Gayathri Kallukaran is a Junior Journalist with Eastern Eye. She has a Master’s degree in Journalism and Mass Communication from St. Paul’s College, Bengaluru, and brings over five years of experience in content creation, including two years in digital journalism. She covers stories across culture, lifestyle, travel, health, and technology, with a creative yet fact-driven approach to reporting. Known for her sensitivity towards human interest narratives, Gayathri’s storytelling often aims to inform, inspire, and empower. Her journey began as a layout designer and reporter for her college’s daily newsletter, where she also contributed short films and editorial features. Since then, she has worked with platforms like FWD Media, Pepper Content, and Petrons.com, where several of her interviews and features have gained spotlight recognition. Fluent in English, Malayalam, Tamil, and Hindi, she writes in English and Malayalam, continuing to explore inclusive, people-focused storytelling in the digital space.
The National Gallery in London is offering an overnight stay inside its newly refurbished Sainsbury Wing as part of a special prize draw to mark its 200th anniversary.
For the first time in its history, a member of the public will have the opportunity to sleep in a luxury bed set among the gallery’s renowned collection of paintings. The winner will become the first visitor to step into the revamped Sainsbury Wing following a two-year closure and the most extensive rehang of the gallery’s collection in decades.
The new exhibition, titled CC Land: The Wonder of Art, traces the development of painting across western Europe from the 13th to the 20th centuries. It will feature over 1,000 works, ranging from world-famous masterpieces to paintings never before displayed at the National Gallery.
Anyone over the age of 18 who subscribes to the National Gallery’s newsletter is eligible to enter the prize draw. Entries close at 6pm on 28 April, and the winner will be selected at random.
The sleepover will begin with a dinner for two at the gallery’s soon-to-be-launched restaurant, Locatelli. Once the gallery doors close to the public, the winner will enjoy a private tour of the exhibition led by Christine Riding, the National Gallery’s Director of Collections and Research.
Following the tour, the winner will spend the night on the “bridge” that links the Sainsbury Wing to the rest of the gallery. In the morning, they will be treated to a breakfast hamper and will have the gallery to themselves before it opens to the public at 10am on 10 May.
Christine Riding described the rehang as “the first time that we have had such an exciting opportunity to rethink, and refresh, how we present one of the greatest art collections in the world, under one roof”. She added that visitors would have the chance to rediscover famous and iconic works, alongside personal favourites and newly acquired paintings.
The National Gallery’s 200th anniversary celebrations include several other initiatives. Alongside the reopening of the Sainsbury Wing, the gallery will introduce a new supporters' house for members and patrons, and a dedicated learning centre.
Sir Gabriele Finaldi, Director of the National Gallery, said the bicentenary was the ideal moment to reimagine how the gallery presents its extraordinary collection. He commented: “Our bicentenary provides the perfect opportunity to consider a new way to tell the story of the incredible paintings in our collection, and include some exciting surprises. So we feel it is fitting that through this prize draw one of our visitors should receive a first look at the newly transformed National Gallery and Sainsbury Wing and have these wonderful pictures to themselves for one special night.”
Although the National Gallery has never before hosted an overnight stay as a prize, it is no stranger to keeping its doors open through the night. In January, it operated around the clock during the final weekend of its sellout Van Gogh exhibition, which attracted more than 200,000 visitors. This was only the second time the gallery had opened overnight, the first being in 2012 for the Leonardo da Vinci: Painter at the Court of Milan exhibition.
The National Gallery’s rehang is part of a wider plan to enhance the visitor experience and refresh its displays, ensuring the collection continues to inspire audiences for years to come.
The winner of the sleepover prize will experience a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to explore the newly arranged masterpieces in an entirely private setting, while helping the gallery to mark a major milestone in its distinguished history.
A 21-year-old transgender woman has been convicted of sexual assault in northeast England.
Ciara Watkin did not disclose her gender status before engaging in sexual activity with a male partner.
The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) said the man could not give informed consent.
Watkin was found guilty on three charges at Teesside Crown Court.
Sentencing is scheduled for 10 October.
A transgender woman has been convicted of sexually assaulting a male partner after failing to disclose her gender status before sexual activity. Prosecutors argued that the man could not give informed consent, and the case has been described as having a significant impact on his mental wellbeing.
The case
Ciara Watkin, 21, from Stockton-on-Tees, met the man, also 21, on Snapchat in June 2022. She later engaged in sexual activity with him without revealing her gender status. During their first encounter, she told him she was on her period and could not be touched below the waist.
