Strictly Come Dancing professional Karen Hauer shared an update with her fans on Instagram following a tough night with just hours to go until the latest live show
Strictly Come Dancing star Karen Hauer shared an update on her dog Betty’s health after she underwent surgery. The pro dancer let her fans know that Betty is home and recovering following the procedure.
She wrote over the post, “Our brave girl is home. A little bit out of it after surgery, but she’s doing so well. Now we wait for results.” She then shared a further update with a video where Betty was laying in her bed while Karen sat beside her on the floor stroking her ears.
In the clip Karen admitted that she and boyfriend, former rugby player Simon Davidson, hadn’t had much sleep with just hours to go before she had to head to work for tonight’s live Strictly show alongside her celebrity partner Harry Aikines-Aryeetey. However, she did admit that Betty had got a good night’s rest and was recovering well from her surgery.
Speaking in the clip Karen said, “Just a little update on Betty. She slept okay last night, even though there were fireworks, and she’s not a fan of fireworks. But she managed to get some rest. Simon and I, really we didn’t get much sleep.
“He’s about to go running in a bit and then I’m going off to work in a bit as well. But she is very comfortable in her little suit, and all the other doggies are giving her some love. Even though they want to give her cuddles and kisses they’re trying to be good and stay away from her now.
“But she’s doing good. Our little baby. One day at a time. “
Then, in a further update she showed Betty heading out for a gentle walk with Simon, while still wearing her surgery suit. Karen shared the devastating news of Betty’s diagnosis with her fans on social media last month.
At the time she shared pictures of Betty, including some from recent vet appointments, and explained, “Last week Simon felt two small lumps on Betty’s belly and under her armpit. We took her to the vet, and the results showed traces of cancer. Our hearts broke.
“It’s grade one as far as we know, and our vets have been absolutely incredible. They’ll be doing further tests to make sure they have all the info and can guide us through the next steps to give our Betty the best treatment possible.”
She then issued a warning to fans over their own pets as she continued, “Please check your fur babies for any lumps or bumps… early detection can make all the difference.”
Usher Travel Worldchoice is the latest UK travel firm to cease trading this year, after Balkan Holidays Ltd (April 2025), Jetline Travel (March 2025), and Great Little Escapes LLP (June 2025) all shut their doors.
Bookings have been impacted by the closure of Usher Travel Worldchoice(Image: Getty Images/iStockphoto)
An independent travel agent has ceased trading – the latest in a worrying run.
Now, Usher Travel Worldchoice is joining them. The independent firm, based in Wallasey, Merseyside, has ceased trading. Usher shut up shop on 16 October 2025. “We are now treating this company as a financial failure,” announced ABTA, the UK’s largest travel association that offers financial protection to holidaymakers.
The news was followed by an emotional message from director Gavin Morton, who has been with the business for 35 of the 60 Usher was trading. He described the decision to close as “quite literally one of the most heartbreaking moments” of his life.
“Covid took much away from us. And while we came through the other side, three years of heavy travel restrictions and in many cases a loss of client confidence in travel left a financial burden that was becoming more and more difficult to manage,” he said.
“The loyal clients, many of whom have become friends and helped create the relaxing and fun atmosphere in the office, will be something the team will miss in our day-to-day lives.”
Anyone who has a holiday booked with the firm will be contacted shortly with regards to ticket arrangements. Forward bookings will be transferred from the agency to clients’ tour operators, Mr Morton said.
“We’re sorry for any inconvenience caused, but rest assured we will be assisting ABTA and Worldchoice in the smooth transition of booking ownership.”
ABTA has the following advice for Usher customers:
“If you booked a holiday through Usher Travel Service Ltd, the tour operator or principal travel business with whom Usher Travel Service Ltd booked your holiday will be named on your paperwork or ATOL Certificate if it was a flight-inclusive holiday; this would be stated on your ATOL certificate under ‘Who is protecting your trip.’
“To ensure your holiday can continue as planned, you will need to contact your tour operator or other principal travel business with whom you have a contract (you should ask to speak to the credit control department). They should confirm that your booking will continue as normal and they will now be your direct point of contact.
“If you booked a flight-only with Usher Travel Service Ltd and were issued with a ticket or e-ticket, you will need to contact the airline, but your tickets should be valid for travel.”
