regain its momentum in the UK and expand globally to 1,000 outlets. The UK restaurant industry has faced significant challenges, including higher staffing, energy, and food costs, as well as decreased diner numbers due to financial constraints. However, Blanchette is optimistic about TGI Fridays' prospects, citing its rich history and legacy as a foundation for growth. Blanchette's investment firm, Sugarloaf, has taken control of the global master franchise for TGI Fridays and directly operates 11 US outlets and the UK restaurants. He plans to invest over £2.5m in revamping restaurants, updating kitchen equipment, and enhancing staff training. Blanchette acknowledges that the UK tax regime for high street businesses is 'problematic' and stifles growth. He hopes for government change, given hospitality's significant role as one of the UK's largest employers. The revamped TGI Fridays UK will focus on providing an 'over the top and fun' experience, with a new menu, affordable options, and improved service. Blanchette is confident that a turnaround is possible, having read hundreds of thousands of online reviews of the UK business.

Mary Beth Hurt died on 28 March 2026 at the age of 79, closing a four‑decade career that blended intellectual cinema with acclaimed stage work. Born in Marshalltown, Iowa, she entered the film world with Woody Allen’s experimental drama Interiors (1978), earning a BAFTA nomination for Best Newcomer alongside Christopher Reeve.Although Interiors was a modest critical success, it proved financially profitable, grossing $10 million on a $3 million budget. Hurt’s portrayal of the directionless Joey marked the start of a career defined by thoughtful, understated performances.Her next high‑profile role came as Helen Holm, the college‑professor wife of Robin Williams’s titular character in The World According to Garp (1982). The film’s daring tonal shifts – including a shocking car‑crash scene – earned Oscar nominations for John Lithgow and Glenn Close, while giving Hurt a rare chance to play a fully sexual woman.Early setbacks included losing the lead in Joan Micklin Silver’s Head Over Heels (1979) to Jamie Lee Curtis and a troubled turn in the melodrama A Change of Seasons (1980), which suffered from production turmoil and poor box‑office returns.On stage, Hurt distinguished herself with three Tony nominations: for Pinero’s Trelawny of the ‘Wells’ (1976) opposite a debuting Meryl Streep, for a 1982 revival of Beth Henley’s Crimes of the Heart, and for Michael Frayn’s Benefactors (1986). She debuted on Broadway in 1974’s revival of William Congreve’s Love For Love opposite Glenn Close.Her personal life intersected with her professional world. She married fellow actor William Hurt in 1971, divorcing in December 1982, and later wed director Paul Schrader in August 1983. Collaborations with Schrader included Light Sleeper (1992), Affliction (1997) and The Walker (2007).Later film work featured a supporting turn in Karen Moncrieff’s feminist thriller The Dead Girl (2006), which earned her an Independent Spirit Award nomination, and a cameo in Martin Scorsese’s The Age of Innocence (1993). Her final screen appearance was in the small‑town drama Change in the Air (2018), filmed before a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease.Reflecting on her craft, Hurt once said, "I never felt very beautiful or incredibly smart or witty, so I was always looking for something about the role that intrigued me… more fascinating than the gold‑medal moments."She is survived by husband Paul Schrader and their two children, Molly and Sam.

