Cach Mercer, winner of Love Island 2025, is one of the celebrities joining the 2026 season of Strictly Come Dancing. Other announced participants include celebrity hair stylist Chris Appleton, singer Delta Goodrem, actress Lacey Turner, and reality star Dani Dyer.
Key Facts
Cach Mercer won Love Island in 2025 and works as a model, DJ, and mental health charity ambassador.
Mercer is excited to learn ballroom dances like the foxtrot on Strictly Come Dancing.
Chris Appleton is known for styling celebrities like Kim Kardashian and has created looks for Jennifer Lopez and Katy Perry.
Australian singer Delta Goodrem, who previously competed in Eurovision 2026, will also compete in the show.
Actress Lacey Turner, famous for her role on EastEnders, is participating and is a longtime fan of the show.
Dani Dyer, a previous Love Island contestant, is returning after fracturing her ankle during rehearsals last year and missing the competition.
The Strictly Come Dancing 2026 season is expected to start in September.
The show pairs celebrities with professional dancers to compete in ballroom and Latin dances.
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This article highlights several events from the past week, including Prince Harry losing a privacy court case, England's football team winning a match against Mexico, and the United States celebrating its 250th birthday. It also mentions a quiz related to news and events, referencing Kylie Minogue and Australia's Prime Minister's apology.
Key Facts
Prince Harry lost a privacy case against the publisher of the Daily Mail.
England's football team, known as the Three Lions, won a game in Mexico.
The United States marked its 250th birthday recently.
Australia’s Prime Minister apologized to singer Kylie Minogue (though details are not provided).
The article includes a quiz about recent world news events.
The quiz was created by Ben Fell.
Readers are invited to try other quizzes from previous weeks or archives.
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A Ghanaian social media influencer named Frederick Kumi, also known as Abu Trica, was extradited to the United States to face charges of running a romance scam that stole over $8 million from elderly Americans. He is accused of using fake online identities created with AI tools to trick victims and send the stolen money to accomplices in both countries.
Key Facts
Frederick Kumi (Abu Trica) is accused of scamming elderly Americans out of more than $8 million.
He allegedly used AI technology to create fake profiles and gain victims' trust on social media and dating sites.
Kumi was extradited from Ghana to the US and could face up to 20 years in prison.
His lawyer claims Ghana’s government ignored court decisions by extraditing him early, raising legal concerns.
Prosecutors say the scam involved false claims like urgent medical needs or investment opportunities to get money.
Kumi’s social media showed luxury cars and properties, which raised suspicion about his income sources.
The case is part of a larger effort by US authorities to stop fraud targeting elderly Americans, especially involving West African networks.
Kumi was arrested last year in a joint operation between Ghana and the US.
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Wally Funk, a pioneering female pilot and the oldest woman to travel to space, has died at age 87 in Grapevine, Texas. She was part of the Mercury 13 program in the 1960s and flew to space in 2021 with Blue Origin's New Shepard mission.
Key Facts
Wally Funk was born on February 1, 1939, and lived in Grapevine, Texas.
She was selected for the Mercury 13 program in 1961, undergoing the same tests as NASA astronauts.
Despite her qualifications, women were not allowed to join NASA astronauts during her early career.
Funk became the first female flight instructor at Fort Sill, Oklahoma, and the first female inspector for the FAA.
She trained over 3,000 pilots and logged more than 30,000 flight hours.
In July 2021, at age 82, she flew to space on Blue Origin's New Shepard NS-16 mission, becoming the oldest woman in space.
She received multiple honors, including induction into the Texas Aviation Hall of Fame and Women in Aviation International Pioneer Hall of Fame.
Wally Funk died peacefully, surrounded by loved ones, as announced by the city of Grapevine.
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A 14-year-old girl named Lilly Jones was found dead in a park in Blaina, Wales, two days after she went missing. A 14-year-old boy has been charged with her murder and is due to appear in court again soon.
Key Facts
Lilly Jones went missing from her home on June 20.
Her body was found in Duffryn Park on June 22.
The cause of death was multiple stab wounds.
A 14-year-old boy has been charged with her murder and is in custody.
A court hearing for the boy is planned later this month.
A trial is expected to start in November.
Lilly’s family described her as kind, caring, and unique.
