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The Legacy of a Hollywood Icon Julie Newmar, the original Catwoman from the 1960s Batman TV series, is celebrating her 92nd birthday. In a recent interview, she shared her thoughts on her life, career, and experiences as a woman in Hollywood. Early Life and Career Newmar's career as an actor began to wind down about 40 years ago, but she still retains a touch of the grande dame. Her bearing is regal, her platinum hair bouffant, and her movements still elegantly feline, as they were in the role that made her name: the original Catwoman. The Impact of Her Roles Newmar's attributes were often used to cast her as a seductress or an object of desire, lusted after by men and usually wearing fewer clothes than them. However, she also played more progressive roles, such as in the 1961 film The Marriage-Go-Round, where she played an independent-minded young Swedish woman. A Life of Beauty and Care Newmar says that her life is about beauty, not just physical beauty but also beauty in behavior and treatment of others. She has lived in Brentwood, Los Angeles, with her son, John, who has Down's syndrome, for decades. They spend a lot of time in her secret garden, an oasis of greenery around her house. The Future Outlook As Newmar looks back on her life, she reflects on the evolution of her priorities. She says that in her 90s, one has evolved, and big things happen now, and they're more in the metaphysical, they're in the 'what can I do for others?' Because I've already done it for myself.

Tony Awards 2026: A Night to Remember The 2026 Tony Awards took place on June 7, 2026, and was covered by The Guardian. The event is a celebration of excellence in Broadway, recognizing outstanding performances, plays, and musicals. The Red Carpet Glamour The red carpet was filled with A-list celebrities and Broadway stars, all vying for attention in their designer gowns and suits. The fashion on display was a major highlight of the evening, with many attendees opting for bold, eye-catching looks. Highlights of the Show The Tony Awards featured a range of performances, including musical numbers and dramatic readings. The winners of the night included several standout shows and actors, who were recognized for their contributions to the world of Broadway. Best Moments in Pictures For those who missed the event, The Guardian has provided a photo gallery showcasing the best of the show, including red carpet looks and key moments from the performances.

The Escalation: Missile Exchanges Between Iran and IsraelIran and Israel were on Monday locked in tit-for-tat missile attacks, as the fragile ceasefire that has held in place since April 8 appeared closer to collapse than at any point in the past seven weeks. These escalating hostilities between Iran and Israel come as the United States-Israel war on Iran enters its 101st day on Monday.Iran's Response: Explosions and Strategic TargetsExplosions heard in Iran: Iran's IRNA news agency reported that at least "two powerful explosions" were heard in Tehran and at least three in the city of Isfahan. The broadcaster also reported that explosions were heard in Tabriz. The Israeli military had said it "attacked military targets" in western and central Iran.Power plant in Mahshahr attacked: A security officer in the southwestern Khuzestan governorate told the Fars news agency that Israeli forces have attacked the Karun Petrochemical Company in the city of Mahshahr. The Israeli army confirmed striking the petrochemical plant. The Mahshahr Petrochemical Special Economic Zone announced that its workers have evacuated the site following the Israeli strike.Iran denies attacking base in Saudi Arabia: Responding to reports of an explosion at the Al-Kharj airbase in Saudi Arabia, Iran's IRIB broadcaster cited a military official as saying that "Iran has not fired any shots."Red Crescent on standby: The Iranian Red Crescent says it is standing by to respond to any fallout from Israel's attacks across the country this morning.Israel's Position: Security Measures and Military ActionsSecurity cabinet meeting: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will convene a security cabinet meeting at 11am local time (08:00 GMT) amid escalating hostilities with Iran, according to multiple Israeli media reports.The Israeli military issued a series of alerts starting Sunday over waves of missiles launched from Iran towards Israeli territory.Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) said on Monday that they launched attacks against Israel's Nevatim and Tel Nof airbases as a response to attacks on radar sites within Iran, the Fars news agency reported.Israel's Channel 12 broadcaster and Ynet News said a missile fired from Yemen was intercepted.US Involvement: Diplomatic Maneuvers and Political ImplicationsThe US State Department issued a security alert for citizens in Jordan over reports of projectiles in the country's airspace – presumably missiles fired by Israel towards Iran, or by Iran towards Israel.Democratic Senator Chris Murphy said Israel's latest attack on Iran "compounds" the "humiliation" for US President Donald Trump, as it comes after the US president reportedly told Netanyahu not to retaliate to Iran's missiles fired at northern Israel.Lebanon: Cross-Border Tensions and Rocket InterceptionsExplosions were heard in the Lebanese capital Beirut early on Monday, but these were likely rocket interceptions, Al Jazeera's Zeina Khodr reported from Beirut.On Sunday, Israel had hit the suburbs of Beirut, in attacks that Iran described as crossing a red line in terms of violating a ceasefire between Lebanon and Israel. Iran then said its decision to hit northern Israel