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The Rediscovery of Hipposideros curtus in Afi Mountain Sanctuary At sunrise in the Afi Mountain Wildlife Sanctuary, Iroro Tanshi and her team captured a bat that looked "very, very different" – a big‑eared creature later identified as the short‑tailed roundleaf bat, a species not recorded in the wild since the 1970s. Numbers Behind the Find: 15 Bats and a Vanishing Habitat The initial capture was followed by 15 additional individuals found using harp traps and mist nets. The sanctuary spans an area roughly the size of central Paris, providing a critical refuge for the species. In nearby villages, bats are sold for 5,000 naira (about £2.70) per four, highlighting market pressure. Implications for Conservation and Local Communities The bat’s rediscovery overturns the assumption that the species was extinct, but it also exposes a cultural bias: primates receive protection while bats are still hunted. Negative folklore, association with disease, and their use as bushmeat compound the threat. To counter these pressures, Tanshi co‑founded the Small Mammal Conservation Organisation (Smacon) in 2016 and launched the Zero Wildfire Campaign to curb habitat‑destroying fires. Colour‑coded alert systems and a volunteer "Forest Guardians" network have already reduced wildfire incidents over the past five years. Future Outlook: Protecting Bats Amid Cultural Challenges Continued success will depend on expanding community education, integrating bat protection into existing wildlife‑conservation frameworks, and securing legal safeguards for small‑mammal roosts. If local attitudes shift and fire‑prevention measures scale, the Afi colony could become a cornerstone for regional bat recovery and a model for protecting other overlooked species.

Kelley Swain shares her amusing yet cautionary encounters with local Tasmanian devils that routinely swipe shoes, knickers and other household items in the Huon Valley, turning a tranquil folk‑festival setting into a nightly game of cat‑and‑mouse.Devils' Nighttime Heists in the Huon ValleyThe Cygnet folk festival drew visitors who left laundry drying on a deck, only to watch a pair of knickers vanish between the slats as a devil scuttled away. Shoes left out after dark disappear without a trace, and even the landlady’s dog joins the pilfering brigade. A recent sighting of a young devil diving beneath a driveway at dusk reinforced the reality that these marsupials are bold, curious, and surprisingly strong.Jaw Power, Population Decline, and Conservation NumbersJaw strength: equivalent to four pit bulls, capable of crushing bone.Facial tumour disease has decimated wild populations, but disease‑free groups persist on the Tasman Peninsula and Maria Island.Both refuges host small but genetically diverse populations, keeping the species classified as endangered rather than extinct.Anecdotal reports claim devils have hoarded up to 40 polar fleeces on Maria Island, illustrating their opportunistic nature.How Thieving Behaviours Shape Community Perception and Conservation EffortsLocal residents oscillate between amusement and frustration, labeling the animals “inveterate kleptomaniacs.” The quirky thefts generate media interest, boosting tourism to attractions like the Tasmanian Devil Unzoo, while also prompting practical adaptations—such as securing footwear and using boat hooks to retrieve stolen boots. These interactions highlight the need for public education on coexistence and the ecological importance of preserving the devils’ habitat.What Lies Ahead for Tasmania’s Iconic CarnivoresConservationists remain cautiously optimistic: disease‑free islands provide a genetic reservoir, and ongoing monitoring aims to curb the spread of facial tumour disease. However, as human settlements expand, the frequency of human‑devil encounters—and the resulting “theft” incidents—may rise, underscoring the importance of habitat protection and community outreach to ensure the devils thrive without compromising local livelihoods.

The Problematic Premise of Voicemails for Isabelle Netflix's latest romantic comedy, 'Voicemails for Isabelle,' walks a fine line between humor and unease, but ultimately leans into the latter. The film tells the story of Jill (Zoey Deutch), who leaves voicemails on her late sister's old phone, only to have them received by a stranger, Wes (Nick Robinson). As Wes uses the information to track Jill down and insert himself into her life, the film struggles to balance its tone. A Blend of Old and New Romantic Comedy Elements Writer-director Leah McKendrick attempts to blend old and new romantic comedy elements, referencing classic films like 'You've Got Mail' while incorporating modern dating buzzwords like 'gaslit' and 'love bombing.' However, this approach comes across as forced and unconvincing. The Film's Failure to Deliver Charm Despite its glossy production and likable leads, 'Voicemails for Isabelle' lacks the required charm to make it an engaging watch. The film's self-referential tone and nods to romantic comedy tropes feel smug and uninteresting. A Stale and Unengaging Viewing Experience At almost two hours long, 'Voicemails for Isabelle' tries to have it both ways, downplaying the need for romance while resorting to hackneyed and unearned plot twists. The film's failure to deliver a satisfying conclusion leaves it feeling stale and unengaging. Voicemails for Isabelle is now available on Netflix.