The family thanked the community for support and donations.
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A Hungarian court sentenced an Irish man to 14 years in prison for murdering an American woman tourist in Budapest in 2024. The man killed the woman during a private encounter, hid her body, and later disposed of it in a forest near Lake Balaton.
Key Facts
The victim was Mackenzie Michalski, a 31-year-old nurse practitioner from Portland, Oregon, visiting Hungary.
She was last seen at a nightclub in Budapest on November 5, 2024, after which she went missing.
The suspect, a 37-year-old Irish citizen identified as L.T.M., was arrested on November 7, 2024.
Police said the man beat and strangled Michalski and then hid her body in his apartment.
He later placed her body in a suitcase and discarded it in a wooded area near Szigliget by Lake Balaton.
The court found that the man intended to kill Michalski and did not seek help after the attack.
He was sentenced to 14 years in prison without parole and ordered to pay court costs and be deported after serving the sentence.
The man is appealing the conviction.
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Ukraine is using an American-made long-range reconnaissance drone called the V-BAT to find Russian military targets inside Russia. This drone helps Ukraine plan strikes that damage important Russian military and energy sites, especially around the Black Sea and Crimea.
Key Facts
The V-BAT drone is made by the U.S. company Shield AI and can fly long distances to gather information.
Ukraine’s navy used the drone to spot Russian soldiers and equipment on an oil rig, leading to attacks that destroyed key Russian assets.
Ukrainian President Zelenskyy declared a 40-day campaign to pressure Russia into ending the war, relying on drone-guided strikes.
Ukraine has almost doubled its strikes more than 30 miles inside Russia since June 2026.
The strikes targeted military, energy, and logistics facilities, including oil tankers in the Black Sea.
Russian officials stopped gas sales to Crimea after Ukrainian attacks, aiming to isolate the region.
After the U.S. reduced intelligence sharing, France now provides about two-thirds of Ukraine’s intelligence.
Ukrainian drones enhanced with Starlink internet help improve their surveillance but the V-BAT is still unmatched in range and communication.
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Russian President Vladimir Putin is continuing his military campaign in Ukraine despite heavy losses and economic problems. The U.S., under President Donald Trump, has announced plans to let Ukraine produce Patriot missile systems to help defend against Russian attacks, signaling increased support for Ukraine.
Key Facts
Russian forces face a stalemate in Ukraine with heavy casualties and limited progress.
Crimea, controlled by Russia, is increasingly threatened by Ukrainian attacks.
Russia’s economy suffers from inflation, high interest rates, and fuel shortages.
Ukraine is under frequent missile and drone attacks from Russia, causing civilian casualties.
President Trump announced the U.S. will license Ukraine to build Patriot missile systems, which defend against ballistic missiles.
The exact details of the U.S. license to produce Patriots are still unclear.
Russia’s air attacks aim to pressure Ukraine and its allies politically.
Ukrainian and Western officials say more air defenses are urgently needed as missile attacks continue.
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Actor Justin Baldoni and his wife Emily spoke publicly for the first time about their family’s pain after a legal battle with co-star Blake Lively. The lawsuit involved accusations of sexual harassment and retaliation, most claims were dismissed by a judge, and the parties settled remaining issues before a trial.
Key Facts
Blake Lively sued Justin Baldoni and his company in December 2024, alleging sexual harassment and retaliation on the film set of "It Ends With Us."
A judge dismissed most harassment claims because Lively was classified as an independent contractor, not an employee.
Baldoni filed a $400 million counter-lawsuit against Lively and her husband, Ryan Reynolds, for defamation and extortion, but it was fully dismissed.
The parties settled remaining claims about breach of contract and retaliation just before the trial was to start in New York.
Lively said she pursued the case due to retaliation after asking for a safe working environment.
Baldoni and his wife expressed gratitude for support and said their family is healing.
The legal fight lasted nearly two years before reaching a resolution in May 2025.
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Larry Kudlow, a host on Fox Business, said the United States acted too quickly in agreeing to a temporary deal with Iran. He mentioned concerns about Iran being allowed to sell millions of barrels of oil under this agreement.
Key Facts
Larry Kudlow spoke about the U.S.-Iran interim deal on his Fox Business show.
