Culture

Margaret Hodge, who led report into arts funder, tells DCMS committee that grant recipients have lost confidence in the bodyArts Council England (ACE) requires a “radical” overhaul so that it is able to respond to the challenges of the culture sector, according to Margaret Hodge, who said if ACE leaders did not heed her warnings it would be a “disaster”.The Labour peer, who led a wide-ranging and critical report into ACE, made the comments at a Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) committee, where she reiterated her calls for the organisation to embrace reform. Continue reading...

Conservationists hope Murray Watt’s review of national marine parks will ‘right the wrongs’ of previous downgrade of protectionSign up for climate and environment editor Adam Morton’s free Clear Air newsletter hereThe federal environment minister, Murray Watt, has pledged to put an extra half a million square kilometres of Australia’s ocean out of reach of fishers and drillers in a step conservationists hope will “right the wrongs” of an Abbott-era downgrade of marine protection.Watt confirmed last year Australia would put 30% of its ocean estate under a high level of protection that bans extractive industries as part of an international agreement to protect 30% of the planet’s oceans. Continue reading...

• The U.S. House Agriculture Committee approved the Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026 on March 5 in a 34-17 vote after a 20-hour markup session. • GOP-proposed cuts to SNAP nutrition programs sparked partisan disputes, with Rep. Angie Craig warning they 'jeopardize the path forward for this bill.' • The 802-page bill sets policy and funding for food, agriculture, and conservation programs over five years, but faces hurdles needing Democratic support in the Senate's 60-vote threshold.

Pop Culture Con 2026 kicks off today in Houston at CityPlace Marriott, featuring a 40th anniversary reunion of 'Aliens' cast including Michael Biehn, Mark Rolston, Jenette Goldstein, Ricco Ross, William Hope, Cynthia Scott, and Carl Toop. Additional guests comprise Zach Galligan from 'Gremlins,' voice actors Salli Saffioti and Vic Mignogna, and comic creators like Mark Bagley of Spider-Man fame. The event, running March 14 from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. and March 15 until 5 p.m., offers panels, cosplay contests with cash prizes, and a vendor hall. Organizers expect thousands of sci-fi and anime fans amid growing convention popularity.

Pop Culture Con 2026 kicks off today at Houston's CityPlace Marriott with a star-studded 40th anniversary reunion for James Cameron's 'Aliens,' featuring Michael Biehn, Mark Rolston, Jenette Goldstein, Ricco Ross, William Hope, Cynthia Scott, and Carl Toop. The event, running March 14 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and March 15 until 5 p.m., also welcomes Zach Galligan of 'Gremlins,' voice actors Salli Saffioti and Vic Mignogna, plus comic creators like Mark Bagley. Attendees can enjoy panels, Q&A sessions, a cosplay contest with cash prizes, and a vendor hall for collectibles. Organizers expect thousands of sci-fi and pop culture fans over the weekend.