Latest news with #CleanSlate
Forbes
a day ago
- Business
- Forbes
Q2 2025 Employment Law Update: Cannabis, Background Checks, AI & More
The second quarter of 2025 reinforced a critical truth: compliance is no longer about static rules, ... More it's about proactive, integrated decision-making. Legal risk is rising across every stage of the hiring process, from application to onboarding. Employers spent the second quarter of 2025 adapting to a compliance landscape that grew more complex, more technical, and more localized. States continued expanding Clean Slate and Fair Chance protections, while new pay transparency mandates gained momentum across jurisdictions. At the same time, regulators sharpened their focus on cannabis testing policies, biometric privacy, and the responsible use of AI in hiring. Even small shifts, like terminology updates in Form I-9 or new restrictions on housing status inquiries, signaled big changes in how employers are expected to manage risk and support equitable hiring. Staying ahead this quarter required more than policy updates. It required a full playbook revision, one that integrates legal developments into practical, people-centered hiring practices. Criminal History Reform: Clean Slate, Fair Chance, and Beyond States continued to expand Clean Slate laws in Q2, reinforcing a national shift toward automated expungement of criminal records. These laws aim to remove barriers to employment by sealing eligible offenses after a set period, often without requiring individuals to take legal action. Minnesota, Colorado, Washington, D.C., and Virginia advanced their frameworks earlier this year, and implementation timelines vary. (For a detailed review of those laws, see my Q1 2025 article on Forbes.) This quarter, Hawaii joined the trend. Lawmakers enacted Act 5 of 2025, which builds on the state's 2024 pilot program for automatic expungement. The updated law expands eligibility to include possession of Schedule V substances and certain non-conviction arrests dated before January 11, 2020. Expungement is automatic and applies only to arrests in counties with populations between 200,000 and 500,000, such as Maui and Kauai. Employers may see these records disappear from background checks more quickly, particularly in jurisdictions covered by the pilot. Hawaii's move reflects a growing push to deliver second-chance relief more efficiently for low-level drug offenses. Washington State raised the bar with a major overhaul to its Fair Chance Act. Starting July 2026 (or January 2027 for smaller employers), background checks must be delayed until after a conditional offer. Employers must also complete individualized assessments and issue written explanations before taking adverse action based on a conviction. Even current employees receive new protections. For employers, this means retraining teams, revising screening workflows, and carefully documenting adverse action decisions. In Wisconsin, the state Supreme Court ruled that noncriminal citations, like municipal violations, qualify as 'arrest records' under the state's Fair Employment Act. Employers can no longer take action based on citations unless they conduct an internal investigation independent of law enforcement findings. This ruling adds new legal risk and raises the stakes for employers operating in the state. Minneapolis, meanwhile, codified one of the nation's most progressive local protections. As of August 1, 2025, 'justice-impacted status,' which includes arrest, conviction, incarceration, and probation, is a protected class under the city's civil rights ordinance. Employers must now conduct a six-factor individualized assessment before taking adverse action tied to criminal history. Blanket exclusions for convictions are no longer legally defensible. Pay Transparency and Salary History Bans Pay transparency continued to expand in Q2, with new laws taking effect in Illinois, Minnesota, Massachusetts, New Jersey, and Vermont. These laws require salary range disclosures in job postings, and in some cases, additional information about benefits or commissions. Employers hiring remotely or across state lines must comply, regardless of where their headquarters are located. Cleveland enacted a sweeping local ordinance that prohibits employers from asking about salary history and requires good-faith pay range disclosures in job ads. It joins other major Ohio cities, like Columbus, Cincinnati, and Toledo, already enforcing pay equity protections. The ordinance covers part-time and temporary roles and applies to employers with 15 or more workers. Washington State refined its Equal Pay and Opportunities Act to reduce litigation risk. New rules, effective July 27, 2025, introduce a five-day correction period for noncompliant postings, allow single wage disclosures when fixed salaries are offered, and clarify that employers aren't liable for outdated third-party listings, provided they act quickly to correct them. This rare employer-friendly update is a reminder that transparency compliance requires both policy and process. Cannabis Legalization: Minnesota Tightens Protections, Kentucky Holds the Line In Minnesota, cannabis compliance entered a new phase with the enactment of Senate File 2370, effective May 24, 2025. This law builds on the state's 2023 cannabis legalization framework (HF 100) by adding procedural safeguards for registered medical cannabis patients. Under the law, employers who are legally permitted to test, typically those in safety-sensitive roles, DOT-covered positions, or federal contractors, must now issue a 14-day written notice before disciplining or terminating a registered medical cannabis user who tests positive. That notice must identify the specific federal law, regulation, or contract that compels the employer to take action, and name the federal benefit or license at risk if the employee continues in their role. Vague safety justifications are no longer