FIRST-time parenting is exhausting – but Cherelle Mukoko, from south London, was crippled by anxiety and dark doubts about whether she had made a mistake with her firstborn.
Her once active life felt so far away as she cared for baby Zuri at home alone while her husband worked, saying: “It felt like I was constantly running on empty.”
Cherelle Mukoko felt like she was constantly running on empty while caring for her newborn baby ZuriCredit: SuppliedA cheap daily pill was a gamechangerCredit: Supplied
It wasn’t until she started taking a daily pill that her whole outlook changed, after it finally gave her the much needed sleep she’d been missing.
Cherelle’s experience is not unique, says Well pharmacist Wendy Lee, but that doesn’t mean new parents need to suffer.
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“The transition into becoming a new mum places an extraordinary load on both the body and mind,” says Wendy.
“Sleep deprivation alone is one of the biggest factors that impact mood regulation, concentration, and emotional resilience.
“When a mother is waking multiple times a night, often for months, the brain doesn’t get the chance to properly reset, which over time can lead to heightened anxiety, irritability, and a sense of overwhelm.”
Cherelle started taking magnesium on the advice of a medical professional and noticed a change overnight.
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“The results were phenomenal,” she says.
“I slept the best I’ve slept for years, solidly and deeply all night long.”
Research published in the journal BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies found that when insomnia sufferers took magnesium supplements they fell asleep an average of 17 minutes quicker.
And a study of 4,000 adults, published in the journal Sleep, linked an increased intake of magnesium to better sleep quality and duration.
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It’s not all that magnesium is good for – in fact, it’s involved in “over 300 enzymatic reactions in the body”, Dr Carrie Ruxton, dietitian from the Health & Food Supplements Information Service (HSIS), tells Sun Health.
But millions of us are deficient, she claims; One in five Brits in their 20s have low levels, as do half of women aged 11 to 18.
The NHS says that adult men need 300mg of magnesium per day and adult women need 270mg.
Although the NHS says most people should be able to get magnesium from food – such as green leafy veg, nuts and wholegrains – there are some groups who may benefit more than others from taking a magnesium supplement.
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This includes people with gut conditions like Crohn’s disease and IBS, and people taking medications like diuretics and antibiotics.
Dr Ruxton says “people with high stress levels, those who consume excessive amounts of alcohol or sugar, and those with a diet low in leafy greens, beans and pulses, nuts and seeds tend to be more at risk of inadequate magnesium levels”.
According to Dr Ruxton, in the early stages of magnesium deficiency someone might experience loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, fatigue or weakness.
“As things get worse, numbness, tingling, muscle contractions and cramps, seizures, personality changes, abnormal heart rhythms and heart spasms could set in,” she says.
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Sleep saviour
Cherelle started taking magnesium on the advice of a medical professionalCredit: Supplied
Cherelle was experiencing insomnia as a new mum but felt she was pushed beyond her physical and emotional limits.
Before kids, Cherelle had been incredibly active – waking at 6am to travel an hour just to run in Hyde Park.
But once she became the primary care-giver for her little one, Cherelle says: “I felt completely drained.
“The lack of sleep was overwhelming. I would wake up already exhausted, dreading the day because I just didn’t have the energy.
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“I was constantly on edge, always thinking about what I had to do next.
“My nervous system just wouldn’t switch off. Some nights I didn’t get any sleep at all.
“I was constantly on high alert, sleeping with one eye open to make sure nothing was going wrong.
“I started questioning everything, all my life decisions. Was I truly cut out to be a mum? Had I made a terrible mistake?
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“I’d wanted children for as long as I could remember, but I was on my knees, absolutely exhausted.
“I remember messaging him [her husband] saying I needed to get away. I was at my absolute worst.”
The relentless cycle of exhaustion and anxiety pushed Cherelle to her limits and she went on a weekend health retreat without her family.
She says: “One of the practitioners at the retreat recommended I try magnesium, as a spray to start with, to help with my feelings of anxiety and the sleeplessness.”
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When Cherelle had such incredible results from the magnesium, she wondered if it were simply because she was away from her normal life.
Back home, she bought Be Well Magnesium 375mg (£7.49, or 4p per daily capsule), taking one every night.
Cherelle says things have “shifted in a noticeable way” after being able to get better rest, which she credits the magnesium for.
Now a mum-of-two, currently caring for her six-month old, Zaire, at home, Cherelle says: “I can go for a walk with my baby, and I even have the energy to go to the gym. That feeling alone is huge.