On a cobbled lane in Belfast’s Cathedral Quarter, the Kindred of Ireland boutique draws shoppers with oversized butter‑yellow linen blouses and Donegal mulberry tweed jackets accented by rose‑pink linen bows, signalling a fresh commercial pulse for a fabric that once defined the city.Linen earned Belfast the nickname “Linenopolis” when, at its height, the industry employed about 40% of Northern Ireland’s workforce. After a post‑war collapse, the trade faded, but today it is re‑emerging as a marker of local identity and sustainable fashion.Designer Amy Anderson, whose grandmother worked as a mill‑hand in Moygashel, says the fibre remains deeply personal for many families. Her modern, Japanese‑inspired silhouettes rely on linen’s natural structure to balance avant‑garde volume with comfort.Reviving a near‑extinct industry is daunting, yet Belfast’s history of turning adversity into opportunity—exemplified by the Titanic Quarter’s tourism boom—has attracted an eclectic coalition of supporters. Among them are former blacksmith Charlie Mallon, who has converted his 150‑year‑old Magherafelt farm into a regenerative flax operation, and fashion heavyweight Sarah Burton, former creative director of Alexander McQueen.Mallon’s restoration of heritage machinery aims to keep flax “field‑to‑fibre” in Ireland, preserving the long fibre length that makes linen less prone to creasing. He contrasts this with most modern linen, which is “cottonised” in China, shortening fibres and increasing wrinkles.Burton’s two‑day field trip to Northern Ireland inspired the spring 2020 Alexander McQueen collection, featuring a beetled linen gown with a pearl‑like sheen that debuted on the Paris runway.In autumn, the Prince and Princess of Wales visited Mallon Farm, expressing a rare interest in sustainable fashion and regenerative agriculture. The Princess, who usually avoids media focus on her wardrobe, asked detailed questions about the Andersons’ brand, underscoring the royal endorsement of Belfast’s textile renaissance.The city’s fashion resurgence is also celebrated at the Ulster Museum’s “Ashes to Fashion” exhibition, which juxtaposes historic silk ballgowns with contemporary pieces by Irish designers, including Kindred of Ireland.Looking ahead, Kindred of Ireland plans a temporary boutique in central London, building on a successful six‑week Mayfair pop‑up that the brand describes as “commercial rocket fuel.” The Andersons note that Northern Irish firms benefit from full access to the UK market while still aligning with certain EU single‑market rules under the Windsor framework, offering a strategic advantage for product‑focused businesses.

The ongoing conflict in the Middle East has significant implications for the UK, particularly in the energy sector. Some have called for the North Sea to be exploited for its remaining oil and gas reserves, citing energy security concerns. However, the climate crisis demands immediate action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, making it crucial to prioritize renewable energy sources.The North Sea basin is past peak production, with only limited amounts of oil and gas remaining. Moreover, the UK is struggling to meet its 2030 emissions reduction target of 68% compared to 1990 levels and is off track to achieve net zero emissions by 2050. Any revival of homegrown fossil fuel usage would undermine these efforts.The reality of the climate crisis is worsening, with record-breaking heat across the US and devastating floods in Hawaii, northern Australia, and the Gulf states. The UK has also experienced record winter rainfall and the warmest February on record in England and Wales.The article emphasizes that the world is on course to exceed the 1.5C dangerous climate change threshold within the next three years, coinciding with key climate tipping points, such as the melting of the Greenland and West Antarctic ice sheets. The rate of global heating has accelerated since 2015, and without drastic action, the 2C limit will be shattered by the late 2030s.In conclusion, the government must hold its nerve and prioritize climate action by leaving North Sea oil and gas in the ground, rather than doubling down on fossil fuel exploitation. This approach will help reduce emissions, promote renewable energy, and mitigate the worst effects of the climate crisis.