enough. Employers must document a clear legal basis for any adverse action, and act immediately only if required by federal law. Most employers in Minnesota have already stopped testing for THC unless an exception applies. But for those who continue, the law adds a compliance burden that requires legal precision, HR training, and updated adverse action protocols. In contrast, Kentucky's medical cannabis law, which took effect earlier this year, has minimal impact on workplace policies. It does not require employers to accommodate off-duty use, permit use at work, or tolerate positive test results. Employers can maintain zero-tolerance drug policies, deny unemployment benefits for violations, and face no new obligations under the law. Together, these states reflect two ends of the compliance spectrum with Minnesota's procedural complexity versus Kentucky's policy continuity. For employers operating in both, the takeaway is clear: one cannabis policy won't fit all. AI and Biometric Privacy: States Define the New Rules for Employers Earlier this year, Congress included a 10-year moratorium on state AI laws in a proposed federal budget bill, but stripped it out before passage. The failed attempt highlights Washington's fractured approach to AI regulation and leaves employers to navigate a growing patchwork of state and local rules. With no national standard in place, states continued to lead the way in Q2, advancing laws that directly impact how employers use artificial intelligence and biometric data in hiring and workforce management. California finalized regulations clarifying that its anti-discrimination laws apply to automated decision systems (ADS), including those developed by third-party vendors. Employers may be liable if AI tools—used in screening, hiring, or promotions—result in biased outcomes, even unintentionally. The rules emphasize employer responsibility for agent actions and flag common criteria like unexplained employment gaps as potential proxies for discrimination. Texas passed the Texas Responsible Artificial Intelligence Governance Act (TRAIGA), effective January 2026. While primarily aimed at public entities, TRAIGA prevents local jurisdictions from enacting stricter AI laws, gives private employers a 60-day cure period before state enforcement, and limits liability to intentional discrimination only. Colorado amended its privacy law to impose strict rules on biometric data use in the workplace. Starting July 1, 2025, employers must obtain written consent unless biometrics are used for safety, timekeeping, or emergency response. Data must be deleted after 24 months of inactivity or 45 days after its purpose ends. Employers must also maintain biometric-specific breach protocols and notify affected individuals of any compromise. Together, these developments underscore a clear message: AI and biometric tools must be fair, explainable, and defensible. Employers should audit their systems, update vendor contracts, and prepare for broader compliance obligations in 2026 and beyond. I-9 and E-Verify: Technical Changes and Enforcement Trends USCIS released a revised Form I-9 dated January 20, 2025. Although employers can continue using the previous version through 2027, onboarding platforms must reflect the correct expiration date by July 31, 2026. E-Verify was also updated to align with the new terminology. 'An alien authorized to work' now replaces the older 'noncitizen authorized to work' designation. More urgently, DHS terminated parole and work authorization for hundreds of thousands of individuals from Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, and Venezuela. The change created immediate EAD revocations for affected workers. Employers enrolled in E-Verify must run Status Change Reports and may need to reverify or terminate employees lacking valid work authorization. Those not enrolled in E-Verify may receive no notice at all. This situation highlights the growing importance of real-time compliance monitoring. Employers should audit Form I-9 records, avoid acting on assumptions tied to EAD categories, and consult counsel before taking adverse action based on parole status. Miscellaneous but Meaningful Developments Spokane, Washington, became the first city to adopt a 'Ban the Address' ordinance. Effective May 25, 2025, employers may not ask about a candidate's address, housing status, or use of shelters until after a provisional job offer. The ordinance aims to eliminate bias against unhoused individuals. In Oregon, new legislation bans age-identifying questions (like birth year or graduation date) until after an initial interview or conditional offer. Employers must update application forms and screen technology for compliance. New Mexico also entered new territory by enacting the Medical Psilocybin Act on April 7, 2025. The law authorizes regulated psilocybin treatment for conditions like PTSD and depression, with full program implementation expected by the end of 2027. While employers are not required to accommodate psilocybin use in the workplace, the law raises complex questions about disability-related accommodations under the ADA or similar state laws. As with cannabis, the key distinction lies between use and impairment. Employers should reaffirm drug-free workplace policies and prepare for potential accommodation requests involving medically supervised psilocybin therapy. Parting Thoughts The second quarter of 2025 reinforced a critical truth: compliance is no longer about static rules, it's about proactive, integrated decision-making. Legal risk is rising across every stage of the hiring process, from application to onboarding. And with more jurisdictions regulating conduct locally, compliance teams must adapt quickly and holistically. Employers should: Employers that stay informed and agile will not only reduce legal exposure, they'll build trust, support fairness, and improve hiring outcomes in a complex regulatory landscape.