was in response to these attacks near Beirut.International Diplomacy: Regional Powers Attempt MediationIsrael defends attacks on Iran: The Israeli ambassador to the US, Yechiel Leiter, defended the attacks on Iran, saying "no self-respecting country" would tolerate Iran's missile launches against Israel.Canada expresses concern: Canada's Foreign Ministry has expressed concern about the resumption of conflict between Iran and Israel, saying it jeopardises the ongoing negotiations and "the prospects for peace".Saudi-Qatari foreign ministers speak: Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud spoke by phone with his Qatari counterpart, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani, the Saudi Foreign Ministry said.Qatari-Iranian foreign ministers speak: The Qatari foreign minister, who is also the country's prime minister, spoke by phone with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi about mediation efforts between Iran and the US, as well as the latest developments in Lebanon, according to a Qatari statement.Regional Outlook: Ceasefire in JeopardyThe escalating military exchanges between Iran and Israel have put the fragile ceasefire established in early April at serious risk. With regional powers including Saudi Arabia and Qatar attempting to mediate, and the United States involved through both military support for Israel and diplomatic channels, the coming days will be critical in determining whether the conflict can be de-escalated or if it will expand further across the Middle East.

The Student-Led Digital RevolutionSchools banning pupils from having smartphones are commonplace. But what about a school where pupils ban teachers from using their smartphones, and then get their parents to join in? At Holy Family Catholic primary school in west London, teachers are barred from using laptops, monitors or tablets during the school's screen-free Mondays, after an idea that came from the pupils themselves.Yvonne Rutherford, the school's deputy head, said the screen-free days were such a success that they had become monthly events on the school's calendar. But she said the enthusiastic response from parents had been the biggest surprise.The Origins of Screen-Free MondaysThe idea for the screen break came from Sophie Janashia, a year 6 pupil at the state school in Ealing. She wanted her school to hear what children thought about smartphones and devices, and raised the possibility of an entirely screen-free school day with her classmates and teachers."I thought if maybe we could have just one day without screens, across the school so that no one was left out, it could be good for everyone," Sophie said. "It's difficult for parents to get their children off screens. We enjoy using screens but we can spend way too much time on them. It's very important to me because I see people I know spending all their time on screens and it means sometimes we are together but we're not really together."The Community ImpactAfter the first screen-free Monday, some parents sent in photographs of the family activities they did in the evening. "That set off more so that now we get a flood of photos every month, showing what they've been doing instead of screen time: playing cards and reading books, going for walks and doing sport with their children. It's been great to see," Rutherford explained.Students report carrying the screen-free routine into their evenings. Leo said: "At first it was just at school but then my parents joined in, and we started playing games after dinner instead of watching TV. I've got more time left after homework and violin practice."Others said they liked having their parents less distracted by phones at mealtimes, giving them an opportunity for more attention and discussion. "Sometimes when they are using their phone, they say they have to because it's for work, but I don't think it is," said one student.Parental TransformationFabiola Vicente, a parent of a pupil in year 6, said the screen-free days made her more aware of how much time she spent on her phone. "It's a bad habit that crept up on me," she said. She now makes a conscious decision to leave her phone in another room on other days of the week too."My first thought was: what am I going to do if they can't watch TV? But now we are more prepared, we say, OK it's a screen-free day so let's get ready to do something together," Vicente added.Hisae Suzuki, another parent at the school, said her daughter had been "a little bit addicted" to screens so the introduction of screen-free days was "a good reminder – we all knew about it but we didn't do anything about it, we needed a trigger".National Attention and Future OutlookThe initiative has attracted interest from other schools in the area, who have visited Holy Family and spoken to Sophie and her classmates about screen-free days and other aspects such as online safety.The government has taken notice too. Sophie recently took part in a discussion with Liz Kendall, the technology secretary, who is considering plans to ban or restrict social media for under-16s. Kanishka Narayan, the minister for AI and online safety, has also visited the school to speak to Sophie and pupils who act as online safety ambassadors for their peers.As digital device usage continues to rise, particularly among children, the Holy Family model represents a potential blueprint for schools nationwide seeking to balance technology use with real-world connection and healthy boundaries. The student-led approach has proven particularly effective, suggesting that when young people are empowered to shape their own environments, they can create meaningful change that extends beyond the classroom into family homes and communities.