The Facebook announcement on Friday prompted an outpouring of support from loyal customers and rivals.
Mary Dibbert wrote: “So sorry to hear this. You have been part of Wallasey for so long. All of the staff there were always friendly and you all went out of your way to help people. I wish you Gavin, Barry and Laura every best wish for the future. Many thanks for all the times you booked my trips and gave holiday advice.”
Travel Counsellor George Triggs, who worked at Going Places in the same town, added: “Ushers were always our biggest competitors. But truth be told, one of the most respected too. You and your team were always spoken about with such admiration locally, and that’s something to be incredibly proud of.”
VETS have revealed the eight dog breeds they’d never own – warning they may look cute, but each one can lead to “total heartbreak.”
The animal experts, who have treated thousands of pets over the years, said some popular breeds are plagued with painful health problems, short lifespans and sky-high vet bills.
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Vets reveal the eight breeds they’d never own themselvesCredit: Getty
Dr. Catis a vet based in the UK with over 35k followers on Instagram.
They urged potential owners to think twice before buying certain dogs – no matter how adorable they look – saying love alone isn’t enough to keep them healthy.
The vets have revealed the eight breeds they’d never own themselves – and say fellow vets agree on at least two of them.
German Shepherd
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They may be loyal, but German Shepherds are super reactiveCredit: Getty
First up is the German Shepherd.
Loyal and clever, yes — but the vets warned they can also be reactive, suspicious and anxious, making them “really challenging” to handle.
Pugs, bulldogs and boxers
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Breathing problems are very common in pugs, bulldogs and boxersCredit: Getty
Flat-faced breeds might look adorable, but these brachycephalic dogs often struggle with breathing problems and other anatomical issues.
They are healthier than others, but they’re prone to a whole host of problems – from spinal issues and skin conditions to eye troubles.
Ben said: “There are specimens of these dogs that are healthier than others, but they are so prone to so many issues.
“Spinal issues, skin problems, eye problems. The fact that over half of them have to have a caesarean to give birth is enough of an ethical issue for me to never want to have one. If you’re OK with that, that’s fine but for me personally it’s not very fair.”
Border Collie
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Border Collies need more mental and physical enrichmentCredit: Getty
Super-smart and bursting with energy, working-line Border Collies need nonstop stimulation.
Without it, they can develop serious behavioural and mental health problems.
Cat said: “I just do not have enough time in my life to put into them to make sure they’re living their best lives with me.”
Urgent warning for pet owners as contaminated dog food recalled after salmonella found with ‘do not use’ warning issued
Shar Pei
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Shar Peis are prone to all sorts of problems, and are not happy because of themCredit: Getty
Shar Peis come with a long list of health and behavioural problems.
Their wrinkles can cause skin and eye issues, and being in constant discomfort often makes them grumpy.
Ben said they are also prone to constant “skin problems and have tiny, narrow ear canals.
“Some can get so stressed that they even bite the staff.”
St Bernard
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The huge breed comes with challengesCredit: Getty
Saint Bernards might look lovable – but their size comes with messy challenges.
Constant slobber and hygiene issues can make life pretty tricky for owners.
Cat revealed: “Quite honestly, I cannot cope with the slobber. I had a client once tell me that she had slobber on her ceilings.”
Dachshund
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The little dogs get huge back problemsCredit: Getty
Steer clear of Dachshunds because of the breed’s health issues.
They’re lovely dogs, but one in four develops back problems in their lifetime.
It can range from mild pain to complete paralysis, often requiring spinal surgery.
The recovery is long and Ben added, “there’s too much potential for heartbreak.”
King Charles Spaniel
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Cavalier King Charles spaniels can suffer from heart diseaseCredit: Getty
The super popular breed of family dog is known for their affection.
A SCHOOLGIRL has tragically died at her home, as friends and family pay heartbreaking tributes.
Emergency services attended a property on Manor House Lane, Preston, on Monday morning after reports of a sudden death.
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Nina Papierniok was found dead at her home in Preston
Nina Papierniok, 13, who was a pupil at Archbishop Temple Church of England High School, was found dead.
LancashirePolice have confirmed her death is not being treated as suspicious.
