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In a heartfelt video posted on her birthday, the 58‑year‑old vocalist announced that her long‑awaited return to live performance is the best gift she could receive, confirming a series of concerts in Paris slated to begin in September.Diagnosed in December 2022 with stiff‑person syndrome, a rare autoimmune disorder that stiffens muscles and can cause severe pain, Dion was forced to cancel her 2023 Courage world tour. While there is no cure, ongoing treatment has helped stabilize her condition, allowing her to consider a full‑scale comeback.The 2024 documentary “I Am: Céline Dion,” which chronicled her struggle—including a seizure and intense pain—became Amazon’s most‑watched documentary ever. Later that year she made a surprise appearance at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games opening ceremony, delivering Edith Piaf’s “Hymne à l’Amour” to a global audience, marking her first live on‑stage performance since early 2020.Now, Dion will headline ten shows over five weeks at the Paris La Défense Arena, with the residency kicking off on 12 September. She told fans that, despite the challenges, she feels “great, managing my health, feeling good,” and even added that she’s “singing again, even doing a little bit of dancing.”From representing Switzerland at the 1988 Eurovision Song Contest to breaking international charts with 1993’s The Colour of My Love and the iconic 1997 Titanic anthem “My Heart Will Go On,” Dion’s career has spanned decades. Her upcoming Paris run signals not just a personal triumph over illness, but also a major cultural event for fans worldwide.

Lonely lives, falling between the gaps, are at the heart of this 1935 psychological thriller by Rodney Ackland, adapted from Hugh Walpole's novel. It's an atmospheric period piece, but isn't entirely a stretch to reflect on our own concerns about solitude in an ageing population.The three ladies in an English cathedral town are without partners, families or much of an income. They eke out their genteel poverty in a rickety boarding house. They weren't raised to work; Miss Beringer, in desperate need of a job, can only imagine becoming a paid companion or, possibly, flower arranging.In Brigid Larmour's finely etched production, irritable passions ferment beneath the frowsty knits and beads. The characters are prey to spite and greed, nerves and night terrors. Voices are tremulous; eyes glance at a fearful future.Beringer is the new lodger: Catherine Cusack, whittled by anxiety, timidly nibbles on a scallop-edged biscuit. She is welcomed by Julia Watson's Mrs Amorest, flustered but keeping up appearances. Down to her last £10, she writes into the void to a long-absent son.The third lady is Agatha. Fruitily overblown in the novel, that's how Edith Evans played her in 1935. Abigail Thaw makes her disconcertingly eccentric: forbidding in jet black, she mocks and snaps at quivering Miss Beringer. She covets Beringer's one cherished possession – a translucent chunk of amber from a beloved female friend.It's a play of cross-hatched conversations and melodramatic plotting. Larmour's design team help turn the screw: the dank-toned house and clothes in tones of moth and cobweb, a bitter wind blowing.Ackland's plays about rackety lives are increasingly revived. He, Walpole and John Gielgud, the play's original director, were all queer artists, and it's tempting to imagine them drawn to these lives on the margins of British society. Though these ladies don't so much rage against the dying of the light as wait, fearfully, to be snuffed out.

The recent news of a six-year-old girl killed in Lebanon by an Israeli bomb has left many in tears. The child's tragic death serves as a stark reminder of the devastating consequences of war. As we bear witness to such horrors, it's essential that we don't turn away, but instead, take a moment to reflect on the human cost of conflict. The girl's death is a heart-wrenching example of the innocent lives lost in the ongoing violence. It's crucial that we acknowledge the pain and suffering of those affected, rather than becoming desensitized to the news. By doing so, we can work towards a deeper understanding of the complexities surrounding these conflicts. The international community must consider the long-term effects of war on civilians, particularly children. The emotional toll of such experiences can be profound and lasting. As we move forward, it's essential that we prioritize empathy and compassion in our response to these tragedies. Ultimately, it's our collective responsibility to stay informed and engaged, ensuring that the voices of those affected are heard and their stories are told. By doing so, we can work towards a more nuanced understanding of the world and its complexities.

The documentary 'Being Ola' offers a poignant look into the life of Ola Henningsen, a man in early middle age with learning and developmental disabilities residing in a village community in eastern Norway. Director Ragnhild Nøst Bergem provides an intimate portrayal of Ola, who describes himself as 'slow' yet appears intelligent and articulate.The film primarily focuses on Ola's relationship with Lasse, a Danish care worker who was part of the community. Ola considered Lasse his 'best friend,' but was deeply hurt when Lasse had to leave due to the end of his employment term. The documentary follows Ola on a trip to see Lasse, where he confesses his feelings of abandonment.While the film resolves Ola's story in a seemingly painless manner, it leaves the audience wondering if there's another, more complex story to be told. The documentary refrains from delving deeper into Lasse's perspective on their relationship, opting for a more straightforward narrative.'Being Ola' will be released in UK and Irish cinemas from April 3, 2026.

