University students who went unbeaten during a title-winning volleyball season have been nominated for a national award.
Essex Blades were crowned champions in the British Universities and Colleges Sport (BUCS) national championship south.
The University of Essex-based side won all 10 of their matches, a feat that put them in the running for the BUCS Team of the Year award.
Head coach Alex Chinery said: “It’s a fantastic achievement, reflecting the effort of everyone involved this season.”
The volleyball team was the first in the university’s history to win the title without losing a game.
They competed against sides from London, Bournemouth, Cambridge and Bristol.
Mr Chinery said he was “incredibly proud” that the team had been shortlisted, and the winner would be announced at an awards evening on 17 July.
“It wouldn’t have been possible without the hard work of all the athletes and support staff who make this the best place to play volleyball in the country,” he added.
University students who went unbeaten during a title-winning volleyball season have been nominated for a national award.
Essex Blades were crowned champions in the British Universities and Colleges Sport (BUCS) national championship south.
The University of Essex-based side won all 10 of their matches, a feat that put them in the running for the BUCS Team of the Year award.
Head coach Alex Chinery said: “It’s a fantastic achievement, reflecting the effort of everyone involved this season.”
The volleyball team was the first in the university’s history to win the title without losing a game.
They competed against sides from London, Bournemouth, Cambridge and Bristol.
Mr Chinery said he was “incredibly proud” that the team had been shortlisted, and the winner would be announced at an awards evening on 17 July.
“It wouldn’t have been possible without the hard work of all the athletes and support staff who make this the best place to play volleyball in the country,” he added.
From Krypton to Milton Keynes – a somewhere that might seem an unlikely place to spot the famous American hero
On a windy day in 1986 the residents of Milton Keynes were treated to an unexpected sight flying through the sky.
Was it a bird? Was it a plane? No, it was Superman.
Drastic budget cuts forced filmmakers to shoot Superman IV: The Quest For Peace in the Buckinghamshire new town. Lead star Christopher Reeve, hoisted by a crane, was dangled above Milton Keynes Central Station.
With the latest Superman reboot soaring into cinemas, now with actor David Corenswet in the famous red pants, people have been sharing their memories of when the American superhero touched down in the unlikely British location.
Graham Bedford
Christopher Reeve often did his own stunts, including scenes where Superman would take to the skies
Released in 1987, Superman IV was panned by critics, fans – and even its own cast.
Reeve later wrote in his memoir, Still Me: “We had to shoot at an industrial park in England in the rain with about 100 extras, not a car in sight, and a dozen pigeons thrown in for atmosphere.
“Even if the story had been brilliant, I don’t think that we could ever have lived up to the audience’s expectations with this approach.”
Although the three earlier films had been shot at Pinewood Studios in Buckinghamshire, the fourth instalment was the first to be shot entirely in the UK, with most of it being done at Elstree Studios in Hertfordshire.
Several other locations across Hertfordshire were also used. Villain Lex Luthor was driving along the then unopened M25 just outside Bricket Wood, near St Albans, when his car was lifted into the sky by his superhero nemesis.
Stephanie English
It was hoped Milton Keynes would resemble a city like New York, which the fictional location of Metropolis was based on
According to fan Jason Joiner, who runs the National Film and Sci-Fi Museum, about 18 minutes of the 90-minute film was shot in Milton Keynes.
He said: “It mimics some of the new towns in America, so it didn’t look look like British architecture.
“It was this sort of modern realistic building facades, and that was ideal for the backdrop of creating an environment like New York or Metropolis.”
Graham Bedford
Reeve was lifted high about Milton Keynes using a large red crane
Filming took place at office buildings and an indoor exotic garden, but predominantly outside Milton Keynes Central Station, which doubled as the UN headquarters.
Museum curator Mr Joiner added: “We’ve got one of the paving slabs from when they resurfaced the area where the railway station is.
“When they lifted them up we had an opportunity to grab a paving slab. So we took one of those just to keep in Milton Keynes just because it’s part of the history of the filming of Superman there.”
Graham Bedford
Reeve was critical of Superman IV win his memoir
Graham Bedford, 75, worked in an office across the road and witnessed the history first-hand.
“It was quite gobsmacking, really,” he said.
