A : A sudden storm swung through Guizhou province in southwest China, capsized four boats, killing 10 people and injuring 70 others.
On Sunday afternoon, a rain and hailstorm struck the vessels along a stretch of the Wu River near Qianxi City, causing more than 80 people to fall into the water, according to state media.
Overnight, there were no rescue operations. Initial reports stated that one person was missing and nine others had died. However, according to state broadcaster CCTV, rescuers found the missing person around noon and “showed no signs of life.”
One of the videos shared by state media showed a man performing CPR on a person as one of the vessels turned upside down.
Two tourist vessels reportedly capsized, according to initial reports. However, CCTV later revealed that four boats were involved in the incident, which took place on the upper reaches of the longest tributary of China’s Yangtze River, two of which were not carrying passengers at the time.
No passengers were on board the two vessels, but the broadcaster reported that the seven crew members made it to safety.
After the storm had descended quickly and the river was obscured by thick mist, a witness who spoke to the state-owned Beijing News claimed some passengers managed to swim safely.
The boats involved in this incident weren’t overloaded, according to CCTV. Each had a capacity of 40 passengers, respectively.
Local authorities organized roughly 500 emergency personnel to take the lead of the rescue operation.
According to state news agency Xinhua, President Xi Jinping demanded “all-out efforts” be made in the search and rescue operations and the recovery of those injured.
The agency further “understood the necessity of strengthening safety measures in tourist attractions” and other large public spaces.
He also made note of a number of recent national fatalities.
Domestic travelers to Guizhou’s mountainous interior are frequently abounding on the Wu River, particularly during the holidays.
After being invited to perform with Robbie Williams at his upcoming concert in Edinburgh, Michelle McManus is set to make a significant comeback.
Michelle won the second series of the former ITV talent show(Image: Ken McKay/REX/Shutterstock)
Michelle McManus, a former member of the popular idiom, has undergone a dramatic transformation and is set to take to the stage once more. The singer, who has recently gained popularity on social media, won the second season of the talent show and is now a hit, has recently emerged.
Back in 2003, the Glaswegian singer instantly capturing hearts across the nation with her belting tunes. Her debut hit All This Time rocketed to number one, and her initial album The Meaning of Love dominated in Scotland, while earning a respectable third in the UK charts.
Despite an early split from her record label in 2004, McManus seized the opportunity to start afresh with her own label and dropped another album in 2007. Although she took a break from the music scene till 2012, she remained in the public eye, charming listeners as a presenter on BBC Scotland and BBC Radio Scotland.
Robbie Williams made Michelle an offer she couldn’t refuse(Image: Deadline via Getty Images)
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Now, the buzz is that she could be returning to her musical roots, and potentially alongside Robbie Williams. During what turned out to be a remarkable interview on her live BBC Radio Scotland show, Robbie Williams flipped the script and stunned her with an invite to sing with him on stage. Following their chat, the Angels singer nonchalantly offered: “Would you like to come and sing with me in Edinburgh?” reports Belfast Live.
McManus was suddenly left speechless after being taken aback by the proposal, only managing to utter, “What, sorry? ” What did that mean?” When she questioned him, “Is this a joke,” Michele looked shocked. and vehemently responded, “For goodness sake, yes!”
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Williams played it cool with a simple “Let’s do it,” stating they’ll pick the tune to perform together later on. The Scottish songstress will now be joining an elite group of artists, including Taylor Swift, Kylie Minogue, and Nicole Kidman, who have all teamed up with Robbie in the past.
Michelle has lost a staggering nine stone in recent years(Image: Instagram/Michelle McManus)
Michelle, 44, was shocked to learn Robbie’s proposal on BBC Radio Scotland’s Drivetime show, where she initially believed he was looking for some recommendations for local restaurants in Edinburgh. She laughed and said, “I never thought he was going to ask me what he did in my wildest dreams.”
Michelle confided following the proposal how overwhelmed she was by Williams’ generous invitation to perform in Murrayfield for a crowd of roughly 70 000 people, as well as how touched she was by Robbie’s kindness.