Leicester City Women are staring down the barrel of relegation to the second tier after a disheartening 1-0 loss to Brighton in the Women's Super League. The defeat, which came on a soggy afternoon at the King Power Stadium, has left them four points adrift at the bottom of the table with only four games remaining.The sight of two young girls proudly waving 'Foxes never quit' flags in the rain-soaked stands encapsulated the never-say-die attitude required for a relegation battle that Leicester now finds itself in. Despite the bleak outlook, manager Rick Passmoor and the fans remain optimistic about their chances of survival.The latest setback came against Brighton, who showed their class on the ball, particularly in the first hour. Fran Kirby's movement and creativity caused significant problems for the Leicester defense. The decisive moment arrived when Kiko Seike broke the deadlock by tucking home Rosa Kafaji's unselfish pass, following a sublime through ball from Kirby.Leicester's struggles this season can be attributed largely to operating on what is believed to be the lowest budget in the top tier, compounded by the loss of key players such as Ruby Mace and the Japan duo Saori Takarada and Yuka Momiki last summer. The team is on a seven-match losing run in the league, which has coincided with Liverpool's significant upturn in results following their January transfer activity.There is still a potential lifeline for Leicester in the form of a one-leg playoff fixture against the third-placed team in the second tier, scheduled for May 23. However, their opponents have yet to be determined, with Crystal Palace and Birmingham keeping the automatic promotion race on a knife-edge.The women's predicament comes at an uncertain time for the football club as a whole, with the men's team in the Championship relegation zone, a point from safety after being deducted six points for overspending. It could yet be a campaign to forget for both the men's and women's sides.

A heart-wrenching account of a mother's fight against her daughter's anorexia has shed light on the devastating impact of this eating disorder on families. The story, reported by Al Jazeera, highlights the emotional toll and challenges faced by loved ones in their quest to support their children through recovery.The mother's determination to help her daughter recover is a testament to the unwavering love and resilience of families dealing with mental health issues. As reported by Lavinia Nocelli, the mother's journey is a poignant reminder of the need for awareness, support, and resources to combat eating disorders like anorexia.

Iran's national football team has paid a heartfelt tribute to the children who lost their lives in a tragic Minab school airstrike. The team's gesture has garnered widespread attention and respect, highlighting the intersection of sports and social issues.The tribute was a significant display of solidarity, showcasing the team's commitment to acknowledging and honoring the victims of the airstrike. This act not only reflects the team's empathy but also Iran's broader stance on such critical issues.The incident had a profound impact, sparking conversations about international relations and the humanitarian aspects of conflicts. By honoring the children, Iran's football team has contributed to keeping the memory of the victims alive and honoring their legacy.

A grieving Iranian mother has shared her heartbreaking story at the United Nations about her children who were impacted by a devastating school attack. The emotional account highlights the human cost of violence and the profound grief experienced by families affected.The mother’s testimony brought attention to the plight of innocent victims and the need for greater support and protection for children in conflict zones. Her words resonated deeply with the international community, underscoring the urgency of addressing such tragedies.

In the northern rivers of New South Wales, many waterholes remain hidden from view, tucked away on private land. But for the author, one waterhole holds a special place in her heart – a place of solace, laughter, and lifelong friendships.The author's waterhole, nestled in a creek system, has been a gathering spot for her and her friends since their teenage years. Over time, the creek has undergone constant change, shaped by flooding and seasonal shifts. Yet, its allure remains strong, drawing the author and her friends back year after year.The waterhole, with its pebbled bank, swing-rope, and old cement staircase, is more than just a natural spot – it's a symbol of enduring friendship. Despite the passage of time, the author and her friends still converge on the waterhole, reunited by memories of laughter, adventure, and shared experiences.As they gather, their bodies bear the scars of life – a testament to the journey they've shared. In the water, they find solace and freedom, their troubles flowing away with the creek's gentle current. The experience is hypnotic and soothing, a moment of stillness in the midst of life's chaos.The author's reflection on the waterhole is a poignant exploration of nostalgia, friendship, and transformation. As she notes, 'We've been rearranged. Same but different. Ravaged by time but still shining.' In this waterhole, she and her friends have found a timeless sanctuary, one that continues to nourish their souls.