He believes the U.S. made the agreement too fast.
The deal allows Iran to sell 50 to 60 million barrels of oil.
Kudlow’s comments focus on the timing and terms of the deal.
The agreement is described as an interim or temporary arrangement.
Oil traders reported the amount of oil Iran could sell.
The discussion relates to U.S. foreign policy toward Iran.
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Welsh singer Bonnie Tyler died at age 75 while hospitalized in Portugal for illness-related treatment. Many celebrities, including Catherine Zeta-Jones and Rod Stewart, expressed their sadness and shared memories of her unique voice and personality.
Key Facts
Bonnie Tyler was 75 years old at the time of her death.
She died in a hospital in Faro, Portugal, where she was receiving treatment.
Tyler underwent emergency intestinal surgery in May and was placed in an induced coma.
She gained fame for songs like “Total Eclipse of the Heart” and “It’s A Heartache.”
Catherine Zeta-Jones was related to Tyler through marriage and spoke about their close relationship.
Several well-known artists, including Rod Stewart, Bryan Adams, and Tony Hadley, paid tribute to her.
Tyler was appreciated for her distinctive, gravelly voice and lively personality.
Her death was unexpected and has elicited widespread mourning in the entertainment world.
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A fake Nigerian government agency called the presidential foreign intervention promotion council (PFIPC) was listed in the 2026 budget and given office space in a federal building. The case involves accusations of forgery, impersonation, and financial misconduct and is under investigation amid political controversy ahead of Nigeria’s general elections.
Key Facts
The PFIPC was allocated 1.3 billion naira (£705,248) in Nigeria’s 2026 budget.
Femi Gbajabiamila, the president’s chief of staff, accused Adeniyi Adeyemi Matthew of forging his signature and official documents.
Adeyemi claimed he was appointed to lead PFIPC, but the presidency denies knowing him.
Adeyemi reportedly met with ambassadors without approval and set up bank accounts for PFIPC without government consent.
The actual Nigerian investment promotion council raised concerns about PFIPC’s similar name.
Office space was given to PFIPC in the federal secretariat, raising questions about how Adeyemi accessed it.
President Bola Tinubu ordered an anti-corruption agency to investigate PFIPC.
Some key officials involved in the case have past controversies, including suspensions and legal troubles in the US.
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At a NATO summit in Ankara, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan gave NATO leaders engraved revolvers with six live bullets as gifts. These unusual presents caused surprise and security challenges, as leaders had to handle the guns carefully due to different laws on transporting firearms.
Key Facts
President Erdoğan gave each NATO leader a personalized revolver with six live bullets at the Ankara summit.
The guns came in red boxes lined in black and included a note exempting them from export controls.
Many leaders and security teams were surprised and puzzled by the gift.
Some leaders took their guns home, leaving the bullets in Turkey, while others left both gun and ammo behind.
The revolvers given to EU leaders were handled with extra security and will be decommissioned and sent to a military museum.
The Polish president received his revolver with caution due to a previous incident when a grenade launcher gift exploded in his office.
Transporting fully functional guns across borders requires following strict legal rules, causing logistical difficulties.
The Turkish presidency did not comment on why they chose to give these particular gifts.
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Courtney Grace gained attention for a brief but powerful role in Steven Spielberg's latest film, "Disclosure Day." Previously a journalist, Grace shared in an interview that her past experience helped her perform authentically, and she spoke about the courage it took to pursue acting.
Key Facts
Courtney Grace appears briefly near the end of Spielberg’s new movie, "Disclosure Day."
Her performance has received strong praise and is seen as a major breakthrough in her career.
Grace worked as a journalist for about seven years before becoming an actress.
She believes her journalism experience helped her stay calm and genuine on camera.
A mentor encouraged her to admit her true dream of acting, which she credits for her path forward.
Grace says success comes from taking the next right step and being brave, even when feeling unsure or scared.
She is grateful for the positive response to her role in the film.
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A Greek Air Force F-16 fighter jet crash-landed at Zakynthos airport after a technical problem during a training flight. The pilot was unharmed, but the plane caught fire on the runway, causing the airport to close and delaying flights.
Key Facts
The F-16 experienced a technical fault and landed around 13:45 local time.
The pilot is reported to be in good health.
