For years, pop star Ariana Grande gave away money, mostly quietly and without much structure. There were annual gifts to England’s Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital. Sometimes a night’s performance proceeds were handed to nonprofit groups. She anonymously funded a holiday gift drive for transgender young people in addition to launching a $3 million fundraising event for transgender youths in 2022.

Now those scattered acts of giving have a name and a public face: the Brighter Days Ahead Foundation. Launched in May, it will focus on causes Grande has advocated for in the past, including LGBTQ+ rights, reproductive health, immigrant rights, and mental health. Grande is doing this at a moment when philanthropic support for these causes is eroding, said Shauna Nep, Grande’s philanthropic adviser.

“We’re seeing the support for the kinds of issues she cares about going down drastically and the attacks going up aggressively,” Nep said.

This summer, Grande is using her Eternal Sunshine Tour to fund and promote the foundation, highlighting national and local nonprofits at each tour stop. Names of her grantee organizations are shown on screens in the center of the arena during the pre-show countdown. And fans who donate to the nonprofit can enter a sweepstake for a chance to win a trip to see her final tour date in London.

“The fan experience is still completely intact,” Nep said. “We’re meeting them where they are instead of taking them away from anything.”

Tour funds will be split among the featured local organizations, though none have been distributed yet. The grants announced so far have come entirely from Grande’s personal giving, a foundation spokesperson said.

In many ways, Grande, who also starred in the “Wicked” movies, is following in the footsteps of earlier generations of entertainers who lent their names to once controversial causes like HIV/AIDS and created their own foundations to help move large sums of money.

But today, celebrities’ platforms are larger than ever, giving them even more sway, noted Genevieve Shaker, who teaches courses on celebrity philanthropy and fundraising leadership at Indiana University’s Lilly School of Philanthropy.

“In the past, prior to social media, celebrities might be more dependent on traditional media to share stories about what they’re doing,” she said. “Now they have their own kind of media empire where they can leverage lots of channels to communicate, including about philanthropy and causes and nonprofits.”

Nonprofit Trans Lifeline is grateful for celebrity support

Trans Lifeline, which runs a crisis hotline for transgender people, is one of the nonprofits Grande has supported. The group has received $125,000 total — $75,000 in emergency funding last June and $50,000 when the foundation formally launched in May.

The money helped Trans Lifeline relaunch a microgrants program that distributed $100,000 directly to trans people across the country in partnership with five grassroots organizations, said Dante Alviar Horton, its executive director. Some of the funding also went toward improving benefits for the organization’s direct service crisis workers.

Trans Lifeline relies almost entirely on individual donors. Visibility gained from celebrity supporters has helped sustain the group, Alviar Horton said. He pointed to Trans Lifeline’s recent collaboration with designer Conner Ives on the “Protect the Dolls” T-shirt campaign, which raised more than $500,000 after celebrities like Pedro Pascal began wearing the shirts publicly.

Stephanie Beasley is fellowship director and a senior writer at the Chronicle of Philanthropy, where you can read the full article. This article was provided to The Associated Press by the Chronicle of Philanthropy as part of a partnership to cover philanthropy and nonprofits supported by the Lilly Endowment. The Chronicle is solely responsible for the content. For all of AP’s philanthropy coverage, visit https://apnews.com/hub/philanthropy.

Coming from a range of backgrounds and countries, the BBC has said that they are some of the most exciting talents in dance today.

The new dancers join Strictly’s 14 returning professionals for the upcoming series.

BBC reveals 5 new Strictly Come Dancing professionals

The first is Maddie Ingoldsby from Bournemouth, who is a UK National Ballroom Champion and eight-time Amateur 10-Dance World Champion.

Maddie played Annie in the West End as a child and has also appeared on Strictly before, making her television debut on Strictly: It Takes Two – before going on to perform in a Pros’ group number on the main show’s Christmas special.

Ms Ingoldsby said: “Joining Strictly as a professional dancer is truly a dream come true.

“My heart is so full of gratitude, excitement, and anticipation as I begin this incredible new chapter.