“I saw Christopher Reeve being hoisted up on the crane, and then him coming down and doing that graceful kind of land that he did with one foot – the other foot tucked up behind him.”
The photographer, who now lives in Suffolk, always carried a camera with him so was quick to snap some photos.
“Basically, they just turned up with all the lorries and the cranes and goodness knows what,” he said.
“It must have cost a fortune [with] the vehicles and the camera gear and the crane and everything.”
Stephanie English
Stephanie English filmed scenes in Milton Keynes as an onlooker as Superman landed nearby
Stephanie English was no stranger to a film set. She had started doing extras work in about 1976 and has since worked in the field for 40 years.
She often attends conventions, where “Star Wars is the thing that most people are interested in” – specifically her fleeting role in The Empire Strikes Back.
While filming Superman IV, she posed for photos at a Daily Planet newsstand added by the production team to dress the street.
She said the set was “very convincing” and “very realistic”.
Stephanie English
Stephanie English met Christopher Reeve while filming a scene that was ultimately cut
She recalled: “[It was a] bit of a strange area. There was no life. There’s nothing about, no people, no pigeons, nothing… But you know, it was just nice to go somewhere different.”
Later she got closer to the star while filming a nightclub scene at London’s Hippodrome, although it was footage that didn’t make the final cut.
“You think you’re in it and then they cut a bit out or they cut the whole thing,” she mused.
Still, she managed to get a photo with Reeve, who left a strong impression: “Very, very nice. Really nice guy. Pleasant and friendly and everything. Very nice.”
The Cannon Group, Inc/Golan-Globus Productions/Warner Bros
David Waterman (right) played a hot dog salesman
Actor David Waterman, now 73, had a front-row seat to Superman’s descent on Milton Keynes.
“The agent phoned up and said ‘I’ve got a nice little role for you. I’d like you to be a hot dog man on Superman’,” he said.
“Initially I was expecting to be flown off to America – some exotic site somewhere. But, no, it wasn’t to be. It was Milton Keynes.”
He recalled how the “dreadful” windy weather hampered rehearsals, making things tricky for Reeve and his stunt double, but the star eventually took to the skies without any trace of fear.
“He’s done that so many times before in the previous Superman films. He totally trusted the the technicians in charge of the rigging for the flying,” said Mr Waterman.
David Waterman
Reeve and his stunt double discussing the flying scene which the star himself eventually filmed in Milton Keynes
He described the actor as a “nice guy” who was chatty and cheerful despite his doubts about the film’s direction.
Though the end result was not well received, Mr Waterman has met many fans of it over the years, and in 2016 he took part in a shot-for-shot remake made by a fan in Milton Keynes.
“I’ve become quite a cult figure for that particular film,” he said.
“I’ve had to do many seminars and meetings and things like that. So it’s it’s paid off for me. It’s paid off for me in ways I couldn’t have imagined at the time.”
A touching, beautiful film that takes us back to Hollywood’s golden age. TV actor Mariska Hargitay was only three years old when her 34-year-old mother Jayne Mansfield died. Deprived of any memories, she goes in search of the real Jayne – away from the sex symbol – via inherited belongings, home movies and never-before-seen photos, visiting the now demolished “pink palace” and speaking with her siblings properly for the first time. Hollie Richardson
Live Aid at 40: The Concert – Part 1
6pm, BBC Two
Ay-oh! … Queen performs at Wembley on Live Aid at 40: The Concert on BBC Two. Photograph: BBC/Brook Lapping/Band Aid Trust
The 1985 Live Aid concert was a whopping 16 hours long, but the anniversary package is a mere seven. The early acts underline how many mainstream white artists played, with Status Quo, Led Zeppelin and Phil Collins all turning out. The less often-seen backstage footage should be richer. Jack Seale
Love Island: Unseen Bits
9pm, ITV2
There’s much buzz around Love Island this summer. Sadly, it’s centred entirely on the ratings hit that is the seventh US season, while the 12th series of its UK sibling trundles along with little fanfare, despite being hosted by Maya Jama. Still, there are worse ways to spend a Saturday night, aren’t there? Right?! Hannah J Davies