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“It feels like I have a part of myself back – I feel more capable, more present, and more in control of my day.”
Wendy says: “It is believed that magnesium can help individuals experiencing tiredness and fatigue as it supports energy release.
“It can help with sleep by promoting relaxation and calming the nervous system, improving both sleep onset and sleep quality.”
Dr Ruxton says: “Magnesium helps regulate the sleep hormone melatonin, which has the job of maintaining our circadian rhythm – or body clock – and sleep-wake cycles.
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“Magnesium also binds to GABA receptors in the brain, which has calming effects and reduces the excitability of neurons, which can help us fall asleep.”
Sleep is sometimes poor if you are stressed, thanks to a stress hormone called cortisol.
“Magnesium helps temper the effects of stress by regulating what’s known as the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis and reducing cortisol levels,” says Dr Ruxton.
For all the benefits of magnesium – from more energy to less intense PMS and all-round better heart health – experts reveal why a magnesium supplement could be your secret saviour…
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1. Blood sugar levels
Magnesium may help reduce blood sugar spikesCredit: Getty
When you eat, the sugar in your food enters the bloodstream and travels to cells, where it gives them energy.
If this process is faulty – for example, if you have diabetes or are at risk of the condition – then you may have too much sugar in your blood.
This can be dangerous, leading to nerve damage, eye problems and diabetic ketoacidosis.
Keeping blood sugar levels stable can be beneficial for anyone, though – not just diabetics.
“One of magnesium’s jobs in the body relates to managing insulin and glucose control,” says Dr Ruxton.
This can help your body respond more efficiently to sugar, potentially reducing the size and frequency of blood sugar spikes.
With fewer blood sugar spikes, your energy should be more consistent.
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Research published in the journal Diabetes Care suggests that people who consume magnesium could also have a 22 per cent lower risk of type 2 diabetes.
A separate study by Harvard School of Public Health found that healthy women with higher magnesium intakes have lower fasting insulin levels, meaning they are less sensitive to insulin in their bodies and have a reduced risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
Dr Ruxton says: “People with type 2 diabetes and insulin resistance lose more magnesium in their urine than the general population, so they should also consider a daily supplement.”
2. Energy and muscles
Magnesium can help keep your muscles strong and healthyCredit: Getty
Whether you’re a regular at gym classes, love running or spend your weekends on a bike, a magnesium supplement could support your fitness goals.
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“Magnesium is essential for making energy in the body, which is particularly important for someone who is physically active,” says Dr Ruxton.
“We also need magnesium to ensure our muscles function properly.
“Working alongside calcium, magnesium is essential for healthy muscle contraction as well as relaxation.”
Emily adds: “Magnesium supports muscle health by reducing soreness and helping with regeneration too.”
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A study published in the Journal of Sports Science found that when professional male cyclists took 400mg of magnesium every day for three weeks, they experienced improvements in muscle recovery after a tough race.
This was compared to cyclists taking a placebo.
Dr Ruxton says: “When we exercise and sweat, we lose magnesium, as well as other minerals like sodium, potassium and chloride.
“Topping up our magnesium is therefore important in maintaining healthy hydration and avoiding fatigue due to dehydration.”
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Your heart is also a muscle and needs nutrients to keep it ticking.
SUPPLEMENTS are a great way to make sure you’re getting enough essential nutrients.
But with so many to choose from, it can be hard to know which ones are best to take.
IN YOUR 20S
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Ashwagandha – Known for its adaptogenic properties, ashwagandha may help support mental well-being and reduce anxiety by managing cortisol (stress hormone) levels. It’s a go-to for stress relief and better sleep.
Iron – For women who menstruate, iron helps replenish red blood cells, which are especially important for energy and focus.
Vitamin B complex – Supports energy production and can be especially beneficial for those following vegetarian or vegan diets.
IN YOUR 30S
Folic acid – Essential for women considering pregnancy, folic acid is recommended for fetal development. Intake is generally advised even if you’re not actively trying to conceive, as it supports overall cellular health by helping the body produce and maintain new cells, particularly red blood cells.
Calcium and vitamin D – These work together to support bone health, a foundation for the years to come. Women begin losing bone density as early as their mid-30s, so it’s important to ensure adequate intake.
IN YOUR 40S
Magnesium – Known as ‘nature’s relaxant’, magnesium helps regulate mood and can ease symptoms like irritability, muscle tension, and sleep disturbances. Magnesium glycinate, in particular, is gentle on the stomach and can be helpful for better sleep.