“Dance has always been where I feel most myself, and to now share my heart, my creativity, and my love for it on a show that has inspired millions is an honour beyond words.”

The second is Aleksandra Isaeva, a multiple Ukrainian National Latin Champion currently living in Italy.

She said: “I’ve been living and breathing dance for as long as I can remember, so joining the Strictly family is a true honour.

“The thought of learning from and sharing this experience with such extraordinary dancers, choreographers, and the whole Strictly family still gives me goosebumps.

“I can’t wait to pour my whole heart into every performance, inspire others, and be inspired along the way.”

Her dance partner, Cristian Priori, is also joining the show and is a four-time Italian Latin Champion.

He said: “Saying yes to Strictly was an easy decision.

“Dance has always been my way of expressing myself, and I’m so excited to begin this new chapter.

“I’m ready to give my all, enjoy every moment of this amazing journey, and embrace everything it has to offer.

“Strictly is where passion, hard work and entertainment come together, so being part of it is a real privilege.”

Undefeated South African Latin Champion Lethabo Monametsi also joins the line-up.

She said: “This moment is bigger than me.

“I step into it with profound gratitude and deep humility, knowing it is the culmination of years of unwavering love, belief, and support from the people who dared to dream alongside me.

“Representing South Africa on the Strictly Come Dancing stage is far more than a career milestone, it is an honour beyond words, and I cannot wait to embrace every extraordinary moment of this journey.”

Two-time National Latin Champion in his native country, Canada, Mark Karmalita rounds out the newcomers.

He said: “Joining Strictly feels incredibly special, and I’m honoured to be stepping into a ballroom with so much history and heart.

“I can’t wait to bring my own style, connect with the audience, and enjoy every moment along the way.”

Sarah James, executive producer at BBC Studios, said: “Aleksandra, Cristian, Lethabo, Maddie and Mark are all outstanding world-class dancers and we can’t wait to see them shine under the Strictly glitterball this September.”

Which professionals are returning for Strictly 2026?

Some 14 dancers have been confirmed to be returning for the new series.

They are:

• Alexis Warr
• Aljaž Škorjanec
• Amy Dowden
• Carlos Gu
• Dianne Buswell
• Jowita Przystal
• Julian Caillon
• Kai Widdrington
• Katya Jones
• Lauren Oakley
• Nancy Xu
• Neil Jones
• Nikita Kuzmin
• Vito Coppola

Four Strictly stars have left ahead of the new series, which were Karen Hauer, Luba Mushtuk, Michelle Tsiakkas and Gorka Marquez.

Meanwhile, Johannes Radebe is moving from a dancing to presenting role, alongside Emma Willis and Josh Widdicombe.

Contestants for Strictly Come Dancing 2026 so far

There have been seven contestants confirmed for the upcoming Strictly series.

They are:

• Lacey Turner (EastEnders’ Stacey Slater)
• Dani Dyer  (TV personality – returning after injury in 2025)
• Delta Goodrem (Australian singer)
• Chris Appleton (Hair stylist)
• Cach Mercer (Reality TV star)
• Will Best (TV and radio host)
• Dame Sarah Storey (Britain’s most successful Paralympian)
• Jaime Winstone (Actress)

All four Strictly judges, Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse, Anton Du Beke and Shirley Ballas (head judge), will each be returning.

Strictly is due to return to BBC One and BBC iPlayer this September.

Will you be watching the new series of Strictly? Let us know in the comments.

A Tour de France rider needed 20 stitches after crashing face-first into the back of a car.

In a freak incident, Movistar’s Einer Rubio collided with the back windscreen of the car when it braked to avoid hitting a spectator during yesterday’s Stage 19.

Video footage of the incident, posted on X, showed Rubio hurtling into the UAE Team Emirates-XRG vehicle after it stopped abruptly, smashing the rear windscreen and leaving his face covered in blood.

The Colombian had been 27th in the race for the yellow jersey, but has since had to withdraw. His facial injuries were treated immediately at the scene, before he was taken to a medical truck. 

He was later seen sporting bandages on his face, and was transported by helicopter to a hospital in Grenoble, from which he was discharged last night.