Not Going Out
9.40pm, BBC One
Lee Mack’s popular sitcom reaches its penultimate chapter, with the final ever episode airing next week. As they continue to muddle through post-kids life, Lee (Mack) and Lucy (Sally Bretton) become extras playing elves in TV series Dragon Castle. Cue the usual high-jinks. HR
Suspicion
10.40pm, ITV1
Differences between the UK and US legal systems are highlighted, as agents Anderson (Noah Emmerich) and Okoye (Angel Coulby) investigate the disappearance of the Oxford-student son of a high profile American (Uma Thurman). Namely, it’s a pacing issue: “I’ve been here for three days,” says Anderson. “All I’ve seen you do is release people.” Ellen E Jones
From the Ground Up
11.45pm, ITV1
In this inspiring and sweet documentary, the nicest guy in football, Ian Wright, helps to launch the first ever girls’ under-14 team at his Lewisham childhood club that he owes his career to. It’s not just about finding “the next big thing,” he says – it’s simply to give girls the opportunity to play. HR
Film choice
Oppenheimer, out now,Netflix
A total marvel … Cillian Murphy in Oppenheimer on Netflix. Photograph: Photo 12/Alamy
After its extraordinary theatrical run and silverware haul, it’s safe to assume that everyone who wants to watch Oppenheimer has already watched it. But even after all the ballyhoo about seeing it on the big screen, Christopher Nolan’s film loses very little impact on TV. It’s still a total marvel, turning a bog-standard biopic into a puzzlebox of clashing timelines. It’s still masterly to look at, transforming the planes of Cillian Murphy’s face into grand topography. Best of all, we get to see what Robert Downey Jr looks like when he really puts his all into acting. A must watch. Stuart Heritage
A Man Called Otto, 9pm, Channel 4
His days as the do-no-wrong king of Hollywood behind him, Tom Hanks has long since settled into a much more rewarding second act. He writes books. He’s become a Wes Anderson day-player. And, more importantly, he gets to star in films like A Man Called Otto. Hanks plays a bitter old crank who plans to kill himself, only to be shaken out of his stupor when he begins to integrate with his neighbours. It’s a hard role to pull off – lean too hard one way and you become repellant, lean too hard the other and you become unpleasantly sentimental – but Hanks gets it exactly right. SH
Live sport
Cycling:Tour de France, noon, TNT Sport 1 The eighth stage of the men’s race. The ninth stage starts on Sunday from noon, with coverage continuing throughout the week.
Tennis: Wimbledon 2025, 11am, BBC Two Penultimate day of this year’s tournament, with the women’s singles final. The men’s singles final is on Sunday from 4pm on BBC One.
Test Cricket: England v India, 2pm, Sky Sports Main Event The third day of the Third Test in the five-match series from Lord’s.Tomorrow’s play starts at 10.15am.
International Rugby: Argentina v England, 8.30pm, Sky Sports Main Event The second test from estadio San Juan del Bicentenario.
• Download the NBA App • Summer League: Complete Coverage
• Suns 103, Wizards 84: Box Score | Game Detail
LAS VEGAS – Koby Brea poured in 19 points to lead the Phoenix Suns to a 103-84 victory over the Washington Wizards in the NBA 2K26 Summer League on Friday at Thomas and Mack Center. Brea got out to a hot start and led all scorers at the half with 12 points on 4-for-5 shooting, including 3-for-4 from deep. He maintained his efficiency, finishing the game with 7-for-10 shooting from the field, including 4-for-5 from downtown.
After a competitive first quarter, the Suns took control of the game, outscoring the Wizards by 15 points through the second and third quarters. The Wizards managed to put up a decent fight in the fourth, but it was not enough, as the Suns won the final three quarters on their way to the 19-point win.
The Suns had a total of five players score in double digits, led by Brea, while Ryan Dunn followed up with 17 points, five rebounds, four assists and two steals. Boogie Ellis added 16 points, four rebounds and three assists. Khaman Maluach tallied 14 points, five rebounds, a steal and two blocks; and finally, Oso Ighodaro stuffed the stat sheet with 11 points, 14 rebounds and three steals.
