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The LeadSam Campbell's new Channel 4 mockumentary, Make That Movie, has been crowned the funniest TV show of the year. The series, which follows a former big-shot director helping ordinary people create bizarre, low-budget films, is a chaotic celebration of 'outsider art' and unhinged creativity.The Surreal Premise of 'Make That Movie'At the heart of the show is a high-concept premise that defies logic. Campbell plays a version of himself who was once a successful director but now spends his time driving around in a van with a giant model film camera on top. His mission is to help people in need by producing bizarre low-budget productions based on their outlandish ideas.Snake Transformation Thriller: A Da Vinci Code-style story where a couple changes into snakes (but not simultaneously).Cyber-Thriller for Pensioners: A Lawnmower Man-style plot where seniors physically enter computers by singing songs and inserting USB cables into their mouths.Animated Feet: A project designed to cheer up a couple trapped in a cave.A Refreshing Pivot from Trauma to AbsurdityThe show arrives at a critical cultural moment. The review highlights a 'decade-long tailspin' where television was dominated by trauma-focused narratives. Had *Make That Movie* been attempted a few years ago, executives would likely have forced a subplot about dissociating from an abusive childhood. Instead, the show offers pure, unadulterated silliness.Celebrating the 'Outsider Art' of Bad CinemaSam Campbell is described as having an 'alien' quality, a stark contrast to the typical 'everyman' comedian. His stock in trade is looking like a frozen Paul McCartney, and this unique persona drives the show's success. By worshipping films like Birdemic: Shock and Terror, Campbell validates 'bad' cinema as a form of glorious outsider art.The Future of Sam Campbell's Comedy EmpireWhile the format is packed with content—23 minutes to meet characters, hear ideas, and watch the finished product—the sprinting pace is by design. The review suggests that nothing will kill the show faster than lapsing into formula. As long as Campbell and his uncomprehending face remain fixtures on television, the show is poised to become a lasting cult classic.

The Guardian editorial argues that the UK must treat the plight of NEETs as a national priority, linking rising youth unemployment to inadequate training, housing costs and a fragmented policy framework.Milburn Commission Highlights Over 1 Million UK NEETsThe commission’s report, due in the autumn, shines a bright light on the 1 million young people aged 16‑24 who are not in education, employment or training. It criticises political attacks on welfare and “kids‑these‑days” rhetoric, insisting that the problem is fundamentally a policy failure.The Scale of the Crisis: Over 1 Million Young People Out of Work or Study1 million NEETs – roughly one in eight of the 16‑24 cohort.60 % are economically inactive, meaning they are not actively seeking work.Health‑related universal credit claims have risen in regions with fewer entry‑level jobs.Apprenticeship starts have fallen 35 % over the past decade.Why the UK Is Falling Behind Europe on Youth EmploymentCompared with other wealthy European nations, the UK records one of the highest rates of young people not in work or study. Contributing factors include:Housing inflation limiting independent living for young adults.Restrictive GCSE combinations that disadvantage less academic pupils.Chaotic further‑education reforms and the poorly‑implemented apprenticeship levy.Automation and AI‑driven profit growth that do not translate into entry‑level opportunities.A National Participation System: Pathway to Re‑engaging Young WorkersThe report proposes a new “participation system” that would coordinate work and pensions, health, education and business departments to pull young people into the labour market. While ambitious, the editorial stresses that without a clear, cross‑departmental mission the UK will continue to lose a generation to inactivity.

The Proposed Suspension of Carbon Tax Ministers are in discussions about suspending a carbon tax on fertilisers, due to come into effect early next year, in an effort to curb food inflation. The move would be part of a package of measures, including the suspension of import tariffs on a range of foods including bread, biscuits and bananas. Impact on Farmers and Food Inflation Government sources said they were looking at suspending tariffs on a range of fertilisers in order to discourage farmers from leaving fields fallow. Farmers have been considering leaving their fields fallow because rising costs mean they risk selling their 2027 crop at a loss. This would increase food inflation, which is already expected to rise sharply as the conflict in Iran raises fuel and fertiliser prices. Fertiliser Costs and Global Supply Chain Fertiliser costs have soared since the beginning of the Iran conflict, during which the strait of Hormuz has been closed. About 35% of the world’s fertiliser passes through the waterway and, since the conflict broke out in late January, about 1m tonnes of fertiliser have been stranded in the Gulf. Fertiliser producers said they expected the new tariffs, which were being put in place to match an existing EU scheme, could add £100 per tonne to costs. The Future Outlook Ministers are also cutting fuel taxes for farmers. The rate for red diesel and rebated biodiesel has been cut by more than a third, which the Treasury said made it the lowest in more than two decades. According to analysis from the Central Association for Agricultural Valuers, a 500-acre wheat farm could make a loss of £70,000 in 2027 because of higher costs caused by the Iran war. With farmers making decisions about 2027 cropping now, the economic outlook means they could be making difficult decisions such as leaving fields fallow.