In a statement, Movistar said: ‘Einer Rubio has received around 20 stitches in the face following the accident he suffered during the ascent to Alpe d’Huez. 

Rubio is sent hurtling to the ground in front of lines of shocked cycling fans

The Colombian receives medical treatment on the scene. He needed 20 stitches and was later taken to hospital in a helicopter

‘The Colombian is to be transferred to a hospital in Grenoble, where new tests will be carried out to determine the extent of the injuries.

UAE Team Emirates-XRG team manager Joxean Fernandez, who was driving the car that Rubio crashed into, apologised publicly for his actions — but clarified he was trying to save the life of the spectator. 

‘I feel the need to explain what happened from my position inside the car during yesterday’s stage,’ wrote Fernandez, commonly known as Matxin, on Instagram.

‘In the final kilometers of the Alpe d’Huez climb — with thousands of fans right next to the road and the immense pressure typical of a decisive Tour stage — a spectator suddenly ran out and fell right beneath our vehicle. My only reaction was to brake immediately to avoid running him over. It all happened in a split second, and my only thought was preventing a far worse tragedy.

‘After braking, we heard a loud impact behind us, but amidst the noise, the tension, the crowd, and the responsibility of continuing to protect the race leader, I didn’t learn the full extent of the accident — or that Einer had to withdraw from the Tour — until we reached the finish line. I immediately contacted the Movistar Team to check on the situation and ask what had happened.

‘I fully understand that seeing only part of the footage can lead to criticism and questions. However, those of us involved in cycling know that in such extreme situations, decisions are made in fractions of a second — and always with the aim of protecting human life.

Rubio had been 27th in the race for the yellow jersey, but has since had to withdraw

Einer Rubio (right) alongside his Movistar team-mates earlier this month

UAE Team Emirates-XRG team manager Joxean Fernandez (left), who was driving the car that Rubio crashed into, apologised publicly for his actions

‘I deeply regret the consequences of this accident. If the decisions I made in that moment ended up affecting a rider in the peloton, I can only say that it pains me deeply. At the same time, I believe it is important to remember that the safety of riders, teams, and fans also depends on the responsible behavior of those who enjoy this sport from the roadside.

‘I offer all my support and affection to Einer; I am deeply sorry for what happened and sincerely hope to see you back competing where you belong very soon. This has not been an easy day for me.’

Former Tour de France champion Alberto Contador was among those to offer their support to Fernandez, saying: ‘Matxin, anyone would have reacted the same way — or perhaps (if they had) a second later, we would be mourning the spectator’s death. 

‘In light of the thousands and thousands of fans who (walk) the road on foot for the Alpe d’Huez, the organisation should fence the climb to ensure the safety of both people and cyclists.’

Rubio’s crash was not the first incident involving fans during this year’s Tour. On Thursday, Richard Carapaz narrowly avoided colliding with a spectator posing for a photo.

Four-time champion Tadej Pogacar has again dominated this year’s Tour, and smashed the record for fastest-ever ascent of Alpe d’Huez en route to winning yesterday’s stage. The Slovenian’s time of 35min 26sec beat the previous mark, set by Marco Pantani in 1995, by 1min 14sec.

Craig Brady and three other men died in the crash in the early hours of Friday morning.

The sister of a young dad-of-two led the tributes after his death in a horror crash in the early hours of Friday morning. Craig Brady, 26, and three other men died in the crash on Liverpool Road, Huyton, on Friday, July 24, just before 2am.

Emergency crews scrambled to the scene after black Cupra lost control and smashed into a lamppost, reports the Liverpool ECHO. Merseyside police confirmed four men, all in their 20s, were tragically pronounced dead at the scene.

A 27-year-old man, who was a passenger in the car, was rushed to hospital and remains there in a stable condition.

Craig was from a large family and had seven siblings as well as two kids of his own, Phoebe, 5, and Archie, 3, with his partner Ellie Jones. His heartbroken older sister, Kelsey Brady said the family is struggling to come to terms with his death.

The 29-year-old, from Dovecot, said: “He was my best mate. He was two years younger than me. It was just me and him growing up until the rest were born, so I don’t know life without him.”

