Rising tennis star Arthur Fery extended a warm invitation to the children of the Prince and Princess of Wales for a friendly game of tennis.
Arthur Fery has proposed a tennis match with the Wales children
At just 24, Fery has made a remarkable achievement as the first British wildcard to advance to Wimbledon’s semi-finals. As the men’s singles final approaches this Sunday (12.07.26), he has already shared conversations with Prince William, Catherine, and their eldest children, 12-year-old Prince George and 11-year-old Princess Charlotte.
He told Catherine: “I hear your children play tennis a lot…if you guys want to hit some balls anytime, that would be great.”
Handing Arthur a card to mark his birthday on Sunday, she said: “Thank you, do you get some downtime now?”
Relentless Rains Flood South Texas as Tornado Strikes San Antonio
UVALDE, Texas (AP) — On Wednesday, intense and slow-moving storms unleashed torrents of rain across vast areas of South Texas. In the aftermath, a tornado emerged in San Antonio, trailing the heavy downpours that had previously submerged roads and farmlands, prompting numerous high-water rescues throughout the region.
According to the National Weather Service, a tornado made landfall in the northwestern section of San Antonio, near Interstate 10. Social media platforms buzzed with videos capturing what looked like a compact twister in action. Fortunately, there were no immediate reports of injuries from this weather event.
Amid ongoing severe weather warnings, forecasters issued alerts for possible life-threatening flash flooding as the rain showed no signs of letting up, expected to persist until Thursday evening. The weather service projected that total rainfall could reach between 10 and 20 inches (25 to 50 centimeters) in certain locations by the time these storms finally dissipate.
Thankfully, the region has been spared fatalities and injuries from the current deluge.
On Wednesday morning, flash flood warnings were activated for numerous counties adjacent to the Mexican border, including parts of Kerr County. Last year, this area suffered catastrophic flooding along the Guadalupe River, claiming over 100 lives. Kerr County authorities are proactively liaising with summer camps and retreat centers situated along the river, which could be at risk of flooding once more.
The highest rainfall totals so far have been in Uvalde County — up to 16 inches (40 centimeters) in some areas, the weather service said.
“This is called a typical mid-summer tropical weather pattern that happens in Texas,” said Monte Oaks, a meteorologist with the weather service. “About once every five years, we’ll get socked in with a daily recurrence of heavy rain chances that’s generally produced by a stagnant kind of a pattern with a low-pressure center that’s just not moving very fast.”
Oaks said the rain is being fueled with tropical moisture, mostly from the Gulf of Mexico and some from the Pacific Ocean.
The highest level of concern for potentially dangerous flooding Wednesday was for areas west of San Antonio and north of Route 90, he said.
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott issued disaster declarations for dozens of counties.
Authorities posted videos on Tuesday showing a rescue crew in a boat navigating flooded streets and a vehicle being swept away by fast-moving waters. Five people were rescued by the Texas Game Warden Search and Rescue Team and four were rescued by a local game warden, said Maggie Berger, a Texas Parks and Wildlife spokeswoman.
The weather service said the city of Uvalde has been hardest hit. Officials there said there had been at least two dozen water rescues, and a local event center was open for anyone displaced by flooding. In Sabinal, officials were also making plans for a shelter.
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Woman Arrested in 25-Year-Old Cold Case of Baby Jacob Found in Dumpster Behind Grocery Store
An Illinois woman has been taken into custody a quarter-century after a newborn, remembered by locals as baby Jacob Hope, was found abandoned in a bag inside a dumpster located behind a grocery store.
Authorities have charged 48-year-old Jennifer Lebron with two counts of involuntary manslaughter related to the infant’s tragic end. The arrest came after investigators employed genetic genealogy, linking her to the long-unsolved case, as detailed in a joint statement from the Round Lake Beach Police Department and the Lake County State’s Attorney’s Office.
“I vividly remember being present at the scene back in 2001. It has stayed with me throughout the years,” reflected Round Lake Beach Police Chief Ryan Rodriguez. “Jacob Hope deserved to be acknowledged with dignity and justice. Today’s arrest marks a significant stride towards accountability for this innocent baby, and I appreciate the relentless efforts and cooperation that made this possible.”
What Happened to Baby Jacob Hope?
On August 26, 2001, Round Lake Beach Police were summoned to a grocery store on Rollins Road, where the lifeless infant was found inside a bag in a dumpster behind the premises, according to the official statement.
The deceased baby was tenderly named “Jacob Hope” by AMT Children of Hope.
After an investigation by the Lake County Major Crimes Task Force, another woman was arrested in 2001, but investigators later learned she had never been pregnant and was not involved in the baby’s death. The case was dropped in October of that year.