She unveiled the statement, “I cried a lot after it occurred. It’s incredible to perform Robbie Williams onstage in Murrayfield in front of about 70 000 people. However, it also demonstrates how kind people are. Despite being such a megastar, Robbie has been so incredibly kind to me on so many occasions.
Michelle now follows a calorie-conscious eating plan(Image: Granada Television)
With their upcoming performance set for May 31, Michelle is heading into it sporting a phenomenal nine stone weight loss thanks to committing to a healthier lifestyle. The Glasgow-born singer and presenter, Michelle McManus, candidly spoke about her previous battles with weight and alcohol, taking to Instagram to flaunt her new look after shedding an impressive 9st in just 17 months.
She eluded followers, saying, “Over the past few weeks, so many lovely people have messaged me to ask how I managed to drop 9st over the past 17 months. I was trapped in a cycle before this lifestyle change, constantly searching for the elusive magic diet wand, believing it was waiting for me to transform into the best version of myself.
The truth is that magic wand does not exist, though. Instead, I’ve found the right support, which is even stronger. I was completely lost and out of control, unsure of where to turn next.
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She was a well-known musician and columnist, and she credits her success on sticking to a calorie-conscious eating regimen and setting clear goals while also providing her top tip for overcoming snack cravings: drinking at least 2.5 liters of water each day.
EXCLUSIVE: The Met Gala is back, and an expert predicts that the famous faces in New York will display a “loud” trend as they try to win the world over.
Zendaya at the 2024 Met Gala(Image: AFP via Getty Images)
The most iconic fashion event on the calendar is here and celebrities are getting ready to “one up” each other again. This year’s theme at the annual Met Gala is “Tailored for You” in connection with the Costume’s Institute’s landmark new exhibition, “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style.
And some of the biggest names in world of showbiz will be battling it out on the red carpet to grab the headlines. Stateside PR guru Jane Owen revealed the trend of creating “two or more outfits in one” is set to continue.
Before dropping Blake Lively’s recognizable 2022 look, she described it as a “wonderful way to “one up” the competition. The actress was shocked when her outfit dramatically changed for the occasion.
Rihanna and A$AP Rocky attend The 2021 Met Gala (Image: Getty Images)
Jane admitted she also expects to see a number of political messages hit the red carpet at The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York. She went on: “I’m also highly expecting a political statement either for or against Trump (most likely against) and against the War in Ukraine and the Palestine Israeli humanitarian crisis in Gaza.”
She added that stylists might become “even more creative and attract even more eyeballs as people are searching for levity and brightness to lighten the mood” with the world’s tension at an all-time high.
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When asked who she think will be this year’s celebrities to watch out for, Jane revealed: “There are the go-to fashion queens who never fail to amaze and delight, including Kim Kardashian, the Jenners, Rihanna, Zendaya, Beyoncé and Blake Lively.
Arianna Grande and Cynthia Erivo, who have received Oscar nominations, will definitely bring it.
Blake Lively at the 2022 Met Gala(Image: Getty Images for The Met Museum/)
However, she stated that she would enjoy “watching a younger celebrity’s surprise moment.” She claimed that the time is right for a new fashion icon to emerge.
Last year, Kim Kardashian wore a glamorous shining metallic gown to the Met Gala, while Doja Cat stepped out in just a towel for the event.
Emily Ratajkowski was seen nearly naked at the 2024 offering, opting to wear a see-through crystal-covered dress, and Ariana Grade wore a corset-style white gownThis year’s Met Gala sees actor Colman Domingo, Formula 1 driver Lewis Hamilton, rapper A$AP Rocky and musician, record producer and Louis Vuitton men’s creative director Pharrell Williams as the co-chairs, who host the event.
Kylie Jenner, Khloé Kardashian, Kourtney Kardashian, and Kendall Jenner arrive at The 2022 Met Gala(Image: Getty Images for The Met Museum/Vogue)
Stevie Wonder, Lorde, Jimmy Fallon, Demi Moore, and Madonna are all expected to appear this year. Mary J. Blige and Shakira are two other names on the allegedly leaked attendance list.