New Indian Express
13-06-2025
- New Indian Express
Police, excise nabbed 19k drug offenders this year across Kerala
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: A whopping 19,168 people have been arrested so far this year for drug-related offences, while a staggering 18,427 cases under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act have been registered in the special anti-drug drives of the police and excise departments. The numbers, said officials, indicate that drug abuse has become a huge threat for the state. Until June 11, the police registered 16,125 cases and arrested 16,953 people in the four months since the launch of their ongoing anti-drug drive 'D-Hunt' on February 22. The excise department registered 2,302 cases of drug peddling and consumption and arrested 2,215 people in the 70 days of its special drive, 'Clean Slate', the first phase of which was held from March 5 to 12, while the second, launched on April 21, is currently on. A total 1,680 kg of ganja and 8.7 kg of MDMA were seized collectively. In comparison, there were 35,690 NDPS cases registered last year – 27,530 by the police and 8,160 by excise sleuths. At the current rate, the number of cases will cross 50,000 if the special drives continue for a year. Sources from both departments said the detection rate of cases reveals drug addiction has risen at an alarming rate. 'Drug abuse has become a big threat,' said a senior police officer. However, there is a silver lining. 'One good thing is through the special drive, we busted several clandestine drug rackets. We have enhanced the deterrence value through sustained operations and pushed the rackets on the back foot. We are sensing some reluctance on the part of ringleaders, who operate from outside the state, in sending consignments to Kerala,' the cop said. While 'D-Hunt' will run till the end of the month, the excise department is expected to continue 'Clean Slate' further. Highly-placed sources said the state government might announce a new action plan later this month and both departments will be charting out new measures to counter drug supply and abuse. Crackdown continues Drug cases registered in police, excise special drives: 18,427 Total arrests: 19,168 MDMA seized: 8.7 kg Ganja seized: 1,680 kg (Until June 11)
Yahoo
31-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Illinois criminal justice advocates tout ‘Clean Slate' legislation as ‘economic boon'
SPRINGFIELD — Criminal justice reform advocates say legislation to seal criminal records for certain nonviolent crimes, which passed Friday in the House, would unlock economic opportunity for thousands of Illinoisans. The so-called Clean Slate Act has failed twice before, but activists see renewed fiscal messaging as the key to reinvigorating the campaign. This time, the bill's sponsor points to a 'diverse coalition of stakeholders' and backing from business groups as signs Illinois could become the 13th state to enact similar legislation. 'This is something I've worked on for six long years, and now we have law enforcement and the business community — folks like the Illinois Retail Merchants Association, the Illinois Manufacturers Association — all on board,' Rep. Jehan Gordon-Booth, D-Peoria, said in an interview. 'Not as a neutral party, but they are proponents. They want to see this bill passed.' Like earlier proposals, Senate Bill 1784 would require law enforcement agencies to automatically seal records for nonviolent criminal convictions twice a year — Jan. 1 and July 1. The records would no longer be public, although law enforcement and state's attorneys would retain access. Gordon-Booth has sponsored Clean Slate legislation twice before — once in 2021 and again in 2023 — but neither bill progressed past committee. Just a few days before the 2025 legislative session concluded, she filed it again. Within two days, it passed the House mostly along partisan lines, and is headed for debate on the Senate floor. The session ends at midnight Saturday, although the bill could still pass after that deadline. People convicted of certain violent offenses — including sex crimes against minors, DUI, reckless driving and violent offenses that require sex offender registration — would be ineligible to have their records sealed. 'I want to make this very, very clear: Serious criminal records are not eligible for automated sealing,' Gordon-Booth said during floor debate. Gordon-Booth argued that conviction records trap formerly incarcerated individuals in a state of perpetual punishment, eclipsing access to employment, housing and educational opportunities. She said Clean Slate would remove these barriers, helping system-impacted people reintegrate into society instead of recidivating. Paul Rothschild, managing director of operations for the Illinois Coalition to End Permanent Punishment — a group that advocates for the rights of people with criminal records — said he agrees. He said the justice system fails to follow through on its own promise: Once someone has served their time, they are entitled to a second chance. 