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The Rise of a Provocative Comedy StarOnce in a while, you get to see a legend at the absolute top of their game," booms a voice at the beginning of Robby Hoffman's Netflix special, Wake Up, welcoming her to the stage. High praise indeed – especially since the voice is that of the leading US comedian John Mulaney, who directed the special, and who clearly thinks this 36-year-old New Yorker is one of the hottest talents around.Over the last year, Hoffman's star has risen at a stunning pace. She is currently on TV in Rooster, a college campus comedy starring Steve Carell, as well as the fifth season of the critically acclaimed sitcom Hacks. This is only her second season as talent agency assistant Randi, but last year the role earned her an Emmy nomination.From Religious Upbringing to Hollywood Success"Last week, I was a Hassidic Lubavitch Jew living in Crown Heights, New York," was Hoffman's first line as Randi. "Now I'm in LA, I'm gay and probably an atheist." Hoffman's own life has taken a similar about-turn after being thrust into the spotlight. Randi, a role that was created for her by writers Lucia Aniello, Paul W Downs and Jen Statsky and draws on Hoffman's own background, has been "a life-changing part," she says on a video call from the home in Los Angeles that she shares with her wife, the reality TV star Gabby Windey.Home life in Montreal was chaotic, living in a house that was "so packed with so many people," Hoffman says. She would frequently get into physical fights with her brothers and "cried every single day … sometimes I was kicking and screaming on the floor." She got out as soon as she could, at 17, when she began renting a place of her own, taking on a part-time job to support herself through her Cégep, a type of pre-university college unique to Quebec.Awards, Recognition, and Controversial Comedy StyleAlthough Hoffman insists she isn't trying to offend ("I do think that a lot of my jokes are misinterpreted"), she also doesn't think being offended is the worst thing: "Being poor is." She's speaking from experience: she grew up in a family that relied on welfare payments, the seventh of 10 children.Wake Up includes gags about "disgusting" women ("always the hottest ones are sickest") and abortion ("we raise the age of abortion till 10, we got a lot of well-fucking-behaved kids on our hands"). Not to mention the jokes about paedophilia. But although her punchlines make some audience members bristle, "I just don't get to choose my thoughts," the comedian says. "I'm just sharing it with you. I wish I didn't know some of these things. I truly wish paedophilia was not something that I was introduced to or heard about. I think it's more democratic that I joke about everything, you know?"The Changing Landscape of ComedyThe comedian's proclivity for referring to women, including herself and her mother, as "bitches" is an aspect of her onstage coarseness that carries over into our call, in which she is otherwise much more mellow and thoughtful. Sure, she doesn't follow the typical Hollywood script of simpering self-deprecation, instead unapologetically backing herself and frequently talking about how great it is to be rich. But you get the impression that this is self-conscious gaucheness, a send-up of convention rather than outright rudeness."I come in hot," Hoffman admits – especially on stage. But she is not pretending to be something she's not – unlike, she says, supposedly "kind and nice" figures such as Will Smith, who was banned from the Oscars after slapping the comedian Chris Rock, or Ellen DeGeneres, whose talk show was cancelled after allegations that junior staff had been bullied.Future Prospects and Industry ImpactHoffman is endearingly grateful for her success. "Am I not living one of the greatest lives you've heard about?" she said during her recent appearance on Late Night With Seth Meyers. "I really do feel that," she says. When she started out in comedy, it felt like "such a risk" to pursue a career with no promise of financial stability: "It's becoming harder and harder to go from no money to money, so when we get one of our guys in, it always feels miraculous."She wishes it wasn't so miraculous – Hoffman is a Bernie Sanders supporter and believes "everybody's entitled to dignity." She resents being an example of someone who "did it" – got herself out of poverty via talent and determination. "You shouldn't have to be this special, you shouldn't have to be this talented," she says. Throughout her adolescence, she was "so sick of being poor," so focused on working hard at the Jewish private school for which her grandfather had helped her win a scholarship, then pursuing a degree in accounting.

The Leadership Challenge Ahead United Kingdom Prime Minister Keir Starmer is likely to face a leadership challenge amid calls from parliamentarians for him to step down following the Labour Party's stunning loss in local elections. Calls for Starmer's Resignation Backbencher Labour MP Catherine West urged cabinet ministers to 'move quickly' to replace him, saying she planned to email her colleagues for the necessary support on Monday morning if no one else put themselves forward. More than 30 Labour MPs have said Starmer should resign or set out timetables for his departure. His former ally Josh Simons wrote in The Times that Starmer had 'lost the country'. The Election Results Last week's elections saw Labour lose almost 1,500 councillors in England, largely to Reform UK and the Greens. In Wales, First Minister Eluned Morgan lost her seat, ending the party's 27 years in power there. In Scotland, the Scottish National Party retained its position, with Labour coming second. Support and Criticism Others remain supportive of the prime minister, including Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson, who told Sky News that she did not believe 'a leadership contest and all of the problems that that would bring is the answer'. Starmer is set to give a speech on Monday, along with the king's speech on Wednesday, that will attempt to convince the public and his party of his leadership. Future Outlook A leadership contest requires the endorsement of 81 Labour MPs. Likely challengers to the leadership include Health Secretary Wes Streeting, former Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner and Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham. Starmer's government has been in power since 2024, when it ended 14 years of Conservative rule in a landslide victory. His popularity has since fallen, with the decision to cut the winter fuel allowance amid a cost-of-living crisis and the scandal over United States Ambassador Peter Mendelson's links to sex offender Jeffrey Epstein contributing to this decline.