The Octopus Surge Phenomenon A study has found that record numbers of octopuses off the south-west coast of England have now spread as far as Scotland and Wales, transforming the fishing industry and the marine ecosystem. Spread of Octopuses Along UK Coast The surge in sightings of one of the world’s most intelligent invertebrates was first recorded in 2025 off the south coast of Devon and Cornwall. A new study, based on scientific surveys, underwater monitoring, and observations from recreational divers and snorkellers, has found octopuses have spread along the north coasts of Devon and Cornwall, with sightings as far afield as Wales, Dorset, East Sussex, and Scotland. Impact on Marine Ecosystem and Fishing Industry “It is pretty extraordinary,” said Bryce Stewart, a senior researcher at the Marine Biological Association and lead author of the study. “We have had blooms before but everything I am seeing is telling me this is the biggest bloom we have seen, it is quite different.” The common or Mediterranean octopus, Octopus vulgaris, is native to UK waters but ordinarily in such small numbers that it is rarely seen. A sudden increase in the population – a bloom – is caused by a combination of a mild winter followed by a warm breeding season in the spring, and researchers say the surging numbers in UK waters are likely to be linked to warming seas and wider changes in the marine environment. Economic and Ecological Consequences The current bloom has sparked growing interest from the public, with hundreds of divers and snorkellers helping scientists to survey the burgeoning octopus population. The bloom has been mixed news for fishers. Those relying on traditional shellfish have been badly hit as octopuses, which are highly effective predators, target crabs and lobsters often from fishers’ pots. However, others have cashed in with record hauls of octopuses. Stewart said the octopus catch increased by 7,700% in 2025 and just last week at Brixham market in Devon, where most of the catch is sold, a record 100 tonnes of octopus was sold in one day. Future Outlook “Some fishermen have had to sell their boats because of the impact on crab and lobster populations, while others are doing extremely well,” he said. Stewart said the influx of octopuses was also upending the marine ecosystem. As well as preying on shellfish and some other fish, the octopuses were providing food for seals, conga eels, and the rare risso’s dolphins. “It is a shake-up of the whole ecosystem,” he said.

Portugal's World Cup Journey: A Legacy of ExcellencePortugal approaches the 2026 FIFA World Cup with a rich history and a squad brimming with talent. The nation has appeared in 8 previous World Cups, with their best performance being third place in 1966. Led by Cristiano Ronaldo, who holds the record for most appearances (22) and is chasing Eusebio's record of 9 World Cup goals, Portugal enters as a legitimate contender despite questions surrounding their veteran captain.Previous World Cup appearances: 8Best performance: Third place (1966)First appearance: 1966 (England)Top goal scorer: Eusebio (9)Most appearances: Cristiano Ronaldo (22)FIFA world ranking: 5The Jota Effect: Playing with a Heavy HeartPortugal's World Cup campaign is deeply influenced by the tragic loss of forward Diogo Jota, who died in a car crash last summer. Manager Roberto Martinez has dedicated the tournament to Jota's memory, referring to him as the "plus one forever" on the squad list."To lose Diogo Jota was an unforgettable moment and a very difficult moment," Martinez said. "But the next day it was a responsibility for all of us to fight for Diogo Jota's dream and for the example that he was in our national team."Ronaldo's Final Dance: Legacy vs. RealityAt 41 years old, Cristiano Ronaldo's participation in what may be his final World Cup dominates