She continued: “He was amazing. He was a big man about 6ft 2 but he was just like a teddy bear. He really was the most loving person ever. His girlfriend is absolutely distraught. I think she still thinks he’s coming home. She doesn’t believe it.”

It was younger brother Connor, 18, who received the heartbreaking knock at the door with the news about Craig’s death. He then called Kelsey to let her know.

She said: “He rang me straight away. I’d literally just woken up. I didn’t answer the first phone call because I wasn’t fully awake. Then he sent me a message saying, ‘Craig has passed’.

“I didn’t think death at all. I thought, ‘What does he mean he’s passed?’, it didn’t register. I rang him back and he told me Craig had died and I said, ‘Connor, shut up. What are you saying that for?’ Then he put me onto the family liaison officer on the phone. I just went numb. I was in disbelief. I didn’t know what to believe. I still don’t think it’s real now.”

Kelsey explained how Craig loved football, boxing and music, and had recently started going to the gym. The big sister said she is going to miss him being in touch with her every day and said he was “one of the kindest and gentlest people you could ever meet”.

She added: “He wasn’t shy to tell you he loved you. He’d make sure you knew. We’re a close knit family, the type where we speak to each other every day.

“I wake up most mornings and he’d sent me a voice note of him singing down the phone. I’ve just been listening to the one he sent me two days ago and thinking, ‘I’m going to miss this’.”

“He’d do anything for anyone, especially his family. He had the biggest heart of gold I’ve ever known in a man. He wasn’t a normal man. He was special.”

Get more Daily Record exclusives by signing up for free to Google’s preferred sources. Click HERE.

United, though, see him as an ideal puzzle piece as Michael Carrick continues to rebuild his midfield. He has already invested some £80m in the signings of Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans, but are keen to add one more pair of legs. They have long since considered Tchouameni a dream target in this window.

Prime Minister Andy Burnham has just completed his first week as prime minister, with new policy decisions being made and the much discussed No 10 North taking centre stage.

The BBC’s Laura Kuenssberg met Burnham for his first sit-down interview since taking charge and got an exclusive behind the scenes look at the new Manchester office.

Andy Burnham: The Laura Kuenssberg Interview will be available across BBC News on Sunday.

Callum Turner returned to filming after his multi-day wedding celebration with Dua Lipa in Sicily and subsequent Italian honeymoon last month.

The actor, 36, headed straight back to work duties as he was spotted filming in New Jersey with Margaret Qualley, 31, for their upcoming movie Possession.

He donned black trousers and a grey sweater marked with fake blood, while Margaret was dressed in a flowing purple dress.

The pair were seen rehearsing and filming dramatic moments while cameras rolled on location.

At one point, the actress appeared to be shouting at the actor while standing in the middle of an intersection.

The upcoming remake of the 1981 cult classic is being directed by Smile franchise creator Parker Finn and set for a release next year.

The actor, 36, headed straight back to work duties as he was spotted filming with Margaret Qualley for their upcoming movie Possession

It comes after it was revealed that Callum’s father Laurence Coles reportedly didn’t attend his wedding to Dua, despite it being billed as the showbiz event of the year.

Instead, Laurence is said to have been at a different wedding 2,000 miles away in north London. 

As the actor and the singer said ‘I do’ at a picturesque Sicilian ceremony, Callum’s dad was a guest of Jamie Rae Keeble – the daughter of Spandau Ballet drummer John Keeble – in London. 

A source told The Sun: ‘Laurence and Callum have been estranged over the years but it was nonetheless strange that he was at a wedding on the same day his son got married.

‘Laurence kept a low profile but some people questioned the fact that he was at a wedding on the same day his son was marrying Dua.’

Though his father wasn’t in attendance, Callum’s half-siblings Louis and Clemmie attended the spectacular Sicilian wedding which had 200 guests including Elton John and Charli XCX descend on the 18th-century Villa Valguarnera. 

The revelation comes despite signs that Callum and his father had grown closer in recent years after being estranged for three decades. 

