Poland unveils Europe’s tallest Virgin Mary statue in tiny village

Harry Potter fans have successfully pushed for a major power infrastructure project in Wales to be moved away from the memorial site known as Dobby’s grave. The $581 million Greenlink interconnector is being developed to connect the electricity networks of the United Kingdom and Ireland. The project aims to help both countries share surplus renewable energy. The original route of the underground cable was planned to pass close to the memorial for Dobby, the beloved house elf from the Harry Potter series. The memorial is located on a beach in Pembrokeshire. It became a popular destination for fans after the area was used to film Dobby’s death scene in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 1. Fans regularly visit the site to pay tribute to the fictional character. Many leave stones with personal messages and tributes. Socks were also commonly left at the memorial, reflecting Dobby’s connection with the item in the Harry Potter story, but environmental authorities have asked visitors to stop leaving them. The proposed power cable route triggered a strong reaction among Harry Potter fans. Project manager Simon Ludlam said his team received hundreds of calls after details of the planned route became known. Ludlam initially did not understand why the location had caused such concern. He said a colleague eventually explained the significance of the site and the emotional attachment fans had developed to Dobby’s grave. Following discussions, the project team decided to alter the planned route. Ludlam said engineers worked on a new alignment to ensure that the cable would not pass close to the memorial. The revised route has now allowed the project to proceed without directly affecting the popular tourist site. However, the new alignment has raised another issue. It passes relatively close to a potential Bronze Age burial site. Planning documents from local authorities had identified archaeological remains in the area. An archaeological investigation reportedly found the remains of an inverted pottery vessel believed to resemble a Bronze Age collared urn. The vessel has been dated to approximately 1700 to 1500 BC. Such urns are commonly associated with burial sites and may indicate the presence of human remains. The situation has highlighted the challenge of balancing major infrastructure projects with cultural, historical and tourism interests. Local residents have also welcomed the decision to protect the Dobby memorial. The site attracts visitors from across the world and has become an important tourism attraction in Pembrokeshire. Local resident Jack Nicholas said visitors had travelled from countries including Italy, Australia and South Africa to see the memorial. He said the attraction brings tourists to one of Pembrokeshire’s notable beaches and helps nearby businesses. Tourism is a major part of the local economy. Pembrokeshire County Council estimates that the sector contributes around $815 million to the economy and supports about 23% of local employment.

Julie Andrews has confirmed that she will not return as Queen Clarisse Renaldi in The Princess Diaries 3, ending hopes that the beloved royal figure would share the screen with Anne Hathaway’s Mia Thermopolis. Andrews, 90, explained in a recent interview that she considers herself largely retired from on-screen acting. Instead, the Oscar-winning star now focuses on writing books, podcasts and voice work. She said the creative team had approached her repeatedly during the past year about appearing in the sequel, but she ultimately decided against it. The decision marks a change for a franchise built around Andrews’ portrayal of Clarisse, Mia’s grandmother and Genovia’s former queen. Andrews appeared alongside Hathaway in both The Princess Diaries, released in 2001, and The Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement in 2004. Andrews indicated that the third film can continue without her. Her comments reflect the passage of more than two decades since the original movies and her decision to focus on other creative work. The news comes as anticipation for the long-awaited return to Genovia continues to build among audiences who grew up with the films. Hathaway remains attached to the third installment, which is being directed by Adele Lim. The project remains in development, with filmmakers shaping a story that moves Mia into a new stage of life. Lim has said the team wants to honor the affection audiences have for the original films while giving the sequel its own direction. Andrews’ absence has already prompted an emotional response from fans. For many viewers, her performance as Clarisse was central to the charm of the series, making the prospect of returning to Genovia without her bittersweet. Others have supported Andrews’ decision to step away from on-screen acting. Although Clarisse will not return in Andrews’ performance, her legacy remains deeply woven into The Princess Diaries. As the third film moves forward, Hathaway and the creative team face the challenge of bringing audiences back to Genovia while honoring the actress who helped make the kingdom unforgettable. https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/why-julie-andrews-wont-return-princess-diaries-3-1236670387/

US influencer and hairstylist Sara Gilson was fatally shot in what authorities are investigating as an apparent murder-suicide, just weeks after she publicly accused her estranged husband, Jeremiah “Shawn” Duffey, of being a paedophile in a viral TikTok video. The tragic incident has drawn widespread attention, raising concerns about domestic violence and online safety. Gilson, 43, had built a strong following on TikTok by sharing lifestyle, beauty and family-related content. She also worked as a hairstylist in Oklahoma and frequently posted videos featuring her children and everyday life. Shortly before her death, one of her TikTok videos went viral after she claimed she had discovered disturbing information about her estranged husband. According to investigators, police responded to a 911 call from Gilson’s home in Owasso, Oklahoma, on July 23. A child inside the house contacted emergency services, and the dispatcher reportedly heard screaming and crying before a loud noise. Officers later found Gilson and Duffey with fatal gunshot wounds. Authorities believe Duffey shot Gilson before taking his own life. The investigation remains ongoing. The case has gained national attention because it followed a series of legal actions taken by Gilson. Court records show she had filed multiple protective orders against Duffey over the years, with the most recent one granted shortly before her death. The order required him to stay away from her and leave their shared home. Separate court documents also reveal that another protective order had been filed on behalf of a 15-year-old girl, accusing Duffey—who coached a youth basketball team—of inappropriate sexual conduct. Those allegations are separate from the homicide investigation and had not been resolved in court at the time of the incident. Gilson’s final TikTok posts received millions of views after she alleged that her estranged husband was a paedophile. The videos quickly spread across social media, with many users expressing concern for her safety and urging authorities to investigate the claims. Following her death, those posts resurfaced as people reflected on the tragedy. Friends and followers have remembered Gilson as a devoted mother and a positive presence online. A fundraising campaign has since been launched to support her children, while tributes continue to pour in across social media. Many users have described the incident as a heartbreaking reminder of the dangers faced by victims of domestic abuse. The case remains under investigation, and authorities have not announced any additional criminal proceedings because the suspected shooter is deceased. Meanwhile, advocates say the tragedy highlights the importance of taking threats, protective orders and allegations of domestic violence seriously, while ensuring victims have access to timely protection and support.