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WHO's Surprising New Dementia Guidelines: What You Need to Rethink

WHO's Surprising New Dementia Guidelines: What You Need to Rethink

You’re going to want to remember this.Around the world, more than 57 million people are living with dementia, and nearly 10 million more are diagnosed each year.While there is currently no cure, research suggests that up to 45% of dementia cases could be prevented or delayed by addressing modifiable health and lifestyle factors.Now, the World Health Organization is updating its guidance on how to do just that, releasing the first major revision to its recommendations for preventing dementia and cognitive decline since 2019.About 10% of US adults ages 65 and older have some form of dementia. Clement C/peopleimages.com – stock.adobe.com“We know more today than ever before about what drives dementia risk, and these guidelines translate that knowledge into action,” Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO director-general, said in a press release.“Countries now have clear, evidence-based recommendations they can put into practice immediately to protect people’s cognitive health.”While much of the report builds on advice first issued by the WHO seven years ago, it also highlights several newer strategies that global health experts say may help people protect their cognitive health as they age.Here are three of the most notable updates — including one common practice the WHO says you may want to rethink.Breathe cleaner air to protect your brainOne of the biggest changes in the global public health agency’s 2026 guidance centers on a surprising factor that may influence dementia risk: the air people breathe every day.The WHO now recommends limiting exposure to air pollution as part of a broader strategy to lower the risk of cognitive decline and dementia.Long-term exposure to air pollution may increase dementia risk. Ranta Images – stock.adobe.comThe biggest concern centers around fine particulate matter, particularly tiny particles known as PM2.5. These microscopic pollutants come from a variety of sources, including wildfire smoke, vehicle exhaust, industrial emissions and even some household products.Because they are so small, PM2.5 particles can slip past the body’s natural defenses and may reach the brain. Researchers believe they can trigger inflammation and oxidative stress — two harmful processes that may contribute to cognitive decline over time.And this isn’t just a problem for people living in cities covered by smog. The WHO estimates that 99% of the global population is exposed to air pollution levels that exceed its recommended limits.While eliminating air pollution entirely isn’t realistic, the agency says reducing exposure could still make a difference.That may include simple changes, such as cooking with cleaner energy sources like electricity or gas instead of wood or charcoal, as well as broader efforts, like supporting policies to curb emissions from cars, factories and other sources.“In theory, if air pollution was reduced to zero at the population level, it is estimated that about 3% of dementia cases could be prevented,” the report states.Skip these supplements — unless you actually need themA healthy, balanced diet remains one of the most widely recommended ways to support brain health. But when it comes to supplements, the WHO says more isn’t necessarily better.The agency is now urging people without diagnosed nutritional deficiencies not to take certain vitamins and supplements in hopes of preventing cognitive decline and dementia.Some supplements people frequently turn to in hopes of preventing dementia have scant evidence to back up their brain-boosting benefits. Beaunitta Van Wyk/peopleimages.com – stock.adobe.comThe list includes vitamins B and E, omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, and multivitamin or mineral combinations — products often marketed with claims that they support memory, focus and healthy aging.But the WHO found there isn’t enough scientific evidence showing that these supplements can actually prevent, stop or reverse dementia in people who are not deficient.In its report, the agency warned that taking unnecessary supplements may carry risks that outweigh any potential benefits. These include the buildup of certain nutrients in the body, which can become harmful over time, as well as possible negative interactions with medications.Don’t ignore hearing lossThe WHO’s guidance on hearing loss also received a major update.Worldwide, about 1 in 5 people experience some degree of hearing loss, but many cases go undiagnosed.The consequences go beyond struggling to follow a conversation. Untreated hearing loss has also been associated with an increased risk of cognitive decline and dementia.While the WHO recommended screening for hearing loss in its 2019 guidelines, the agency now specifically backs providing hearing aids as a way to help reduce dementia risk.Hearing loss is considered one of the most significant modifiable risk factors for dementia. peopleimages.com – stock.adobe.comHearing loss may affect cognitive health in several ways. When the brain has to work harder to process sounds, fewer resources may be available for other thinking tasks. It can also contribute to social isolation, which itself is associated with a higher dementia risk, and may lead to changes in brain structure and function.But addressing it could have a significant impact. “In theory, if hearing loss was reduced to zero at the population level, it is estimated that about 7% of dementia cases could be prevented,” the report states.Beyond these newer recommendations, the WHO’s updated guidance highlights several other strategies that may help protect cognitive function.The agency places greater emphasis on cognitive training, recommending activities designed to challenge the brain for adults with normal cognition as well as those experiencing mild cognitive impairment.It also highlights the importance of staying socially connected, pointing to activities like volunteering and maintaining relationships with friends and family as valuable ways to support cognitive health as people age.The report also reiterates several previously recommended interventions that can lower dementia risk, including getting regular physical activity, reducing alcohol use, quitting smoking, following a healthy diet and managing chronic conditions linked to cognitive decline, such as obesity, diabetes and high blood pressure.