On the other side, KyShawn George led the way for the Wizards, starting with a solid first half, where he logged 11 points on 5-for-9 shooting (1-3 3PM). The second-year forward kept up the pace the rest of the way and finished the night with 24 points, seven rebounds, three assists and three steals. Tre Johnson followed up with 18 points, three rebounds and a steal, while Alex Sarr had 15 points, three rebounds, a steal and three blocks.
The Suns are back in action Sunday afternoon against the Hawks (3:30 ET, NBA TV), while the Wizards take on the Nets later that day (8 ET, ESPN2).
Oil prices climbed more than 2% on Friday after the International Energy Agency (IEA) said the global market may be tighter than it seems, supported by strong summer demand. Meanwhile, concerns over new US tariffs and possible fresh sanctions on Russia also added upward pressure.Brent crude rose $1.72, or 2.5%, to settle at $70.36 per barrel, while US West Texas Intermediate (WTI) gained $1.88, or 2.8%, to close at $68.45. Brent recorded a 3% weekly increase, while WTI achieved a 2.2% gain over the week. September Brent contracts maintained approximately a $1.20 premium compared to October futures.The IEA indicated global oil markets might be more restricted than visible, with consumption bolstered by peak summer refinery operations supporting travel and electricity generation.US energy companies reduced oil and natural gas rig operations for an eleventh consecutive week, according to Baker Hughes. Such a prolonged reduction hadn’t occurred since July 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic’s impact on fuel demand.Despite near-term market constraints, the IEA increased its supply growth predictions whilst reducing demand growth forecasts, suggesting a surplus situation.“OPEC+ will quickly and significantly turn up the oil tap. There is a threat of significant oversupply. In the short term, however, oil prices remain supported,” Commerzbank analysts told Reuters.Russian deputy prime minister Alexander Novak announced Russia would address its OPEC+ quota overproduction this year during August-September, supporting short-term price outlook.Near-term demand strength was evidenced by Saudi Arabia’s planned shipment of approximately 51 million barrels of crude oil to China in August, the largest such delivery in over two years.However, OPEC reduced its long-term global oil demand forecasts for 2026-2029, citing declining Chinese demand in its 2025 World Oil Outlook, released on Thursday.Trump had earlier told NBC News that he would deliver a “major statement” regarding Russia on Monday, providing no additional details. He also showed dissatisfaction with Russian President Vladimir Putin regarding the stalled progress in concluding the Ukraine conflict and Russia’s escalating attacks on Ukrainian urban areas.The European Commission plans to introduce a variable Russian oil price ceiling this week within a fresh sanctions proposal, while Russia said it possesses “good experience” in addressing obstacles.
Globular cluster M56 is a gorgeous object in Lyra the Lyre that anyone can observe with binoculars or a telescope.
M56 is a globular star cluster near Vega, easily found with basic stargazing equipment.
It’s magnitude 8.3 and spans 8 arcminutes across the sky.
Even small telescopes reveal the cluster’s central stars.
Larger telescopes (8 inches or more) show many more fainter stars.
Already high in the east an hour after sunset is the constellation Lyra the Lyre, easy to locate thanks to its brightest star, magnitude 0 Vega. Tonight, we’re looking southeast of this star at M56, an 8th-magnitude globular cluster in near the border of Lyra and Cygnus. In fact, one of the easiest ways to locate M56 is to slide 3.8° northwest of Beta (β) Cygni, the famous colorful double star Albireo. As this region is rising tonight after dark, M56 appears directly above Albireo.
M56 shines at magnitude 8.3 and spans about 8’ on the sky. Although it doesn’t have a particularly dense or bright core, it is still easy to spot and enjoy, even with beginner’s equipment. You should be able to see the inner 3’ visually, standing out amid the scattered stars of the background, which lies near the plane of the Milky Way. More advanced observers with larger scopes (8 inches or more) can pick up many more fainter stars farther from the core, as well as increase the number of suns visible in the center of the cluster.
Sunrise: 5:42 A.M. Sunset: 8:29 P.M. Moonrise: 10:05 P.M. Moonset: 7:17 A.M. Moon Phase: Waning gibbous (96%) *Times for sunrise, sunset, moonrise, and moonset are given in local time from 40° N 90° W. The Moon’s illumination is given at 12 P.M. local time from the same location.