A few days later, they met again, after which Watkin blocked contact before later messaging him to disclose that she was transgender and had male genitalia.
Prosecution statement
Senior Crown Prosecutor Sarah Nelson said: “It is clear from the evidence in this case that, prior to engaging in sexual activity with the victim, Watkin had made no attempt to inform him of her transgender status. The victim has made clear in police interview that he would not have engaged in sexual activity had he known that Watkin was transgender and, consequently, these events have had a significant impact on his mental wellbeing.”
Defence argument
Watkin admitted lying about her gender status but denied wrongdoing. Her lawyers argued in court that it would have been “blindingly obvious” to the man that she was not biologically female, according to the BBC.
Verdict and sentencing
Following a trial at Teesside Crown Court, Watkin was convicted of two charges of sexual assault and one charge of assault by penetration. She will be sentenced on 10 October.
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The Rhode Island judge whose compassionate rulings made him a viral sensation
US judge and TV star Frank Caprio has died at the age of 88.
He was best known for his compassionate courtroom style on Caught in Providence.
Clips of his judgements went viral, earning billions of views online.
His family confirmed his death following a battle with pancreatic cancer.
Judge remembered for kindness and humour
Frank Caprio, the Rhode Island judge whose compassionate rulings made him a viral sensation, has died aged 88. His family confirmed he passed away following a diagnosis of pancreatic cancer.
Caprio, often described as the “nicest judge in the world”, presided over cases in Providence for more than 40 years before finding global fame on the hit television show Caught in Providence.
Viral fame through Caught in Providence
The courtroom series showcased Caprio’s trademark mix of empathy, humour and common sense. He often took into account the personal circumstances of defendants, creating memorable moments that resonated worldwide.
Clips of his rulings — from inviting children to sit with him on the bench to unveiling a “mini-judge” soft toy — racked up billions of views across TikTok, Instagram and YouTube. One short video of his morning routine alone was viewed more than five million times.
In a 2019 interview, Caprio said the programme offered “a slice of life of Rhode Island that is very interesting, and it reflects the same issues people are experiencing nationwide”.
Tributes and legacy
In a statement on his official Instagram account, where he had 3.4 million followers, Caprio was remembered for his “warmth, humour, and kindness” and for inspiring “countless acts of kindness”.
His son, David Caprio, thanked fans for their support and encouraged them to “spread a little kindness” in his father’s memory.
The show’s producers, Debmar-Mercury, paid tribute to his “unique brand of compassion and common sense approach”, adding: “We will miss him dearly.”
During its run, Caught in Providence was nominated for three Daytime Emmy Awards, with Caprio himself earning two nominations last year.
Personal life
Frank Caprio is survived by his wife of nearly 60 years, Joyce, as well as five children, seven grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
He announced his cancer diagnosis in 2023, saying he was “fully prepared to fight as hard as I can”. In one of his final posts, he told followers he had returned to hospital after a setback in treatment, asking for their prayers.
Rapper Sean Kingston sentenced to three and a half years in US federal prison.
Fraud scheme, run with his mother, involved luxury goods worth more than £740,000.
Items included designer watches, furniture, a 232-inch LED TV and a bulletproof Cadillac Escalade.
Kingston apologised in court; his mother was jailed for five years in July.
Text messages showed the pair discussing fake payment receipts.
Conviction and sentencing
Rapper Sean Kingston has been sentenced to three and a half years in a US federal prison for his role in a fraud scheme worth over £740,000.
The Jamaican-American singer, whose real name is Kisean Anderson, was convicted earlier this year alongside his mother, Janice Turner, of wire fraud. Prosecutors said they exploited Kingston’s celebrity status to obtain luxury items without paying for them.
How the scheme worked
According to prosecutors, Kingston contacted victims via social media, claiming he wished to buy high-end products. He then invited them to his homes in South Florida, promising to promote their goods on his platforms or introduce them to other celebrities.
When payments were due, Kingston or his mother sent fraudulent wire transfer receipts. While some victims later received compensation after legal intervention or lawsuits, most were left out of pocket.
Evidence at trial
Prosecutors said the scheme netted more than £740,000 in goods, including luxury watches, furniture, a 232-inch LED television and a bulletproof Cadillac Escalade.
Text messages shown in court revealed Kingston instructing his mother: “I told you to make [a] fake receipt.”
Apology and defence
Before sentencing, Kingston apologised to the court and said he had learned from his actions. He will begin serving his sentence immediately.
His mother, Janice Turner, was jailed for five years in July.