Jul 18, 2026
Her Diary's Heartbreaking Truth: The 25-Year-Old's Final Fight for Justice

Her Diary's Heartbreaking Truth: The 25-Year-Old's Final Fight for Justice

The mother of a 25-year-old Spanish woman who chose euthanasia after years of trauma has launched a renewed effort to identify the men she says raped her daughter, using details allegedly recorded in the young woman's personal diary. Noelia Castillo Ramos died on March 26 at a hospital in Barcelona under Spain's legal euthanasia framework. The contents of the woman's diary gives details of assault Noelia Castillo Ramos. Credit: Antena 3 The Daily Mail reported that she handed her diary to her mother, Yolanda Ramos, on the day she died. She had reportedly endured three separate sexual assaults before turning 21, including an alleged gang rape after a night out at a nightclub. Her mother now believes the diary contains crucial information that could help identify those responsible. "Noelia spoke about the rapes on television, and on the very day she died, she gave me her diary. When I read it, I understood many things," Yolanda Ramos said in a video released alongside the filing of new complaints. She hopes the information will help investigators identify the alleged attackers and move the case forward after years without arrests. The matter drew widespread attention According to reports, the journal describes how she met a waiter in the Tarragona town of Salou before allegedly being drugged, given alcohol and raped by three men. Before her death, Castillo's decision to undergo euthanasia became the subject of an 18-month legal dispute led by her father, who sought to prevent the procedure from going ahead. Supported by Christian advocacy groups, family members argued that years of trauma, along with borderline personality disorder, affected her ability to make such a significant decision. However, Spanish courts, followed by the European Court of Human Rights, ruled that Castillo had the mental capacity to decide to end her life under Spain's euthanasia laws. In one of her final television interviews with Spanish broadcaster Antena 3, she defended her decision, saying: "I simply want to go in peace and stop suffering." She also said: "The happiness of a father, a mother, or a sister cannot take precedence over the happiness of a daughter." Castillo had been left paraplegic following a failed suicide attempt in 2022, which resulted in a severe spinal cord injury. Her mother's campaign centers on the diary, which she says revealed details that had not previously been known. The case attracted widespread international attention, including scrutiny from the United States State Department after leaked diplomatic cables reportedly showed officials examining how Spanish authorities handled the case and whether sufficient safeguards exist for euthanasia requests involving people with severe psychiatric conditions or trauma. The case also became the focus of online misinformation, with some right-wing political figures and anti-immigration groups falsely claiming that Castillo had been attacked by North African immigrants. Spanish authorities have said that although Castillo publicly disclosed surviving two sexual assaults and an attempted rape before her death, she never identified the nationalities or identities of the alleged attackers. Spain legalized euthanasia in 2021, allowing adults experiencing "serious, chronic, and disabling conditions" that cause "unbearable suffering" to request medical assistance to end their lives, even if they are not terminally ill. The circumstances surrounding Castillo's death have fueled ongoing debate about the country's euthanasia legislation, with critics arguing that cases involving severe psychological trauma raise broader questions about mental health care, social support, and institutional protections for vulnerable people. If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. Call or text 988 or visit 988lifeline.org. Featured Image. Credit: Antena 3

Jul 18, 2026
Jelly Roll's Transformation Stuns: What Bunnie Xo Revealed About His Confidence