For a look ahead at more upcoming sky events, check out our full Sky This Week column.
You Will Soon Be Able To Pay For Your Emirates Flight Ticket Through Crypto! (Image: Canva)
Emirates Airlines is all ready to introduce a new payment option which will allow its customers to pay for their Emirates flight ticket through crypto. The Dubai-based airline has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Crypto.com, a leading digital currency platform, to integrate cryptocurrency payments into its services. This initiative aims to enhance customer convenience by enabling payments for flight bookings, upgrades, and even duty-free purchases through digital wallets.
A Step Towards Digital Finance
The partnership with Crypto.com marks a significant step for Emirates as it aims to cater to the growing demand for flexible payment options among tech-savvy travellers. The MoU was signed in a ceremony attended by UAE royalty and executives from both Emirates and Crypto.com, emphasising the importance of this collaboration in the context of Dubai’s ambition to become a global hub for digital finance.
With this new payment option, Emirates is positioning itself to meet the needs of younger customers who prefer seamless, secure, and efficient payment methods. The integration of cryptocurrency into Emirates’ digital payment system promises to streamline transactions and potentially reduce fees associated with traditional banking methods.
Dubai’s Commitment To Cryptocurrency
Dubai has been proactive in embracing cryptocurrency, with various sectors already accepting digital currencies for transactions. From purchasing property to settling utility bills, the city has laid the groundwork for a robust digital economy. The inclusion of Emirates Airlines in this trend further solidifies Dubai’s status as a leader in the digital finance space.
Other airlines, such as Air Arabia, have also begun to accept cryptocurrency payments, indicating a shift in the aviation industry towards adopting innovative payment solutions. This trend reflects a broader movement in the UAE to enhance customer experience and attract a new generation of travellers.
The introduction of cryptocurrency payments is not just about keeping up with trends; it is a strategic decision aimed at improving customer experience. Travellers will benefit from faster international transactions and lower transaction fees, making travel more accessible. Furthermore, the partnership with Crypto.com could lead to additional perks, such as loyalty points or NFT boarding passes, enhancing the overall travel experience.
Watch the Skies Out now With the return of all things Y2K in fashion and music, it makes sense that the turn of the millennium fascination with little green men would likewise be back in vogue. But this sci-fi about a teenager teaming up with an agency that investigates paranormal phenomena is notable for its futuristic qualities too: it uses AI dubbing technology to create an English-language film from the Swedish original.
Superman Out now Superman is dead, long live Superman: wave goodbye to handsome hunk Henry Cavill’s stint as the man of steel and say hello to the new era of equally handsome hunk David Corenswet, a veteran of two Ryan Murphy series on Netflix. At the helm of this reboot is James Gunn, the director behind diverse entertainments including Slither and Guardians of the Galaxy.
Michael Haneke Retrospective Various venues nationwide; to 30 July The Austrian director is known for making films that are often kind of a bummer, but also bona fide masterpieces. Following a major season at BFI Southbank, Haneke films are being programmed in cinemas across the country this summer, so check out your local listings for the chance to see the likes of Funny Games and the Palme d’Or-winners The White Ribbon and Amour on the big screen.