Investigators Arrest Baby Jacob Hope’s Alleged Mother Jennifer Lebron
For years, the case went cold until it was reopened by Round Lake Beach investigators in 2024. They submitted the baby’s DNA for genetic genealogy testing and were able to identify a relative of the infant’s biological father, authorities said.
The discovery eventually led them to the father—who is not suspected of criminal activity—and the newborn’s biological mother identified by investigators as Lebron.
After speaking with the 48-year-old, collecting additional evidence and working closely with prosecutors, Lebron was arrested on July 14, according to jail records reviewed by Oxygen.
“This cold case could not have been solved without the unbelievable work of the Round Lake Beach Police Department,” Lake County State’s Attorney Eric Rinehart said in the statement. “Some of the officers and leaders that investigated this matter have retired. But their efforts must be acknowledged. With the painstaking investigation having been completed, we will now seek to secure justice for this child who lost his life because of the offender’s criminal actions.”
Lebron is currently being held at the Lake County Jail without bail.
It’s unclear whether she has retained an attorney.
Ohio Mom Fights to Reunite With 16 Kids After Arrest
An Ohio mother accused of extensive child abuse involving her 16 children has asked, through her attorney, to be reunited with her kids during her trial this week.
Thirty-three-year-old Elizabeth Siders faces numerous charges of second-degree child endangerment, alongside her husband, Gary Siders, Jr., and his elderly parents. Currently held on a $300,000 bond, her lawyer, J. Thomas Stolly, is advocating for her temporary release from jail, emphasizing her clean criminal record as a basis.
“In discussions with Counsel, the Defendant has made it clear that her main goal is to reunify with her children; she is aware that any hope of reunification is futile if she fails to appear in this Court,” reads a court document reported by WOWK 13.
Stolly further contends in his filing that Elizabeth Siders would not pose any danger to her children, as they are no longer in her custody. The judge has yet to deliver a decision on this request.
On July 1, 2026, Elizabeth Siders and Christina Siders appeared via Zoom in Vinton County Court of Common Pleas in McArthur, under the jurisdiction of Judge Laina Fetherolf Rogers. Following the discovery of children living in “deplorable” conditions on June 30, 2026, the four adults involved are collectively facing 16 charges of child endangerment. (Reuters)
The other two suspects — Gary Siders Sr. and Christina Siders — also were charged with 16 counts of second-degree child endangerment. A judge entered not guilty pleas on their behalf during a court hearing last week, setting all four defendants’s bond at $300,000.
Officials have not confirmed whether all 16 children were related but said they ranged in age from 18 months to 18 years old and included both boys and girls.
Gary L. Siders Sr. and Gary L. Siders Jr. appear via Zoom in the Vinton County Court of Common Pleas in McArthur July 1, 2026. Four adults face a total of 16 charges of child endangerment after children were found in “deplorable” conditions June 30, 2026. The arraignment was held in Judge Laina Fetherolf Rogers’ courtroom. (Reuters)
Vinton County Prosecutor William Archer clarified that the suspects are not originally from Vinton County.
“This is an intra-family situation. This is not human trafficking. There is nothing to put our other children at risk,” Archer said
Earlier last week, Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine said he was being updated on the case.
“It is heartbreaking to learn the conditions that these children were living in and to learn of their medical conditions,” he said. “Attorney General Wilson is an experienced prosecutor, and he has told me he has never seen anything like what he saw today. Fran and I pray for these children and thank the children’s services workers, law enforcement officers and medical personnel who are helping them.”
Ohio Attorney General Andy Wilson speaks during a news conference June 30, 2026. (Office of Ohio Attorney General Andy Wilson via AP)
Attorney General Andy Wilson publicized the case at a news conference last week after the children were removed from the home.
Wilson called them the worst conditions he had encountered in his career, describing it as “pure evil.” Several were in serious condition when found, and two were flown to Level 1 trauma centers because of their injuries.
“If they had waited 24 hours, there is a very high probability that we’d be dealing with a death, or multiple deaths, of these children,” Wilson said.
Vinton County Sheriff Ryan Cain described horrid conditions the children were in, saying there was a high presence of feces and bacterial matter.
England vs. Argentina: The Riveting History Beyond Football
In the early hours of Thursday, the eyes of the world will turn to Atlanta, where England and Argentina are set to clash with a coveted spot in the World Cup final on the line. The incentive to wake up early for this match is clear.