Jelly Roll's Transformation Stuns: What Bunnie Xo Revealed About His Confidence

Bunnie Xo has opened up on how Jelly Roll responded to comments she made about the size of his manhood after his massive weight loss. Unsurprisingly, it seems as if he enjoyed being bigged up about it. Bunnie Xo and Jelly Roll recently split up Unfortunately, the tale of Bunnie Xo and Jelly Roll doesn’t have the happy ending many thought it would, as the pair broke up recently . Having been together since 2015 , the pair have had ups and downs, including Jelly - real name Jason DeFord - ending up in jail and Bunnie - real name Alisa Andrea DeFord - working as an escort to pay the bills. In May 2026, the musician filed for divorce, citing irreconcilable differences after around a decade of marriage. After that, the speculation really began . Bunnie released some old stories from their past, as well as sharing some NSFW pics along the way, but ultimately said that she and Jelly - or Mr Roll, more formally - remained friends and could even have a baby together , planning to raise ‘little nugget as one big happy family’. However, the thing that has really grabbed headlines are some comments that Bunnie has made about her partner’s penis over the years. You see, Jelly Roll used to weight a lot, but has dropped the weight off dramatically over the years, with some outlets reporting as much as a 300lb loss. In interviews, Bunnie has discussed at length how that affected the couple’s sex life. Bunnie Xo. Credit: Taylor Hill/Getty On that front, she said : "When it comes to sex, slowing down after weight loss and Ozempic can be tricky, "Big body changes mess with your head and hormones. "Add a medication that blunts appetite, and it's not shocking libido dips too. "It's likely an adjustment period, not a permanent shift.” However, there are different and more beneficial changes too. Speaking to Howard Stern, Bunnie explained: "I will tell you that it is very true that when a man loses weight, it grows a lot.” She added that his junk became ‘severely bigger’ following the drop in weight. His confidence was sky high too, apparently. "He's got a little strut in his step,” she said. “And I think it's just the cutest thing. "He deserves to have a hot streak. I'm ready for him to just feel his best.” But how did he feel about these admissions by his then-wife? Jelly Roll and Bunnie Xo decided to end their marriage after nearly a decade together. Credit: Gilbert Flores/Getty Jelly Roll’s response to his penis getting discussed It turns out that having your manhood quite literally bigged up is absolutely fine. When asked about the subject by TMZ, Bunnie said: Oh he loved all of it, my husband loves my originality - that’s what makes us us. “I love that he’s loving himself, there’s nothing better than watching a man fall in love with himself.” When asked if she ever misses the ‘old Jelly’ she explained: “I love every version of my husband.” Well, they’ve since split up, so perhaps things have changed now, but let’s hope for Jelly’s sake that the weight loss changes to his wiener haven’t changed. It sounds like he was happy with the way things were going. Featured image credit: Gilbert Flores/Getty

Jul 18, 2026
Why a Common Bedroom Move Could Send You to the ER

Why a Common Bedroom Move Could Send You to the ER

An escort has issued an urgent warning about a popular sex position that her clients request - as it could end with some horrible consequences. If anyone's going to know about the potential pitfalls of sex, it's someone that partake in it for a living - so it might be wise to listen up. Sex - particularly if you're in a long-term relationship - may not seem like a particularly dangerous activity for the most part, but over six in 10 people have sustained an injury during sex, according to a study shared by Superdrug online doctor . Using data from over 1,000 people across the US and Europe, they revealed that injuries have included penile fractures, tears to the tissue around the vagina and anus, pulled muscles, carpet burns, and the classic - objects stuck in orifices that they were never meant to be in. Some sexual positions can be more dangerous than others. Credit: Oleksandr Sharkov / Getty Images While it found that most injuries occurred - naturally - through rough sex, with doggy style increasing the likelihood of vaginal tearing, bruising, and back pain for the female partner, even the more mundane positions aren't necessarily foolproof either. For men, reverse cowgirl is the riskiest for a penile fracture, as 25 percent of the men surveyed who experienced it did so in this position. You may assume missionary is probably pretty safe, then - but escort Lilith Lodge revealed it can still go pretty wrong. She told Metro it's one of her most-requested positions, explaining: "Most clients are very basic and standard in what they want. It's not super common, definitely not a weekly event, to have clients ask for something outside of what I feel is 'normal'. It's pretty much just missionary." She admitted that during encounters with her clients, some can suffer with erectile dysfunction, which is completely normal, but which should be explored with a doctor if it happens frequently. Sex expert and educator Scotty Unfamous also issued a warning about missionary, telling The Sun : "Although it’s one of the most popular positions for sex, this fan favourite is the most common way that intimate injuries occur, as it can cause some wear and tear to your joints. "If you experience discomfort from how you are positioned during missionary sex, try incorporating cushions or a rolled-up towel/blanket to provide some support where you need it most, like under your hips, knees, back or shoulders." So if you're feeling frisky in the sunshine with your significant other, just remember to take it easy even if you're in the missionary position - nobody wants to take a trip to the ER for an intimate problem if they can avoid it... Featured image credit: Oleksandr Sharkov / Getty Images