A report will be handed to the coroner in due course.
A spokesperson for the force said: “We were called to Manor House Lane, Preston, at 7.04am on September 15 following reports of a sudden death.
“Emergency services have attended and tragically found a 13-year-old girl deceased.
“Our thoughts are with her loved ones at this extremely distressing time.
“The girl’s death is not being treated as suspicious and a file will be passed onto HM Coroner in due course.”
Friends and family have rallied round to launch a fundraiser in the Nina’s memory and as a way to support her loved ones.
It has already raised more than £9,500 in just a few days.
A post on the GoFundMe page says: “13-year-old Nina, the beloved daughter of our friend Justyna, passed away suddenly in the United Kingdom.
“Justyna is a single mother, and during this unimaginably difficult time, she needs our support to cover the funeral costs and to say a dignified farewell to her daughter.
“If you can – please support the fundraiser or share it with others.”
Emily Tunnicliff, 25, laid her simple arrangement of flowers outside Ricky Hatton’s home, called The Heartbreak, to join the hundreds already there.
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Ricky Hatton was found dead at his home after pals called police when they had been unable to contact himCredit: PA
For many, the former boxer was the heart not only of Hyde but of Britain.
“I am from Hyde,” Emily added.
“He was proud of where he came from and we were proud of him.
“He has done so much for this city. He never forgot his roots.”
Read More on Ricky Hatton
Her friend, boxer Tyler Dolby, 23, trains at Ricky’s brother Matthew’s gym nearby.
He agreed. He said: “He was an estate lad and you could never take that out of him. He was such an inspiration. He said to all the young lads here and in Britain you could all make it.”
Kirsty Cartwright, 34, said: ‘I wanted to be here to show how much he was was loved’ (above pictured with Lisa Cartwright)Credit: Andy Kelvin / Kelvinmedia
Footie band funeral bid
THE England football supporters’ official brass band hopes to play at Ricky Hatton’s funeral.
The England Band performed at the legend’s fights — and their version of the Great Escape is heard at Three Lions matches.
A trumpeter with the Sheffield musicians — John Hemmingham, 62 — said: “Ricky was an ordinary bloke who loved boxing and football. The chant ‘There’s only one Ricky Hatton’ was born after we started playing it.
“We’ll be at his funeral and if we’re able to play that would be a great honour. It’s up to the family. But we’d love to play for Ricky one last time.”
TELLURIDE, Colo. — It’s customary at Telluride for a director premiering a movie to step onstage, say a few words and slip away before the lights go down. On Friday night, before unveiling her new film “Hamnet,” Chloé Zhao admitted she couldn’t find the right words. For a film centered on William Shakespeare, the most famous wordsmith in history, that felt oddly fitting.
Instead, the 43-year-old Zhao led the packed Palm Theater in a meditative “ritual” she and her cast had practiced throughout the shoot, from before the script was even written until the final day on set. She asked the audience to close their eyes, place a hand over their hearts and feel the weight of their bodies in the seats and the surrounding Rocky Mountains holding them safe. Together, the crowd exhaled three long, loud sighs, then tapped their chests in unison, repeating softly: “This is my heart. This is my heart. This is my heart.”
By the time the film ended, those same hearts were left aching. Adapted from Maggie O’Farrell’s 2020 novel, “Hamnet” tells the story of Shakespeare’s marriage to Agnes (played by Jessie Buckley) and the devastating death of their 11-year-old son, Hamnet. Paul Mescal plays Shakespeare — not the untouchable bard of legend but a husband and father reckoning with grief. At once grounded and dreamlike, the film drew perhaps the most rapturous and unanimous response of any debut in this year’s lineup.
Eight years ago, Zhao came to Telluride with “The Rider,” fresh from Cannes and still largely unknown. In 2020 she returned with “Nomadland,” which received a Telluride-sponsored drive-in screening at Pasadena’s Rose Bowl due to the pandemic and went on to win best picture and make Oscar history, with Zhao becoming only the second woman — and the first and only woman of color — to win the directing prize. Then came Marvel’s “Eternals,” a massive undertaking that thrust Zhao into the franchise machine and brought with it a bruising critical reception. With “Hamnet,” she’s back to a smaller canvas, trading cosmic spectacle for intimate human drama.