Greek media said the jet showed signs of an onboard fire before landing and caught fire on the runway.
The plane landed without using its landing gear and slid along the runway.
Firefighters responded quickly to put out the fire.
The jet belonged to the 335 Squadron of the 116th Combat Wing, based in western Greece.
The airport was closed, delaying all flights until 21:00.
A special air force team is set to remove the damaged aircraft from the runway.
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Andy Burnham, leader of the UK's Labour Party, apologized for the party’s early response to Israel’s military actions in Gaza and said the party needs to improve its approach. He promised to increase pressure on the Israeli government, including sanctions and possible trade bans related to illegal settlements, while condemning violence and calling for accountability.
Key Facts
Andy Burnham admitted Labour's initial response to the Gaza conflict was not adequate and apologized.
He plans to pressure Israel with measures like sanctions and trade restrictions on illegal settlements.
Burnham criticized the UK government for being slow to call for a ceasefire in Gaza.
Labour leader Keir Starmer faced criticism for his early remarks supporting Israel’s right to withhold power and water from Gaza.
Starmer recognized Palestine as a state after months of pressure in 2025.
Burnham condemned Hamas’s attacks and antisemitism in the UK, stressing a balanced approach.
He acknowledged possible war crimes in Gaza but said international courts should decide on legal judgments.
Many Labour voters left the party because of its stance on Israel and Palestine, moving to the Green party.
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Tuareg separatists and jihadist groups attacked a convoy of Russian mercenaries and Malian soldiers heading to a military camp in northern Mali. The convoy was trying to reinforce troops holding a key town called Anefis, which is near the separatists’ stronghold of Kidal.
Key Facts
The convoy included Russian paramilitary forces from Africa Corps and Malian soldiers.
The attackers are from the Azawad Liberation Front (FLA) and an Al-Qaeda-linked jihadist group called JNIM.
Anefis is an important town for controlling the larger northern town of Kidal.
The FLA and jihadists have taken control of Anefis after coordinated attacks.
Mali's government wants to hold Anefis to eventually retake Kidal from separatists.
The convoy was ambushed twice, with heavy fighting ongoing as of the report.
Russia supports Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger with military help against jihadists.
Russia is also pursuing energy and mining deals with these Sahel countries in Africa.
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Conservative commentator Scott Jennings said he is not surprised that the temporary ceasefire deal between the U.S. and Iran is failing as fighting increases. He stated that Iran has always been strongly opposed to the United States, and that President Trump tried to address this.
Key Facts
Scott Jennings is a conservative political commentator.
Jennings spoke about the ceasefire deal between the U.S. and Iran.
The deal was meant to temporarily stop hostilities.
Hostilities between the U.S. and Iran are increasing again.
Jennings said Iran has historically been very adversarial to the U.S.
He mentioned that President Trump attempted to manage the situation.
Jennings expressed no surprise at the failure of the ceasefire.
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The UK government has shortlisted 15 towns for the first-ever UK Town of Culture title. These towns will receive funding to develop cultural bids, and three winners (small, medium, large) will be chosen next year, with one overall winner receiving £3 million to host cultural events.
Key Facts
The shortlist includes 15 towns across the UK, such as Pontypridd, Birkenhead, Isle of Bute, Basildon, and Rotherham.
Each shortlisted town will get £60,000 to help prepare a full cultural bid.
The competition divides towns into three size groups: small (under 20,000 people), medium (20,000–75,000), and large (over 75,000).
Three winners will be picked early next year: one from each size group.
The overall winner will get £3 million to host cultural events in 2028.
The two runners-up will receive £250,000 each for part of their programs.
The competition aims to celebrate towns’ culture, support storytelling, involve local communities, and boost visitors and investment.
Nearly 400 towns applied, showing strong interest in promoting local culture across the UK.
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The article says that Iraq has changed a lot over the past 20 years. It suggests that the United States should update its policies to match the new situation in Iraq.
Key Facts
Iraq today is different from what it was two decades ago.
The article calls for a change in how the U.S. deals with Iraq.
U.S. policy needs to recognize Iraq’s current state and challenges.
This implies a shift toward a partnership based on Iraq’s present conditions.
The article focuses on international relations between the U.S. and Iraq.
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