Jul 18, 2026
New York Faces Toxic 'Dirty Rain'—But There's a Surprising Twist

New York Faces Toxic 'Dirty Rain'—But There's a Surprising Twist

Toxin-riddled “dirty rain” will pour on the Big Apple on Saturday — but at least it will be quick and flush out the unhealthy haze that wafted in from the Canadian wildfires, experts say.“There’s a lot of smoke and particulate matter in the air, so as we get rainfall, those water droplets are going to pick up some soot, some ash, and bring that to the ground,” AccuWeather’s Senior Meterologist John Feerick told The Post on Friday.“At least initially, you’re probably gonna have a little bit of dirty spots or soot on cars and stuff like that.Saturday’s rainfall could clear out the smoke-filled air. Brian Zak/NY Post“But it’s going to be relatively short-lived,’’ he said. “The heavy downpours that we get will just wash that away.”Feerick said the dirty rain is actually less concerning than the intensity of the summer storm initially bringing it to the area.Thunderstorms and damaging winds are forecast till Saturday night — with some gusts reaching as high as 65 mph.The rain will fall as much as 2 inches per hour.The dirty precipitation will briefly cover cars and the street in soot. REUTERS“The greater concern is going to be flooding downpours, localized flash flooding,’’ the meteorologist said.“Streets in New York — you know how they get as far as streets filling up with water pretty fast.’’The storm is set to roll through the five boroughs in the mid- to late-morning Saturday — when the air quality is expected to spike close to “very unhealthy” levels.Sunday is forecasted to have cleaner air and sunny skies. Getty ImagesThe precipitation, having been hovering in the toxic air, will drag down the dust, soot, metals and other minuscule toxins that traveled hundreds of miles from the Canadian wildfires to the metro area.The initial rain will leave dirty remnants along the streets and cars, but the following rounds of rain will quickly wash the filth away, Feerick said.The wet, damp front will move out of the Big Apple on Saturday night, and the humidity will plummet by Sunday morning.Sunshine is also predicted for the tail end of the weekend.“It doesn’t look like we’ll have the air quality issues that we’ve had,’’ Feerick said. “It looks like Sunday is going to be a pretty nice finish to the weekend.’’