The LeadBaseball's unexpected new danger has emerged in the form of a bat dog, leading to the suspension of the Tulsa Drillers' popular program after top Dodgers prospect Kendall George suffered a freak knee injury. The incident highlights the fine line between entertaining fans and ensuring player safety in minor league baseball.The Bat Dog IncidentDuring a home game against the Northwest Arkansas Naturals on Monday, George, known for his blazing speed, injured his knee when he jumped out of the way of a bat dog while coming home to score. The 21-year-old first-round pick from 2023 looked frustrated by the dog's commitment to its retrieval duties, according to reports. The Drillers, like many minor league teams, use dogs to retrieve discarded bats and entertain fans, a program they've utilized for the last five seasons.The Impact on a Rising StarGeorge was having an impressive season, batting .333 with 26 stolen bases in 43 games before the injury. ESPN reported that his initial MRI revealed no ligament damage, potentially allowing him to avoid surgery and return to action sooner rather than later. For a prospect considered one of the Dodgers' best, this setback comes at a crucial point in his development as he works his way toward the major leagues.Team Response and Fan ReactionsThe Drillers' decision to suspend the bat dog program indicates they are taking the incident seriously. Previously, players like first baseman Brandon Lewis had expressed enjoyment of the dogs, noting that they give the animals time to retrieve bats before players approach. This sudden shift in policy suggests the organization is prioritizing player safety over fan entertainment in this specific instance.Future OutlookAs George recovers, the Dodgers organization will be monitoring his progress closely. For the bat dog program, this incident may lead to revised protocols or permanent discontinuation, depending on how the team evaluates the risks versus rewards. Minor league teams often rely on unique attractions to draw fans, making this a challenging decision that could set a precedent for other organizations with similar programs.

The Lead: Labour's Internal Debate Over InequalitySenior Labour figures Wes Streeting and Andy Burnham have launched a sharp critique of former Prime Minister Tony Blair, accusing him of failing to confront inequality in his recent assessment of the party. The exchange comes as Blair published a lengthy critique of Labour's time in office under Keir Starmer, advocating for policies including cracking down on welfare spending and abandoning restrictions on oil and gas production.The Event Details: Blair's Critique and Labour's ResponseIn his essay, Blair criticized the policy proposals of both Burnham and Streeting – both widely expected to challenge Starmer for the leadership should Burnham win the Makerfield byelection. Streeting responded in a Guardian article, stating that "inequality – the economic, social and democratic fracture running through modern Britain – is treated as peripheral rather than fundamental" in Blair's analysis.Burnham, the mayor of Greater Manchester, added that "He doesn't mention inequality once" in Blair's essay, suggesting that failing to address this issue demonstrates a misunderstanding of current political dynamics. "If you don't get how that's driving politics now, if you are not rooting your analysis in the fact that people are unable to live and that things that were taken for granted are no longer affordable, then you are not understanding what's going on," Burnham stated.The Ideological Divide: Policy Disagreements Within LabourThe disagreement highlights significant policy differences within the Labour party. Streeting defended his approach to taxation, stating it was vital to "tip the balance of taxation away from work towards wealth," directly countering Blair's suggestions. He also rejected Blair's call for accommodation with US policies, criticizing Blair's war in Iraq and stating that "Atlanticism cannot mean automatic subservience."Torsten Bell, the Department for Work and Pensions minister who was a key author of Labour's last budget, supported the criticism of Blair's analysis, stating that "the challenge for the essay is that it doesn't have a project that remotely fits the time and place we are living in." Bell also disputed Blair's assessment that VAT should have been raised instead of employers' national insurance, calling it "a recipe for much higher interest rates" and inflation.The Political Implications: Leadership Challenges and Party DirectionThe exchange comes at a critical time for the Labour party, with potential leadership challenges on the horizon. Blair's critique specifically targeted the policy proposals of both Burnham and Streeting, who are seen as potential successors to Starmer. The focus on inequality suggests a strategic positioning by these figures as they prepare for potential leadership contests.Streeting emphasized that "the task of progressive politics is not to recreate yesterday, but to ensure ordinary working people have power, protection and opportunity in the world now emerging." This approach contrasts with what appears to be Blair's nostalgia for past political strategies, particularly the 1990s approach that defined his premiership.The Future Outlook: Labour's Path ForwardBlair has stated that his essay aims to "start a debate in the party about serious policy," suggesting that he views the current direction as potentially leading to "real trouble" for the country. However, the response from senior Labour figures indicates that any debate will necessarily center on the role of inequality in British politics and the appropriate response to economic challenges.The exchange also highlights the ongoing tension within Labour between different generations of leadership and their approaches to policy. As the party considers its future direction, the debate over inequality appears set to remain central, with Streeting and Burnham positioning themselves as champions of addressing economic disparities that they see as fundamental to modern British politics.