The Fantastic Beasts star has previously described his relationship with Laurence as ‘loose’ because the pair spent much of Callum’s childhood living at opposite sides of the world.

The pair were shooting in New Jersey 

He donned a grey sweater marked with fake blood

His outfit was completed with black trousers and smart shoes 

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Meanwhile Margaret was dressed in a flowing purple dress

The pair were seen rehearsing lines 

Callum and Margaret speaking to director Parker Finn

They were spotted filming dramatic moments while cameras rolled on location

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At one point, the actress appeared to be shouting at the actor while standing in the middle of an intersection

Margaret  seen walking away from Callum in a tense scene 

The upcoming movie is a remake of the 1981 cult classic

It is being directed by Parker Finn and has Robert Pattinson on board as a producer 

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The horror movie does not yet have a release date, but Paul Dano and Diego Calva are also in the cast

Callum’s parents Laurence and Rosemary Turner were unmarried and living at separate addresses when he was born in February 1990.

Callum was given his mother’s name, Turner, and was brought up by Rosemary in a council flat on an estate in Chelsea, west London.

Rosemary juggled being a single mother with jobs as a promoter on the door of various venues across London’s then vibrant nightclub scene, including the legendary Ministry of Sound.

She couldn’t rely on any support from Callum’s father because he had moved to the other side of the world to begin a new life in Australia.

Callum would later tell how instead of a conventional father figure, he had the role fulfilled by a revolving cast of often gay men who Rosemary befriended in the club world.

The famous clubland figure Steve Strange – of 1980s Visage’s Fade to Grey fame – lived with Rosemary and young Callum for a spell.

It comes after it was revealed that Callum’s father Laurence Coles reportedly didn’t attend his wedding to Dua, despite it being billed as the showbiz event of the year

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Instead of attending Callum and Dua’s (pictured) wedding, Laurence is said to have been at a different wedding 2,000 miles away in North London

Speaking about his childhood, he previously said: ‘It was a tough upbringing in certain ways but also a brilliant, beautiful upbringing in others.

‘There was a lot of love in my life and community.’

Meanwhile, far away from the UK, Larry was reinventing himself in Sydney.

Despite a non-academic background – having previously worked as a plasterer in London’s building trade – he qualified there as a psychotherapist.

He began dating business owner Petrina Angus, who runs a high-end company making cushions from Irish linen and started his new family. 

Despite their fractured relationship, the father and son appear to have grown much closer in recent years as Laurence moved back to the UK. 

Love Island’s Priya Jaswal has admitted that she’s ‘made mistakes’ and felt ‘humbled’ in the villa as she was sensationally dumped from the show.

Reality star Priya and her partner Aidan Murphy were evicted from the villa after they were among three couples who were put up for elimination.

Following their exit, Priya said: ‘It feels surreal. I’ve had the best time ever. 

‘I’ve learned a lot, made mistakes, but also met the most amazing people ever. I feel very grateful for the experience. I’m really excited to catch up with my friends and family.’

When asked to describe the whole experience in one word, she replied: ‘I’d say humbling. 

‘Extraordinarily humbling. I’m going to remain strong and just take everything in my stride.’

Aidan and Priya didn’t have the easiest of journeys in the villa as both of them failed to find a long-lasting connection.

She and her partner Aidan Murphy were evicted from the villa after they were among three couples who were put up for elimination

Priya found herself in many love triangles while getting to know Lorenzo Alessi, Samraj Toor, Jordon Wilson and Ethan Ellis.

Meanwhile, Aidan first coupled up with Ellie Chadwick but moved on with Yasmin Hadlow.

He also coupled up with Namibia Olpherts, Tina Rad and Martha Rothwell before he decided to explore Priya.

The pair appeared to turn their friendship into a romance, and after meeting each other’s loved ones last week, things seemed to be going well.

But that was until Aidan revealed his feelings were not as strong as they should be.

He even admitted during his appearance on the Not Another podcast with Priya that he still has feelings for past flame Yasmin.

On Friday’s episode, Priya finally decided to call it time on their romance after she felt like she was wasting her time.