Jul 18, 2026
The Unseen Warning Signs Celebrities Wish They Hadn't Ignored

The Unseen Warning Signs Celebrities Wish They Hadn't Ignored

Two high-profile figures diagnosed with bowel cancer shared a strikingly similar experience before learning they had the disease - both noticed persistent changes in their bowel habits but initially believed something less serious was to blame. Actor James Van Der Beek and broadcaster Dame Deborah James both said they never expected to receive a bowel cancer diagnosis, particularly because they considered themselves healthy and had no obvious reason to think they were at risk. Celebrities reveal similar symptoms James Van Der Beek. Credit: Andrew Toth / Getty Van Der Beek revealed in November that he had been diagnosed with stage 3 colorectal cancer at the age of 46, before sadly passing away earlier this year. Speaking to People, the Dawson's Creek star said he decided to speak publicly about his diagnosis to encourage others to pay attention to potential warning signs. "That's one of the reasons I want to talk about it and the reason I'm talking about it so openly," he said. "I really wanted to raise awareness." The actor explained that, despite exercising regularly and eating well, he began noticing changes in his bowel movements during the summer of 2023. At first, he assumed his diet was responsible. "I thought maybe I needed to stop coffee," he recalled. "Or maybe not put cream in the coffee." When those changes made no difference, he decided to seek medical advice. "All right, I better get this checked out." Following a colonoscopy, Van Der Beek said he expected reassurance rather than bad news. "I felt really good coming out of anesthesia," he said. "Then the gastroenterologist said... that it was cancer. I think I went into shock." His experience echoes that of the late Dame Deborah James, who spent years campaigning to raise awareness of bowel cancer after being diagnosed with stage 3 disease at just 35 years old. Despite being a vegetarian, maintaining a healthy weight and not smoking, Deborah said she experienced symptoms for years before her cancer was discovered. Writing about her diagnosis, she explained that she noticed a persistent change in her bowel habits and was repeatedly told she was likely suffering from irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Even after blood tests and stool samples came back normal, she knew something wasn't right. "And yet I was still losing weight, passing blood, going what felt like 100 times per day and feeling shattered," she wrote. "I knew there was something wrong with me." It was only after paying privately for a colonoscopy that doctors found what she described as an "ugly 5.5cm cancerous, ulcerated tumour." The symptoms of bowel cancer Colorectal cancer is one of the most common types of cancer in those under 50 in the US. Credit: Getty Stock Images Both stories highlight one of the most common symptoms of bowel cancer: a persistent change in bowel habits. Other warning signs can include blood in your stool, unexplained weight loss, extreme tiredness, stomach pain or a lump in the abdomen. While these symptoms are often caused by less serious conditions such as IBS, piles or constipation, health experts say they should never be ignored if they persist or if something simply doesn't feel right. According to the NHS, anyone experiencing ongoing changes in their bowel habits, rectal bleeding or other concerning symptoms should speak to their GP as soon as possible. Early diagnosis significantly improves the chances of successful treatment. Featured Image. Credit: Getty Stock Images

Jul 18, 2026
Shocking Scene Unfolds: Baby Found in Distress After Being Left Alone

Shocking Scene Unfolds: Baby Found in Distress After Being Left Alone

A Missouri mom allegedly left her 1-year-old twins and 4-month-old alone at home for nearly a full day while she went birthday shopping — and one of her children repeatedly banged his head against the wall while she was gone. Courtney Lynn Box, 29, was arrested Saturday on multiple child endangerment charges months after she allegedly abandoned her three children last January a day after moving into a new home, according to law enforcement. A neighbor notified the police of a banging sound coming from Box’s residence for three hours and reported that the mother’s vehicle was missing from her assigned parking spot, according to court documents obtained by The Post. Courtney Lynn Box has been charged after police say she left three young children alone for more than 24 hours. Greene County MissouriWhen officers entered the sparsely furnished residence they found the tots with soiled diapers and one of them was sitting on top of the stairs banging his head against the wall. The twin found at the top of the stairs was diagnosed with a closed head injury and a swollen eye. Additionally, medical staff noted speech delays in both twins, and a Child Advocacy Center evaluation concluded that all three kids displayed behaviors highly consistent with child maltreatment.Police recovered a bag with a crystal residue sitting on top of baby formula in the kitchen, according to the affidavit.  When officers entered the sparsely furnished residence they found the tots with soiled diapers; the 1-year-old sitting on top of the stairs banging his head against the wall and causing the noise.Box told officers that she had only been gone for an hour, but police say she had left for nearly 24 hours.The mom has been charged with three-counts of first-degree child endangerment and one count of neglect or abuse of a child, according to court records. All four charges are Class D felonies, with each carrying a potential penalty of one to seven years in prison. She has pleaded not guilty. If you suspect child abuse, call the Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline at 1-800-4-A-Child or 1-800-422-4453, or go to www.childhelp.org. All calls are toll-free and confidential. The hotline is available 24/7 in more than 170 languages.