Lead: A Diverse Evening of History, Competition and DramaThis Thursday’s schedule offers a poignant look back at World War II, the climax of a beloved cooking contest, and fresh twists on reality and scripted series across BBC, Channel 4 and Sky One.The Blitz Documentary Illuminates Wartime Childhood9 pm, BBC Two – “Children of the Blitz” gathers first‑hand testimony from those who endured London’s night raids without evacuation. The film weaves terror, loss, humour and love, anchored by the comforting words of a Liverpool father: “Don’t worry … we’ve got big strong slates on our roof.”MasterChef’s High‑Stakes Final Week8 pm, BBC One – The competition heats up with seafood chowder, a delicate fillet steak, an extravagant toastie, two intricate puddings and a crowd‑pleasing lamb dish. Six chefs battle for the coveted title as judges weigh risk against reward.Channel 4’s ‘The Dog House’ Returns with New Canine Romances8 pm, Channel 4 – In series 6, hopeful owners meet dogs like Zeus the shih tzu and Wolf the malamute, while nervous retriever Pipet confronts his fireworks phobia.BBC One’s ‘Mint’ Offers Off‑beat Drama9 pm, BBC One – The series follows the evolving relationship between Arran and Shannon against the backdrop of a crumbling bond between Cat and Dylan, all framed by modern‑dance‑inspired visuals.‘Virgin Island’ Pushes Boundaries with S&M; Themes9 pm, Channel 4 – Shelby guides participants through bondage, dominance and submission exercises, while Will, Ed and Bertie explore their evolving desires.Sky One’s ‘Rooster’ Concludes with Steve Carell’s Farewell10 pm, Sky One – Steve Carell stars as author Greg, delivering a bittersweet finale where his daughter Katie asserts independence, leaving Greg’s future uncertain.Film Choice: ‘Sisu’ Brings Finnish WWII Action to Film49.30 pm, Film4 – Jalmari Helander’s 2022 thriller follows gold‑prospector Aatami Korpi (the “Immortal”) as he battles retreating German forces in 1944 Lapland, delivering relentless, propulsive violence.Tonight’s Schedule at a GlanceBBC Two 9 pm – Children of the Blitz (documentary)BBC One 8 pm – MasterChef (reality competition)Channel 4 8 pm – The Dog House (reality)BBC One 9 pm – Mint (drama)Channel 4 9 pm – Virgin Island (reality)Sky One 10 pm – Rooster (comedy‑drama)Film4 9.30 pm – Sisu (feature film)Why the Blitz Documentary Resonates NowMarking the 85th anniversary of the Blitz’s end, the programme taps into renewed public interest in personal wartime narratives, offering younger audiences a humanised glimpse of history that contrasts with textbook accounts.What to Expect from Tomorrow’s Line‑upGiven the strong viewership of reality‑cooking shows and the appetite for historical documentaries, broadcasters are likely to schedule more personal‑history features and competition finales in the coming weeks, while niche dramas like “Mint” will continue to experiment with visual style.

Lucas Herbert held his nerve in the final round of LIV Golf Virginia to claim his first LIV title, bank $5.5 million and lock a spot at the 2026 US Open in New York.Herbert’s Breakthrough Victory at LIV Golf VirginiaThe 30‑year‑old Australian entered the final day with a five‑shot lead that was whittled down to one after a dramatic surge from Sergio Garcia. Herbert steadied his play with a three‑under‑par 69, finishing four shots ahead to post a 24‑under total for 72 holes.Winning score: 24 under parFinal round: 69 (‑3)Runner‑up: Sergio Garcia (70)Third place: Bryson DeChambeau (66)Financial Windfall: $US4 million Prize and $5.5 million BankedThe victory delivered a life‑changing cheque of $US4 million (≈ $A5.54 million) and added to Herbert’s season earnings, bringing his total banked amount to $5.5 million. The prize not only boosts his personal finances but also reinforces LIV Golf’s reputation for “mega‑money” payouts.Implications for the US Open Field and Australian GolfBy securing the US Open exemption, Herbert joins an elite group of players who have won on all four major circuits – the PGA Tour, DP World Tour, PGA Tour of Australasia and now LIV Golf. His win adds depth to the US Open roster and highlights the growing influence of Australian talent on the global stage.Herbert becomes the first LIV winner to earn a US Open spot this season.Ripper GC teammates Cameron Smith, Marc Leishman and Elvis Smylie celebrated, underscoring the club’s rising dominance.What Lies Ahead for Herbert and the LIV CircuitLooking forward, Herbert will aim to translate his Virginia form into a strong US Open performance, while LIV Golf continues to attract top‑ranked players with its lucrative prize structure. Analysts expect his victory to spur further Australian participation in LIV events and intensify the rivalry between LIV and traditional tours.