Defence lawyer Zeljka Bozanic described Kingston as “a soft guy who grew up poor when he rose to fame overnight”, arguing he still had the mentality of a teenager and struggled to manage his finances.
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How Sydney Sweeney’s silent ad campaign became a Republican rally cry
Sydney Sweeney’s American Eagle ad sparked backlash over a “genes/jeans” pun
Critics accused it of echoing eugenics and white supremacist rhetoric
Public records revealed Sweeney is a registered Republican
Donald Trump praised her and attacked Taylor Swift in the same post
American Eagle stock soared as the ad became a right-wing rallying point
Let’s be honest: no one expected a jeans ad to spiral into this. Not Sydney Sweeney, not American Eagle, and definitely not the internet and yet, here we are.
It started with a dumb pun. It exploded into a cultural war. Now it’s a headline-grabbing mess involving eugenics, Republicans, and Donald Trump shouting into Truth Social. Somehow, a 27-year-old actress became the poster girl for a movement she hasn’t even acknowledged.
Here’s how it all unravelled.
The controversial American Eagle ad featuring Sydney Sweeney in head-to-toe denim Instagram/americaneagle
1. The ad: A pun so bad, it started a fire
On 23 July, American Eagle dropped a denim ad with Sydney Sweeney, best known for Euphoria and The White Lotus. In the clip, she says:
“Genes are passed down from parents... My jeans are blue.”
It was supposed to be cheeky. It ended up setting X and TikTok on fire. Critics accused the ad of echoing white supremacist rhetoric, especially with a blue-eyed, blonde actress talking about “genes.” The line between “playful” and “problematic” blurred, fast. The internet saw something way darker and it was just getting started.
People didn’t hold back. Users called the ad tone-deaf, dog-whistling, and straight-up “eugenics-coded.” Words like “Aryan” and “racial superiority” were trending. Even though it was likely just a bad pun from an overconfident marketing team, the optics were bad. Really bad.
It reeked of eugenics (that vile, discredited pseudo-science about "superior" genetics). "Literal Nazi propaganda," some screamed. "Tone-deaf!" "Promoting racial superiority!"
Others scratched their heads: "It's just jeans, people! Lighten up!" Too late. The fuse was lit. The internet doesn’t do nuance.
3. The plot twist: Then, her political registration leaked
Soon after the outrage, someone dug up public records showing Sweeney registered as a Republican in Florida, just a month after Donald Trump’s criminal conviction.
This revived an earlier controversy. Remember 2022? Photos surfaced from her mum's party with guests wearing "Make Sixty Great Again" hats (a MAGA parody). Sweeney pleaded then: "Stop making assumptions... an innocent celebration."
With her Republican registration now public, assumptions came flooding back, and this time, they stuck.
Now? Crickets. Total, deafening silence from Sweeney.
Sydney Sweeney’s American Eagle ad sparked backlash over a “genes/jeans” punInstagram/americaneagle
4. Enter Trump: "She's HOT! (And Republican!)"
On 3 August, a reporter told Trump about Sweeney’s political affiliation while he was boarding Air Force One. He lit up:
“She’s a Republican? Oh, now I love her ad!”
Two days later, he took to Truth Social with a post praising her, saying "Sydney Sweeney, a registered Republican, has the 'HOTTEST' ad out there... Go get 'em Sydney!" and claimed American Eagle jeans were “flying off the shelves.”
He misspelled her name as “Sidney.” He didn’t correct it. He didn’t need to. He’d made his point.
— (@)
5. Trump's double tap: Slamming Swift & "woke losers"
In the same post, Trump lashed out at Taylor Swift, again:
“I HATE her... She was booed out of the Super Bowl and is NO LONGER HOT.”
(Spoiler: She wasn’t booed, and she’s still doing just fine.)
He then blamed Jaguar and Bud Light for going “woke” and declared that being Republican is now “what you want to be.” Sweeney wasn't just selling jeans anymore; Trump drafted her as the star recruit in his anti-woke army.
Donald Trump praised her and attacked Taylor Swift in the same postX Screengrab/Pop Base
6. JD Vance and right-wing media pile on
US Vice President JD Vance joined the conversation, calling Sweeney an “All-American girl” and mocking liberals for “calling everyone who finds her attractive a Nazi.”
Conservative media roared. This wasn't about an ad anymore; it was a glorious battle against "cancel culture" lunacy. Sweeney, silent as a stone, was now their accidental poster child. The narrative was simple: look at how crazy the left is, cancelling a girl for selling jeans.