The last six couples dressed up to the nines for a special Last Supper as they reflected on their journeys as well as the memories they made together.

Her exit from the villa comes just days after she faced backlash for ‘job shaming’ her co-star Elicia Bailey

Dumped Love Island contestant Elicia branded her co-star Priya ‘bitter’ following her ‘personal attack’ about the ex-Islander’s National Rail job 

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Her exit from the villa comes just days after she faced backlash for ‘job shaming’ her co-star Elicia Bailey. 

She was branded ‘vile, classist and tone deaf’ by ITV2 viewers for ‘job-shaming’ her co-star Elicia’s £30,000 National Rail role on Wednesday night’s show.

Hitting back after the comments, Elicia branded Priya ‘bitter’ following her ‘personal attack’ about her career.

Elicia revealed she was unimpressed by her comments, explaining on the Love Island Debrief programme that she thought remarking on her job was ‘crazy’.

Priya’s rant was a reaction to being shown a clip of Elicia on Aftersun calling her the ‘biggest game player’ on the show but Elicia has insisted it wasn’t personal.

Speaking to hosts Shakira Khan, Toni Laites and Yasmin Pettet, she explained that there was no ‘attack on Priya’s character’ and she was merely answering a question.

She said: ‘The comments that she made tonight, she said that I attacked her character, but I was asked a question on Aftersun.

‘I didn’t call them like begging them to get me on. Everybody goes on Aftersun.

‘I was asked a question, it wasn’t an attack on anyone’s personality, anyone’s character but the comments she made was a personal attack, like where I work.

‘That’s crazy, I’m the target. She also obviously hasn’t seen other interviews of other people saying the exact same thing, I’m the easy target tonight because I was there.

‘I’m really surprised by the bitter and jealous comment because her reacting the way she did seemed quite bitter – I called out what everyone else was thinking,’ Elicia divulged.

Priya, whose role could see her earn around £43,000 based on national averages, took aim at Elicia’s job as a team organiser on last night’s show, saying: ‘I don’t care what Elicia says. I don’t care. It’s cringy…

‘Go back to the National Rail. Elicia, you work for the National Rail, why are you f***ing sitting in Aftersun?… But just go back there and save your breath.’

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Fans swiftly voiced their fury over the comments made on last night’s show 

Viewers took to X with outraged responses, with one fan writing: ”Go back to the national rail’ may seriously be one of the most disgusting things said on love island, get priya off now #loveislanduk #loveisland’.

She was seen launching her tangent after the ‘Graftie’ awards showed clips of Elicia talking about Priya and her union with Aidan Murphy.

During her rant, Aidan’s brother Kavan interjected by saying: ‘There’s nothing wrong with working for National Rail, alright?’ yet fellow Islanders Jasmine Müller and Mica Harris giggled at the remarks – leading to further backlash.

Reaction from various X users read: ‘Priya job shaming people and their jobs? What’s wrong with working on a railway?? What does Priya even do???… There’s absolutely nothing wrong with working on the railway…

‘Every honest job deserves respect, and judging someone’s career says more about the person doing the judging than the person earning a living…

‘Your profession doesn’t determine your worth… Damn she just messed up any potential brand deals with that comment… Railway workers literally keep Britain running and Priya’s job shaming them?? Girl what do YOU do Get a grip…

‘She’s so f***ed up for saying that… This is so out of pocket. Hardworking people are the backbone of society. Acting like a railway job is ‘cringy’ just shows how shallow Priya’s mindset is. No job that puts food on the table deserves disrespect!’

Jasmine and Mica were also referenced while Kavan was praised, with another user writing: ‘Mind you it was Kavan who pulled her up on that comment while Mica and Jasmine condoned it by laughing at the nasty comment.’

Priya’s partner Aidan later called her out on the comments, as he took her aside to underline the problems with mentioning Elicia’s job.

Further adding to her fury, Priya remarked: ‘She’s bitter, she can keep that sour taste in her mouth. Jealousy is a disease – get well soon.’

While she has not specified exactly what her job is, a job listing on UK train company Southeastern’s website for a team organiser describes Elicia’s day-to-day job.