In Barcelona, anti‑tourism demonstrators have added a culinary twist to their demands, chanting “Stop brunch!” alongside the more familiar “Ban Airbnb” as they protest soaring rents and the loss of local character.The rise of generic brunch venues—identical hipster cafés with the same menu, décor and background music—has become a symbol of overtourism, pushing out neighbourhood bars and eateries that once served the resident community.In response, Albert Molins, a journalist for La Vanguardia, launched a simple Google Maps list in autumn 2020. The list quickly evolved into a city‑wide movement to resurrect the Catalan tradition of esmorzar de forquilla (literally “fork breakfast”).This hearty mid‑morning meal, historically a 19th‑century labourer’s fuel, typically includes a main dish, wine, bread and coffee, and can be enjoyed for under €15. It is now served in modest, no‑frills taverns that showcase authentic Catalan flavours.Signature dishes differ sharply from the typical brunch fare. Patrons can savour trinxat—a pan‑fried potato and cabbage hash topped with crisp pancetta—fricandó (stewed veal with mushrooms), bacallà amb samfaina (fried cod on stewed vegetables), and the richly spiced botifarra sausage. For off‑al lovers, options such as callos (tripe stew), peus de porc (pigs’ feet) and the indulgent cap i pota (veal head and feet stew) are on offer.The original map has since been redeveloped into the functional EsmorzApp, uniting a growing community of “fork‑breakfast enthusiasts” and attracting younger diners alongside long‑time local patrons.Restaurant owner Gerard Llopart notes that his establishment in Barcelona’s Eixample district now welcomes a broader, more diverse crowd, proving that the revival resonates beyond its traditional base.While the movement does not single‑handedly solve overtourism, it demonstrates how locals can reclaim cultural space and invite tourists to partake in genuine culinary heritage. As Molins puts it, the fork breakfast is “our history,” and visitors are encouraged to download the app and ask for un cap i pota, si us plau?

Kara Lawson watched her Duke Blue Devils fall 70‑58 to the No. 1 UCLA Bruins in the Elite Eight, ending a 20‑year wait for a Final Four appearance. The loss followed a stunning buzzer‑beater upset of No. 2 seed LSU in the Sweet 16, but the Blue Devils couldn’t replicate that performance against UCLA.After the game, Lawson told reporters, "What a great season it’s been for us, and this group has been a joy to coach every day." She highlighted the team’s resilience after a rocky start that saw six defeats between early November and late December.Notre Dame’s season ended similarly, with a 70‑52 defeat to the defending champion UConn Huskies in the Elite Eight. Head coach Niele Ivey reflected on the journey, noting that the roster’s revival after a difficult 2025 season "gave me a lot of joy" and that coaching with joy makes her a better leader.Vanderbilt’s Commodores, coached by Shea Ralph, also saw their tournament run halted, losing 67‑64 to Notre Dame. Ralph, who inherited a program with strong support but limited recent success, deliberately built a culture of joy. Star guard Mikayla Blakes praised Ralph for restoring her love for the game, saying, "She found joy in my life and helped me enjoy basketball again."Looking ahead, the semifinals will feature two marquee matchups: South Carolina vs. UConn and UCLA vs. Texas. Both games promise high‑stakes basketball as the remaining teams vie for the championship.The tournament also underscores broader trends in women’s basketball. A decade ago, the NCAA reported that only 4.5% of high‑school players advance to college, and just 1.4% reach Division I. The WNBA’s expansion to 15 teams this season creates more professional slots, yet demand still outpaces supply, making the focus on joy and development all the more vital.Texas coach Vic Schaefer echoed the sentiment, describing the season as "the most fun" he’s had in over thirty years of coaching. With senior guard Rori Harmon preparing to graduate, Schaefer emphasized the team’s mission‑driven mindset and the pure enjoyment they find on the court.In a sport where the pipeline narrows at every level, the prevailing message from coaches and players alike is clear: joy remains the driving force that sustains teams through triumphs and setbacks alike.

TV veteran Michael Patrick King has had a storied career, writing, directing, and producing shows like Murphy Brown, Will & Grace, and 2 Broke Girls. He's best known for his work on the Sex and the City franchise, serving as showrunner and writing and directing its two films.King's latest project is the return of his critically acclaimed show The Comeback, which first aired in 2005. The series, co-created and co-written with Lisa Kudrow, follows the story of Valerie Cherish, a sitcom star trying to return to stardom through reality TV. After a successful second season in 2014, fans have been clamoring for a third installment.The new season of The Comeback begins in the midst of a Hollywood strike, with Valerie navigating an industry in distress. The show tackles timely topics, including the rise of AI in television. King and Kudrow conducted extensive research on AI, consulting with experts to create a realistic portrayal.King also reflects on And Just Like That, the Sex and the City revival, which ended its three-season run last year. Despite initial backlash, King believes the series will age well and that its portrayal of older women challenging societal norms is a significant step forward.Throughout his career, King has demonstrated a willingness to take risks and push boundaries. As he says, 'We got cancelled and we're still here – 21 years later.'