'We believe that people should be accountable for the crimes that they commit. But we also believe there is an implied covenant that when they finish, they're supposed to be returned to the world made whole, and that covenant is not being kept by society. They're being forever subjugated in that lower caste, that lower class,' Rothschild said. More than 3 million Illinoisans have arrest or conviction records, and an estimated 921,000 people are eligible for 'sealing relief' — but only about 10% actually petition to have their records cleared, according to statistics from Live Free Illinois, a grassroots organization aimed at reforming the state criminal justice system and part of the Clean Slate Illinois steering committee, which coordinates the campaign's messaging and advocacy efforts. The bill would automate the process for individuals with nonviolent convictions to have their records sealed once they have served their sentences, completed probation, and remained crime-free. Many eligible individuals are deterred by steep fines, complex paperwork and long waiting periods, Gordon-Booth said. The 'burdensome' process has contributed to massive court backlogs, according to Clean Slate Illinois. 'It's going to automate the process, so this way we don't have to go through that whole trying to get the paperwork, trying to go through all the rigmarole,' said Chauncy Stockdale, who was formerly incarcerated and is now a member of the Live Free Illinois Fellowship, a reentry program that supports returning citizens. The measure passed the House 81-28, with five Republicans joining Democrats in support of the measure. No Democrats voted against the bill. During debate on the House floor, Minority Floor Leader Rep. Patrick Windhorst, R-Metropolis, voiced concerns about the tentative $18 million price tag, and whether the state is capable of fully funding the policy in the years ahead, leaving counties to cover the cost. 'If this isn't funded, we're either going to be sending a large unfunded mandate to our counties, or we're making a promise to 2.1 million people that will not be fulfilled without any funding,' he said. Gordon-Booth detailed a three year 'implementation ramp,' which would give the state time to identify funding sources for the local circuit clerks. She also said the Illinois State Police would absorb the initial costs and emphasized the state's commitment to supporting circuit clerks in the rollout phase. 'It is our full intention to provide clerks with all that they need to implement this,' she said. 'We are not going to send an unfunded mandate to our local governments.' On April 10, nearly 300 members, supporters and advocates from Live Free Illinois chapters gathered in front of the Abraham Lincoln monument in Springfield for Advocacy Day, calling on lawmakers to introduce the Clean Slate Act. Live Free Illinois — a faith-based nonprofit focused on ending gun violence and mass incarceration — organizes Black congregations to push for systemic change. The organization is involved in the broad-based Clean Slate steering committee, which also includes the Fully Free Campaign, the Illinois Coalition to End Permanent Punishments, and Impact for Equity. The day before, Muslim leaders also advocated for Clean Slate legislation at Illinois Muslim Action Day. Beyond criminal justice reform, advocates pushed a new messaging angle this year to usher the legislation across the finish line: Clean Slate could boost Illinois' economy. As of April, Illinois has one of the highest unemployment rates in the country, at 4.8% — above the national average of 4.2%, according to the data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Jerika Richardson, senior vice president for equitable justice and strategic initiatives at the National Urban League, said the act would open doors for thousands of people who have been barred from work because of background checks. 'There are so many employers and businesses across this country who are struggling to find the workers that they need, and part of the reason is because these records are barriers,' Richardson said. 'If Illinois passes the Clean Slate Act, you won't have to worry about businesses going to another state or leaving the country.' An amendment to the Illinois Human Rights Act, signed by Gov. JB Pritzker in 2021, expanded legal protections for state workers by prohibiting discrimination based on criminal convictions, in addition to arrest records. Yet many say they continue to face employment hurdles despite the law. People with conviction histories earn an average of 25% less than those with clean records — a gap the National Urban League says costs the state billions of dollars in lost wages. According to a news release from the National Urban League, the Clean Slate Act could generate more than $4.7 billion in lost wages for Illinois, easing economic disparities and addressing labor shortages. Gordon-Booth echoed Richardson's point, adding that her office frequently hears from constituents who are missing out on life-changing chances. 