The Legal Victory for Free SpeechA federal judge in the United States has ordered the release of Salah Sarsour, a Muslim leader and Palestinian rights advocate who was detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) for nearly 80 days. US District Judge James Patrick Hanlon ruled that Sarsour had raised a "substantial" claim that he was targeted for speech protected under the First Amendment of the US Constitution, potentially rendering his detention unlawful.Sarsour, a legal permanent resident in the US for nearly 32 years and president of the Islamic Society of Milwaukee, was released several hours after Hanlon's decision. In a prepared statement, he celebrated the ruling as a free-speech victory, stating: "I am so relieved to be with my family. For 80 days, I haven't been able to step outside and breathe fresh air."Details of Sarsour's DetentionOn March 31, 2026, Sarsour's car was pulled over by ICE agents, and he was transferred to a detention facility in Indiana, pending his removal from the country. Lawyers for Sarsour, who has type two diabetes, reported that he lost more than 30 pounds (about 13.6kg) during his nearly three months in detention.The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) accused Sarsour of lying on his green card application and failing to disclose that he was convicted by an Israeli military court for allegedly throwing stones and Molotov cocktails at Israeli forces. The 53-year-old Palestinian American, who grew up in the occupied West Bank, has denied these charges.Rights groups have noted that such allegations are frequently wielded against Palestinians in the occupied West Bank and that the Israeli military court system convicts Palestinians at a rate of nearly 100 percent, sometimes relying on confessions extracted through torture.First Amendment vs. National Security ClaimsIn his decision, Judge Hanlon dismissed claims made under President Donald Trump that pro-Palestinian speech undermines US foreign policy interests. "The mere invocation of foreign relations concerns does not automatically trump First Amendment rights," Hanlon, who was nominated by Trump in 2018, wrote in his decision.The Trump administration has relied on a section of the Immigration and Nationality Act that allows the secretary of state to "exclude" foreign nationals considered to have "potentially serious adverse foreign policy consequences for the United States." However, rights advocates have argued that this law does not supersede the First Amendment's free-speech protections."This experience is a reminder to all of us that we must fight together for our right to be a voice for the silenced," Sarsour stated. "I will never stop speaking for Palestine and humanity, wherever I am."Broader Impact on Civil LibertiesCivil liberties groups have depicted the Trump administration's efforts as an attempt to penalize voices critical of Israel and US foreign policy. Since taking office for a second term, Trump has sought the mass deportation of immigrants from the US and led a crackdown on pro-Palestinian voices, accusing them of anti-Semitism.Sarsour's case is not isolated. Mahmoud Khalil, a pro-Palestine activist at Columbia University, was arrested and held in detention by immigration authorities in March 2025 before being released in June of that year. His case, however, has continued, and he remains under threat of deportation."Salah Sarsour is going home," Khalil wrote in a social media post welcoming Sarsour's release. "After more than 80 days held away from his family, a federal judge ordered his release and affirmed what should never have been in question: speaking up for Palestinian rights is protected by the First Amendment."Future Implications for Similar CasesJudge Hanlon's ruling sets a significant precedent for other pro-Palestinian activists facing detention or deportation. By emphasizing that First Amendment rights cannot be automatically overridden by claims of foreign policy concerns, the decision provides legal grounds for challenging similar cases.The judge also questioned why the Trump administration suddenly considered Sarsour a threat after more than three decades in the US, ordering him to be returned to Wisconsin from Indiana so that he could stay at home while his case proceeds.As the Trump administration continues its crackdown on immigration and dissent, legal experts predict that more court battles will emerge over the balance between national security claims and constitutional protections. Sarsour's release may embolden other activists to challenge their detentions on similar First Amendment grounds.