On Sunday morning in Telluride, still processing the reaction to her latest film, Zhao sat down to talk — speaking so softly that even in a hushed room her words can be hard to catch — about why she took on O’Farrell’s story, how she approached Shakespeare’s world and the delicate task of turning heartbreak into art.
Jessie Buckley, center, in the movie “Hamnet.”
(Agata Grzybowska / Focus Features)
When I interviewed you for “The Rider” in 2018 you said you’re a very pessimistic person and when you get a good review, you’re just waiting for the bad one to drop. What are you feeling right now?Did you expect anything like the reaction “Hamnet” has received? I was nervous. I’ve walked through fires. I’ve been through the fire — a very painful fire — and I think there is probably a bit of fear around that.
What was the fire? You mean the reaction to “Eternals”? I’m not going to say out it loud, because when I do, things always get … [trails off]. Let’s just say we were very scared.
I think the fear mainly came from the fact that we felt so sure of what we experienced. It changed all of our lives and mine so profoundly that it’s still reverberating. You think: Were we crazy? And no one else will get it but us?
You go through this long, treacherous journey to deliver these things to safety and now it’s very tender because you look back at all the loss and the sacrifices along the way and you haven’t really had time to process it.
I’m curious what your history was with Shakespeare growing up in China and then moving to England and later Los Angeles as a teenager. What kind of early impression did he make on you? Shakespeare is very revered in China. In Chinese theater, they do Chinese versions of his plays. When I studied in the U.K., I didn’t speak English at the time and I did have to learn Shakespeare, which was very difficult. I don’t think I’m anywhere near where Paul and Jesse are with their understanding of Shakespeare. The language was always a barrier but the archetypal element of his stories was big for me — particularly “Macbeth.” In high school in Los Angeles, I performed Lady Macbeth’s speech on the stage because everybody had to do some kind of monologue for a project. And I barely spoke English.
You’ve said you initially weren’t sure that you were the right person to direct this movie. What was your hesitation? There were three elements to that. One is that I’m not a mother. I never felt particularly maternal. People in my life say, “That’s not true, Chloé,” but I don’t see myself stepping into that archetype at all. The second was the idea of a period film — how can I be authentic and fluid in a period film, where you can’t just make things up in the moment, you can’t be spontaneous? The third was Shakespeare. I wondered if I needed to be scholarly.
So how did you come around? I was driving near Four Corners, New Mexico, when Amblin called. I said, “No, thank you.” Steven [Spielberg] really wanted me to consider it. Then my agent said Paul Mescal wanted to meet me. I didn’t know his work. “Aftersun” was the secret screening here [in Telluride 2022], and we went for a walk by the creek. I watched him talking and thought, “Could he play young Shakespeare?” He already read the book. Then I read it and thought, if Maggie [O’Farrell] can write this with me, she can show me that world. As soon as I read the book, I said, “Can you set a meeting with Jessie Buckley?” I couldn’t see anyone else but her as Agnes.
Paul Mescal as William Shakespeare in the movie “Hamnet.”
(Agata Grzybowska / Focus Features)
You’d just come off “Eternals” after making small films like “Songs My Brothers Taught Me” and “Nomadland.” Now you’re back with something more intimate again. Did it feel like a reset? Every child has its own beauty and troubles. This budget was maybe six or seven times “Nomadland,” but much less than “Eternals.” But it’s also a period film, which has its own challenges. I come from a tradition of: Tell me how much money you have and I’ll make something with it.
But I changed a lot after “Nomadland” and “Eternals.” In my 30s, I wanted to chase the horizon. I didn’t want it to ever end. I’d just keep running. Then, at the end of “Eternals,” I felt I couldn’t film another sunset that would satisfy me the way in the way it had with “The Rider” and “Nomadland.” I went through a lot of difficult personal times and pushing midlife, I realized I’d been running like a cowboy, like a nomad.
When you stop running and stop chasing horizons and you stay still, the only place you can go is above or below. I descended pretty heavily these last four years. By the time I got to “Hamnet,” I was ready. The difference now is a different kind of humanity: older, more vertical.
