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Ryan Reynolds on Wrexham promotion: This is the ride of our lives

Ryan Reynolds on Wrexham promotion: This is the ride of our lives

Hollywood actor Ryan Reynolds co-owns the club with Rob McElhenney

Ryan Reynolds has said that he and Rob McElhenney are having the “ride of our lives” following another Wrexham promotion.

The Deadpool star, 47, co-owns the club with fellow Hollywood actor McElhenney, who created It’s Always Sunny In Philadelphia.

They previously secured promotion to League Two last year, and a victory over Forest Green Rovers on Saturday means they will play in League One next season, as they cannot now finish below the top three automatic promotion places.

On X, formerly Twitter, Reynolds wrote: “A few years ago, if you told me I would be crying tears of joy over a football match taking place in North Wales, you would be Rob McElhenney. Congrats to Wrexham and to my co-chairman in crime. Double up the town! This is the ride of our lives.”

Reacting to the Welsh team beating Forest Green 6-0, McElhenney wrote on social media site X saying: “No words” along with a heart emoji.

Since McElhenney and Reynolds’ takeover in February 2021, they have contributed to worldwide attention for the team.

The FX documentary show Welcome To Wrexham, which has had two seasons with a third series to air in May, has earned five Emmys including outstanding unstructured reality programme.

In 2022, McElhenney and Reynolds were honoured by the Welsh Government, the Football Association of Wales, and S4C for promoting the country and its language with the Dragon Award.

The football club has also seen recent royal visits from the Prince of Wales and the King and Queen, following the actors becoming owners.

Lib Dem proposes London-owned developer to help solve capital’s housing crisis

Lib Dem proposes London-owned developer to help solve capital’s housing crisis

Mayoral candidate Rob Blackie believes a ‘London Housing Company’ could help ‘fill in the gaps’ left by the private market

Plans for a London-owned developer to solve the capital’s housing crisis have been set out by the Liberal Democrat mayoral candidate. The party’s City Hall contender Rob Blackie said a ‘London Housing Company’ would “fill in the gaps” left by the private market, with a particular focus on publicly-owned land and setting conditions to prioritise homes for key workers.

Any profits will be reinvested into delivering more homes, the candidate pledged. He has also promised to establish a ‘Good Developer’ accreditation scheme, which would only be awarded to developers that “engage properly with local communities” and deliver “good-quality projects in line with the community’s expectations”.

Mr Blackie said: “Londoners are facing a dramatic housing crisis. When Sadiq Khan boasts of his record on housing, people must think he is deluded.
“We need to build dramatically more homes… I talked to a teenager recently who has spent three years living in temporary accommodation and was running out of hope. Young people more broadly are spending more than half their salary on rent and families are seeing their mortgages soar.
“We need more than special pleading to the government on house-building. We need leadership. I will be a pro-housing mayor and get London building again.”

Similar plans for a City Hall-owned developer have been looked at by Mr Khan. The Labour mayor told Inside Housing in May last year: “Tom [Copley, deputy mayor for housing] and I commissioned Lord Bob Kerslake to look into a number of issues in relation to how we can maximise housing supply in London.
“Lord Kerslake came up with an idea of a City Hall developer, and Tom’s been working on the infancy of that.”
Mr Copley added: “The initial stage is expanding on the work that City Hall’s already doing in the space of development, and in the next mayoral term we’ll be looking to pilot direct delivery through a City Hall developer.”
Mr Khan’s re-election campaign website lists ‘record affordable housebuilding’ as one of his top 20 achievements. It says: “There’s more to do, but on Sadiq’s watch overall housebuilding in London has reached levels not seen since the 1930s, with a record-breaking 25,000 genuinely affordable homes delivered in the last year alone.”
On council homes specifically, it adds: “More council homes are now being built under Sadiq than at any time since the 1970s, with a tenfold increase since Labour took back City Hall.”

Mr Blackie has separately promised to review the London Plan – a policy document outlining the capital’s future development – to be “more ambitious” on home-building targets.
In addition, he has said he would work with London’s local authorities to increase the number of brownfield sites allocated for development, particularly near transport hubs.

Scientists Solve Mystery of Star Pair with a Million-Year Age Gap

Scientists Solve Mystery of Star Pair with a Million-Year Age Gap

Researchers discover violent past and merging stars explain strange age difference.

