Rising star Paul Mescal dishes on his latest project, The History of Sound, a tender gay romance co-starring Josh O’Connor, during an interview at Cannes. Fresh from an Oscar nod and Gladiator 2, Mescal opens up about forging that elusive on-screen spark with O’Connor, while director Oliver Hermanus shares his vision for the film. It’s a peek behind the curtain of one of the festival’s most anticipated dramas.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just another red carpet chat—it’s about how two of today’s most compelling actors bring depth to a love story that could resonate far beyond Cannes. With LGBTQ+ representation still a hot-button issue in cinema, a project like this, led by talent at the top of their game, signals where thoughtful storytelling is headed. Plus, for fans of Mescal and O’Connor, it’s a chance to see them push into new emotional territory.

A maternity hospital had to quickly evacuate pregnant patients and newborns after a major fire broke out. Staff, including midwives, helped move everyone safely outside—no reports of injuries, but definitely a scary situation for families during what should be a calm, protected time.

Editor’s Note: Hospital fires are rare but terrifying—especially in maternity wards where vulnerable patients can’t easily evacuate. This incident highlights both the risks in healthcare facilities and the importance of emergency preparedness. For expecting parents, it’s a reminder to ask about safety protocols when choosing where to deliver.

A fire broke out at St Michael’s maternity hospital in Bristol on Thursday afternoon, prompting an emergency response. Firefighters quickly contained the blaze, and the hospital reopened by 7pm. The cause of the fire isn’t yet known, but an investigation is underway.

Editor’s Note: Fires in hospitals—especially maternity wards—are particularly alarming because vulnerable patients, including newborns and new mothers, could be at risk. While no injuries were reported here, it’s a reminder of how critical fire safety measures are in healthcare settings. The fact that the hospital reopened quickly suggests the damage wasn’t severe, but people will want answers about how this happened in the first place.

Teachers and doctors in England are getting a 4% pay bump, but it's not all good news—nurses, midwives, and other NHS staff are only getting 3.6%, and health unions are furious about the disparity.

Editor’s Note: Pay rises in the public sector are always a tricky balancing act, but this decision has sparked fresh tensions. While teachers and doctors might feel somewhat relieved, the smaller increase for nurses and midwives—who've been at the forefront of NHS pressures—feels like a slap in the face to many. It’s not just about the money; it’s about recognition, and this move risks deepening morale problems in an already strained health system.

The UK government is preparing for possible strikes across the NHS as doctors slam this year’s pay increase of up to 5.4% as insultingly low, with some threatening walkouts. Meanwhile, teachers are also frustrated—their 4% raise will partly come from school budgets, leaving unions fuming. It’s shaping up to be a messy summer for public sector pay disputes.

Editor’s Note: When frontline workers like doctors and teachers feel undervalued, it doesn’t just hurt morale—it risks disrupting vital services millions rely on. This isn’t just about numbers on a paycheck; it’s a flashpoint in the wider struggle over fair wages amid soaring living costs. If strikes go ahead, expect longer hospital waits and classroom chaos, piling pressure on a government already under fire.

Sarah Thyer, a patient in Wales, had to fork out £8,000 for hip surgery in Lithuania after being told she’d face a two-year wait on the NHS. This comes as the first minister’s pledge to cut waiting times falls short, leaving many frustrated with the state of healthcare.

Editor’s Note: When people are forced to pay for treatment abroad because of long NHS waits, it’s a clear sign the system is struggling. This isn’t just about one patient—it’s a symptom of a bigger problem with underfunding and delays that affects thousands. If promises on healthcare aren’t kept, public trust takes a hit, and ordinary people pay the price—literally.

Researchers are pushing for the NHS to offer extra cancer scans for women with dense breast tissue, arguing that standard mammograms often miss tumors in these cases. Their findings suggest that specialized scans could catch three times as many cancers, potentially saving lives through earlier detection.

Editor’s Note: Breast density isn't just about size—it can hide tumors on regular mammograms, leaving some women at higher risk without knowing it. If the NHS adopts these tailored scans, it could close a dangerous gap in early diagnosis, making cancer screenings far more effective for thousands. It’s a practical upgrade with life-saving potential.

A new study by the Institute for Fiscal Studies (IFS) found that Sure Start centres—a New Labour-era program—delivered £2 in savings for every £1 spent, thanks to long-term health and education benefits for kids. Experts are now urging the government to reconsider these kinds of services as cost-effective investments, not just expenses.

Editor’s Note: Sure Start centres were controversial when they launched, but this research shows they actually saved money in the long run by improving kids' outcomes. With budgets tight, it’s a reminder that cutting social programs might look good on paper but can end up costing more down the line. A win for evidence-based policy—if anyone’s listening.