The 2025 Met Gala is almost here! As we eagerly await to see this year’s red carpet snaps, lets take a look at the seven best dressed celebrities who made Met Gala history
As we approach Met Gala Monday, let’s take a look into the seven best dressed celebrities throughout the years(Image: Variety via Getty Images)
On the first Monday in May, your favourite celebrities transform into fashion icons for the Met Gala in Manhattan. They don’t merely stroll the red carpet, they ascend the steps of the Metropolitan Museum, wearing striking couture, and showcasing their original takes on the exhibition’s theme for everyone to see.
Unlike an awards show or movie premiere, the aim is not just to dazzle for a fleeting moment. It’s about crafting a look that can resonate for years to come. And many have succeeded in doing just that.
The dress code for this year is ‘Tailored for You,’ aligning with the upcoming exhibition at the museum, titled “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style,” which is running from May 10 to October 26, 2025. This exhibition will explore how clothing and style shape the evolution of Black identities across the Atlantic diaspora, with a particular focus on menswear.
Anna Wintour, the editor-in-chief of Vogue, is one of the most influential people in the world of fashion(Image: Charles Sykes/Invision/AP)
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So, while we patiently wait to see who conquers the red carpet this year, it’s only fair to reflect on the best-dressed looks throughout the years.
From Sarah Jessica Parker and Alexander McQueen in matching kilts to Tyla in a dress that moulded to her body, that made her look like she effortlessly rolled in sand before taking to the red carpet. Here are seven of the best looks to appear on the Met Gala red carpet.
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Sarah Jessica Parker and Alexander McQueen, 2006
In 2006, Sarah Jessica Parker attended the Met Gala with the designer Alexander McQueen while wearing a matching tartan and tulle creation(Image: Getty Images)
Sarah Jessica Parker is a name synonymous with fashion for her iconic looks on cult classic series Sex and the City. But when she walked the red carpet with the late Alexander McQueen in 2006, the fashion world stood still for a minute.
The theme that year was “AngloMania: Tradition and Transgression in British Fashion”, and Sarah Jessica Parker invited British designer Alexander McQueen to attend the event with her. Ultimately, McQueen went on to design coordinating looks constructed from red and black plaid, paying homage to British fashion.
Zendaya, 2018
Zendaya embodied the patron saint of Joan of Arc at the 2018 Met Gala in Versace armour that favoured sequins over metal(Image: Getty Images)
In 2018, Zendaya arrived at the Met Gala dressed as Joan of Arc, cementing her status as a fashion icon. The theme that year was “Heavenly Bodies: Fashion and the Catholic Imagination”, which inspired the actresses’ look to don the armour of one of Catholicism’s most famed icons: Saint Joan of Arc.
The chainmail gown, designed by Versace, featured an armoured neck and shoulder piece, a spiked belt and a stunning train which effortlessly followed behind as she walked. The outfit was styled by her long-time stylist, Law Roach.
Tyla, 2024
In 2024, South African singer Tyla arrived at the Met Gala in a gown made out of sand sourced from the Seychelles and the Sahara(Image: Getty Images for The Met Museum/)
Last year, South African singer and songwriter Tyla made her Met Gala debut, and she definitely didn’t disappoint. The singer donned a dress made out of sand by French fashion house Balmain in a nod to the theme “The Garden of Time”.
The strapless gown was moulded to her body and subtly flared out in an organza train. Crafted from three shades of sand and adorned with micro-crystal studs, the dress sparkled with every move Tyla made. Complementing the evening’s theme, she also carried the Balmain hourglass clutch.
Rihanna, 2023
Rihanna donned a custom Valentino Haute Couture silk faille dress, adorned with a cape featuring 500 petals and a billowing train, at the 2023 Met Gala(Image: GC Images)
In 2023, Rihanna was so late to the Met Gala that many began to wonder if she would even attend. But when she finally showed up at 10 pm, she reminded everyone of the true meaning of being ‘fashionably late’. The singer arrived wearing a dramatic, white Valentino gown adorned with over 500 petals and a billowing train.