Portugal's narrative. While his historic greatness is undeniable—he leads Portugal's and international football's all-time scoring charts with 143 goals—concerns about his fitness and discipline persist.Ronaldo missed Portugal's friendlies in March with a hamstring issue and received a red card during qualifying for violent conduct (though his ban was reduced from three to one match). His recent tournament performances have been modest, with just one goal in the 2022 World Cup and no goals at Euro 2024 despite starting all five games."When we talk about Cristiano Ronaldo, we talk about two players," Martinez explained. "We talk about the icon of world soccer and we talk about the player, our captain, who has the same demands as the other players, the competitiveness to be in the national team."The Midfield Maestros: Portugal's Greatest StrengthWhile Ronaldo's future is uncertain, Portugal's midfield is unquestionably elite. Bruno Fernandes has rediscovered his form at Manchester United with a record 21 Premier League assists, while the trio of Vitinha, Joao Neves, and Bernardo Silva provides exceptional quality and depth.Vitinha, who finished third in the 2025 Ballon d'Or, pulls the strings from a deep-lying role, while the 21-year-old Joao Neves is rapidly establishing himself as one of Europe's most promising midfielders. This talented unit gives Portugal the ability to control games, dictate tempo, and unlock even the most stubborn defenses.Managerial Challenges: Martinez Under ScrutinyCoach Roberto Martinez faces significant pressure despite leading Portugal to victory in the 2025 Nations League final. Many remain unconvinced by his ability to manage big tournaments and his relationship with Ronaldo.Martiaz has downplayed Portugal's chances, stating: "I think only a national team that has already won the World Cup can be a favourite. Considering the talent and the spirit of our group, we all can dream. We can dream, yes, and be a candidate, but not a favourite."Group Stage: A Path to the KnockoutsPortugal should progress comfortably from Group K, which features:June 17: Portugal vs DR Congo (Houston, US), 1pm ET (17:00 GMT)June 23: Portugal vs Uzbekistan (Houston, US), 1pm ET (17:00 GMT)June 27: Colombia vs Portugal (Miami, US), 7:30pm ET (23:30 GMT)The first two matches against World Cup debutants DR Congo and Uzbekistan should be manageable, while the final game against a talented Colombian side (ranked 13th) will likely determine the group winner.Tournament Outlook: Quarterfinals PotentialPortugal possesses the quality to advance to the quarterfinals, with their exceptional midfield likely the key to their success. However, defensive vulnerabilities and questions about their attack—particularly Ronaldo's role and fitness—could limit their progress in later stages.As Portugal chases their first World Cup title, the tournament represents both a celebration of their footballing legacy and a final opportunity for Ronaldo to add the one trophy missing from his illustrious collection.The Complete Portugal SquadGoalkeepers: Diogo Costa (Porto), Jose Sa (Wolverhampton Wanderers), Rui Silva (Sporting Lisbon), Ricardo Velho (Genclerbirligi)Defenders: Ruben Dias (Manchester City), Joao Cancelo (Barcelona), Diogo Dalot (Manchester United), Nuno Mendes (Paris Saint-Germain), Nelson Semedo (Fenerbahce), Matheus Nunes (Manchester City), Goncalo Inacio (Sporting Lisbon), Renato Veiga (Villarreal), Tomas Araujo (Benfica)Midfielders: Bruno Fernandes (Manchester United), Bernardo Silva (Manchester City), Vitinha (PSG), Joao Neves (PSG), Ruben Neves (Al Hilal), Samu Costa (Mallorca)Forwards: Cristiano Ronaldo (Al Nassr), Rafael Leao (AC Milan), Joao Felix (Al Nassr), Goncalo Ramos (PSG), Pedro Neto (Chelsea), Francisco Conceicao (Juventus), Goncalo Guedes (Real Sociedad), Francisco Trincao (Sporting Lisbon).