Josh Jacobs Arrested on Multiple Domestic Abuse Charges in Green Bay Police from the Hobart‑Lawrence Department booked Josh Jacobs, 28, into the Brown County Jail on Tuesday after responding to a disturbance at 8:37 a.m. on Saturday. He faces five counts, including three forms of domestic abuse: battery, criminal damage to property, and disorderly conduct, as well as intimidation of a victim and felony strangulation and suffocation. Battery Criminal damage to property Disorderly conduct Intimidation of a victim Felony strangulation and suffocation Jacobs denied the allegations through his legal team, urging the public to allow the investigation to proceed without prejudice. Career Stats Highlight Jacobs' On‑Field Value Entering his third season with the Packers after signing a four‑year, $48 million free‑agent deal in 2024, Jacobs is a three‑time Pro Bowl selection (2020, 2022, 2024) and a first‑team All‑Pro in 2022, when he led the NFL in rushing yards. 7,803 career rushing yards 1,840 rushing attempts 74 rushing touchdowns Three Pro Bowl appearances First‑team All‑Pro (2022) Potential Repercussions for the Packers and NFL Policy The arrest places the Packers in a delicate position as the NFL’s personal‑conduct policy could trigger league‑imposed discipline pending the legal outcome. Green Bay has indicated it is aware of the matter but will withhold comment until the investigation concludes. The league’s past handling of similar cases suggests possible suspension, fines, or mandatory counseling, which could affect roster planning and the team’s public image. What Lies Ahead for Jacobs and the Franchise Legal proceedings are still in the early stages, and no further details have been released by Hobart‑Lawrence police chief Michael Renkas. Jacobs’ attorneys emphasize the need for “fairness and restraint” while evidence remains undisclosed. Should the charges lead to conviction, the Packers may face decisions ranging from contract renegotiation to outright release, while the NFL could impose additional sanctions. The situation will continue to evolve as the investigation progresses and the league reviews its conduct guidelines.

Flight ban and cross‑border curbs target Ebola spreadThe Ministry of Transport and Communications in the Democratic Republic of the Congo ordered a total suspension of flights to and from Bunia, the capital of Ituri province, citing the need to prevent cross‑border transmission of the Ebola virus. The decree also authorises humanitarian, medical and emergency flights only after special approval.Ebola toll and funding responseMay 26, 2026: 220+ deaths reported.May 2026: 930+ confirmed cases across North Kivu, South Kivu and Ituri.Nearly $500 million pledged by African governments and international partners for the outbreak response.Economic shock to Bunian trade and servicesWith the airport closed, the city loses its main gateway for hundreds of tonnes of food, medical supplies and consumer goods. Local entrepreneurs such as Sarah Bitangalo (clothing retailer) and Mitterrand Mweze (hospitality investor) warn of collapsing sales, cash‑flow strain and potential bankruptcies. According to UN‑Habitat, the tertiary sector accounts for roughly 50 % of Bunia’s economic activity.Outlook for transport, aid and regional stabilityAnalysts expect the flight suspension to remain until the outbreak is declared under control, likely extending beyond the immediate emergency phase. Continued humanitarian flights are essential to avoid a secondary health crisis and to keep supply chains functional. Pressure is mounting on the DRC government to pair the restrictions with tax relief and targeted aid to mitigate the looming economic disaster.