She capped off the outfit with white fingerless gloves, a favourite accessory of Karl Lagerfeld, paired with white cat-eye sunglasses and mega-long false lashes, and, of course, the boldest red lip you’ve ever seen. The theme that year was “Karl Lagerfeld: A Line of Beauty,” a tribute to the late designer who helmed the fashion houses of Chanel and Fendi for many years.
Cardi B, 2019
Cardi B shut down the 2019 Met Gala red carpet in a dress that took 2,000 hours to create (Image: FilmMagic)
In 2019, Cardi B made a spectacular return to the Met Gala, and she definitely came to impress. The theme for the evening was “Camp: Notes on Fashion,” and Cardi fully embraced it by stepping onto the red carpet in a massive quilted and feathered gown designed by Thom Brown.
While the stunning dress stole the spotlight, the rapper had a 10-person team to assist her as she ascended the stairs. The striking red gown, which took over 2,000 hours to craft, featured 30,000 burnt and dyed feathers, securing Cardi B’s place in Met Gala red-carpet history.
Rihanna, 2018
In 2018, Riahanna rocked up at the Met Gala dressed as the Pope(Image: Press Association Images)
Rihanna made Met Gala history again in 2018 when she arrived at the Met Gala dressed as the Pope. The theme, “Heavenly Bodies: Fashion and the Catholic Imagination,” which also featured Zendaya dressed as Saint Joan of Arc, showcased Rihanna in a custom outfit by Maison Margiela.
The strapless hand-beaded dress was embellished with a hundred pearls and featured a matching sculptural jacket. Accessorising with a pearl anklet and a bejewelled crucifix necklace. Each piece of the outfit was crafted in an elaborate Seaform jacquard, requiring over 250 hours to sew and an additional 500 hours to hand-embroider.
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Blake Lively, 2022
At the 2022 Met Gala, Blake Lively not only looked breathtaking in Atelier Versace, but her ensemble also had particular meaning behind it(Image: AFP via Getty Images)
Blake Lively showed up to the Met Gala and stole the show in 2022. The blonde beauty wore a custom Versace gown, inspired by New York City. The theme that year was “In America: An Anthology of Fashion,” and Lively, one of the evening’s hosts, underwent a significant dress transformation that perfectly reflected the theme.
On May 5, Skype will stop operating, marking the end of a period for one of the internet’s pioneers, after nearly 22 years of providing connections to users all over the world.
More than 300 million monthly users were gathered for Skype, which was founded in 2003, making it a revolutionary tool for free voice and video calls over the internet.
Before Zoom or FaceTime, the free platform revolutionized how people communicate across borders.
What causes Skype to stop working?
Microsoft made Skype a key component of its communications strategy by purchasing it for $8.5 billion in 2011. However, Skype’s popularity declined as WhatsApp, Zoom, and eventually Microsoft’s own Teams gained popularity.
Microsoft announced on February 28 that Skype would be discontinued on May 5 in an effort to make its services more focused and prioritize teams for communication and collaboration.
Skype for Business will continue temporarily, but both free and paid Skype users will be affected by the shutdown.
What happens to the data of the current users?
Microsoft has urged users to switch to Teams by visiting skype.com and using the “Start using Teams” feature. Teams will continue to allow access to all of their Skype conversations and contacts using the same login credentials.
Users are limited to their data until January 2026 to download or migrate it before it is permanently deleted.
With Microsoft Teams, you can seamlessly continue where you left off without paying anything.
Teams for freebies
Streamless call and chat experience enhanced videoconferencing Secure cloud storage and file sharing
Your contacts and chats will migrate if you use Skype. twitter.com/F0Z8QQCGCr
On Skype, was it possible to pass a quiz?
Do you believe you are an Skype user? To find out how well you are familiar with its history, features, and impact on global communication, respond to these ten questions below.
