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Manufacturers and Unions Call for Immediate Electricity Price ReliefMake UK and the Trades Union Congress (TUC) have jointly appealed to the cabinet for urgent action to curb the nation’s soaring electricity prices, arguing that the current situation threatens the very survival of the UK’s industrial base.Survey Reveals Escalating Strain on UK ManufacturingThe latest Make UK member survey highlights several alarming trends:Almost 1 in 10 firms have already shifted production abroad; 16% are considering it.Nearly 4 in 10 companies have postponed investment projects.More than 20% report reduced headcount, affecting the sector’s 2.5 million workers.UK manufacturers face the highest electricity prices in the G7 – up to four times those paid by US counterparts.Financial Toll: £3 bn Expansion Cost and £600 m Levy RemovalThe specific demand is to broaden the scope of the British industrial competitiveness scheme (BICS) from the current 10,000 qualifying firms to all 130,000 manufacturers, an expansion that £3 bn would fund.Separately, removing three electricity levies would cost about £600 m, a sum the chancellor expects to cover through energy‑system reforms and Exchequer funding.Implications for Competitiveness and EmploymentWithout broader relief, the sector’s growth outlook remains bleak, with Make UK forecasting only 0.4% growth this year and 0.1% next year. The hidden cost is the potential relocation of multinational production, which could further erode UK manufacturing capacity and jobs.Outlook: What Policy Shifts Could Stabilise the Sector?Analysts suggest that a more expansive, tax‑based approach—similar to practices in France and Germany—could distribute the energy transition burden more evenly and preserve industrial competitiveness. Until such a strategy is adopted, the industry risks continued under‑investment, job losses, and a slide toward deindustrialisation.

The forthcoming play “Savage” will open at the Curve Theatre in Leicester next February, offering a biographical look at Paul O’Grady’s evolution from a Vauxhall club drag queen to a national television icon. Developed with the support of O’Grady’s widower Andre Portasio and penned by playwright Jonathan Harvey, the production promises a nostalgic yet timely celebration of British drag culture.From Vauxhall Beehive to West End: The Story Behind “Savage”Harvey’s script draws heavily from O’Grady’s autobiographies, stitching together anecdotes from the 1980s AIDS crisis, police raids on gay venues, and the creation of the flamboyant alter‑ego Lily Savage. The narrative follows O’Grady’s early days as a care worker‑turned‑drag performer, his rise to mainstream fame with heart‑warming TV shows, and his final retirement of the Savage persona in 2005.Key Figures and Production TimelineDanny Beard (Drag Race UK winner) will portray Paul O’Grady on stage.Jonathan Harvey – playwright known for Beautiful Thing and Gimme Gimme Gimme.Andre Portasio – O’Grady’s widower, providing personal insight and endorsement.World premiere: February 2026 at Curve Theatre, Leicester.Planned West End run: London, later in 2026 (venue to be confirmed).Reviving Drag’s Roots: Cultural Impact of the PlayBeard emphasizes that the production offers younger audiences a glimpse of “the real deal” drag—raw, comedic, and socially charged—contrasting today’s polished, American‑styled performances. By foregrounding O’Grady’s activism during the AIDS crisis and his genuine connection with marginalized communities, “Savage” seeks to reaffirm the historical lineage of British drag and its role in LGBTQ+ visibility.Future Prospects: London Run and LegacyWith critical buzz already building, the West End transfer could cement the play as a touchstone for biographical theatre about LGBTQ+ figures. Success may inspire further stage adaptations of other drag legends, while also reinforcing Leicester’s reputation as a launchpad for high‑profile productions. The timing—shortly after O’Grady’s recent work for Boom Radio—ensures the story remains fresh in public memory, potentially driving ticket sales and media coverage well into 2027.

The Lead Robert De Niro has renewed his attack on Donald Trump at an event in New York on Sunday. Speaking at Rise Up, Sing Out: A Concert for the first amendment, the actor led the crowd in a repeated cry of “shut the fuck up!” in response to assorted remarks and policies of the current president. De Niro's Protest “I’m pretty close to being a free speech absolutist,” said De Niro, “even speech I don’t like, and there’s plenty of that around. So when I hear something I don’t like, I use my own free speech to respond. “When I hear Trump say, as he did a few days ago, ‘I don’t think about Americans’ financial situation, not even a little bit,’ I say, ‘Shut the fuck up,’” he said. The Chant De Niro offered a further example of what he considered egregious leadership, saying: “On Wednesday, Trump said, ‘I love the inflation.’” He then asked the crowd to say “Shut the fuck up!” with him, which they duly did. De Niro continued: “Trump said he won the 2020 election. Ready? Shut the fuck up!” Patriotism and Abuse The actor, who frequently finds himself at loggerheads with Trump, also compared expressions of patriotism today to domestic abuse. “I hate to say it, but loving our country is starting to sound like an abused spouse saying they love their abuser,” he said. Criticism of Trump He added: “I can’t love a country that starts stupid and inhumane wars, killing thousands of innocents and indirectly causing the deaths and suffering of millions more. “I can’t love a country that takes healthcare away from millions of people and uses that money to enrich their pals in the Trump-Epstein class. I can’t love a country that sends out masked militias to shoot citizens in the streets, torture our neighbours, and separate families. “I can’t love a country that’s led by a racist, misogynist, xenophobic tyrant. And let me just say it: I can’t love the country that’s led by Donald Trump and his sycophant Congress.” Conclusion He concluded by saying: “I want to love my country again. I want my country back.”