'I get calls from people saying, 'I had an opportunity to get my dream job, and it fell through because of something that I did when I was 18 or 19.' And we're talking about folks that are in their 30s,' Gordon-Booth said. 'They have not gone through the process of hiring a lawyer, going through the court-mandated process, and folks are losing out.' Reilly Cook is a graduate student in journalism with Northwestern University's Medill School of Journalism, Media, Integrated Marketing Communications, and a fellow in its Medill Illinois News Bureau working in partnership with Capitol News Illinois. Capitol News Illinois is a nonprofit, nonpartisan news service that distributes state government coverage to hundreds of news outlets statewide. It is funded primarily by the Illinois Press Foundation and the Robert R. McCormick Foundation. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
CBS News
01-05-2025
- Politics
- CBS News
Here are the candidates running for Michigan governor
Michigan's Democratic Gov. Gretchen Whitmer is finishing her second term, which means a new face will take over after the 2026 midterm election. In the last few months, the number of people announcing their candidacy has grown, including high-profile names such as Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist, Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson, U.S. Congressman John James and Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan. Here's a list of candidates who announced they are running for governor. Jocelyn Benson Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson announced in January that she would run for governor. Benson, elected in 2018, serves her second term overseeing the state's election processes and the motor vehicle department. She cited her achievements in that role, including decreasing wait times for in-person appointments and installing self-service motor vehicle stations across the state. Benson's campaign promises include bringing accountability and transparency to state government, and working on behalf of the state's families with a "progressive vision for Michigan's future." Mike Cox Former Michigan Attorney General Mike Cox dropped his name in the campaign pool in April, announcing that he is running for governor with the theme of "Make Michigan Great Again," and envisioning a future "where Florida and Texas look to us for ideas." Cox won two terms as Michigan attorney general in 2002 and 2006, citing those elections in his campaign statements as proof that he can win a statewide race. His work included helping homeowners renegotiate or get new loans after the 2009 recession. He has also touted creating Michigan's statewide child support division to help address the issue of unpaid child support for Michigan families and the Michigan Senior Brigade to help educate seniors and caregivers about avoiding financial scams. Cox then ran for governor in 2010, but lost in the Republican primary. After leaving office, he built up a private law practice. Mike Duggan Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan was among the first to announce that he was running for governor. After he announced in November 2024 that he was not seeking reelection, the Democratic mayor launched a gubernatorial campaign as an Independent. Duggan first took office in January 2014, and the city emerged from its historic bankruptcy in December of that year. He is the second-longest-serving mayor in the city, following former Mayor Coleman Young. Duggan served as CEO of the Detroit Medical Center from 2004 to 2013 before running for office on a successful write-in campaign, defeating former Wayne County Sheriff Benny Napoleon. Duggan also spent three years as the Wayne County Prosecutor and another 14 as Wayne County's deputy county executive. Garlin Gilchrist Garlin Gilchrist, Michigan's first Black lieutenant governor, announced his candidacy for the state's top position in March. As second in command, Gilchrist started the Clean Slate program to help those who have settled their criminal justice cases get a fresh start. He also launched the Michigan Innovation Fund to support startup companies in the state. His work as the City of Detroit's Director of Innovation included creating the Improve Detroit smartphone app, which allows residents to report issues such as running water, potholes, damaged street signs and others for the city to address. If elected, Gilchrist would become the state's first Black governor. Anthony Hudson Michigan resident Anthony Hudson joined the list of gubernatorial candidates in March, describing himself as a "hardworking Michigan conservative." Hudson ran in the 2024 Republican primary for a U.S. House seat, but lost to Paul Junge. Democrat Kristen McDonald Rivet eventually won the seat. The Texas native moved to Michigan in 2012 to be near his children. Key ideas in his policy platform include eliminating state property taxes and state income taxes and replacing both with a county tax, controlled locally, to fund services at the local level directly. As part of the effort to redirect specific funding and responsibilities away from state decisions