Omega-3 fatty acids – These support heart health and may also help with mood regulation, given their anti-inflammatory properties. Omega-3s are beneficial in combating hormonal changes that can impact mood.
IN YOUR 50S
Vitamin E: Known to help reduce hot flashes and support skin elasticity, vitamin E may offer relief from some common menopausal symptoms.
Calcium and vitamin K2: These support bone density as vitamin K2 works synergistically with calcium to guide the mineral to bones rather than arteries. While bone density decreases for most people with age, women are at a higher risk of developing osteoporosis compared to men due to hormonal changes during menopause that impact bone density.
A study by Kyushu University that followed 1,000 middle-aged adults for 17 years found that those taking the highest levels of magnesium had a 37 per cent lower risk of developing dementia than participants taking the least amount.
Those who consumed more than 550mg per day also had ‘brain ages’ nearly one year younger by the age of 55 than those taking 350mg, which is about average, in a study published in the European Journal of Nutrition.
The results were more pronounced in women – especially those post-menopause – than men.
Lead author Dr Khawlah Alateeq, from Australian National University, said: “Our study shows a 41 per cent increase in magnesium intake could lead to less age-related brain shrinkage, which is associated with better cognitive function and a decreased risk or delayed onset of dementia in later life.
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“This means people of all ages should be paying closer attention to their magnesium intake.”
Magnesium and stress – which can increase the risk of depression – are connected.
A research review published in the journal Nutrients suggests that stress can deplete magnesium. But on the flipside, magnesium deficiency could enhance the body’s susceptibility to stress.
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In a small eight-week study by Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, supplementing with 500mg of magnesium daily improved symptoms of depression in people who had a magnesium deficiency.
Another study published in the journal PLOS One found an even lower dose of 248mg of magnesium per day decreased symptoms of depression and anxiety.
4. PMS
Magnesium may be able to help minimise PMS symptomsCredit: Getty
For women, monthly headaches, cramps and mood swings can really get in the way of life.
But magnesium could help to minimise some symptoms of premenstrual syndrome (PMS), according to research in the journal Magnesium Research.
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“While further well-designed clinical studies are needed to fully determine the effects of magnesium on PMS symptoms, it is known to help with tiredness and fatigue often experienced during menstruation,” says Emily.
If you suffer from PMS migraines, magnesium could offer some relief as it may help to control the release of brain chemicals such as glutamate while keeping nerve cells stable, Emily says.
“This can then prevent the overactive nerve signals that cause migraines,” she adds.
“Research published in the journal Biomedicine & Pharmacotherapy shows that those who suffer from migraines often have low levels of magnesium.”
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5. Bones and teeth
Magnesium help keep bones and teeth strongCredit: Getty
Worried about falls, especially as you’re getting older?
Strong bones not only help to improve your posture and reduce your risk of falls, but they’ll also be less likely to fracture or break if you do take a tumble.
It’s perhaps unsurprising, as 50 to 60 per cent of the body’s magnesium is found in the bones.
Emily says: “Magnesium plays an important role in building and maintaining strong bones and teeth by supporting their structure and strength.
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“It also helps the body use calcium and vitamin D effectively, which are both key for healthy bone development.”
According to the Royal Osteoporosis Society, it’s not yet clear whether low magnesium levels increase your risk of breaking a bone, but it is thought to be a risk factor for osteoporosis – a condition that weakens the bones, making them more susceptible to fractures.
A study published in the British Journal of Nutrition found that women with the highest magnesium intake reduced their risk of fractures by 62 per cent, while the risk reduction in men was 53 per cent.
Women who met the recommended intake were 27 per cent less likely to suffer a fracture.
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Some research has also shown that magnesium might help lower the risk of arthritis.
A study by Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine found that women who had ‘normal’ levels of magnesium in their diets – between 181 and 446mg per day – were less likely to get rheumatoid arthritis, but any less or more was linked to an increased risk.
Types of magnesium
It’s possible to take too much magnesium so be mindful of your dosesCredit: Getty
There are different types of magnesium, so picking the ‘right’ one can feel like a minefield.
The most common types include:
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Magnesium citrate
Magnesium oxide
Magnesium chloride
Magnesium lactate
Magnesium malate
Magnesium taurate
Magnesium L-threonate
Magnesium sulfate
Magnesium glycinate
Magnesium orotate
Magnesium glycinate is more easily absorbed by the body than other types.
“Additionally, due to the addition of the amino acid glycine, it’s known for its calming effects,” says Dr Ruxton.