Jul 17, 2026
Why 'Nymphomaniac' Has Viewers Watching Alone

Why 'Nymphomaniac' Has Viewers Watching Alone

Viewers are being warned to think carefully about where and how they watch a controversial movie known for its explicit and graphic sexual content . The film in question is Nymphomaniac , the provocative two-part drama directed by Lars von Trier. The film features a star-studded cast including Charlotte Gainsbourg, Stellan Skarsgård, Stacy Martin, Shia LaBeouf, Christian Slater, Jamie Bell, Uma Thurman, Jean-Marc Barr, Willem Dafoe, Connie Nielsen, and Mia Goth. The cast of Nymphomaniac. Credit: Luca Teuchmann / Getty The movie has gained notoriety for pushing boundaries both narratively and visually. Split into two volumes, the story centers on a self-diagnosed nymphomaniac who recounts her life after being discovered beaten in an alley by an older man. Across eight chapters, she shares details from birth to age 50, exploring her sexual experiences, relationships, personal struggles, and addiction, while the man listening offers intellectual and often unusual interpretations of her story. Graphic sex scenes spark viewer warnings Because the film includes real-life sex scenes created through a combination of performance and digital effects, some viewers have taken to social media to warn others about watching it in shared spaces. "If your planing to watch Nymphomaniac pt.1 & 2. Watch it alone," one person wrote . Another added : "I feel like I should probably watch Nymphomaniac alone... Don't ask questions." Before the film’s release, producer Louise Vesth explained the production process in an interview with The Hollywood Reporter at Cannes. “We shot the actors pretending to have sex and then had the body doubles who really did have sex and in post we will digital impose the two,” Vesth said. “So above the waist it will be the star and the below the waist it will be the doubles.” Credit: Zentropa Entertainments Critical reaction is divided but often passionate Critical response to Lars von Trier’s project leaned positive overall, though reactions varied significantly between the two installments. Volume one holds a 77% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, whilst volume 2 scored 59% . Some critics praised the film’s ambition, performances, and unconventional storytelling style. "With its wildly absurdist obscenities, fearlessly bold performances and wilfully indulgent lack of structure, Nymphomaniac provokes the now familiar symphony of sighs, gasps and laughs," one reviewer wrote . Another said : "Outrageous, inspired, infuriating, puerile, confounding, cruel, beautiful, funny - Nymphomaniac is a film you can't dismiss with a simple 'good/not good'." Others were more critical, arguing that the film felt emotionally distant or excessively explicit. "For those who don't equate sexual appetite with the intricacies of fly fishing, Nymphomaniac: Vol. 1 is more tiresome than titillating," one reviewer penned . "Nymphomaniac is a peculiar, downbeat and decidedly male view of a woman's appetites, not an honest assessment of her multifarious desires." Both volumes of Nymphomaniac are currently available to stream on Netflix and Kanopy in the USA. Featured image credit: Zentropa Entertainments

Jul 17, 2026
World Cup Final in Jeopardy as Unforeseen Crisis Unfolds

World Cup Final in Jeopardy as Unforeseen Crisis Unfolds

With the World Cup final just days away, the MetLife Stadium is gearing up to play host to FIFA's showpiece event, but football’s governing body has been posed with an unprecedented situation which may force them to break protocol. Spain take on Argentina on Sunday, with the two sides battling it out to earn the crown of the world’s best footballing nation. After Luis de la Fuente’s side overcame tournament favorites France in their semi-final on Tuesday with relative ease, and Lionel Scaloni’s Argentina fought back against England to clinch a dramatic last-gasp win on Wednesday, the stage is set for a historic occasion. FIFA may be forced to break protocol Fox have been accused of breaching FIFA rules. Credit: Hector Vivas - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images However, with the competition being plagued by VAR controversy, divisive hydration breaks, and weather delays, it has been reported that the final itself could be subject to a further row. Due to wildfires over the border in Canada, air quality alerts have been raised in and around the final venue, potentially placing the game in doubt. With a smoky haze covering much of the area, FIFA may have no other option but to move the final elsewhere. Authorities provide warning Kathy Hochul, New York’s governor, urged residents to remain indoors via the following statement : “With smoke from Canadian wildfires again impacting air quality throughout our state, we are urging New Yorkers to be ‘air quality aware’ to stay safe this week. “We continue to coordinate with local counties to monitor conditions and distribute masks to help protect vulnerable populations. I encourage all New Yorkers to stay informed about the latest updates and take the necessary precautions to protect yourselves, your neighbours and your loved ones.” This comes after reports from a father of a dancer who practised at the stadium on Thursday, who said: "She's texting me that it's bad out there. "It's hard to dance, she says you can feel the air; it's heavy." This comes alongside news that the Bronze Final between England and France may also be moved, with extreme weather due to hit Miami — the match's host city. Despite the smoky atmosphere, Spain elected to train outside on Thursday, with Argentina set to train on Friday. Featured Image. Credit: Hector Vivas - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images

Jul 17, 2026
Heartbreaking News for 'Home Alone' Fans: The Pigeon Lady's Farewell