A team of scientists has uncovered the reason behind a unique star system, HD 148937, where two stars have a remarkable age gap of over a million years. Normally, stars in a binary system are very similar in age, but in this case, one of the stars is about 1.4 million years older than the other.

The researchers believe the unusual age difference can be traced to a violent past involving a third star. According to the team, HD 148937 originally consisted of three stars. Two of these stars were in close orbit, and a third star was much more distant. At some point, the two closer stars collided and merged, creating a nebula — a cloud of gas and dust — around the newly formed star. This violent collision, which likely happened about 2.6 million years ago, resulted in the younger star becoming magnetic, unlike its older companion.

This merger not only explains the age discrepancy but also sheds light on the formation of magnetic fields in massive stars, which are typically difficult to maintain. While magnetic fields are common in lower-mass stars like the Sun, they are much rarer in more massive stars. The discovery that this phenomenon can occur as a result of a stellar merger provides new insights into the behavior of such stars.

The scientists, led by Hugues Sana of KU Leuven in Belgium, believe that the merger of the two inner stars created a magnetic star, and the more distant star then formed a new orbit with the magnetic star, resulting in the binary system we observe today.

Dr. Abigail Frost, an astronomer at the European Southern Observatory (ESO), noted that the rarity of a nebula surrounding two massive stars made them suspect that something unusual had happened in this system. The magnetic field in one of the stars is particularly intriguing because such fields typically don’t last long in massive stars. This suggests that the scientists have captured this rare event shortly after it occurred, providing direct evidence of the formation of magnetic fields in massive stars following a stellar merger.

This research, based on nine years of data from ESO’s Very Large Telescope Interferometer (VLTI) in Chile, provides valuable insights into stellar evolution, especially in systems with high-mass stars. The study helps explain not only the age gap between the stars in HD 148937 but also contributes to understanding the complex processes that shape the characteristics of massive stars.

Yinka Shonibare: “I Think It’s Fundamental That Art Can Be a Space for Reflection”

Yinka Shonibare: “I Think It’s Fundamental That Art Can Be a Space for Reflection”

British Nigerian artist explores themes of power, conflict, and refuge in his new solo exhibition at the Serpentine South Gallery.

Yinka Shonibare, the British Nigerian artist renowned for his iconic Nelson’s Ship In A Bottle installation on Trafalgar Square’s Fourth Plinth, is launching a solo exhibition at the Serpentine South Gallery. Titled Suspended States, the exhibition, running from April 12 to September 1, marks his first major show in a London public institution in over 20 years.

In a recent interview, Shonibare emphasized the importance of art as a space for reflection, especially in today’s fast-paced, social media-driven world. He believes that art can provide a much-needed pause for society to consider deeper issues, saying, “It’s fundamental that art can be a space that gives that opportunity for reflection.”

The exhibition features new and recent works exploring critical global themes. These include the impact of colonialism on ecology, the legacy of imperialism in conflict and peacebuilding efforts, and debates surrounding public statues. Among the standout pieces are two major installations: Sanctuary City, which represents places of refuge for persecuted and vulnerable groups through miniature buildings, and The War Library, a collection of 5,000 books bound in Dutch wax print symbolizing global conflicts and peace treaties.

Shonibare reflects on the urgency of addressing issues like war, refugees, homelessness, and environmental degradation, which are central to the exhibition. “The work really does tackle some of the pressing issues of our time,” he stated, underscoring the relevance of his art in today’s turbulent world.

This exhibition also marks a significant return for Shonibare, who first exhibited at Serpentine South in 1992 and participated in the gallery’s 2006 Interview Marathon. His work continues to provoke thought and conversation around urgent societal issues.

Simon Harris Brings New Faces into Cabinet in Reshuffle

Simon Harris Brings New Faces into Cabinet in Reshuffle

Ireland’s youngest Taoiseach fills Cabinet vacancies, appointing new ministers for enterprise and further education.

Simon Harris, Ireland’s youngest Taoiseach, completed his first task after assuming office by filling key Cabinet vacancies. The Fine Gael leader appointed Peter Burke, the former Minister of State for European Affairs, to the role of Minister for Enterprise. Patrick O’Donovan, previously Minister of State for the Office of Public Works, was promoted to Minister for Further and Higher Education.

In addition to these new appointments, other ministers, including Helen McEntee (Justice), Paschal Donohoe (Finance), and Heather Humphreys (Social Protection), retained their positions. Harris’s reshuffle is seen as an effort to infuse new energy into the government, just ahead of a general election expected next year.