The Late Swiss OffensiveJohan Manzambi scored a dramatic late brace after coming on as a substitute in the 71st minute, following earlier goals from Ruben Vargas and Granit Xhaka. Switzerland erupted in the final stages of their match against Bosnia and Herzegovina, securing a convincing 4-1 victory to top Group B at the World Cup.The last three Swiss goals came after the 80th-minute dismissal of Bosnian defender Tarik Muharemovic, who was sent off for hauling down Breel Embolo to deny an obvious goalscoring opportunity. This red card proved to be a turning point in the match played at the Los Angeles Stadium on Thursday.Key Match DevelopmentsSwitzerland's victory gives them 4 points from two matches (1 win, 1 draw)Bosnia and Herzegovina remains on 1 point after two matchesSwitzerland is looking to progress to the knockout phase for a fourth consecutive World CupQatar and Canada played later in the day in Vancouver, with the winner potentially drawing level with Switzerland on pointsWhen it was all finished, Switzerland, with one win and a draw, were in command of the group despite an unexpected 1-1 draw against Qatar in their tournament opener.Bosnia's Consolation and ChallengesBosnian substitute Ermin Mahmic scored with a thunderous volley in second-half stoppage time for Bosnia and Herzegovina, who remain on one point. However, the Balkan side will need to be more adventurous in their group finale against Qatar to have any chance of progressing after offering little against the Swiss.All five goals they have conceded in the tournament have come after the 70th minute, including the equaliser in their 1-1 tournament-opening draw against Canada.Switzerland's Tactical ResponseYet it looked for long stretches like Bosnia's cagey approach would work until Switzerland coach Murat Yakin sent on Manzambi. Shortly after his own introduction, Vargas got free on the left and curled in an outswinging cross towards the back post.Amar Memic tried to head clear, but Manzambi instinctively met the second ball near the penalty spot and thumped a vicious side volley that had too much power for Bosnian goalkeeper Nikola Vasilj.Red Card and Swiss DominationAny realistic hopes of a positive Bosnian result ended six minutes later when referee Joao Pinheiro had no choice but to produce a red card for Muharemovic's late challenge from behind.Four minutes later, Vargas found the bottom right corner after Embolo held the ball up near the spot and then played it to his open teammate to his left. Vargas was the provider when Manzambi completed his brace in the 90th minute, and after Mahmic pulled a goal back, the veteran Xhaka converted from the penalty spot seven minutes into second-half stoppage time.

The Lead President Donald Trump recently took to social media to boast about the state of the US economy, claiming that "OIL IS FLOWING" and "PRICES ARE DROPPING (AFFORDABILITY!)." However, a closer examination of the data reveals that some of his claims are accurate, while others are misleading. Stock Market Performance Trump's claim that "THE STOCK MARKETS ARE ROARING" is partially true. The Dow Jones Industrial Average did hit a record high of 51,999.67 on Tuesday, but it slipped to 51,494.99 on Wednesday. The Nasdaq Composite Index and S&P; 500 also experienced declines. Prices Are Dropping While petrol prices have started to tumble, with the average price of a gallon of petrol at $3.99, they are still well above $2.98, where prices were on February 28. Experts believe that a petrol price decline will plateau as the US strategic petroleum reserve is refilled and oil extraction and shipping bottlenecks weigh on supply chains. The Data Analysis Consumer inflation: 4.2 percent Energy prices: up nearly eight percent in the last two months Supermarket prices: jumped by 0.1 percent in May from the month prior The Impact Analysis The persistence of price spikes is a key issue, with transportation, rerouting, insurance premiums, and manufacturing costs not normalizing overnight. Experts predict that prices will not return to pre-war levels until the last quarter or close of 2027. The Prediction As the US economy continues to navigate the challenges of inflation and job growth, it remains to be seen how Trump's claims will hold up in the coming months. One thing is certain, however: the US economy is complex, and simplistic claims do not always tell the whole story.