Magnesium citrate is one of the more common supplement formulations, though it sometimes has a mild laxative effect.
“It can potentially help with easing constipation and is usually best taken earlier in the day,” the expert adds.
Magnesium L-threonate, meanwhile, “has potentially beneficial effects on brain and nervous system health”, Dr Ruxton says.
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Scientists at Nanjing Medical University say it could help manage brain disorders like depression, Alzheimer’s and age-related memory loss.
Animal research suggests it may be the most effective type of increasing magnesium concentration in brain cells, but further studies are needed.
Magnesium supplements are available from most high street pharmacies and supermarkets, and range widely in price.
You can buy budget-friendly pills from as little as 6p per tablet in Boots (£3.30 for a bottle of 60), but some other varieties, like Heights, can cost more than £20 for a month’s supply.
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Check the box of any supplements you buy to see what it is most recommended for. You can also speak to a pharmacist or your GP about specific formulations.
Watch your intake too. Taking high doses of magnesium (more than 400mg) for a short time can cause diarrhoea.
While rare, it is possible to overdose on the mineral.
Symptoms include digestive issues, nausea, muscle weakness, low blood pressure, urine retention and respiratory distress, according to the Office of Dietary Supplements.
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Cardiac arrest – when the heart suddenly stops beating – is also possible.
And the next England match at the pub is set to be just as fun.
Around 30 people gathered at The Duke of Wellington in Chew Moor to watch England beat Mexico 3 to 2 in the World Cup last 16 during the early hours of Monday morning.
The pub stayed open specially so people who did not want to watch the match alone could enjoy it together as England booked their place in the quarter-finals.
(Image: Duke of Wellington)
Manager Sophie McGrath said: “It was just buzzing. It was absolutely buzzing.
The pub is also to host a country night on England’s next game against Norway on Saturday.
In the evening until 10pm, when it is kick-off, people are encouraged to come in fancy dress while the barbecue van provides the traditional smoked foods, such as burgers.
The van goes by the name of Mr Barbecue.
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England raced into a two-goal lead thanks to Jude Bellingham’s quickfire double before holding on for victory despite playing much of the second half with 10 men after Jarell Quansah was sent off.
(Image: Duke of Wellington)
The win means England are through to the World Cup quarter-finals after overcoming a hostile atmosphere in front of more than 80,000 fans in Mexico City.
She added: “It’s pretty important because you’re with your friends, you’re with the community.
“And I’ve said to you before, we’re like a proper community pub, and that’s why we decided to open, because we wanted people who didn’t have anyone to watch the football with to come in here and watch it with us.
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(Image: Duke of Wellington)
“Especially while the pubs are struggling as well.
“It obviously helps us.”
As well as serving customers, Ms McGrath and her staff even had a kickabout with a football in the pub car park while waiting for the match to begin.
Around 30 people attended the screening, with one supporter turning up in her pyjamas to cheer England on.
The animal charity says dogs should never be left inside a car during warm weather, as the inside of a vehicle can rapidly heat up and any dog left inside can very quickly suffer the effects of heat stroke.
That’s the warning from the RSPCA, who are urging dog owners to never leave their pets in cars, caravans, vans, sheds, outbuildings, or conservatories during the heatwave.
And the charity is issuing advice to the public about three simple steps they should follow if they come across a dog in a hot car:
Check the dog—if the dog seems okay, then try to find their owner and monitor them closely. But if the dog is distressed or showing any worrying signs (such as heavy panting, excessive drooling, or confusion), then you need to act quickly.
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Contact police—call police on 999 to give them all of the information so they can send officers out. Police have the legal power to break into a vehicle to save a dog’s life. If you feel the urgency is immediate and you intend to break the dog out of the vehicle yourself, then you should make police aware and ask others around you to document it by taking photos or filming.
Cool the dog down—move the dog to the shade as quickly as possible and cool them off with cold water, and contact a local vet for advice.
Poster (Image: RSPCA)
RSPCA dog welfare expert Eloise Dicks said: “Breaking the window or forcing entry to a car can be someone’s instant reaction—but could be classed as criminal damage.
“However, legally, you can commit damage if you believe the owner would consent to it if they knew the dog was in danger.
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“We’d advise anyone in this position to tell the police what they’re planning to do and ask other witnesses to provide names and numbers in case they’re needed to back up what has happened.
“Emotions can run high in these sorts of difficult situations but the most important thing is keeping everyone safe and getting help for the dog as soon as possible.”
How to help a dog suffering heat stroke
The best thing to do if a dog is overheating is to cool first and transport second.
