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The Resurgence of Elaine May Elaine May, a pioneering director, writer, and actress, is finally receiving the recognition she deserves for her groundbreaking work in film. Her career, marked by both critical acclaim and commercial challenges, is being reevaluated, and her films are being celebrated for their innovative storytelling and direction. The Turbulent Production of Mikey and Nicky In 1975, May was still editing her gangster film 'Mikey and Nicky', which she had been working on for over two years. The film, starring Peter Falk and John Cassavetes, was a deeply personal project for May, who had grown up in a neighborhood in Chicago where the characters were inspired. Despite its critical acclaim, the film was initially met with unfavorable reviews, with audiences expecting a comedy rather than the tough, dramatic film May had envisioned. The Data Behind the Reappraisal 'Mikey and Nicky' was released in 1976 and initially lost around $2 million at the box office. The film's 2019 4K restoration has contributed to its growing popularity and reevaluation. May's directorial career was marked by disputes, delays, and budget issues, including a $40 million loss for her 1987 film 'Ishtar'. The Impact of May's Work May's films, though often undervalued at the time of their release, are now being recognized for their ambition, modern sensibility, and influence on contemporary filmmakers. Directors like Martin Scorsese, Greta Gerwig, and Josh and Benny Safdie count themselves as fans of her work. May's legacy extends beyond her films, as she paved the way for future generations of female directors and artists. The Future of Elaine May's Legacy As May's work continues to gain recognition, her influence on the film industry is likely to grow. A retrospective of her work at New York City's Lincoln Center, featuring screenings of 'Mikey and Nicky' and 'Ishtar', is a testament to her enduring impact on cinema. With her genius finally being recognized, Elaine May's place in film history is being solidified, inspiring new generations of filmmakers and artists.

Ali al‑Zaidi, a multimillionaire entrepreneur, was announced on Monday as Iraq’s prime minister‑designate, a compromise that resolves a protracted political stalemate within the Shia‑led Coordination Framework. Shia Bloc’s 25‑Minute Deal Elevates Businessman Ali al‑Zaidi The Coordination Framework, Iraq’s largest parliamentary bloc, convened a decisive meeting after missing the constitutional deadline of 26 April. Within 25 minutes members unanimously approved al‑Zaidi, a candidate with no prior governmental experience, to head the next government. Age: 40 years Key roles: Chairman of National Holding Company, board chair of Shaab University and Ishtar Medical Institute Education: Bachelors in law and finance; Master’s in banking and finance; member of the Iraqi Bar Association Parliamentary Numbers and Timeline of the Selection The new prime minister‑designate has 30 days to present a cabinet and secure a confidence vote from at least 167 lawmakers. The Shia bloc controls 185 of the 329 seats in the Council of Representatives, giving al‑Zaidi a solid parliamentary base if he can maintain internal cohesion. 26 April – Constitutional deadline missed 27 April – Final Coordination Framework meeting; al‑Zaidi selected 28 April – President Nizar Amedi appoints al‑Zaidi as prime minister‑designate By early June – Cabinet must be submitted for parliamentary approval Geopolitical Stakes: US, Iran and Iraq’s Economic Reform Al‑Zaidi’s “blank‑slate” profile is viewed as an asset by both Washington and Tehran. The United States, after President Donald Trump vetoed former rival Nouri al‑Maliki, seeks a leader who can curb the influence of Iran‑linked militias within the Popular Mobilisation Forces (PMF). Conversely, Iran favours a government that does not alienate its regional partners. Economically, al‑Zaidi promises to shift Iraq from a centrally planned model toward a market‑oriented system, leveraging his experience in agriculture, real estate, banking, logistics and renewable energy. What Lies Ahead for al‑Zaidi’s Premiership If al‑Zaidi secures parliamentary confidence, he will inherit a nation navigating several crises: Potential economic fallout from disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz Deep‑rooted corruption and the need for institutional reform Balancing US pressure to limit PMF influence with Iran’s regional interests Managing youth unemployment and expanding renewable‑energy projects Analysts predict that al‑Zaidi’s business‑first approach could attract foreign investment, but his success will hinge on maintaining a delicate diplomatic equilibrium between competing great‑power interests.

The northern hemisphere is currently treated to a spectacular view of the constellation Leo, dominating the spring night sky. The Sickle Asterism and Regulus Leo is most easily identified by its distinctive "backwards" question mark, referred to by astronomers as the "sickle" asterism and representing the head of the lion. The constellation's brightest star is Regulus, a brilliant blue-white star that sits almost exactly on the ecliptic, the path traced by the sun, moon and planets across the sky. Historical and Astronomical Significance Antiquity: Recognized since antiquity, it is one of the original 48 constellations listed by Ptolemy in the second century. Star Data: Regulus' position on the ecliptic makes it a critical marker for tracking planetary movements. Visibility: While visible from the southern hemisphere in the northern sky, it is currently the dominant feature in the northern hemisphere's spring evenings. Cultural Legacy Across Civilizations The constellation has a rich mythological tradition that spans thousands of years. In Mesopotamia, it was associated with the lion ridden by the goddess Ishtar, while the ancient Egyptians linked it to the annual flooding of the Nile River, which occurred when the sun passed through this region of the sky. Best Viewing Times for 2026 For optimal viewing, look high in the southern sky. The chart shows the view looking high in the southern sky from London on 27 April at 22:00 BST, although the view will be essentially the same all week.