We know so little about Shakespeare or his son. Some parts of your film are grounded, others dreamlike. How did you balance that? First of all, what’s real? Ancient mystics tried to understand what is being. “To be or not to be” goes beyond suicidal thought — it’s about existence itself. Every film has its own truth. For me, the truest thing is what’s present in the moment. I hired department heads and actors with knowledge of the history, but also the capacity to stay present and shift as we go. If someone came in too factual and literal, I said no. I wanted people who could do the research but also stay alive to the present.
Shakespeare’s name isn’t even spoken until late in the movie. This isn’t the icon — he’s a husband and father. Was it appealing to free him from the iconography? Maggie’s book laid the foundation, really focusing on Agnes. For the film, I wanted it to be about two people who see and are seen by each other. They’re archetypal characters. I’ve studied Jungian psychology and Hindu Tantra — the energies of masculine and feminine, being and doing, birth and death. If we don’t have a healthy connection to our roots, those forces battle within us. By creating two characters who embody that, the story can work at a collective level and an internal one. The alchemy of creativity lets those forces coexist. Hopefully it becomes something more than a story about marriage or the death of a child.
Jessie Buckley and Paul Mescal in the movie “Hamnet.”
(Agata Grzybowska / Focus Features )
The loss of a child is hard to film and for audiences to watch. We’ve seen it tackled in different ways on screen, from “Ordinary People” to “Manchester by the Sea.” How did you approach portraying that kind of grief honestly without it being too much for the audience to bear? It might be for some people, which is understandable. I love both those films you mentioned very much and watched them multiple times. I’ve been making films about grief for a while. I don’t think about what’s too much or too little. Agnes’ wailing — I could do that right now in front of you. We should be allowed to. The silence for thousands of years has done great damage.
How do you mean? Think about ancient warriors coming back from battle — they danced, screamed, healed together. In Tantra, sexuality was part of healing. Now it’s: Talk to a therapist, take medication, go back to your family. The body is restricted. Telling a woman to be quiet when she gave birth and pinning her down. We know why this control happens. But I think people are responding to films where actors are embodied, because we miss that.
How do you see grief as a through-line in all your films? All my films start with characters who’ve lost what defined them: dreams, home, purpose, faith. They grieve who they thought they were in order to become who they truly are. That’s grief on an individual and collective level. I wasn’t raised to understand grief. So I made films to give characters catharsis and through that, myself.
My friend [“Sinners” director] Ryan Coogler, who knows me so well, sat me down after seeing “Hamnet” and he said, “The other films were beautiful but you hid behind things. This is the first time I saw you in there. You’re finally being seen.” It took four films, working with that kind of grief and fear to get to that point.
The Oscar chatter has already started. You’ve obviously been through this before. How do you tune that out and just focus on what’s in front of you? The same way that me, Paul and Jessie were doing on set. We made the film by being present. It’s difficult, so I’m trying to take that practice daily — just saying, “OK, today is all we have.” It’s flattering and nice but after what I’ve experienced in my career, you cannot possibly predict how things are going to go. I never expected “Nomadland” to go on that journey. So I surrender to the river.
Do you know what you’re doing next? I just wrapped the pilot on the new “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” series, which is set 25 years later. My company is part of developing it. The fandom is so special to me and I’m excited about how that’s going to go into the world. Then I think I want to do a play. I was working on “Our Town” and I had to let that go in order to do “Hamnet.” But I figured maybe I’ll learn something from this film and come back to the stage.
The industry feels pretty shaky right now: fewer jobs, studio consolidation, anxiety around AI. As a filmmaker, how do you see the state of the business and the art form? I sense we’re at a threshold — not just the film business, everything. It’s uncomfortable. We’re like Will standing at the edge of the river when, at least in our film, the “to be or not to be” monologue was born. We can’t go back and we don’t know how to go forward. In physics, when two opposing forces pull so strongly, a new equilibrium bursts out. That’s how the universe expands. I think we’re there. We can kick and scream or we can surrender, hug our loved ones and focus on what we can do today.
Hopefully I’m not so pessimistic now. Or at least a little bit less.
But Newcastle will still rue not pressing home their advantage with a full complement of players when the game was goalless.
Set-plays were wasted. The hosts were screaming out for a poacher to get on the end of teasing crosses that were gratefully claimed by Alisson. On the one occasion a delivery from Harvey Barnes picked out the head of Gordon, the forward failed to hit the target.