The fall may not have been deep, but the landing has been hard. A trophy‑less season for the most successful La Liga and Champions League club was sealed by a 2‑0 defeat at Camp Nou, leaving Real Madrid second and sparking a crisis that reaches from the pitch to the boardroom.The Clásico Defeat That Sealed Real Madrid’s Second‑Place FinishDown 2‑0 at half‑time in the decisive match, Real Madrid could not recover, confirming a runner‑up finish for the second consecutive year. The loss not only ended any hope of a league title but also underscored a season marked by a quarter‑final exit from the Champions League.Final score: Barcelona 2 – 0 Real MadridResult secured 2nd place for Real MadridSeason ended with a quarter‑final elimination in EuropeNumbers That Reveal a Season of UnderperformanceStatistical highlights paint a stark picture:Kylian Mbappé scored 24 goals, leading the Spanish scoring chart but failing to translate into titles.A petition titled “Mbappé out” amassed over 33 million signatures, reflecting fan frustration.Midfielder Federico Valverde suffered a head injury that required hospital treatment, sidelining him for weeks.Strategic Missteps: Mbappé, Formation Changes, and Locker‑Room FracturesThe arrival of Mbappé disrupted the long‑standing 4‑3‑5 system. To accommodate his deep‑dropping style, Jude Bellingham was pushed into an advanced role and Vinícius Júnior was forced to adapt, eroding the chemistry that had powered previous title runs. Rumours of dissent grew, culminating in a training‑ground bust‑up between Federico Valverde and Aurélien Tchouaméni, the latter remaining in the lineup despite the incident.Managerial Crossroads: From Alonso’s Exit to Mourinho’s Possible ReturnAfter Xabi Alonso was dismissed early in the new calendar year, interim coach Álvaro Arbeloa steered the ship to the season’s end, but the club now faces a pivotal hiring decision. Speculation ranges from a nostalgic return of José Mourinho, whose pragmatic style once delivered a domestic treble, to fresh appointments such as Jürgen Klopp, Julian Nagelsmann, or a second spell for Zinedine Zidane. Each candidate brings a distinct philosophy that could either mend the fan‑club rift or deepen it.What the Next Campaign Could Hold for Los BlancosIf Real Madrid re‑integrates Mbappé effectively and resolves internal tensions, the club could rebound to challenge for the title. Conversely, a mis‑aligned managerial appointment or continued player unrest may cement a period of second‑place finishes and erode the club’s global brand. The upcoming transfer window and the choice of head coach will be the decisive factors shaping Real’s trajectory in the 2026‑27 season.

The Rise of a Film Star in Politics In a move that has captured the attention of both fans and political analysts, Vijay, a renowned Indian film star, has taken oath as the chief minister of Tamil Nadu. This development underscores the intersection of cinema and politics in India, where celebrities often transition into political roles. Vijay's Political Journey Vijay, known for his massive following in Tamil Nadu, has been actively involved in politics for some time. His entry into politics was seen as a strategic move by many, given his immense popularity across the state. The film star's political party, founded in 2018, has managed to secure a significant number of seats in the recent state elections, paving the way for his appointment as chief minister. Implications for Tamil Nadu's Governance The appointment of Vijay as chief minister is expected to bring a new dynamic to the governance of Tamil Nadu. His supporters believe that his charisma and popularity can help galvanize the state's youth and address pressing issues such as unemployment and infrastructure development. However, critics argue that his lack of political experience could pose challenges in navigating the complexities of state governance. The Future Outlook As Vijay begins his tenure as chief minister, there is a mix of optimism and skepticism about his ability to deliver on his campaign promises. His success will likely depend on his ability to balance his celebrity status with the demands of political leadership, as well as his party's performance in the state. The coming months will be crucial in determining the impact of his leadership on Tamil Nadu's political landscape.