to local decisions, he would eliminate the Michigan Department of Transportation. The intended money would instead go to the county road commissions. Hudson is also pushing for a "part-time legislature with part-time pay." The goal is to encourage Lansing's lawmakers to "stay connected to the real-world challenges of their communities." John James U.S. Rep. John James, who was reelected to Congress in 2024, announced in April that he was running for governor. The Republican lawmaker, representing Michigan's 10th congressional district, said the decision came "after deep reflection, prayer, and conversations with my wife and family." James served as an aviation officer in the U.S. Army for eight years and was president of a supply chain and logistics solutions group. He lost U.S. Senate races in 2018 and 2020 to incumbents Debbie Stabenow and Gary Peters. He faced Democrat Carl Marlinga twice in the 2022 and 2024 elections, beating him in both. Aric Nesbitt Michigan state Sen. Aric Nesbitt announced his campaign for governor in January, becoming the first Republican to launch his candidacy. Nesbitt previously served as Senate minority leader during the last legislative session in Lansing. He served in the state's House of Representatives before becoming a senator. Nesbitt assisted Michigan conservatives in voter turnout efforts for returning President Trump during the 2020 election cycle and presented the state's electoral votes on behalf of Mr. Trump in December. Chris Swanson Genesee County Sheriff Chris Swanson launched his Democratic bid for governor in February. Swanson was elected sheriff of Michigan's fifth-largest county in 2020. The announcement marked his full leap into politics after gaining national attention for marching with protesters in 2020 and speaking at the Democratic National Convention last August. Swanson prides himself on his unique approach to law enforcement, which he claims brought people together. Public safety is his expertise; he says voters have it on their minds. The sheriff's law enforcement approach first drew national headlines in May of 2020, days after a White Minneapolis police officer killed George Floyd, a Black man. At a protest in Flint, the largest city in Genesee County, Swanson removed his riot gear and marched alongside demonstrators. This month, Swanson said that police had planned for a different response, but "as I was walking up, I thought, there's got to be a better way."
Metro
30-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Metro
20 best new TV shows of 2025, according to Rotten Tomatoes
From Netflix to Amazon Prime to Disney Plus to Apple, we're spoilt for choice when it comes to streaming platforms and their content. But with so many TV shows dropping on the daily, it can be hard to decide what to watch. Luckily, we also have access to Rotten Tomatoes, a review aggregation website for films and television. Its key feature is the Tomatometer, which provides a score for the title, calculated based on the percentage of positive reviews from a pool of critics. And honestly, it's our most trusted source. So without further ado, here are the 20 best TV shows of 2025. Wake up to find news on your TV shows in your inbox every morning with Metro's TV Newsletter. Sign up to our newsletter and then select your show in the link we'll send you so we can get TV news tailored to you. That's your viewing content sorted for a few weeks then… This Disney+ series is a revival and continuation of Daredevil. In this show, Matt Murdock (played by Charlie Cox) finds himself on a collision course with Wilson Fisk (played by Vincent D'Onofrio) after their past identities are revealed. Action adventure? Tick. Crime drama? Tick. Superhero vibes? Big tick. Based on the 1985 dystopian novel by Margaret Atwood, The Handmaid's Tale was adapted into this hit Emmy-winning series. In general, the plot is set in the Republic of Gilead, a totalitarian theocracy that has overthrown the United States. Fertile women in Gilead – referred to as Handmaids – are forced into sexual servitude to bear children for the elite. Though series six hasn't even dropped yet in the UK (it's set for release on May 3 on Amazon Prime), Rotten Tomatoes has already declared it a masterpiece. Clean Slate is a sitcom co-created by and starring Laverne Cox and George Wallace. Harry is an old-school car wash owner from Alabama. His laid-back life is interrupted when his estranged child comes back into his life after 17 years, now a determined, proud trans woman named Desiree. Anything starring Stephen Graham is worth a watch. In A Thousand Blows, he plays Sugar Goodson, a dangerous, veteran boxer in Victorian London's East End. When he comes across Hezekiah and Alec, two best friends from Jamaica, it turns into a fight for survival for the pair. Medical drama lovers, The Pitt should be on your watch list. Set in a fictional hospital in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, the show is centred around the personal and professional lives of its healthcare workers. Beware, the episodes can get pretty intense, especially