The Enigmatic 'Dry Leaf' Georgian film-maker Alexandre Koberidze appeared to revive the spirit of the French New Wave with his previous film What Do We See When We Look at the Sky? – an unhurried, meandering and garrulous movie with its own cheeky sort of low-tech magic realism as it followed its nose around the city of Kutaisi. His new film is a mystifying three-hour road movie, shot (as was his debut film Let the Summer Never Come Again) on low-res video, like that of an obsolete cameraphone. The Search for Lisa A middle-aged man called Irakli (David Koberidze) receives a letter addressed to him and his wife, Nino (Irina Chelidze), from their twentysomething photographer daughter Lisa, announcing that she wishes to disappear from their lives. A police officer tells them that Lisa is an adult who can do what she likes. But an oddly emotionless Irakli sets out to track her down anyway, even though another more conventionally plausible movie would have found room for a conversation about the cost of a private detective. Lisa was photographing football fields when she vanished, so Irakli’s plan is just to drive around the country’s football fields, asking people nearby if they’ve seen her. A Challenging but Visually Striking Film With Irakli in the car is Lisa’s friend Levani who is … invisible. We hear him. We don’t see him. (The same goes for some of the people that Irakli talks to.) This invisibility creates a baffling extra level of oddity and contrivance to this film, which, for some, added and created nothing. As a formal experiment, Dry Leaf has its own conviction and self-possession and there is a deliberate, if opaque artistry here: one shot shows us a dry leaf under Irakli’s car-tyres, another gives us wet leaves in a waterfall. The soft-edged, pixelated look is, however, interesting and surprisingly watchable, bringing a kind of painterly effect. What's Next for 'Dry Leaf' Dry Leaf is set to screen at the ICA, London from 18 June, offering audiences a chance to experience this unique and challenging film for themselves.

The Simpsons' Foray into Monopoly Go! Every generation gets its own Simpsons game. For some, it was the arcade cabinets that swallowed pocket money throughout the 1990s. For others, it was The Simpsons: Cartoon Studio. For millennials, it was The Simpsons: Hit & Run. Now, The Simpsons have crash-landed in Monopoly Go! through a collaboration involving Simpsons writers, animators, and voice talent. Behind-the-Scenes Collaboration The collaboration is a two-month Springfield takeover featuring original storylines, animated shorts, themed mini-games, and dozens of Simpsons characters. Scopely worked directly with Simpsons writers, artists, and animators for months, creating a true Simpsons episode within the game. The Data Behind the Collaboration The collaboration features original storylines and animated shorts. Dozens of Simpsons characters have been included in the game. The partnership is a free download on iOS and Android until July 29. The Impact on Gaming and Pop Culture The Simpsons have always felt suited to games due to their densely populated world with hundreds of characters, locations, and running jokes. The franchise's flexibility has allowed it to move effortlessly between genres, from arcade beat-'em-ups to open-world adventures. The Future of The Simpsons in Gaming Live-service games like Monopoly Go! offer an endlessly expandable world, something television increasingly struggles to provide. The Simpsons seem to thrive in the gaming world, converting nostalgia into fresh fuel for new generations.

The LeadAustralia's social media ban for under-16s has been in place for six months, with mixed reactions from parents and carers. The ban aims to protect young people online, but some argue it's difficult to enforce and that teenagers are finding ways to get around it. Parental Perspectives on the BanParents and carers in Australia have shared their experiences with the ban. Freya, a 44-year-old mother from Melbourne, says the ban has given her 'an extra tool in the battle against devices' with her children, aged 12 and 14. She notes that the ban has reduced arguments about social media use and that her children are less likely to ask for social media accounts. The Ban's EffectivenessHowever, not all parents agree that the ban is effective. Boris, a father of two from Brisbane, feels that the ban has failed and that the legislation is toothless. He says that many of his son's friends are still on social media and that his son feels left out. Diverse Opinions on the Ban's ImpactSimon, a father of two from Perth, thinks that the ban will have a positive effect in the long run. He says that his younger son, who got a mobile phone after the ban came into force, has not asked for social media access and is happy to use WhatsApp and YouTube instead. Challenges and ConcernsSome parents, like Elizabeth from Melbourne, say that the ban has not reduced social media use for her 15-year-olds, who have managed to circumvent TikTok and Instagram's age verification technology. She also notes that the ban could lead to social isolation for some children, as her children interact less with friends after school and on weekends. Unintended ConsequencesEdward, a single father from Canberra, says that the ban has made monitoring and managing device use more difficult. He notes that his son still uses YouTube without signing in, and that he can't restrict channels or see the content he's viewing.