Harris’s election as Taoiseach, following the resignation of Leo Varadkar, was supported by a majority in parliament. The reshuffle also saw Hildegarde Naughton remain as Government Chief Whip and take on the role of Minister of State for Special Education, while Jennifer Carroll MacNeill filled the Minister of State for European Affairs vacancy.

Harris emphasized his commitment to addressing Ireland’s housing crisis, improving healthcare, and promoting social equality during his inaugural speech as Taoiseach. However, his leadership is already facing criticism from opposition leaders, with Sinn Féin’s Mary Lou McDonald calling for a general election.

Ads for British Diamond Firm Banned for Misleading ‘Real’ Claims

Ads for British Diamond Firm Banned for Misleading ‘Real’ Claims

Skydiamond’s ads were deemed misleading for failing to disclose that their diamonds are synthetic, not natural.

The Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) has banned ads for Skydiamond, a British diamond manufacturer, for misleading consumers by not clearly indicating that their diamonds are synthetic. The ads, which appeared on social media and the company’s website, included phrases such as “Say hello to the world’s first and only diamond made entirely from the sky” and described their process as turning atmospheric carbon into diamonds. However, the ASA determined that these ads gave the impression that the diamonds were naturally occurring, rather than laboratory-created.

The ads claimed the diamonds were “real” without clarifying that they were synthetic, leading to complaints from the Natural Diamond Council. The ASA ruled that the wording of the ads failed to provide the necessary distinction between natural and synthetic diamonds, which is crucial for many consumers when making purchasing decisions.

Although Skydiamond argued that the ads were clear in stating that their diamonds were not mined from the earth, the ASA emphasized that the term “diamond” on its own is typically understood to refer to naturally occurring minerals. The ASA concluded that the omission of the term “synthetic” or “lab-grown” misled consumers about the nature of the product. The firm has been instructed to avoid using terms like “real diamonds” for synthetic diamonds in the future.

Kidney Transplant Patients to Get ‘Double Matched Blood’ to Avoid Rejection

Kidney Transplant Patients to Get ‘Double Matched Blood’ to Avoid Rejection

A new initiative aims to reduce transplant rejection risks by matching both blood type and white blood cells for kidney patients.

In an effort to reduce the chances of kidney transplant rejection, scientists are introducing a new approach where blood donations for kidney transplant patients will be matched not only by blood type but also by white blood cells. This “double matching” method is part of a six-month pilot program at Hammersmith Hospital in London, which, if successful, could be expanded nationwide.

Kidney transplant patients often require blood transfusions before or after their surgery, with about two in five patients needing such support. However, these transfusions can cause patients to develop antibodies, which can target the newly transplanted kidney, increasing the risk of rejection. To prevent this, NHS Blood and Transplant (NHSBT) will match blood to the patient’s white blood cell type, or HLA type, which plays a crucial role in the immune system’s response to foreign tissue.

Dr. Colin Brown, a clinical scientist with NHSBT, explained that this new method aims to avoid the sensitization that can make future transplants more difficult. He hopes that, if successful, this initiative could save up to 100 kidney transplants each year.

For individuals like Gemma Louis, who has faced an extended wait for a transplant due to sensitization from previous blood transfusions, the new approach provides hope. Similarly, Alisha Gorkani, who has spent years waiting for a kidney transplant due to antibodies from previous transfusions and a past transplant, also sees the potential benefits of this new matching method.

With nearly 6,000 people currently waiting for kidney transplants in the UK, this initiative is seen as a crucial step in improving outcomes for those on the transplant list.

Lib Dems Call for Creation of National Special Needs Agency

Lib Dems Call for Creation of National Special Needs Agency

Sir Ed Davey says a national body is needed to end the ‘postcode lottery’ for SEND support.

The Liberal Democrats are calling for the establishment of a national agency to support children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), aimed at ending what they describe as a “postcode lottery” in the provision of care and support.

Sir Ed Davey, leader of the Liberal Democrats, emphasized the need for a new national body that would allocate extra funding based on each child’s individual needs, ensuring that children across the UK receive consistent and effective support. The new agency would cover any costs above a specified threshold, aiming to address the current disparities between regions in SEND provision.

Sir Ed, who personally experiences the challenges of supporting a disabled child, stated that the current system is unacceptable, with many parents struggling to get the necessary resources and facing long delays. He also called for the government to reduce the £6,000 that schools are currently required to pay towards additional SEND support, suggesting that this financial burden discourages early identification and support for children’s needs.