Heartbreaking News for 'Home Alone' Fans: The Pigeon Lady's Farewell

Brenda Fricker, the Oscar-winning actress behind the beloved 'Pigeon Lady' in the 1993 Christmas classic Home Alone 2: Lost In New York, has sadly died. Phil Belfield, Fricker's agent, said in a statement to the Press Association: “We will never see her like again and the world is lesser for the lack of her. "I was honored to know, love and work with her and she will always have a place in my heart and in the heart of so many film and TV fans the world over.” Fricker, 81, was best known for her role in My Left Foot, which won her an Academy Award. She played Daniel Day-Lewis' character Christy Brown's mum Bridget in the 1989 title, winning the Best Supporting Actress award for her performance. In doing so, she became the first Irish actress to win an Academy Award, as Day-Lewis also won the Best Actor accolade. Fricker thanked Brown for "being alive," dedicating her Oscar to his real-life mother, stating: "Anybody who gives birth 22 times deserves one of these, I think." The actor behind the beloved Home Alone 2 character has died. Credit: 20th Century Fricker was the "Pigeon Lady" Aside from her Academy-winning performance, an entire generation will recognize her as the Pigeon Lady from Home Alone 2, who also has a striking resemblance to journalist and TV host Piers Morgan . The character is homeless in the flick, and while she is feared by Kevin McCallister (Macaulay Culkin) at first, they become close friends and she eventually saves him. Fans will never forget the character, who delivered some powerful scenes in the role. One emotional moment involved the Pigeon Lady explaining how she removed herself from society, becoming more comfortable with birds in the park. Kevin would later help her learn to trust people again after gifting her a porcelain turtledove on Christmas morning. Fans of the movie franchise were distraught upon being told of her death, as one wrote on X: "It's going to be sad seeing ' Home Alone 2 ' on TV at Christmas this year with both Catherine O'Hara and now Brenda Fricker gone," with a crying emoji. Another said: "Home Alone marathons this year without Catherine O’Hara and Brenda Fricker," with sad face emojis. Fricker also appeared in BBC drama Casualty as Megan Roach until 1990, while featuring in films such as A Time to Kill, Axe Murderer, Angels in the Outfield, Veronica Guerin and the Sir Richard Attenborough-directed epic, Closing the Ring. Kevin and the Pigeon Lady would become close friends in Home Alone 2. Credit: 20th Century Studios She felt "invisible" in the industry Despite success in years past, Fricker started to feel a bit like the Pigeon Lady, telling The Times in a 2024 interview that she wasn't really part of the industry anymore. She explained: "They don't write for old women. Shakespeare wrote for old women, but none of the young writers do. None. "There are so many wonderful people around… interesting women with history and stories. "Remember these words when you turn 70: you become invisible. "Richard Harris said that to me while sitting on the rocks looking out over the Atlantic Ocean and it stuck in my head. "On my 70th birthday I thought: 'He's wrong, I feel great.' A week later I knew exactly what he meant. It's weird. "So it's not that I'm out of work for any other reason there are no parts to do," she admitted. Featured image credit: 20th Century Studios

