Birmingham City Council, under Labour's control, has declared itself bankrupt due to severe financial mismanagement, overspending, and corruption. The council's profligate spending on contracts, such as paying exorbitant fees to Green Destinations for school transport, and costly infrastructure projects, has led to a budget crisis. The council faces a significant bill for equal pay claims and has been criticized by various stakeholders, including trade unions and political opponents. The crisis has implications for Labour's national reputation, with Keir Starmer and other leaders being scrutinized for their roles.

The article delves into the cultural and social dynamics of the Troyeville Hotel in Johannesburg, highlighting its historical significance and the impact of recent renovations. The narrative captures the essence of the hotel's eclectic patrons, the changes brought by new ownership, and the resulting loss of its original character. The piece reflects on the hotel's role as a community hub and the varied individuals who frequented it, from artists to political figures. The sentiment towards the hotel's transformation is largely negative, emphasizing a sense of loss and nostalgia for its former identity.

Alaska's Mount Spurr and Mount Augustine, monitored by the Alaska Volcano Observatory, have untapped geothermal energy potential. GeoAlaska and Ignis Energy, with support from GEOLOG, aim to develop these resources to provide sustainable, carbon-zero baseload energy in line with local ESG policies.

South Africa is set to begin its mass COVID-19 vaccination campaign in May, aiming to reach 40 million people by early next year to achieve herd immunity. The rollout faces challenges such as vaccine procurement, logistical hurdles, and overcoming vaccine hesitancy in one of the world's most unequal societies. The country's response has been marred by corruption and confusion, and the scale of the rollout is testing medical infrastructure. South Africa's health officials aim to vaccinate at least 67 percent of the population, but the target may not be reached until February 2022. The J&J vaccine's pause due to blood clotting concerns and the emergence of new variants add to the complexity. The government's goal is to vaccinate as many people as possible, prioritizing health workers, essential workers, and those with co-morbidities. Logistics, corruption, and vaccine hesitancy remain significant challenges, with a recent study showing 18 percent of adults would refuse vaccinations and 15 percent undecided.

Diversification is a key strategy for investors during the economic turmoil caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. William Meyer, CEO of Fenestra Asset Management, argues against over-diversification, suggesting it dilutes well-performing assets and guarantees lower returns. He criticizes institutional managers for spreading investments too thinly and advocates for a more focused approach with significant weight on top equity picks. Fenestra's strategy involves a balanced portfolio with safe haven assets and high-performing equities, aiming to provide clients with better, less stressful investment experiences. The article highlights the pitfalls of over-diversification and the benefits of a more nuanced investment approach.

Hundreds of African refugees and asylum seekers have been protesting in Cape Town against xenophobia, demanding relocation to another country. The protests, which began in October 2019, have highlighted the rising tide of xenophobia in South Africa, particularly against African nationals. The South African government has shifted from a progressive refugee protection system to a more deterrent policy, exacerbated by corruption and mismanagement in the Department of Home Affairs. The new Amended Refugee Act imposes severe restrictions on refugees' rights. Xenophobia, or 'Afrophobia,' has been a persistent issue, with significant violence occurring in 2008, 2015, and between 2018 and 2019. Economic inequality and high unemployment rates contribute to the tension, with foreign nationals often scapegoated for broader systemic issues. Despite some government efforts to combat xenophobia, accountability for xenophobic crimes remains lacking.

The article discusses the complex history and current status of cannabis legalization in South Africa, highlighting the Constitutional Court's role in decriminalizing cannabis and the challenges faced by the hemp industry. It critiques historical and ongoing prohibitionist policies, emphasizing the economic and medical potential of cannabis. Key figures like Tony Budden and Mario Oriani-Ambrosini are portrayed positively for their advocacy, while organizations like the United Nations and individuals like Harry Anslinger are criticized for their roles in cannabis prohibition. The article also explores the cultural and political implications of cannabis use and its potential as an industry disruptor.