The call for a national SEND agency comes amid growing concerns over underfunding in both education and local government, with Sir Ed criticizing the Conservative government for failing to address these issues. He warned that urgent action is needed to ensure all children can access the tailored learning and care they require.

Activists Call on Barclays to Close ‘Fracking Loophole’ in Energy Finance Policy

Activists Call on Barclays to Close ‘Fracking Loophole’ in Energy Finance Policy

Campaigners urge the bank to strengthen its climate policy by eliminating exceptions for fracking companies.

Campaigners are calling on Barclays to close what they see as a “loophole” in its energy policy that allows the financing of fracking companies, despite the bank’s commitment to decarbonise and reduce its support for fossil fuels.

The UK’s largest bank amended its climate change statement in February, pledging to focus capital on supporting energy companies in their transition to decarbonisation. Barclays announced that it would no longer finance new oil and gas projects and would limit funding to “pureplay” companies—those focusing exclusively on fossil fuel extraction. However, the bank’s policy still contains exemptions for short-term projects, such as fracking, which campaigners argue continue to harm the environment.

ShareAction, a responsible investment charity, pointed out that the bank’s energy policy does not fully exclude financing fracking companies, many of which are short-term extractors. According to ShareAction, fracking made up 57% of Barclays’ financing to pureplay companies between 2021-2022, with this figure rising to 80% in 2022 alone.

Despite restrictions placed on fracking financing in the UK and Europe, where the practice is largely banned, Barclays continues to finance fracking firms in the US, where the practice remains legal. Critics argue that this stance places Barclays out of step with other banks like HSBC and BNP Paribas, which have already restricted financing for fracking in both North America and Europe.

Barclays argues that fracking projects have a short lifecycle and that the bank’s financing aims to support current energy needs while clean energy sources are scaled up. The bank has committed to providing one trillion dollars in Sustainable and Transition Finance by 2030 and has reduced its financed emissions for the energy sector by 44% since 2020.

However, ShareAction maintains that Barclays must go further in its efforts to curb support for fossil fuel extraction, urging the bank’s shareholders to demand stronger commitments to exclude financing for fracking projects worldwide. The charity says Barclays must align its policies with other major banks that have already committed to ending support for fracking, which continues to harm the environment, destroy habitats, and contribute to climate change.

Zayn Malik Reflects on How Being a ‘Very Northern Man’ Shaped His Life and Career

Zayn Malik Reflects on How Being a ‘Very Northern Man’ Shaped His Life and Career

Northern Roots Influence Zayn’s Identity and Career Decisions

Zayn Malik, former One Direction star, has opened up about how his northern roots in Bradford, West Yorkshire, have influenced both his life and career. The 31-year-old singer, who gained fame as part of the boy band before launching a successful solo career, shared insights into how his upbringing shaped his personality and decision-making.

Speaking to The Big Issue, Malik explained that moving from Bradford to London revealed to him just how much his northern background had shaped his identity. He recalled being introduced to various new characters in London but quickly realizing that his personality remained firmly rooted in his northern upbringing. “I’m a very northern man,” Malik said. “That heavily influences my personality and decision-making on a daily basis.”

Although he has lived in America for nearly a decade, Malik remains deeply connected to his hometown. He was recently appointed as the ambassador for Bradford City of Culture 2025, a role that will see him participate in several city-wide initiatives celebrating Bradford’s culture. This comes as part of his effort to give back to the community that shaped him.

Malik also reflected on his childhood ambitions, revealing that his original drive to succeed was to provide a better life for his parents. “We lived in a rented property our whole upbringing and I wanted to give them a better quality of living,” he said. By the age of 17 or 18, Malik’s aspirations expanded beyond just improving his family’s life—he was determined to forge his own path and experience the world.

Looking ahead, Malik is preparing to release his fourth studio album Room Under The Stairs on May 17, which he described as offering a deeper insight into his evolving identity. His new single, “What I Am,” reflects on personal growth, with Malik explaining that the track is about how he approaches life, embracing the transformation he’s gone through as a man.

In the same Big Issue interview, Malik has also highlighted the voices of other Bradfordians, including magician Dynamo, producer and artist Nia Archives, and various local figures like teachers, school students, and an NHS nurse, to emphasize how Bradford has influenced their lives as well.

Malik’s ongoing connection to Bradford, despite his global success, showcases the enduring impact of his northern heritage on both his personal and professional journey.