FIFA’s discrimination monitor at the 2026 World Cup has urged the governing body to dismiss Australian VAR analyst Shaun Evans for making a hand sign that mirrors a recognized hate symbol during the pre‑game broadcast of the Germany‑Curacao opener. Discrimination Monitor Calls for VAR Official’s Removal During the live cut‑away, Evans formed an “OK” symbol with his right hand in front of his right leg. The gesture was captured from the World Cup broadcast centre in Dallas, though the match took place in Houston. The Fare network, a long‑time partner of FIFA and UEFA, labeled the sign “neo‑Nazi” and demanded Evans be barred from further World Cup duties. Historical Context of the “OK” Gesture as a Hate Symbol In 2019, the Anti‑Defamation League (ADL) officially designated the upside‑down “OK” sign as a hate symbol. The symbol originated on the far‑right forum 4chan as a hoax before being co‑opted by white‑supremacist groups. ADL director Oren Segal emphasized that context determines whether the sign is hateful, noting a “volume of use for hateful purposes.” Potential Repercussions for FIFA and World Cup Integrity FIFA has not yet responded to Al Jazeera’s request for comment. If Evans remains, critics argue it could undermine FIFA’s commitment to combating racism and discrimination. Fare observed that TV directors stopped introducing the VAR panel in subsequent matches, suggesting a reactive shift in broadcast practice. What This Could Mean for Future VAR Oversight Evans is one of 30 video review analysts selected for the tournament across the United States, Canada, and Mexico. The incident may prompt FIFA to implement stricter vetting and real‑time monitoring of on‑air officials. National bodies such as the Professional Football Referees Association and Football Australia are being consulted, potentially leading to broader policy changes.

The LeadEngland's cricket team faces significant selection challenges ahead of the second Test against New Zealand as key bowler Ollie Robinson has been ruled out due to a knee injury. The setback comes as England is already dealing with the absence of regular captain Ben Stokes and bowler Gus Atkinson.The Injury SetbackSeamer Ollie Robinson, whose performance guided England to victory in the first test against New Zealand, will miss the second match due to a sore right knee. The 32-year-old experienced knee soreness after a training session on Friday and underwent a scan the following day, with the ECB calling up uncapped Henry Crocombe as cover. Robinson will remain with the squad and undergo rehab work on his knee ahead of the third test.The Team's Current ChallengesPlaying his first test in more than two years, Robinson took seven wickets including five in the first innings to be named player of the match as England won by 115 runs on a difficult wicket at Lord's. His absence adds to England's selection woes, with the pair of Stokes and Atkinson already left out of the second test following an investigation into an incident in a London nightclub.The Road AheadThe second match of the three-test series begins at The Oval on Wednesday. England will need to regroup quickly and find replacements for their missing players as they aim to maintain their lead in the series against New Zealand.

The World Cup 2026 Group Stage Continues The World Cup group stage continues on Monday, with four more matches taking place across the United States. Spain begin their campaign against World Cup newcomers Cape Verde, Belgium face Egypt in what could be one of the day’s closest games, Saudi Arabia take on Uruguay in Miami, and Iran meet New Zealand in Los Angeles. Spain vs Cape Verde: Predictions and Schedule Spain take on Cape Verde at Atlanta Stadium in Atlanta, with kickoff scheduled for 12pm local time (16:00 GMT). Spain are the clear favourites to win, but Cape Verde have already made history by reaching the World Cup for the first time. Opta’s predictions strongly favour Spain, giving them an 87.2 percent chance of winning the Group H opener. Belgium vs Egypt: A Close Match Expected Belgium face Egypt at Seattle Stadium in Seattle at the same time, with the Group G rivals also getting under way at 12pm local time (19:00 GMT). This one could be much closer than many people expect, with Opta’s predictions suggesting there is very little separating the sides. Saudi Arabia vs Uruguay: Past Encounters Saudi Arabia and Uruguay have met only once before at a World Cup. Uruguay won that match 1-0 in 2018. The predictions favour Uruguay, with Opta giving them a 64.7 percent chance of winning. Iran vs New Zealand: First Competitive Meeting Iran and New Zealand have only played each other twice before, and this will be their first meeting in a competitive match. The predictions give Iran the edge, with Opta giving them a 53.8 percent chance of winning. Beyond the Football: Other World Cup Stories Away from the football, Uruguay’s disrupted travel plans, divisions within Los Angeles’s Iranian American community before Iran’s opener, and Haiti’s inspiring return to the World Cup are all drawing attention beyond the pitch.