— (@)
7. American Eagle held its ground and made a profit
Instead of apologising, American Eagle stood by the ad:
"Sydney Sweeney Has Great Jeans is and always was about the jeans. Her jeans. Her story... Great jeans look good on everyone."
AE's stock price skyrocketed over 20%. They doubled down on inclusivity, and ironically, the controversy gave them a boost. The value? 10 or 20 times the ad spend! Marketing experts said the viral attention (good or bad) paid off tenfold.
No statement. No apology. No clapback. Just silence.
Which is smart, maybe. Or maybe it’s avoidance. Either way, people are filling in the blanks for her. Some see her as a symbol of resistance. Others see her as complicit. The truth? Only she knows. But in today’s world, silence often becomes its own kind of answer.
As one blunt PR expert warned: "She’s a bombshell, but she’s not box office yet... It’ll be carnage."
— (@)
9. Career-wise, this could go either way
Sweeney’s team probably hoped this would blow over. But Trump’s full-throated endorsement has ensured it won’t.
PR experts say this level of politicisation can hurt, especially for someone still building their star power. As a strategist put it: “She’s not Margot Robbie yet. This could backfire.”
She’s now a trending name, yes, but not for her work. That’s a dangerous spot to be in for an actor with ambition.
Sydney Sweeney’s ad started as a joke — now it’s a political firestormGetty Images
10. The real story isn’t about jeans
This isn’t about denim anymore. Or even Sydney Sweeney, really.
It’s about how a single sentence in a fashion ad cracked open every fault line in American pop culture, race, beauty standards, cancel culture, and politics. And how public figures get swept into battles they didn’t sign up for.
One poorly written pun turned into a culture war grenade. And Sweeney? She’s now stuck in the blast radius, like it or not.
— (@)
So... what was this really about?
Let's be brutally honest. That ad was clumsy. The "genes" bit with Sweeney's look? Yeah, it was tone-deaf at best, grossly insensitive at worst. It deserved criticism. But what happened next? That wasn't about the ad. It was about the hunger for a fight.
Sydney Sweeney probably just wanted to sell jeans. What she ended up selling, unintentionally, was a case study in how fame works now. You don’t need to say anything controversial. The internet will do it for you. Then Trump might repost it. Next, you're a symbol. Then you're a controversy.
And just like that, “great jeans” became a political statement, one pair of blue jeans at a time.
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Sandwich sells for £3 individually or as part of Tesco’s meal deal
Tesco adds a new limited-edition “Birthday Cake Sandwich” to its meal deal
Features flavours inspired by Victoria sponge with added sprinkles
Available in 1,000 stores for four weeks only
Sandwich sells for £3 individually or as part of Tesco’s meal deal
Shoppers are divided – some calling it “amazing”, others “disgusting”
Tesco has released a new limited-edition sandwich inspired by classic birthday cake flavours. The “Birthday Cake Sandwich”, featuring sweet fillings reminiscent of a Victoria sponge with colourful sprinkles, is now available as part of the supermarket's popular meal deal.
Priced at £3 on its own, the sandwich can also be included in the meal deal offer for £4 (or £3.60 with a Clubcard). It will be on sale for a limited time – just four weeks – in 1,000 Tesco stores across the UK.
Social media reacts: ‘Amazing’ or ‘just wrong’?
The release has already gone viral on social media, with shoppers offering strong – and often opposing – opinions. Some Tesco staff and customers praised the novelty, with one employee posting:
“I work for Tesco and had it for lunch – it’s b***** amazing.”
Another shopper simply wrote:
“It’s sooo good.”
Others, however, were less impressed. Critics commented that mixing cake and sandwich formats was unappealing:
“Absolutely no... Sandwich is a sandwich, cake is cake. No need to mix.” “Aww hell nah.” “Looks disgusting.”
Not the first sweet sandwich to cause a stir
Tesco’s birthday cake sandwich follows other recent high-profile releases by rival supermarkets. M&S drew attention earlier this summer with its “Strawberries & Cream” sandwich, inspired by Japanese sandos and launched during Wimbledon. That version included sweet bread, strawberries, and whipped cream cheese, priced at £2.80.
M&S has a long tradition of sandwich innovation, credited with introducing freshly made sandwiches in the 1920s and pioneering pre-packed versions in the 1980s.
Tesco, too, has experimented with bold flavours. In recent years, it has introduced limited-edition options like the “Ham, Egg and Chips” sandwich, described by one shopper as:
“The next best thing to being down the caff.”
The supermarket has also expanded its meal deal range with unconventional items like Krispy Kreme doughnuts, Pot Noodles, and even tomato soup.