Nine Queens Out now The nine queens of the title refers to a sheet of rare stamps, which a pair of hustlers (Ricardo Darín, Gastón Pauls) attempt to palm off on a wealthy collector in this new 4K rerelease of the award-winning 2000 Argentinian classic crime drama, directed by Fabián Bielinsky. Catherine Bray
Going out: Gigs
Hitting it for sax … Emma Rawicz. Photograph: Gregor Hohenberg
Emma Rawicz Jazz at the Palace, Buxton, 12 July Buxton’s two-week arts festival features some generous jazz programming – covering the music’s variations all over the world, and including a centenary celebration for late great pianist Oscar Peterson. Powerful and lyrical young UK saxophonist Emma Rawicz is an early highlight, with her A-list quartet including pianist Elliot Galvin. John Fordham
Leon Bridges 18 to 24 July; tour starts London Armed with an extraordinary voice, the Texan singer-songwriter’s 70s-indebted soul music really comes to life on stage. Playing some of his biggest venues in the UK, expect songs from last year’s Leon album, as well as breakthrough debut Coming Home, which just celebrated its 10th anniversary. Michael Cragg
Lost Minds festival Exhibition Park, Newcastle, 12 July Headlined by Horny in Jericho hitmakers and happy hardcore legends Scooter, the electronic dance music festival returns to Newcastle for its fourth year. Joining the German quartet on the lineup are DJs from the veteran Cream label and Bristol trance DJ and producer Ben Nicky. MC
First Night of the Proms Royal Albert Hall, London, 18 July Although there are some real treats to come later in this year’s season, the opening concert is distinctly run-of-the-mill. Sakari Oramo’s programme with the BBC Symphony Orchestra and its Chorus has one relative rarity – Vaughan Williams’ Sancta Civitas – but despite the premiere of The Elements, a BBC commission from Errollyn Wallen, the highlight is likely to be Lisa Batiashvili’s performance of Sibelius’s Violin Concerto. Andrew Clements
Going out: Art
Different strokes … Lubaina Himid’s Try Out a Few of Them. Photograph: richierobs@mac.com/Hollybush Gardens/ Greene NaMali/ Gavin Renshaw.
Lubaina Himid with Magda Stawarska Kettle’s Yard, Cambridge, to 2 November Jim Ede’s unique and poetic art collection in his house, Kettle’s Yard, includes works by the early 20th-century modernist Sophie Brzeska along with her lover Henri Gaudier-Brzeska. She is the focus of an installation by Himid and Stawarska in an exhibition that also includes Himid’s witty paintings.
The Power of Drawing Royal Drawing School, London, to 26 July You don’t often see Tracey Emin and King Charles III in the same exhibition but they both love drawing – and the king has done a lot to nurture it with the Drawing School he founded 25 years ago. Others in this celebratory show include Tim Burton, David Hockney and Es Devlin.
Victoria Morton Reid Gallery, Glasgow School of Art, to 9 August It’s 30 years since Morton graduated from Glasgow School of Art; this show marks the occasion with a tour of her achievements in painting, sculpture, photography and more. Her best works are her seductive abstract paintings that flow and seem to melt before your eyes in wild and convulsive colours.
Duane Linklater Camden Art Centre, London, to 21 September This Omaskêko Ininiwak artist from North Bay, Ontario questions ownership of cultural treasures, explores memory and portrays identity in installations partly created with his son Tobias Linklater, while incorporating objects created by his grandmother Ethel (Trapper) Linklater that have been borrowed from a museum. It’s an exhibition haunted by colonialism. Jonathan Jones
Going out: Stage
The chairman … Frank Skinner. Photograph: Michael Wharley/The Observer
Comedy at the Castle Powderham, Devon, Friday & 19 July Once the preserve of grotty clubs and rowdy pubs, nowadays it’s possible to see standup in the most bucolic and picturesque of settings. This event showcases big stars – Frank Skinner, Joel Dommett, Russell Kane, Jen Brister – in the magnificent surroundings of Powderham castle, which dates back to the 14th century. Rachel Aroesti
London City Ballet Blackpool Grand Theatre, 12 July; Grange Park Opera, Surrey, 13 July (excerpts only), then touring Last year, London City Ballet was triumphantly revived after an almost 30-year hiatus, with a remit to be a modern ballet company dancing new works and forgotten classics. This second season’s rep includes a revival of a lost George Balanchine work, and a piece by Alexei Ratmansky. Lyndsey Winship
Sing Street Lyric Hammersmith, London, to 23 August Enda Walsh did a stunning job adapting John Carney’s film Once for the stage – and now he’s tackling the charming coming-of-age film Sing Street. Set in 80s Dublin, it’s about a 16-year-old lad who starts up a band to impress a girl. Miriam Gillinson
Grace Pervades Theatre Royal Bath, to 19 July Ralph Fiennes’ season of work kicks off with a David Hare premiere. Directed by Jeremy Herrin, the play tells the story of Victorian stage stars Henry Irving and Ellen Terry, and their troubled but talented children. Starring Ralph Fiennes and Miranda Raison. MG
skip past newsletter promotion
after newsletter promotion
Staying in: Streaming
What a novel idea … Bookish. Photograph: UKTV
Bookish U&Originals, Wednesday, 8pm Scratch that Sherlock itch with Mark Gatiss’s new cosy, brainteasery detective series. He plays Gabriel Book, a bookshop owner (naturally) who assists police with “the fiddly bits” in 1940s London – and also happens to be a gay man married to his best pal (Polly Walker).