in terms of the hospital employees revealing the emotional toll the job takes on them. The Last of Us has had the world in a chokehold since the release of season 2. For those yet to see the apocalyptic drama, it's based on the video game franchise developed by Naughty Dog. Set twenty years into a pandemic caused by a mass fungal infection – which causes people to transform into zombie-like creatures – a hardened survivor takes a 14-year-old girl under his wing to try and save humanity. This series is loosely based on Mo Amer's own life as a Palestinian refugee descendant living in Houston, Texas. Amer plays the titular character. Though the subject matter is serious, the show is scripted into a comedy-drama format. Mir and Raj are two pampered Pakistani-American brothers who suddenly find themselves thrust into the real world when their convenience store magnate father dies. Forced to take over the store, the siblings soon realise that their father wasn't only a local businessman, but the leader of a drug empire that they knew nothing about. Kaitlin Olson is epic in this crime drama series. World's away from her narcissistic It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia character, Dee, she plays single mum Morgan, who despite working as a cleaner in the police department, has an exceptional mind. When she rearranges some evidence during one of her shifts, she actually ends up solving an unsolvable crime. Seth Rogen and satire? Absolutely. Rogen plays Matt Remick, the newly appointed head of Continental Studios. While desperate for celebrity approval, Remick and his team find themselves balancing corporate demands and creative ambitions – all alongside trying to keep the studio and the movie industry relevant. The Wheel of Time is set in a fantasy universe where magic exists. The twist? Only some people can access it. During the series, a woman named Moiraine takes five young people on a quest in the hopes that one of them has the power to save their world. Hacks has been going since 2021, but according to Rotten Tomatoes, the latest series is one of the best yet. It follows a legendary – but struggling – comedian, played by Jean Smart, who hires a young, unemployed writer to help liven up her material. What ensues is a unique mentorship that blossoms into friendship. This animated action based on Marvel Comics is set in an alternate timeline in the multiverse, exploring Peter Parker's origin story and his early days using the Spider-Man persona. Another show based on books – this time by renowned thriller author Lee Child – Reacher follows the escapades of Jack Reacher, a former U.S. Army military police major. In season three, Reacher heads undercover with the DEA to investigate a suspicious rug-importing business, which is actually a front for a huge arms trafficking operation. Part of the Star Wars franchise and a prequel to the film Rogue One, Andor chronicles the formation of a Rebel Alliance in opposition to the Galactic Empire. One of the characters involved is Cassian Andor, a thief who joins – and becomes an essential member of – the Rebellion. Michelle Williams plays Molly Kochan, a woman who receives a diagnosis of Stage IV metastatic breast cancer. After learning she doesn't have long left, she leaves her husband to explore her sexual desires. Her best friend Nikki is by her side the entire time. Last month, the world stopped and listened as Stephen Graham dropped his triggering – but important – Adolescence. It tells the story of 13-year-old Jamie Miller, who is accused of murdering his female classmate. The series dives into the current issue of the radicalisation of young boys and men online, and shines a light on misogyny and incel culture. Toxic Town is based on the real-life Corby toxic waste case, a significant environmental scandal in the UK. When dozens of babies in the Northamptonshire town of Corby are born disabled, their mothers find themselves in a battle they didn't ask for, but on which they are determined to win. Their question – who was responsible? Millie-Jean Black is a Jamaican-born detective who is forced out of Scotland Yard. More Trending Upon returning to Kingston, she joins the Jamaican Police Force to work in the missing persons department. When she comes across one particular case, Millie finds her life turned upside down, and is forced to confront her past. This adult animated series chronicles the lives of two former high school lab partners. View More » When they stumble across a mushroom that can heal almost every ailment, they also unravel a conspiracy involving big pharma and the government to suppress public knowledge of the medicine. Got a story? If you've got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@ calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we'd love to hear from you. MORE: 'Russell Tovey plays me in Jean Charles de Menezes series – it was traumatising to watch' MORE: Amazon Prime Video's 'twisted' thriller sequel lands surprising Rotten Tomatoes score MORE: 35 unmissable movies joining Netflix in May including iconic crime thrillers