Argentina steps onto the field as the reigning champions, driven by the ambition of securing a fourth title and their second consecutive one, with Lionel Messi showcasing some of the most impressive form of his late playing years. Meanwhile, England is on a quest to break a long-standing drought, aiming to reach the World Cup final for the first time since their sole appearance and victory in 1966.
This epic showdown, however, is layered with more than just statistics and accolades — it is a tapestry woven with six decades of grievances and disputes. From expulsions and contested goals to broader historical tensions, these two nations have not faced each other in such a high-stakes setting since 2005.
According to former Australian soccer luminary Craig Foster, the historical context and its weight will resonate distinctly with each team as they prepare for the match.
“For Argentinians, the political shadows of the Falklands War and what they perceived as a battlefield encounter against England in the ’86 games continue to cast a long shadow,” Foster remarked.
The insult that started it
The rivalry began in 1966, 16 years before the Falklands War, with Antonio Rattín — the Argentine captain whose death at 89 was announced last week.
In the World Cup quarter-final at London’s Wembley Stadium, the German referee Rudolf Kreitlein cautioned Rattín for a foul on attacking midfielder Bobby Charlton and then, three minutes later, cautioned him again for dissent.
Two cautions meant dismissal, but this was an era before red cards existed, and Rattín — who spoke no German or English — appeared not to have understood he was being sent off.
The game stopped for eight minutes while officials conferred on the touchline and police were summoned to escort him away. On his way off he crumpled a corner flag bearing the Union Jack and sat down on the red carpet laid out for Queen Elizabeth II.
England won 1-0 through a Geoff Hurst header the Argentines were convinced was offside.
After the whistle, Argentine full-back Roberto Ferreiro tore the referee’s shirt and was banned for three matches; his teammate Ermindo Onega was banned for spitting at a FIFA vice-president.
The moment that turned a violent afternoon into a permanent wound came from the England bench. Alf Ramsey, England’s manager, ran onto the pitch to prevent his players exchanging shirts with the Argentines — a breach of one of football’s oldest courtesies.
Then, in his post-match press conference, he called the opposition “animals”. Ramsey later said he had meant their style of play rather than the men themselves.
It made no difference. Argentine newspapers carried the word as a statement of English contempt, and in Argentina, the match is still known as El Robo del Siglo — the Robbery of the Century.
The confusion over whether Rattín had been dismissed at all persuaded the English official Ken Aston to devise a system of yellow and red cards, introduced at the 1970 World Cup and now universal.
The war, the hand and the goal
In April 1982, Argentina’s military junta invaded the Falkland Islands, a British Overseas Territory in the South Atlantic that Argentina calls Las Malvinas and has claimed for well over a century, prompting Britain to send a task force.
The war lasted 74 days and killed more than 900 people on both sides before the Argentine surrender in June.
Four years later, the countries were drawn together in a World Cup quarter-final at the Estadio Azteca in Mexico City.
Six minutes into the second half, with the game goalless, Diego Maradona ran into the England penalty area to contest a ball looping high in the air. He was 5’5″; the goalkeeper Peter Shilton was six inches taller and coming to punch.
Maradona rose and, with his left fist held close to his head, knocked the ball over Shilton and into the net. The England players surrounded the referee. The goal stood.
Asked how he had scored it, Maradona said it had come “a little with the head of Maradona and a little with the hand of God”.
Four minutes after that first goal, Maradona collected the ball inside his own half and ran. He took 11 touches in 11 seconds, beat five England players, and slid the finish past Shilton from an angle. It is routinely touted as the greatest goal ever scored.
England’s Gary Lineker pulled one back late. Argentina won 2-1 and went on to lift the trophy, beating West Germany 3-2 in the final at the same stadium.
Beckham’s exile and return
Twelve years later, at the 1998 World Cup in France, England met Argentina in Saint-Étiennethe in an extraordinary Round of 16 match.
England’s Michael Owen, then 18, scored a solo goal that made him a national figure — before things turned.
Just after half-time, midfielder David Beckham was fouled by Argentine central midfielder Diego Simeone, who patted him on the back of the head as he lay face down.
Beckham, still prone, flicked his boot at Simeone’s calf. Simeone fell. The Danish referee Kim Milton Nielsen sent Beckham off.
England held on for a 2-2 draw with 10 men, had a late Sol Campbell header disallowed, and lost 4-3 on penalties. Beckham was vilified by the British press and burned in an effigy outside a London pub.
Redemption came four years later, against the same opponent. In Sapporo, Japan at the 2002 World Cup, Owen was brought down by Mauricio Pochettino (now the USA coach), and Beckham — by then England’s captain — took the penalty himself and drove it down the middle.
England won 1-0. Argentina went out at the group stage for the first time since 1962.