Digging deeper, Newcastle have had 26 shots in their opening two league games of the season, but Howe’s side have managed just six efforts on target and two goals.
Although Osula got on the scoresheet on Monday night, the 22-year-old is still developing and has never started a Premier League game for the club.
However, if Newcastle do not reach a breakthrough in the transfer market in the coming days, the Dane could yet line up against Leeds United on Saturday after bids were turned down for Wolves star Jorgen Strand Larsen and Brentford striker Yoane Wissa.
It was certainly not lost on Howe that one of the best strikers in the world is still on Newcastle’s books – and how the hosts could have used the Isak of old.
“The quality of Alex would have made a difference in the team,” Howe said. “I don’t think there’s any denying that. But, that said, the team has functioned really well.
“The performance of the players and the team in the two games doesn’t happen without every part of the team functioning well. You can’t carry anyone in this division against any opponent. Yes, we needed to score in that first half when we were on top. Goals change games, but we’re just dealing with what we have.”
Howe said he was “not party to the talks that were happening” after suggestions that Jamie Reuben, the club’s owner, had held face-to-face discussions with Isak while chairman Yasir Al-Rumayyan is also in town.
But, one way or the other, a resolution to this saga is finally imminent, with the window closing on 1 September.
Coronation Street residents had some devastating news tonight as a double exit appears on the cards for two residents of Weatherfield
21:21, 22 Aug 2025Updated 21:21, 22 Aug 2025
Aadi confirmed he’d be moving to India(Image: ITV)
Emotions were running high in Weatherfield tonight, as Coronation Street was hit with a double dose of devastating ‘exit’ news.
During Friday’s episode, Aadi Alahan, who we know will be making an exit from the soap, told his sister Asha about his plans to leave, leaving her heartbroken.
Earlier this year, it was revealed that Aadi, who was played by Zennon Ditchett for a decade until Adam Hussain took over in 2019, would be leaving the soap – and it doesn’t look like his exit is far away…
At the start of the episode, Aadi informed Dev and Asha that the police had let him off with a caution after Lauren reported him after his confession to his role in Lauren’s LSD-induced hallucinations at a party.
Aadi is preparing to leave Weatherfield
“You were right dad, about me leaving this place, and starting all over again in India.” Aadi said after sharing the news. “I’m gonna do it, and I’m gonna look at flights today,” he said.
“Might as well get a move on. Especially now there’s not much around here for me anymore,” he continued.
A devastated Asha then reassured her brother by saying: “That’s not true. You’ve got family, you’ve got friends. We’ll miss you.”
“Hope you’re happy now,” a devastated Asha said to her father Dev, who told Aadi that he must move to India to get back in line again following his recent behaviour.
At the end of the episode, Asha was left in tears while on the phone to Dev – who called to ask her where the big suitcase was in order to pack up Aadi’s belongings. But how will Asha cope when Aadi finally says goodbye?
Lou was sentenced to four years behind bars(Image: ITV)
Elsewhere, it was judgement day for Lou, as she received her sentencing for attacking Gary Windass earlier this year. The attack came after he refused to give her money for blackmail and threatened to call the police.
It was later revealed that she had been sentenced to four years behind bars, leaving her children Brody, Joanie and Shanice devastated knowing their mum wasn’t coming back home after it was confirmed she had left the soap.
As Sally and Tim broke the news to the kids, the psychologists paid a visit to Joanie. They then told Sally and Tim it wasn’t in the sisters’ best interests to keep them apart. However, as they were leaving Shanice came running into the living room crying with a bloody knee, announcing that Joanie had thrown something at her.
It was then revealed that Joanie would have to be taken to another family, although Shanice was left gutted exclaiming that she didn’t want her to go. But will she be back with her sister?
It comes after Sally was left horrified earlier this month, when she discovered bruises on Shanice’s arm – leading to the pair calling social services.
Lou’s final scenes aired last month, as it was revealed earlier this year that Lou and Mick would be leaving the cobbles after joining in February.
Coronation Street airs Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 8pm on ITV and ITVX.