Jul 17, 2026
Outsider Candidate's Wild Debate Moment Has Everyone Talking

Outsider Candidate's Wild Debate Moment Has Everyone Talking

A trans intersex activist vying to replace disgraced Maine Senate wannabe Graham Platner as the Dem Party candidate has gone viral for their absurd answer about their qualifications in a debate Thursday.Loopy longshot Ashley Webb gave a bizarre rambling response when asked by a moderator what qualifies them for the top office.“I ran for office several times. Didn’t win, but I did run,’’ the Democrat chuckled.Ashley Webb responds to a question during a debate on Thursday, July 16, 2026. NEWS CENTER MaineDisgraced former Maine Senate candidate Graham Platner speaks on June 9, 2026. Getty Images“And then I’m a songwriter, and then I write my own books, and then I suppose my transparency,’’ Webb said. “I wouldn’t lie to the people, and I wouldn’t deceive the people like we’re being deceived right now. Like we get lied… smoke and mirrors.“Like what’s going on with ICE… Pretending like these victims did something wrong. Like it’s unacceptable,’’ said Webb, who was wearing a black and pink flowered dress with white and pink sneakers.“And I suppose the biggest thing is like I’m just an angry citizen right now, and if I get elected, I’d be an angry senator.“And I think that would probably be their worst nightmare,” Webb said.Ashley Webb (right) speaks during a debate on Thursday, July 16, 2026. NEWS CENTER MaineThe clip of Webb’s cringe-worthy response during the debate had more than 750,000 views on X and rising Friday.Platner’s campaign infamously imploded when he was forced out of the race earlier this month amid rape and other serious sexual-abuse allegations, sending his already-beleaguered party into turmoil.There are now 12 candidates, including Webb, seeking to replace him when the party convenes at the end of the month to nominate someone for the November election against incumbent GOP Sen. Susan Collins.The other Dem hopefuls range from Maine Secretary of State Shenna Bellows to the founder of the Maine Beer Company, Dan Kleban and “writer/actor’’ Kristina Libby, according to local WMTW.Platner, a scruffy-looking once-popular oyster farmer, had said the party needs an outsider — but maybe not quite “outside’’ as Webb, observers mused.“Surely you can’t be serious… ,” conservative politico Dave Rubin wrote on X, referring to Webb’s debate performance. Another person quipped, “Sounds like part of the script from Napoleon Dynamite!” referring to the 2004 cult-classic flick about a wacky kid running for high-school class president.Someone else sniped, “Pure twilight zone. What are these answers???”Webb, asked in a Dem voter-guide questionnaire why they are running, responded, “This nomination process began because Mainers organized, showed up, and demanded a candidate who would actually fight for them.“I intend to build directly on that energy, not replace it.”

Jul 17, 2026
Tsunami Alert: What You Need to Know About the Earthquake Shaking Mexico

Tsunami Alert: What You Need to Know About the Earthquake Shaking Mexico

A tsunami warning has been issued after a magnitude 7.3 earthquake was recorded near the coast of Chiapas, Mexico , according to the United States ‌Geological Survey (USGS). The earthquake hit Puerto Madero, a major Pacific port and fishing town which is just 13km from the Guatemalan border. The USGS said that the natural disaster was at ​a ​depth ⁠of 10 ​km (6.21 ​miles), as per Sky News . While the quake was first recorded as having a magnitude of 7.4, it would later be revised down to 7.3. Tremors like this can cause destructive secondary hazards, such as landslides and tsunamis, while shallower earthquakes usually cause more intense and concentrated damage and shaking. Tsunami threats exist for parts of the Pacific which are nearer to the earthquake, according to USGS. They add that "hazardous tsunami waves" are a possibility for coasts located within 300km of the epicentre of the earthquake which affected the Mexican town . A tsunami warning has been issued after an earthquake hit the coast of Mexico. Credit: Jose Torres/Anadolu via Getty Images Region affected by aftershocks It's been reported that aftershocks have hit the region after the initial earthquake struck the coast. According to Mexico's national seismological service, smaller quakes have hit the region, with preliminary magnitudes of 5.2, 4.5 and 6.1 being recorded. It's also been revealed that the earthquake shook buildings and resulted in residents rushing from their homes into the streets of Guatemala City, the country's capital. Local media revealed videos of staff evacuating a government building, as per security protocols in preparation for the natural disaster. This tremor was also felt as far as El Salvador, according to witnesses. It's believed that tsunami waves reaching between 0.3m and 1m above tide level are possible for areas of Guatemala and Mexico, says the US Tsunami Warning System. Waves are set to be less than 0.3m above tide level along the coasts of other nearby countries, such as Colombia, Costa Rica, and Ecuador, in addition to El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua, Panama, and Peru. Governor of Oaxaca makes statement Salomon Jara, the governor of the southern Mexican state of Oaxaca, took to social media, saying that no serious damage was immediately reported. He said that the earthquake was also felt with "moderate intensity" in the state's capital. While the numbers he reported were different to that of other news outlets, he has sent a message out to citizens in the area. He wrote, translated from Spanish: "A preliminary magnitude 6.8 earthquake has been recorded with its epicenter in Chiapas; it was felt in Oaxaca. "The seismic event was felt with moderate intensity. Immediately, Civil Protection agencies activated review and monitoring protocols in the various regions to verify possible impacts and safeguard the population. "To date, no significant damage has been reported. Citizens are urged to remain calm, follow the authorities' recommendations, and stay informed solely through official channels." Featured image credit: Jose Torres/Anadolu via Getty Images

Jul 17, 2026