Atlanta, 2026
Both teams’ coaches have spent the week lowering the temperature ahead of Thursday’s semi-final.
Argentina’s Lionel Scaloni, speaking after his side’s quarter-final win over Switzerland, insisted there was nothing at stake beyond football. England coach Thomas Tuchel has stuck to tactics, telling reporters his plan is to put star players Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham together and let them decide the game.
The stands are less obliging. Argentine supporters — and, in the dressing room after the win over Egypt, Argentine players — have sung ‘Muchachos’, a song invoking the Malvinas, Maradona and Messi’s pursuit of a second world title. FIFA, whose regulations prohibit political slogans, has reportedly declined to take action.
Sixty years after Rattín sat down on the Queen’s carpet, England are one match from their first World Cup final since that tournament. Messi, measured against Maradona his entire career, is one match from a second consecutive final.
Nobody who takes the field on Thursday was alive for the war, the hand or the goal. But it is likely they will play as though they were.
— This story was produced in collaboration with SBS Japanese.
Uncover the Oscar-Winning Biblical Epic that Dominated Box Offices on July 15, 1960
Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer
They just don’t make films like they used to. In today’s cinematic landscape, a near four-hour biblical epic is a rarity. Yet, the legacy of 1959’s “Ben-Hur” endures, maintaining its status as one of the finest historical sagas ever committed to film.
The narrative follows Judah Ben-Hur, portrayed by Charlton Heston, who rises from betrayal as a child to become a celebrated charioteer after rescuing a Roman commander. Empowered by his elevated standing, Judah embarks on a quest to seek out the person responsible for his early betrayal and to reconnect with his lost family.
First hitting theaters on November 18, 1959, “Ben-Hur” claimed the number one spot at the box office on July 15, 1960. However, this monumental achievement wasn’t instantaneous; it took until February 1960 for the film to ascend to these heights, 11 weeks after its premiere. Historically, it’s staggering box office haul of $74 million during its original run translates to nearly $850 million today.
This monumental box office breakthrough came just a couple of months before the 1960 Academy Awards held on April 4, where “Ben-Hur” triumphed with 11 Oscars, including Best Picture, Best Director for William Wyler, and Best Actor for Charlton Heston. Though initially a slow starter, its eventual success showcased that 1959 was indeed a landmark year for cinema.
Ben-Hur set the bar for epic filmmaking
Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer
“Ben-Hur” was the zenith of a trend in biblical epics during 1959, following in the wake of productions like “The Robe” and “The Ten Commandments.” However, it far surpassed its predecessors, captivating audiences with its thrilling sequences, most notably the iconic chariot race scene. Though deeply rooted in biblical storytelling and intertwined with the narrative of Jesus Christ, it offers enough universal appeal to engage even secular viewers.
Religious themes and iconography were essential to telling the story of “Ben-Hur.” The film came out in the midst of the Hays Code, which was in effect from 1934 to 1968. This forbid any radical ideas or images, such as excessive violence, promiscuity, and homosexuality.
In fact, Gore Vidal, who did touch-ups on the “Ben-Hur” screenplay, has said that he included subtext to imply that Ben-Hur and Messala (Stephen Boyd), the man who betrayed him years ago, were ex-lovers. Heston denied such interpretations, but it makes for a fascinating reading.
There have been various interpretations of “Ben-Hur” over the years, and the 1959 version isn’t even the first. But the 2016 rendition is easily one of the worst remakes of all time, losing much of what made the original so special, subtext and all. “Ben-Hur” might be over 60 years old, but it hasn’t missed a step and is still worth watching today.
Investigation Launched into Suspected Murder-Suicide in Russell County
HONAKER, Va. (WJHL) — Virginia State Police (VSP) have launched an investigation following an alleged murder-suicide incident that unfolded in Russell County on the evening of July 9.
Responding to reports of a shooting, Russell County deputies arrived in the Honaker area at approximately 8:43 p.m. that night, according to the VSP.
State police detailed that a female victim was reportedly shot. As Russell County deputies found her, two VSP troopers were on the scene where they encountered the male suspect who allegedly turned the gun on himself, leading to his own death, according to authorities.
Both the suspect and the victim were deceased by the time officers arrived, the VSP confirmed.
Russell County Sheriff Bill Watson told News Channel 11 that he requested the VSP’s help, as his deputies witnessed the suicide and “had a standoff” with the suspect. Sheriff Watson identified the victim as the suspect’s girlfriend, but exact identities have not been released.
Victoria Beckham Revives Iconic Baden-Baden Fashion Moments
Imagine flipping through a stack of photos spanning two decades and noticing inevitable changes—except in the case of Victoria Beckham, where time seems to stand still.