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Act fast to prevent the dog from further heating and remove them from the source of the heat.
Get them out of the sun and into shade.
Cool the dog by pouring water over their body (not their head) or create a breeze by fanning them.
Contact a vet for advice and, once their temperature has cooled, transport them to the nearest vet; put the air-con on or open the windows to keep them cool.
The Royal Arms in Tockholes reopened under new management on Tuesday, July 7, following a closure in June.
The kitchen is set to open on July 11, which is when customers will be able to tuck into food.
Former landlords Peter Ainsworth and Emma Ball, who had been at the helm for three years, thanked the community for its support over the past three years and wished their successors well.
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New licensees Maggie and Paul said: “The Royal Arms is now under new management.
“Thanks for bearing with us—we can’t wait to welcome you all through the doors, have a drink together and make The Royal Arms a great local pub again.
“We will be opening at 3pm on Tuesday, July 7, and we aim to open the kitchen for food on Saturday, July 11.”
Customers have shared their excitement on social media, with one writing: “We can’t wait to see you succeed in your new venture.”
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Another said: “All the very best in your new venture at The Royal.”
“Good luck, looking forward to calling in for a drink,” said another.
In the 400 years since his death, William Shakespeare’s work has been used as a lens through which to interpret countless developments he could never have anticipated – from modern psychology and political theory to colonialism and climate change. His writing possesses an uncanny ability to illuminate nearly every facet of the human condition.
Yet, as a decolonial scholar and an AI researcher, we believe that Shakespeare’s plays are now beginning to illuminate something beyond that as well – the emergent forms of artificial intelligence that increasingly shape and challenge our understanding of what it means to think, act and be.
AI tools have rapidly become part of many people’s everyday lives. Yet relatively few probably consider the physical infrastructure that makes these systems possible. Each prompt we send is processed in distant data centres: vast facilities that generate responses by predicting the most likely sequence of words based on patterns learned from enormous datasets.
This dynamic of distant, unseen control recalls Shakespeare’s The Tempest, a play that offers a useful means of understanding how power operates through hidden infrastructures.
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This article is part of Rethinking the Classics. The stories in this series offer insightful new ways to think about and interpret classic books and artworks. This is the canon – with a twist.
Mvskoke Nation citizen Jordan Harmon and her friend Mackenzie Roberts, two prominent voices in the debate, pointed to these data centres’ “ravenous consumption of data and physical resources” and AI being used to “surveil and police people”. They consider this as “part of the legacy of colonialism and imperialism”. AI data centres are extractive endeavours, they argued, impinging on other aspects of a community’s life, such as water supply and land sovereignty.
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The Tempest offers a stark warning of what happens if such endeavours are not reined in.
Prospero’s island and the politics of AI infrastructure
The play tells the story of Prospero, the exiled duke of Milan. He seizes control of a remote island and its inhabitants, including a creature named Caliban and the spirit Ariel. While the play ends with reconciliation and Prospero’s return to Milan, it has long been read by postcolonial scholars as an allegory of colonisation. Caliban’s prior claim to the island, “which thou tak’st from me”, resonates with contemporary struggles over land and resources.
Yet the parallels go further when considering how Prospero exercises power. His authority depends not only on physical domination but on his command of sorcery and manipulation. Both Ariel and Caliban are compelled to serve him – Ariel through enchantment, Caliban through coercion and emotional abuse.
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Hervé Goffings performs Caliban’s monologue.
In this sense, Prospero’s magic mirrors the logic of modern AI systems, which extracts labour to transform human knowledge and creativity into outputs that appear detached from the people and environments that make them possible.
Prospero’s conjuring of a storm at the start of the play is equally revealing. The tempest is a spectacle of control, designed to disorient and reorder the world to Prospero’s advantage. Today’s AI expansion produces its own kind of storm: not only in the environmental strain of data centres, but also in the disruption of labour markets, as automation threatens certain forms of work while concentrating power in the hands of a few corporations. Like Prospero’s magic, these transformations obscure the decisions and interests that drive them.
In the final act of The Tempest, Prospero relinquishes his magical power only after it has enabled him to recover his dukedom, orchestrate reconciliation, and secure dynastic stability, implying that his renunciation is prompted less by ethical transformation than by the completion of his political objectives.
The play largely centres on Prospero’s authority, in which power was his to give, instead of offering recognition of the native inhabitants as agents capable of self-governance. A similar dynamic is echoed in the discourse surrounding AI, where corporations are unlikely to surrender control unless it becomes advantageous to do so.