Recent headlines suggesting a Christian revival in Britain, based on a YouGov survey claiming increasing church attendance, have been dramatically undermined by the revelation that the data was fraudulent and subsequently withdrawn. This incident has sparked serious concerns about the integrity of polling data in an era of advancing artificial intelligence.The Bible Society's 2024 report, which claimed church attendance was rising particularly among young people, has become a case study in how AI-generated bogus responses are infesting online surveys. Researchers warn that this vulnerability extends beyond religious statistics to potentially distort our understanding of broader social trends.David Voas, a quantitative social scientist at University College London, emphasized the difficulty of correcting such misinformation once it spreads. "The amount of effort required to correct it is an order of magnitude higher than the effort needed to disseminate it in the first place," he stated, noting that this problem affects polling companies beyond just YouGov.The growth of AI has exacerbated this issue, according to Sean Westwood, an associate professor at Dartmouth College. "The assumption with survey research – that someone gives coherent, logical answers, they're a real person – that assumption is now broken," he explained. Westwood warned that AI models pose an existential threat to our understanding of society.Westwood detailed how AI can be weaponized: "A single sentence of instruction is enough to systematically bias its answers on political polls or geopolitical questions, while keeping its demographic profile intact so the manipulation is invisible to standard screening." Even without explicit instructions to cheat, AI can identify what a researcher is testing and produce data that confirms the hypothesis.The problem is particularly acute with surveys targeting younger demographics. Courtney Kennedy, vice-president of methods and innovation at Pew Research Center, noted that "bogus respondents tend to respond in the affirmative, no matter what is asked" – a positivity bias that inflates estimates. Younger respondents are also more likely to be misrepresented by fraudulent participants.As AI technology rapidly evolves, researchers face a constant challenge. "A researcher might design a clever new trap that catches today's models, but model development moves so fast that the fix is likely obsolete within months," Westwood cautioned.In response, YouGov has implemented detection methods including identity checks, device fingerprinting, and real-time threat scoring. However, the incident serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities in modern polling systems as AI continues to advance.

Gianna, a 23-year-old Camden-based artist, has released her debut EP 'Behind the Wings', which blends polished boho-pop with elements of trip-hop and Balkan folk. Her music is reminiscent of early 2000s Nelly Furtado and All Saints. Gianna's songs are bright and effervescent, making a strong case for the revival of coffee-shop pop.Other notable new tracks include:Nia Archives – Danger: A UK junglist's return with a catchy playground chant acronym and swerving beats.deBasement – Aftermarket Bass (ft Nikki Nair): Fuzzed-out dancefloor bass and commanding icy vocals.Downtown Boys – No Me Jodas: Rhode Island punks return with an expanded sound, blending spit-and-sawdust squall with doom.Brennan Wedl and Waxahatchee – Six O’Clock News: A beautiful essay on outlaw love, combining Lucinda Williams and Sheryl Crow styles.Empress Of – Dream House: Sweet, shuffling R&B; offering to her family, whose home burned down in the Altadena fires.Lee “Scratch” Perry and Mouse on Mars – Rockcurry: Lee “Scratch” Perry's final sessions with a German electronic duo, producing synth-winking music.Khun Narin Electric Phin Band – Poet Wong Pt 1 (เปิดวง ตอน 1): Serene, intricate, psychedelic, and pulverising music from a marching band in northern Thailand.Subscribe to the Guardian's rolling Add to Playlist selections on Spotify or transfer it to Apple, Tidal, or other services.