At 52, the iconic former WAG showed unwavering support for the Three Lions alongside her husband David and their children, Romeo and Harper, last week in Miami. While her reaction to Jude Bellingham’s goal may not have turned heads, her ageless demeanor certainly did.
The enduring style of this former Spice Girl remains a hallmark of her persona. Her choice of outfits, oversized sunglasses, and even that unmistakable clap have all remained consistent through the years.
Celebrity stylist Lisa Talbot points out that Victoria has skillfully used her WAG years as a blueprint for her current image, exemplifying that staying in the limelight doesn’t always mean a complete makeover.
In a conversation with the Daily Mail, Talbot mentioned, ‘Victoria Beckham’s style has evolved over time, yet the unique elements that defined her during the WAG era continue to serve as the cornerstone of her recognizable look.’
‘She’s always understood the power of a strong silhouette, impeccable tailoring and creating a polished image.
‘Back then it was bodycon dresses, towering heels and oversized sunglasses; today those same principles have simply been refined into beautifully cut wide-leg trousers, sharp blazers, fluid dresses and a more understated luxury aesthetic.
‘What Victoria has done brilliantly is grow with both her lifestyle and her brand without losing her identity.
She became known for her sense of style in the early 2000s, and some 26 years later – and Victoria Beckham’s fashion is as good as ever (pictured in Germany in 2006)
Still to this day, the 52-year-old former Spice Girl favours oversized, statement sunglasses
‘She hasn’t chased every trend because she doesn’t need to. Instead, she’s built a signature style that feels authentic to her, which is why she looks so consistent over the years.
‘It’s a great reminder that true style isn’t about constantly reinventing yourself, it’s about evolving your wardrobe while staying true to who you are.
‘That’s exactly why, even today, you can still see echoes of her WAG-era style, just through a more sophisticated, modern lens.’
Back in 2006, as she exited Baden-Baden in Germany, Victoria donned a navy waistcoat much like the style she sported when watching the World Cup match between USA and Paraguay at Los Angeles Stadium alongside Tom Cruise in June.
Then, on the first of this month, Victoria’s outfit at the Argentina and Cape Verde match looked much like the black tank top and oversized sunglasses she wore while out in Germany in 2006.
Elsewhere, when Spain triumphed over France in Texas last night, her classic ensemble, complete with a white tank top, echoed her look from the 2006 FIFA World Cup match between England and Paraguay.
And her star power shows no sign of waning after her reaction to England’s goal last week made her an instant meme.
The silhouette might have changed slightly, but the fashion designer remains a fan of waistcoats
The famous mother-of-four’s love for a simple yet classic tank top hasn’t dimmed
The former Spice Girl’s signature clap hasn’t changed one bit
It appeared that all the years of attending football matches to cheer on David have taken their toll on Victoria, who looked decidedly unbothered during England’s World Cup clash with Norway.
The nation was gripped on Saturday night as the Three Lions battled to stay in the tournament, with things off to a rocky start when Andreas Schjelderup’s goal gave Norway an early advantage, before Jude Bellingham equalised with a superb goal in first-half stoppage time.
The crowd erupted when Jude managed to get one past Norway keeper Orjan Nyland, with David, Romeo, Cruz and Harper leaping to their feet at the sight of the goal.
Yet Posh Spice wasn’t as impressed by the feat, failing to even raise a smile as she sat alongside her hairdresser Ken Paves.
The moment didn’t go unnoticed by viewers at home, who were quick to joke on X: ‘That priceless moment when you can tell how much Posh Spice loves football’;
‘This photo here is awesome: everyone in the box screaming with England’s goal; Romeo getting almost naked celebrating; David standing up yelling and posh sitting there all chill serving face card serving pose’;
‘Victoria Beckham is the greatest Englishwoman who ever existed, no doubt about it’.
However, Victoria seemed to be warming up and was later seen getting into the spirit by clapping along as England won the match 2-1.
Victoria has famously said that she wasn’t a fan of football when she met David at a Manchester United match in 1997.
Ever the doting wife, she ensured she attended every game she could, but confessed she didn’t enjoy the sport because she didn’t feel ‘wanted’ when she was pitch side.
However, in recent years Victoria has had a change of heart after David retired and set up his own club, Inter Miami.
Victoria told the Financial Times in 2024: ‘I never enjoyed watching football. I never felt necessarily wanted [at the matches]. I’m not saying this as in, poor me, but it was never the fun that it is now.
‘Now, when we’re in Miami, I feel wanted. I’m friends with the families of the players.’