The LeadBritain is experiencing a profound political-economic churn as Andy Burnham's potential rise to power challenges the established economic order. The recent market reaction to Burnham's fiscal rule proposals reveals how deeply entrenched Britain's economic settlement has become and the formidable barriers facing any attempt to transform it.The Political-Economic Churn ExplainedBritain is currently experiencing two simultaneous churns. The first is electoral, evidenced by May's local elections where Labour lost roughly 1,100 councillors, Reform won 1,257 seats and 10 councils, and the Greens won Hackney and Lewisham. This fragmentation of the progressive vote has visibly weakened the container for transformative politics.The second churn is deeper, touching Britain's fundamental political economy. As Burnham noted, Britain has been 'on the wrong course for 40 years' – referring to the financialisation, privatisation, hollowed-out public services and wealth transfer that have characterized the late 1970s to present economic settlement.The Fiscal Rules BattleBurnham's potential project requires a state capable of funding major social-democratic initiatives: council homes, clean energy, public transport, water, skills and resilience. These ambitions collide with Rachel Reeves's fiscal rules – self-imposed borrowing limits that are political choices, not laws of nature.Three weeks ago, Burnham tested these boundaries by proposing a 'defence carve-out' allowing extra borrowing for defense outside fiscal rules, similar to Germany's approach. The subsequent market reaction – pound pressure, rising gilt yields, warnings against public ownership of Thames Water – forced a retreat. Burnham's team subsequently announced he would make no changes to Reeves's fiscal rules if he became prime minister.Market Discipline and PowerThe retreat reveals how power operates in Britain's economic architecture. It's not merely 'the markets' but Treasury rules, Bank of England decisions, pension fund structures and investor expectations that combine to discipline any politics threatening the established settlement.Chancellors have always rewritten fiscal rules when convenient – Gordon Brown had his golden rule, George Osborne his surplus target, Philip Hammond and Rishi Sunak revised frameworks, Jeremy Hunt and Reeves changed them again. The crucial question is who gets to change them and for what purpose.The Three Progressive FightsProgressives now face three critical battles. First, fiscal: democracy must regain power to invest based on national need rather than market nerves. This requires a Bank of England mandate recognizing that inflation stems from both excessive demand and insufficient capacity.Second, ownership: public goods should be built and owned in the public interest. Thames Water entering special administration offers a starting point, with regional public housing corporations potentially building at scale on public land.Third, constitutional: proportional representation for Westminster, an elected second chamber and deeper devolution are not procedural details but essential conditions for progressive power in a fragmented country. PR could allow a broad progressive majority to govern together against established forces.Burnham was right: Britain has been on the wrong course for 40 years. But last week demonstrated the harder truth – the old settlement will not politely bow out. It will price risk, police boundaries and demand reassurance before the argument even begins. The churn is far from over.

EU Ministers Convene on Fertiliser Supply Amid Iran ConflictEuropean Union agriculture ministers met in Brussels to discuss the tightening availability of fertiliser as the war on Iran hampers the Strait of Hormuz, a key conduit for one‑third of the world’s seaborne fertiliser trade.The meeting coincides with the European Commission’s rollout of a Fertiliser Action Plan designed to shield farmers from soaring input costs and to curb Europe’s reliance on external supplies. Key Elements of the EU Fertiliser Action PlanCreation of strategic fertiliser stockpiles to buffer short‑term disruptions.Emergency financial support for farmers via the Common Agricultural Policy, including liquidity schemes and flexible advance payments.Suspension of import duties on nitrogen fertilisers (urea, ammonia) from non‑Russian/Belarusian sources, potentially saving importers ~60 million €.Incentives for bio‑based alternatives and more efficient fertiliser use to reduce synthetic dependence. Cost Surge: Fertiliser Prices Up 70% Since 2024Europe imports roughly 2 million t of ammonia, 5.8 million t of urea and 6.7 million t of nitrogen fertilisers annually (2024 data).Current nitrogen fertiliser prices are about 70 % above the 2024 average.Higher gas prices—driven by Gulf supply constraints—inflate domestic fertiliser production costs. Regional Disparities and Strategic Risks for European AgricultureIreland is the most exposed, importing 1.7 million t in 2025 and lacking domestic production.Finland and Sweden maintain robust stockpiles and have integrated fertiliser security into broader “total defence” strategies.Poland and Germany, home to major fertiliser manufacturers, oppose measures that could weaken domestic industry protections.Divisions persist over the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism, with Italy and France seeking relief while environmental groups warn against diluting nitrogen‑pollution rules. Outlook: Potential Policy Shifts and Food Price TrajectoryEU officials do not anticipate an immediate food‑price shock, as many farmers have already secured fertiliser supplies. However, the lag between fertiliser costs and crop yields means price pressure could materialise up to six months later.Continued volatility may fuel rural backlash against green policies, especially as right‑wing parties gain traction across Europe. Strengthening domestic fertiliser production and diversifying import sources will be critical to mitigating longer‑term risks.