Mix Tape BBC Two & iPlayer, Tuesday, 9pm Adaptations of books themed around thwarted young love are TV catnip (see: Normal People, One Day). This dramatisation of Jane Sanderson’s 2020 novel about Dan (Jim Sturgess) and Alison (Teresa Palmer), who reconnect after a teenage tryst in 1980s Sheffield, mines similar appeal with its blend of sweetness, mystery and nostalgia.
The Institute MGM+, 13 July Available within the Prime Video platform, MGM+ will be hoping this adaptation of Stephen King’s 2019 novel about genius kids who are forcibly institutionalised – apparently for the global good – gets eyeballs on its streaming service. Newcomer Joe Freeman plays the suspicious teen protagonist, and Weeds’ Mary-Louise Parker is the organisation’s creepy head.
Untamed Netflix, Thursday Eric Bana and Sam Neill join forces for this murder mystery with a truly awesome setting, created by father-daughter writing team Elle and Mark L Smith (The Revenant). When a body is found in Yosemite national park, Bana’s special agent investigates – but is soon confronted by the frightening contours of his own past. RA
Staying in: Games
Going ape … Donkey Kong Bananza. Illustration: Nintendo
Donkey Kong Bananza Out 17 July; Switch 2 The first Donkey Kong game for a decade sees our primate protagonist smashing his way through a sprawling underground lair while hunting for stolen treasure. A gorgeous 3D world and lots of side quests make this a Switch 2 must-have.
Shadow Labyrinth Out 18 July; PC, Switch 1/2, Xbox, PS5 Namco has reimagined Pac-Man hundreds of times over the past 40 years, but this might be the most fascinating example: a dark 2D action platformer in which you navigate a maze-like world, consuming enemies and taking their powers. No cute ghosts and sparkly cherries this time round … Keith Stuart
Staying in: Albums
Claws for concern … Wet Leg.
Wet Leg – Moisturizer Out now Now expanded to a five-piece, The Isle of Wight’s finest return with this follow-up to 2022’s self-titled breakthrough. More muscular than its predecessor, but no less playful, Moisturizer features the pogoing post-punk of Catch These Fists and the skewed indie shuffle of recent single Davina McCall.
Burna Boy – No Sign of Weakness Out now The Grammy-winning Nigerian superstar, fresh from collaborations with the likes of Coldplay and 21 Savage, offers up more of his musical eclecticism on this eighth album. While the heartfelt Sweet Love rides a sun-kissed reggae lilt, TaTaTa, which features Travis Scott, is a heaving fusion of Afrobeats and rap.
Gwenno – Utopia Out now On this fourth album from Gwenno Saunders, the follow-up to 2022’s Mercury-nominated album, the Cornish-language Tresor, the Welsh singer-songwriter sings mostly in English for the first time. As cinematic and sonically rich as ever, songs such as Dancing On Volcanoes showcase Saunders’ melodic sensibilities.
Clipse – Let God Sort Em Out Out now Sixteen years after their last album, the Virginia rap duo, AKA Pusha T and Malice, return as if no time has passed. As with their 2006 classic Hell Hath No Fury, Let God Sort Em Out features Pharrell in the producer’s chair, with single Ace Trumpets built around a skeletal, head-knocking beat. MC
Staying in:Brain food
Art attack … Baumgartner Restoration.
Baumgartner Restoration YouTube The Chicago-based fine art restorers produce in-depth videos that are part art history explainer and part ASMR accounts of soothing brushwork. Learn how decades of damage is miraculously removed, as well as how previous restorations went wrong.
There’s a Lot I Haven’t Asked Podcast This moving new series by actor Hannah Donelan tells the story of Irish migrants to Manchester throughout the 20th century. First-hand testimony explores diaspora identity in the north and the legacy of the Troubles.