The High-Stakes Meeting US President Donald Trump is set to arrive in Beijing on Wednesday evening to discuss the Iran war and other issues with his Chinese counterpart President Xi Jinping. The meeting, initially scheduled for earlier this year but postponed in March due to the US-Israel war on Iran, comes as the US president struggles to contain the fallout from the war, both at home and abroad. The Agenda: Iran and Trade White House Principal Deputy Press Secretary Anna Kelly said an opening ceremony and meeting will be on Thursday morning, and the trip will conclude on Friday. The US plans to host the Chinese leader during a reciprocal visit later this year. A senior administration official told news outlets in an anonymous briefing on Sunday that Trump could "apply pressure" to China on Iran in areas such as oil sales and Tehran's purchase of potential dual-role military-civilian goods. The Economic Impact US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent last week accused China of "funding" Iran. "Iran is the largest state sponsor of terrorism, and China has been buying 90 percent of their energy, so they are funding the largest state sponsor of terrorism," Bessent told Fox News. Disruptions stemming from the war have disrupted the global economy, with Asian states that depend on imports from the Middle East especially hard hit. The Future of US-China Relations Trump could also bring up China's support for Russia during the talks, along with trade and rare earth minerals, a vital resource for the US tech sector. Business executives from aerospace manufacturer Boeing and a handful of agricultural companies are set to travel with the US delegation. The anonymous administration official said that no change was expected regarding the US stance on Taiwan, a main sticking point in relations between Washington and Beijing.

The Olive Tree Initiative In a heartwarming display of resilience and determination, volunteers in Gaza have come together to plant olive trees at the ravaged al-Shifa Hospital. The initiative aims to bring a sense of hope and renewal to the devastated area, which has been severely impacted by the ongoing conflict. Reviving a Symbol of Peace Olive trees are often seen as a symbol of peace and tranquility in the Middle East. By planting them at al-Shifa Hospital, the volunteers are not only beautifying the area but also promoting a sense of calm and serenity. The hospital, which was once a beacon of healthcare and medical excellence, has been severely damaged and is in dire need of restoration. A Message of Hope The olive tree planting initiative sends a powerful message of hope and resilience to the people of Gaza. Despite the challenges and hardships they face, the volunteers are taking proactive steps to rebuild and restore their community. The event serves as a reminder that even in the darkest of times, there is always a way forward. The Road to Recovery The road to recovery for al-Shifa Hospital and the surrounding area will be long and arduous. However, with initiatives like the olive tree planting, the people of Gaza are taking the first steps towards healing and rebuilding. The international community has a crucial role to play in supporting these efforts and providing the necessary aid and resources to facilitate the recovery process.

The LeadOn the coast of Western Australia, a humpback whale performs an underwater ballet, sweeping its pectoral fins through the water while its massive jaw hangs wide open. This rare behavior, known as 'gaping,' has been captured on camera and analyzed by scientists, revealing new insights into the mysterious social lives of these marine giants.The Mysterious Gaping BehaviorThis underwater ballet, captured on camera by an onlooker and shared online, is one of the clearest examples of a rarely documented phenomenon known as 'gaping.' As autumn chills Australia's east coast, the ocean transforms into a bustling humpback highway, with May marking the mammals' annual migration from Antarctic waters to the warmer breeding grounds of Queensland and northern New South Wales.Scientists believe gaping may be a social display or a way for calves to stretch their mouths before feeding. 'It was so unusual to see this happen,' says Dr Vanessa Pirotta, a renowned Australian whale scientist and co-author of the paper. 'When I heard the commentary of people watching it, I knew it was rare.'Citizen Science BreakthroughJust in time for this year's migration, a Macquarie University study has proven the power of citizen science. Social media footage of 66 humpbacks – including WA's pirouetting whale – reveals their mysterious jaw-gaping behavior could be a social display.'Just when we think we know a lot about humpback whales, we don't,' says Dr Pirotta. 'Tourism operators and citizen scientists spend hours observing whales and are a powerful resource for capturing and reporting on behavior.'The researchers have termed the behavior 'gaping' – and believe it could be play, social signalling, interacting with debris, or calves stretching their jaws around mealtimes.Understanding Whale CommunicationVeteran humpback researcher Dr Olaf Meynecke, currently surveying marine life off South Australia on the CSIRO research vessel Investigator, notes that baleen whales typically open their jaws wide when feeding.'Concentrated prey, either fish or krill on the surface, is being taken in by [the whale] coming from the depth and lunging out with a wide open mouth,' Meynecke explains. However, the gaping behavior observed during migration appears to be different from feeding, suggesting a complex social dimension to whale communication.Future of Whale ResearchThe documentation of gaping behavior highlights the growing importance of citizen science in marine research. As whale populations continue to recover from historical whaling, understanding their complex behaviors becomes increasingly important for conservation efforts.With migration seasons bringing more whales closer to shore, opportunities for citizen scientists to contribute to research will continue to grow. The combination of professional researchers and dedicated observers creates a comprehensive approach to understanding these magnificent creatures and their underwater world.