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The Mvskoke Nation has demonstrated that it is not futile for Indigenous citizens to assert their sovereignty and maintain stewardship of their lands by exerting pressure that makes the continued development of data centres more costly. This comparison highlights that, unlike the idealised resolution of the play, real-world change is rarely driven by the goodwill of those in power. Instead, it often depends on the efforts of communities to make continued control less advantageous and to demand accountability
From Caliban to contemporary struggles
Postcolonial scholars have often compared the relationship between Caliban and Prospero to that between colonised and coloniser. This can be seen in novelist Viet Thanh Nguyen’s writing, where the colonised are called the “descendants of Caliban”. Jamaican-born poet Safiya Sinclair’s literary manifesto articulates similar sentiments where she compares herself to Caliban.
Nguyen and Sinclair are among the thinkers and authors concerned with the impact of colonisation and the role of language in shaping colonial power. Colonisation can take many forms – the rise of data centres on lands that do not belong to multinational corporations is just one of them.
Rather than treating AI infrastructure as inevitable, the debate within the Mvskoke Nation is a reminder that its development is a matter of choice. If data centres are to exist on Indigenous lands, they must not replicate extractive models that prioritise corporate gain over community wellbeing.
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Caliban’s experience of loss and coercion under Prospero’s control need not be the template of the historical or future trajectories of Indigenous nations such as the Mvskoke Nation. As communities assert control over their digital futures, they challenge us to rethink who AI is for and who it benefits.
Beyond the canon
As part of the Rethinking the Classics series, we’re asking our experts to recommend a book or artwork that tackles similar themes to the canonical work in question, but isn’t (yet) considered a classic itself. Here is Xin Ying Lim and Xin Chen Cai’s suggestion:
A highly engaging contemporary play that explores themes of power, justice, identity and resistance is Off the Rails by Randy Reinholz. Set in 1880s Nebraska, the play follows Indigenous American characters navigating a world shaped by colonial control and cultural suppression.
Trailer for a production of Off the Rails.
Reinholz examines how institutions and authority figures can restrict individual freedom while also highlighting the resilience of communities facing oppression. The play combines humour, romance, music and social commentary to create an accessible yet thought-provoking exploration of cultural survival and self-determination.
Rather than presenting history as a distant subject, Off the Rails brings the experiences of Indigenous people to life through vivid characters and dramatic storytelling. Its focus on challenging injustice and preserving identity makes it a powerful and relevant work for modern audiences, offering fresh perspectives on social inequality and the lasting effects of colonialism.
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This article features references to books that have been included for editorial reasons, and may contain links to bookshop.org. If you click on one of the links and go on to buy something, The Conversation UK may earn a commission.
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Even if it hadn’t been a broiling 33C in Paris, Chanel‘s haute couture show would still have been the hottest ticket in the fashion world.
So it was no surprise to see the coolest names in showbusiness taking their front row seats – in the latest Chanel, of course.
Sarah Pidgeon, the 29-year-old US star of TV hit Love Story, looked Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy levels of chic in a drop-waisted dress.
And fittingly, Chanel’s newly inked brand ambassador, Gladiator II actor Pedro Pascal, 51, did his best JFK Junior impression in chinos and a striped matelot top draped over a white T-shirt.
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Meanwhile, Lupita Nyong’o, 43, who plays Helen of Troy in Christopher Nolan‘s new epic The Odyssey, braved the heat in a floor-length gown thickly embellished with black and yellow sequins – as did Wicked star Michelle Yeoh, 63, in a silver brocade jacket and matching pencil skirt.
Although the most surprising guest of the day was Catherine Deneuve, 82, the iconic French actress who for years has been a loyal patron of Yves Saint Laurent.
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Sarah Pidgeon, the 30-year-old US star of TV hit Love Story, looked Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy levels of chic in a drop-waisted dress
Elizabeth Debicki , 35, who played Diana, Princess of Wales in The Crown, attended the show
Chanel’s newly inked brand ambassador, Gladiator II actor Pedro Pascal , 51, did his best JFK Junior impression in chinos and a striped matelot top draped over a white T-shirt
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Lupita Nyong’o , 43, who plays Helen of Troy in Christopher Nolan’s new epic The Odyssey, braved the heat in a floor-length gown thickly embellished with black and yellow sequins
Tilda Swinton, 65, was one of the coolest names in showbusiness taking their front row seats
Also in attendance was British sprinter Dina Asher-Smith , 30, who made her debut on the front row
But that’s the Chanel effect: even a lifelong friend of a rival couldn’t resist experiencing her first Chanel show.