Apocalypse in the Tropics 14 July, Netflix A fascinating film looking at the increasing influence of Christian televangelist leaders in Brazil. Speaking to both President Lula and former president Bolsonaro, it shows how rightwing politics are being manipulated by powerful church leaders. Ammar Kalia
Lentils are mostly unaffected by tariffs and remain a budget-friendly option because the U.S. grows more than it needs.
Lentils are good for the planet since they use little water and don’t harm the environment the way meat does.
Lentils are packed with fiber and iron and can help you feel full and energized.
The many health benefits of eating a plant-forward diet is just one reason to up your consumption of lentils, but since the nutrient-dense legumes are also an eco-friendly crop that is relatively unaffected by the ongoing U.S. tariffs, they’re an excellent alternative to foods like red meat and poultry.
Why Lentil Prices Remain Low
The United States is one of the world’s top exporters of lentils, regularly maintaining production levels that exceed domestic demand. According to the United States Department of Agriculture, U.S. exports of lentils increased in 2023 and 2024, and those numbers are expected to continue to rise over the next couple of years—a forecast that reflects the recent sharp rise in lentil production in Montana (73%) and North Dakota (83%) and increased planted lentil acreage.
Under this trend, consumers can expect to continue to see low prices on a variety of lentil types grown in these states, including the popular and versatile green lentil and the lesser-known black beluga lentil. However, the dynamic nature of the tariff wars (political and economic-based conflicts that have led to the imposition of taxes on imports) leaves the potential for an increase in prices on imported lentils—notably red and brown varieties—from countries including Canada and India.
Why Lentils Are an Environmentally Friendly Choice
As global demand for food rises in response to the world’s growing population, it’s becoming ever-evident that current agricultural systems are not sustainable and require scientists, farmers and consumers to look to alternatives to help meet demand without doing further damage to the earth’s already burdened resources. Modifying diets to focus more heavily on eco-friendly plant foods is a promising route and one that is quickly gaining traction.
While not true across all crops, most have a significantly lesser negative impact on the environment than animal agriculture as they have lower land and water footprints. Tulane University research points to beef as a primary contributor to greenhouse gas emissions, which can be up to 10 times more than beans. For example, lentils are a drought-tolerant crop that does not require irrigation and can grow with just 10 inches of annual rainfall—water categorized as “green water” that is stored in the soil and absorbed by plant roots. In comparison, just one pound of conventionally produced beef requires an average of 1,800 gallons of “blue water”—the same water consumed by humans that is sourced from rivers, lakes, aquifers and reservoirs—placing a strain on reserves, especially in drought-prone areas.
The Health Benefits of Lentils
Lentils are a nutrient-dense food that boasts many health benefits. For instance, lentils are a good source of protein, delivering approximately 18% of the Daily Value for protein, making them an excellent plant-based alternative. Here are even more reasons that lentils are a healthy option.
Lentils promote healthy digestion. Lentils are high in fiber, which aids in healthy digestion by promoting regular bowel movements and preventing constipation.
Lentils help increase satiety. The fiber and protein content in lentils slow down digestion, which in turn regulates your blood sugar levels and increases satiety, allowing you to feel fuller for longer and supporting a healthy weight.
Lentils support heart health. Another great benefit of fiber is that it helps promote low cholesterol levels, potentially preventing cardiovascular diseases, like heart attacks and strokes.
Lentils help reduce inflammation. Lentils are packed with polyphenols—plant compounds that have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects—that can help prevent chronic diseases such as diabetes and arthritis.
Lentils boost energy levels. Lentils are a good source of iron—an essential mineral that the body needs to create hemoglobin in red blood cells that carry oxygen throughout the body and assist with energy production. A 1-cup serving of lentils contains 6.5 mg of iron, which provides roughly 35 percent of the Daily Value for adults.
Our Expert Take
Lentils are an excellent alternative to consuming animal-sourced foods, and their versatility makes them easy to incorporate into daily diets. They have many health benefits, including promoting heart health and supporting weight management, and they can also help you feel full for longer, supporting weight management goals. Lentils also require a minimal amount of rainwater to grow, which means that they have a relatively low impact on the environment, especially when compared to animal agriculture. And when it comes to cost, domestically produced lentil prices are expected to remain low and safe from tariffs, making them a budget-friendly option.