The role is Monday to Friday with an average pay package of £30,000 per year and free rail travel. The job calls for a ‘high level of IT knowledge’, ‘excellent written and verbal skills’ and ‘general knowledge of the rail industry’.

The scandal comes a week after Love Island was hit with 533 Ofcom complaints.

Viewers of the ITV dating show have reported to the regulatory body about four episodes over the past week, following calls to complain over ‘women-hating’.

In Ofcom’s weekly report – in which any show garnering more than 50 complaints is reported – Love Island dominated with four episodes, while the only other shows were The Saturday Five, with 586 complaints, and Alex Armstrong Tonight, with 257.

Movie Night received a whopping 197 complaints, as predicted by viewers who alleged that Jasmine became a ‘target’.Ringing in with 167 complaints was the boys’ return from Casa Amor, which saw Angelista Gunda and Jasmine devastated by Simba Kudyiwa and Kavan’s decisions.

How do you tell if a sports bra is the wrong size?

One of the biggest mistakes shoppers make is assuming that if a sports bra feels tight, that’s enough. In reality, support comes from the right fit rather than simply compressing your chest.

Cardwell advises thoroughly testing a sports bra by moving in it in the same way as you will during the sport you will be doing. “Your breasts don’t just move up and down,” she says. “They move all around – circles, up, down, left, right. We want to try and restrict that as much as possible, but not to the extreme where you’re not able to breathe.”

What is a high impact sports bra?

High-impact sports bras are designed for activities where your breasts experience the greatest movement, such as running, HIIT, tennis and netball. Their job is to minimise breast movement in every direction, helping reduce discomfort while allowing you to move more efficiently.

To measure how high-impact a sports bra is, Wakefield-Scurr asks women to run in a laboratory, both without a bra and while wearing different sports bras. “For a bra to be classed as high support, it has to reduce breast movement above certain thresholds,” she says. “If your breasts move 10 centimetres without a bra and five centimetres in a sports bra, that bra has reduced breast movement by 50 per cent.”

In the lab, Wakefield-Scurr and her team found that “if you run in low support compared with high support, you reduce your stride length by four centimetres. Four centimetres might not sound like a lot, but over the course of a marathon, those four centimetres add up to around a mile.” This proves that wearing a high-support bra doesn’t just keep you comfortable, but it can improve your athletic performance.

Cardwell, who wears a double G cup, says high-impact support has improved dramatically in recent years. “There has been a lot more research into high-impact sports bras, especially for larger-chested women.” She also warns against assuming that every sports bra offers the same level of support. “If it’s the same material as a smaller cup size, it’s probably not going to be sufficient for someone like me with double Gs.”

How often should you replace your sports bra?

There’s no set rule for replacing a sports bra, according to Wakefield-Scurr. This is because its lifespan depends more on how you care for it than how often you wear it. “The lifespan of a sports bra is affected more by how you wash and dry it than by how often you wear it,” she says. In one of her team’s studies, support dropped by around a third after 25 washes. “Always follow the washing instructions,” she advises. “You’d be surprised how many sports bras should be hand washed or washed at a lower temperature.”

Looking after your sports bra properly will help it last longer, but no bra lasts forever. Once the underband loses its elasticity or the support noticeably decreases, it’s time to replace it to ensure you have the right level of support.

SPØTTRUP, Denmark (AP) — With swords, axes and shields, competitors from 30 countries are going head-to-head in the grounds of a Danish fortress in a modern version of old-fashioned battle.

The International Medieval Combat Federation’s annual world championship roared into gear in northern Denmark this week. First staged in Spain in 2014, it features armor-clad competitors fighting with 14th-century medieval weapons. But it’s also a modern combat sport with safety rules and sporting conventions.

A mixture of historical and modern techniques

“It’s historically inspired,” combat federation spokesperson Kamila Studencka said. “It’s a mix of modern techniques with historical ones. We have something between full combat sports and fencing.”

And while the swords and axes are blunted, the battles are anything but harmless reenactments. Studencka said some competitors are attracted by “the violence,” while others prefer the technical aspects of face-to-face duels.