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Since taking over as artistic director last year, designer Matthieu Blazy, 42, has captured his clients’ imaginations and set the tills on fire, modernising the esteemed French house and churning out must-haves in a way that makes it seem easy.
It’s not easy, of course. Other luxury brands are struggling, which makes Chanel’s recent 2 per cent profit rise – in 2025 overall revenue climbed to $19.3billion (around £14.4billion) – all the more extraordinary.
For autumn/winter 2026, his sophomore couture collection, Blazy created a fairytale landscape that referenced Jack and the Beanstalk, with vine embroidery creeping up silk skirts, boucle jackets and the heels of shoes.
Flowers, feathers and fauna adorned almost every surface, showcasing the skills of Chanel’s artisans and ateliers.
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Lest the message be lost that couture is art, Chanel emphasised the point by inviting artist Joel Blanc, famous for painting live sporting events, to capture the show as it unfolded.
Which certainly made a change from recording it on a smartphone.
The algae responsible for the catastrophic die-off of hundreds of thousands of marine animals in southern Australia last year is the most toxic species of its kind, a new study reveals.
A strange foam washed up on South Australia’s beaches in March last year, coinciding with thousands of fish dying and surfers getting ill, with many developing symptoms like coughing, sore throat and blurred vision.
The foam covered vast stretches of the Waitpinga Beach, about 15km southwest of Victor Harbour, killing scores of seahorses, fish and octopuses.
The algal bloom, which lasted several months, took an immense environmental, economic and public health toll on South Australia.
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Fish die off due to algal bloom (Shauna Murray)
Researchers later found the die-off was caused by neurotoxins from the microalgae Karenia cristata.
The new study revealed that the algae had stronger toxic effects than any other harmful algal bloom studied thus far.
The findings help explain the scale of last year’s mass mortality of invertebrates, fish, mammals, and birds, according to the study published in the journal Nature Ecology & Evolution.
Researchers conducted experiments on laboratory-grown strains of Karenia cristata to more thoroughly assess its toxicity.
They also compared the results with the toxin analysis of water samples from the algal bloom.
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K cristata microalgae species (Shauna Murray)
“Karenia cristata in the laboratory was highly toxic in very low cell concentrations,” said Shauna Murray, lead author of the study from the University of Technology Sydney.
“Our results are in line with periods of mass marine animal mortalities in 2025 and 2026 and the actual environmental concentrations of Karenia cristata there at the time. We found that Karenia cristata is an order of magnitude more toxic than the next most toxic microalgae that has been studied to date.”
Researchers warned that the findings carried “international consequences”.
Microalgae under microscope (Shauna Murray)
They said that other cold water brevetoxin-producing Karenia could potentially bloom anywhere with similar coastal water conditions. “Before now, the warm water Karenia brevis, which only occurs in the southeastern US and also produces brevetoxins, had been considered the most devastating marine harmful algal bloom species in terms of its environmental, economic and social impacts,” Dr Murray said.
“The South Australian harmful algal bloom still hasn’t completely disappeared about 15 months after it started,” Dr Murray added.
“We now need to fully investigate the factors that cause Karenia to grow and understand its mechanisms of toxicity.”
Navigating the airport with kids can be a pre-holiday headache, but many parents may not realise that certain airports have made it a little easier for families to get through
If you ask parents which part of the airport experience is the worst, many will answer that it’s the security scanners. Not only do you have to deal with long queues, but getting the kids to take off their backpacks and shoes can be a massive pain.
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Some parents fork out for express lane access, as this means a shorter queue and fewer people around to stare at any toddler tantrums; however, if you live near certain family-friendly airports, you may not need to pay this fee.
The express lane at the airport can often cost from £4 to £12 per person, cheaper if booked in advance rather than paying on arrival. With many airports charging for both adults and children, the cost soon gets pricey when you need to pay for four or five passes.
A small number of UK airports now offer dedicated family lanes through security or will allow parents of kids through the assistance lanes, meaning you aren’t stuck with toddlers or young kids in the main line.
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Manchester Airport is one example. It offers a family and assisted travel lane, so those with kids can pass through faster. It also advises against booking FastTrack security if you have a young child, saying: “The express lane is unsuitable for passengers requiring Assisted Travel, those travelling with pushchairs and car seats, or infants under three years old. You will be automatically directed to the assistance lane at security, so you do not need to book FastTrack or TimeSlot.”