The Rise and Fall of HBCU RadioHistorically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) launched a wave of radio stations in the 1960s and 1970s, driven by students demanding a voice in media during the Civil Rights era. These stations served as vital hubs for campus news, cultural programming, and music. However, the landscape of university-based media has shifted dramatically. Today, only about 30 of the over 100 HBCUs maintain active radio stations, with many pivoting to podcasts or social media. This decline has put decades of unique archival material at risk of being lost forever.Digitizing the Civil Rights LegacyThe HBCU Radio Preservation Project, founded by Jocelyn Robinson, has emerged as a critical intervention to save this history. The initiative provides training to college archives and radio stations on audio-visual preservation techniques. By partnering with the American Archive of Public Broadcasting (AAPB), the project ensures that digitized materials are not only stored securely but also made accessible to the public. The project has successfully digitized collections from institutions like Shaw University and Fisk University, transferring physical reels and tapes into the digital realm.Quantifying the Recovery EffortThe scale of the preservation work is substantial. The project team has visited nearly two dozen HBCU campuses and has digitized over 1,125 hours of archival audio. Beyond the physical media, the project has captured the human element of this history through oral interviews. To date, the team has recorded more than 90 oral histories, totaling 140 hours of interviews with former station directors, students, and staff. These interviews capture the personal stories behind the technical preservation work.Restoring Cultural IdentityThe impact of this project extends beyond mere data storage; it is about restoring cultural identity. The project returns digitized materials to the institutions in stylized black boxes that resemble historic radios, complete with plaques acknowledging the legacy. This gesture validates the historical importance of these stations. For example, the return of 46 digitized episodes of Traces of Faces and Places from Shaw University allows current generations to reconnect with the specific cultural narratives of their predecessors.The Future of Archival MediaThe HBCU Radio Preservation Project sets a precedent for how marginalized histories can be preserved in the digital age. As traditional radio formats fade, the model of partnering with national archives like the AAPB offers a sustainable path forward. By ensuring that the voices of the 60s and 70s are accessible to future researchers and students, the project guarantees that the legacy of Black student activism in media will continue to inform and inspire future generations.

The Concept of La Caverne French artist JR has unveiled his latest installation, La Caverne, on Paris' oldest bridge, Pont Neuf. The immersive experience transforms the bridge into a cave-like environment, complete with a rocky passage, pillars, and fissures made to resemble the Lutetian limestone quarried from the Paris region. The Design and Features The installation features vast swathes of inflated fabric that create a subterranean ambiance. The printed fabric forms a rocky passage with pillars and fissures, while sound and smell effects enhance the experience. Thomas Bangalter, one half of Daft Punk, created an undulating wind-tunnel sound effect, and an expert perfumer added a barely perceptible musty scent of damp soil and rock. The Inspiration Behind La Caverne JR's idea for La Caverne emerged from a meeting with Vladimir Yavachev, nephew of Christo, who suggested JR create something for the anniversary of the Pont Neuf wrapping. JR was inspired by the earliest origins of art, when early humans designed on rock walls. He aimed to transport visitors to a primordial environment, making them forget they are crossing a bridge in the middle of Paris. The Impact on Visitors La Caverne is designed to be an uncomfortable experience, evoking primeval fears of the dark and being trapped underground. JR hopes that visitors will feel like they are on a journey through their sources and origins, ultimately catching a glimpse of light at the end of the tunnel. The Future of La Caverne La Caverne will be open to visitors for a limited time, offering a unique and immersive experience in the heart of Paris. The installation's temporary nature adds to its allure, making it a must-see event for art enthusiasts and tourists alike.

The Rise of Otoboke Beaver They say brevity is the soul of wit and few bands have as much of both as Otoboke Beaver. Playing short, sharp songs packed with equal parts ferocity and black humour, next week the Japanese quartet will play easily their biggest UK gig yet, at Liverpool’s Anfield stadium supporting Foo Fighters. Influences and Interactions with Famous Fans “We met Foo Fighters at an overseas festival, and again in Japan,” says vocalist Accorinrin as we chat in a music bar in Tokyo’s Shibuya district, a couple of hours before Otoboke Beaver go on stage and eviscerate an audience at the nearby O-Nest. “Dave Grohl told so many people about us, which helped us a lot. He didn’t have to introduce a nobody band like us, but Dave is always looking for newcomers and he wanted to hook us up within the music industry.” The Band's Sound and Style Otoboke Beaver’s music is most easily described as punk, but that’s not really the half of it. Their songs are short but incredibly dense, packed with changes in tempo and tone, aggressive but hilariously funny. Each song is an ornate puzzle box: pretty on the surface but with intricate hidden depths to unravel. Feminism and Songwriting Accorinrin sings about love and food, but also about being harassed by old perverts (Dirty Old Fart is Waiting for My Reaction), the pains of dealing with Japan’s music royalties agency Jasrac (I Put My Love to You in a Song, Jasrac), and her lack of desire to have children (I Am Not Maternal). Despite these song titles, “I never thought our songs were feminist until people said they were,” she says. “Japan has always been a male-oriented society, so it never occurred to me to be bothered by it.” Any latent frustration, she says, “naturally comes through in my lyrics”. The Future of Otoboke Beaver “We’re working on it bit by bit,” says Accorinrin soothingly. “Our songs take a long time to write, and we like to play live a lot, plus we’ve had a lineup change.” She laughs as she rebukes the fans once more: “We need everyone to shut up and wait.”