The lead singer of the regional Mexican band Enigma Norteño, Ernesto Barajas, was shot and killed on Tuesday in the municipality of Zapopan in the state of Jalisco, Mexico, according to ABC 7.
The singer was killed by two individuals riding a motorcycle, according to authorities. The prosecutor’s office of the state of Jalisco has already opened an investigation into the murder, according to ABC 7.
The band from Sinaloa is known for its “viral drug ballads,” a musical style known to glorify organized crime. Enigma Norteño has dedicated its songs to members of the Jalisco Nueva Generacion and Sinaloa cartels. The genre has been banned by a third of the states in Mexico.
In July, the Council of the Judiciary of the State of Jalisco agreed to drop the criminal case against the Mexican regional band Los Alegres Del Barranco. The band came under investigation after it displayed a photograph of a leader of the Cártel Jalisco Nueva Generación during a show.
In April, the Mexican government announced a music contest to encourage Mexican artists to create music that does not glorify a violent lifestyle. The competition was created to encourage musicians to write songs about love, heartbreak and peace, according to Billboard.
“While the contest won’t solve this issue overnight, and we’re not neglecting the underlying causes — for that, there’s a whole national security program — we felt it was important to create creative spaces through culture for Mexican and Mexican-American youth who are passionate about music,” Claudia Curiel de Icaza, secretary of culture for Mexico, told Billboard Español.
Authorities from the state of Jalisco did not respond to a request for a comment in time for publication.
JEFF Bezos is mourning the loss of his mother, Jacklyn “Jackie” Bezos, who has died at the age of 78.
The Bezos Family Foundation announced the news, revealing she passed away peacefully at her Miami home today.
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Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos poses on the red carpet with his parents Mike and Jackie in 2016Credit: AFP
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Jackie Bezos has died at the age of 78Credit: Getty
While no cause of death was given, the Foundation said she was diagnosed with Lewy Body Dementia in 2020.
In an emotional post, Jeff reflected on how his mom’s life as an adult began early, becoming a mother at just 17.
He said she “pounced on the job of loving me with ferocity,” later bringing his stepfather Mike into the family and expanding her love to his siblings Christina and Mark.
Bezos said her “list of people to love never stopped growing” and that she “always gave so much more than she ever asked for.”
He shared that after a long battle with Lewy Body Dementia, Jackie died surrounded by her children, grandchildren, and Mike.
“I know she felt our love in those final moments. We were all so lucky to be in her life,” he wrote, adding: “I hold her safe in my heart forever… I love you, mom.”
In a heartfelt tribute, the Foundation described Jackie as “the true meaning of grit and determination, kindness and service to others” — values she passed on to her children and grandchildren.
It praised her husband, Mike Bezos, for staying by her side “at every step” of her illness and thanked the healthcare team who cared for her.
Born December 29, 1946, in Washington, D.C., Jackie had Jeff at 17 with her first husband, Ted Jorgensen, before the couple split when Jeff was a toddler.
She later married Cuban immigrant Miguel “Mike” Bezos in 1968 — a lifelong partnership that lasted nearly six decades.
In 1995, the couple famously invested just under $250,000 into Jeff’s then-new venture, Amazon.
A devoted mother to Jeff, Christina, and Mark, Jackie juggled work, night school, and family life — making countless trips to Radio Shack for Jeff, supervising cheerleading practice for Christina, and hauling drums in the family station wagon for Mark.
She later earned her psychology degree at 45, proving, as the Foundation put it, “it’s never too late to follow your dreams.”
In 2000, she and Mike founded the Bezos Family Foundation, spearheading initiatives such as Vroom, which supports early childhood development, and the Bezos Scholars Program for students in the US and Africa.
She also played a major role in funding groundbreaking cancer research at Seattle’s Fred Hutch Cancer Center.
Her greatest joy, however, was family — particularly her 11 grandchildren, for whom she created “Camp Marmie,” a summer tradition of adventures, problem-solving, and laughter.
Jeff’s wife, Lauren Sánchez, re-shared the tribute on Instagram Stories with a broken heart emoji.
Jackie is survived by Mike, her children Jeff, Christina, and Mark, 11 grandchildren, and one great-grandchild.
The family is asking people to honor her memory by supporting a meaningful nonprofit or performing a simple act of kindness.
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