Jeff Baena, Aubrey Plaza’s Director Husband, Dead from Suicide

A number of bands, including The Last Dinner Party, Cliffords, and The Academic, withdrew from Portsmouth's Victorious festival after The Mary Wallopers claimed they were "cut off" for displaying a Palestinian flag. Festival organizers, who initially stated The Mary Wallopers faced repercussions for a "discriminatory" chant, later apologized and promised a substantial donation to humanitarian relief for Palestinians. Want More Context? 🔎

Actor Noel Clarke has lost his libel case against the Guardian, following allegations of sexual misconduct published by the newspaper in 2021. The judge dismissed Clarke's claim, ruling that the Guardian successfully defended its articles on the grounds of truth and public interest, which the paper's editor hailed as a victory for the women affected and a milestone for investigative journalism. Want More Context? 🔎

Richard Osman's Thursday Murder Club book series has sold over 10 million copies and broken UK sales records, with a fifth installment set for release this autumn. In a Netflix adaptation of the first book, Pierce Brosnan, who plays the character Ron, expresses his nerves about audience expectations and initially imagined another actor for the role. Want More Context? 🔎

Three previously unknown oil paintings attributed to avant-garde artist Kazimir Malevich are on display at Bucharest's National Museum of Contemporary Art, potentially valued over £100 million. However, skepticism surrounds their authenticity due to incomplete provenance records, as noted by art historian Konstantin Akinsha, while the museum remains silent on the matter. Want More Context? 🔎

Video essayist USELESS REVIEWS argues that seemingly boring protagonists enhance storytelling by allowing the surrounding characters and world to shine, exemplified by Jim Halpert from The Office, whose subtle reactions reveal deeper truths amidst chaos. The video explores how these understated heroes can be crucial to making a narrative memorable by being intentionally forgettable. Want More Context? 🔎

This week's retro trailer highlights the 1987 post-apocalyptic martial arts film Steel Dawn, featuring Patrick Swayze as Nomad, a wandering warrior caught in a conflict between a farming settlement and a ruthless warlord over a vital water source. The film uniquely blends ‘80s action, spaghetti westerns, and samurai influences, showcasing Swayze's martial prowess and philosophical musings amidst bizarre characters and surreal aesthetics. Want More Context? 🔎