London-Heathrow and Gatwick have family lanes for families of up to 12, while other airports don’t specify whether they have family lanes outright, but may wave families to the front of the queue. Policies vary, but parents of younger children or babies tend to be given priority. Cardiff Airport doesn’t have dedicated security lanes for families, although a recent change means kids over 120cm tall can use passport eGates to save some time.
If the airport you fly from doesn’t have dedicated family lanes, it may offer express lanes with free or reduced tickets for kids. For example, Birmingham Airport has an express lane that costs £7 per person, but is free for children aged four and under travelling with a paying adult.
It’s worth checking your departure airport’s official website or social media pages to learn about airport policies before you go, so you can decide whether you need FastTrack security.
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Parents going through security should also think about what they need to take in their hand luggage. They can take enough milk for their child’s journey, even if it’s over 100ml and the airport still uses the old rules, but this is usually scanned separately. It will need to be taken out of the bag and placed in a separate tray. Luckily, wet wipes are one essential not classed as a liquid.
Pushchairs need to be folded and go through the security scanner, so keep that in mind when you travel with a baby. Many parents opt for a cheap, easy-to-fold stroller rather than taking their entire travel system.
Have a story you want to share? Email us at webtravel@reachplc.com
“There is a risk therefore that serious concerns raised by parents, staff or governors may trigger an inconsistent response across sectors.”
There are “weaknesses and inconsistencies” in arrangements for safeguarding how Northern Ireland’s school system spends public funds, an Audit Office report has found.
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The report by Comptroller and Auditor General Dorinnia Carville said that a “coherent, modernised governance framework is urgently required”.
Her report has examined governance and accountability arrangements in Northern Ireland’s education system, focusing on the Voluntary Grammar (VG) and Grant-Maintained Integrated (GMI) schools sectors. Funding of £392 million was given to VG and GMI schools in 2024-25.
The report said: “Northern Ireland’s education system is large, complex and historically fragmented, comprising more than 1,000 schools across controlled, maintained, VG, integrated, Irish-medium and special school sectors.
“This complexity is rooted in long-standing differences in ownership and management. Controlled schools are state owned, while voluntary schools – including VG schools – retain private ownership and management arrangements.”
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The report said this has resulted in differing arrangements between the VG/GMI sectors and other schools for ensuring good governance in the way public money is spent.
It said the inconsistencies are “partly attributable to a lack of clarity in the legislative framework”.
It said: “This structural distinction has created differing accountability, oversight and intervention arrangements across the system.
“There is a risk therefore that serious concerns raised by parents, staff or governors may trigger an inconsistent response across sectors.”
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The report said reliance is placed on information submitted by schools and on the work of auditors and boards of governors.
However, it raised concern that not all schools are submitting information to the Education Authority (EA), and there is “limited scrutiny of this information by the EA to identify emerging risks and give assurance that public money is being spent properly”.
The report also identified “uncertainty” regarding the roles and powers of the Department of Education and the EA for oversight and intervention where risks are identified.
It said: “Our findings confirm that a coherent, modernised governance framework is urgently required.
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“Without clearer legislation, updated guidance along with robust consistent oversight arrangements across all sectors, the department and the EA cannot provide the level of assurance needed to safeguard significant amounts of public money or ensure that strong governance standards are applied effectively across the school system.”
The report found “contradictory views” between the department and the EA on the extent of intervention powers in VG and GMI schools should a problem arise.
Ms Carville said: “It is important that effective arrangements operate over the use of significant public funds by schools.
“This report highlights various inconsistencies and areas of uncertainty, which could potentially result in serious risks or concerns failing to be properly identified and adequately addressed.
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“We recognise the challenges presented by the current legislative framework. Addressing these challenges will take time.
“However, there is a need in the shorter-term for proactive action by the department and EA to provide assurance to pupils, parents and taxpayers.
“This includes clarifying and ensuring understanding of oversight and intervention powers, strengthening scrutiny of schools’ financial and governance information, and putting in place consistent processes for escalating and managing risks.”
Police and paramedics have been spotted still at the scene of the crash in Crawley, with motorists on the M23 experiencing delays in the wake of a serious crash on the motorway in the early hours of this morning.
Emergency services near the scene of the M23 crash near Gatwick Airport(Image: TrafficCameras.co.uk)
Trucks waiting at J9 on the M23 southbound in the wake of this morning’s crash(Image: TrafficCameras.co.uk)
AA Roadwatch logs indicate first calls about the crash on the southbound motorway came in shortly after midnight.
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