The Unraveling of the 2050 Aviation Climate Pledge The aviation industry's landmark pledge to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050 is facing a critical reality check, with airline leaders admitting the goal is likely unattainable. The collective commitment, originally declared in 2021, is now being re-evaluated as the gap between current capabilities and future targets widens. The Rio Summit Reality Check At the annual Iata summit in Rio de Janeiro, Director General Willie Walsh admitted that "hope was fading fast" regarding the 2050 target. Walsh stated that a new "realistic timeline" should be established, suggesting that the industry can no longer rely on the original 2050 deadline. The Sustainable Fuel Gap The primary bottleneck is the lack of Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAF). More than half of the planned decarbonization depends on SAF, yet current production is critically low. Current Status (2026): 2.4m tonnes produced, accounting for only 0.8% of airline fuel needs. The 2050 Target: 65% or 500m tonnes of fuel must be SAF. The 2030 Target: A 5% reduction via SAF is deemed impossible to meet. Who is to Blame? Walsh placed significant responsibility on external factors rather than airline operational changes. He criticized aircraft manufacturers for delaying efficient aircraft and fuel suppliers for failing to deliver on promises. Additionally, he noted that global air traffic management systems have not been reformed to reduce gross emissions. A New, Realistic Timeline The industry is pivoting toward a new timeline that balances the urgencies of climate change with energy security. While 2050 is not entirely ruled out, Walsh indicated that a "sweet spot" is more likely, requiring urgent dialogue between governments, manufacturers, and fuel suppliers to bridge the massive production gap.

The LeadStock markets across Asia-Pacific countries are in retreat today, as investors fear a rise in US interest rates, renewed conflict in the Middle East, and an end to the AI boom. The Event DetailsMajor bourses are all in the red; South Korea's KOSPI index fell by almost 9% at one point, forcing trading to be briefly suspended, while Japan's Nikkei 225 index is 3% lower. The sell-off followed a painful Friday on Wall Street, where the S&P; 500 fell by 2.64%. Friday's drop was triggered by a surprisingly strong US employment report, which left many traders concluding that the next move in US interest rates will be up, not down. The Data AnalysisTechnology stocks have also been pummelled in recent days, on fears that the AI race is turning into a battle over who can raise, and spend, the most money, as ChatGPT and Anthropic prepare to float on the stock market. The oil price is climbing back towards the $100 a barrel milestone, after new missile strikes in the Middle East today. Brent crude, the international benchmark, has jumped by 4.8% to $97.60 a barrel, after Iran launched missiles at Israel on Sunday in response to Israeli strikes on Beirut's southern suburbs. The Impact AnalysisRenewed conflict in the Middle East today, and it's a recipe for more losses across global markets… Kyle Rodda, senior financial market analyst at Capital.com, explains: 'Things could get a bit hairier today in the markets after a flare-up in geopolitical tensions over the weekend. Iran launched strikes on Israel for its attacks on Hezbollah targets in Beirut, leaving a nervous wait for the Israeli response. There is the heightened risk the war escalates again as peace talks between the US and a clearly emboldened Iran stall.' The PredictionThe agenda for the day includes German factory orders at 7am BST and US inflation expectations at 4pm BST. With the fragile ceasefire in the Middle East shattering, hopes that the strait of Hormuz could be reopened, allowing energy flows from the region to resume, are being dashed.

The Shift in Silicon Valley's Politics Nick Clegg, former UK Deputy Prime Minister and head of global affairs at Meta, has stated that Silicon Valley companies, including Meta, have decided to embrace MAGA politics. Clegg attributed this shift to "rather more self-interested" reasons. Clegg's Experience at Meta Clegg spent nearly seven years at Meta as the head of global affairs. He managed the fallout of the Cambridge Analytica scandal and created a body to oversee Meta's content moderation decisions. Clegg left Meta in March 2025, three months into the second Trump administration. The Rise of Algorithm-Driven Content Clegg noted that executives who had previously shunned politics pivoted right, and the products themselves "changed utterly: from being human-centric to being much more about content, often synthetic content, algorithmically recommended to you". Concerns Over Palantir's Influence Clegg also expressed concerns about the UK's contract with the US software company Palantir, citing its ideology and the potential for dependency on its services. A recent report from parliament's science, innovation and technology committee urged the government to end its contract with Palantir in 2027. The Future of Palantir and AI Clegg suggested that Palantir could be easily "disrupted or challenged" by AI-powered rivals and perhaps replaced by one of them. While Palantir advertises its AI capabilities, its core offerings are software platforms that integrate data into business and government workflows.