Category News

Kidz Bop ready to inspire a nation as they promise ‘party to remember’ ahead of UK tour

By in Entertainment News, News

The show’s stars have revealed how proud they are of inspiring a new generation through song and dance, and Kidz BOP are gearing up for yet another UK adventure.

Kidz Bop is reuniting with the United Kingdom.

Not many organizations possess the same skillset as KIDZ BOP when it comes to inspiring young people. Many young people and the current generation of KIDZ BOP members are very proud of their success, and they are very proud of it.

Famous faces such as Euphoria’s Zendaya and Noah Munck from hit sitcom The Goldbergs have come through the ranks with the energetic band in previous years. And now there is a new generation on stage and they are ready to amaze the UK audiences once again in October.

With over 23 million albums sold worldwide and over 14 billion streams of their kidified versions of the most popular tunes, it’s safe to say their audience loves them – and it appears the feeling is mutual. Current bangers include Chappell Roan’s Pink Pony Club and Ed Sheeran’s Azizam, but the group insist there are so many to watch out for.

One big, giant party is a promise made by KIDZ BOP.
One big, giant party is a promise made by KIDZ BOP.

A number of the class of ’25 spoke exclusively to The Mirror ahead of their upcoming UK tour, opening up on what fans can expect, what most surprised them about joining the band, and just how it feels to be such an inspiration.

Current singer Matty, 15, admitted that it “does not seem real still” be a part of the number one kids brand despite the majority of the show’s stars staying with the group for up to three years between the ages of 12 and 16. He acknowledged that he enjoys having his band members inspire others to achieve their goals while also achieving his own goals.

Sadie Mae, 14, agreed, saying, “It’s a literal dream come true. I’ve always enjoyed growing up watching KIDZ BOP, and I’m glad to be a part of this amazing group. Nothing is more enjoyable than visiting numerous locations, working with the nicest team, and getting to do what I love, which is to sing and dance.

And she acknowledged that the group’s collective speed was “very surprising.” Sadie Mae said: “It’s so impressive how we can all come together and get so much done, between wardrobe, rehearsals, different set changes, and more! ” Matty said the amount of production involved initially took him back. It’s just so exciting to be a part of”!

The US and UK are both home to KIDZ BOP.
The US and UK are both home to KIDZ BOP.

Following their most recent sold-out shows in the UK, the band is returning to Blighty for a bigger tour. And Matty added that he anticipates the fans to bring that enormous energy once more while Annika, 12, promised a “night to remember full of fun.”

The “Daddy Dance off” was Sadie Mae’s favorite song, while Jack, 12, teasing it as “one big giant party” while Jack, 12, said concertgoers should watch out for it.

The organization is eager to emphasize inclusion and representation, as well as inspire children all over the world. Sadie Mae is one of the members who are proud of the group’s values. She openly admitted that she had an invisible disability called hypotonia and was born very prematurely.

My body’s muscle tone and strength are affected by my lifelong condition, hypopotonia. I’ve heard it many times in my life that my current activities, such as dancing, singing, and acting, wouldn’t be as successful as they are now.

I made a conscious effort to never listen to those words and instead made the decision to believe in myself, my dreams, and my goals. Yes, some things may be more difficult for me, but I will always be able to live the life I want to live and pursue the interests I have! I’m so grateful to be singing and dancing with KIDZ BOP.

She continued, “I hope it encourages other kids to never give up on themselves or their dreams and never let others tell you what you can or cannot achieve.” I’m so happy to be a part of KIDZ BOP because it emphasizes diversity and inclusion.

Savvy, 14, also outlined how “incredibly powerful” it is to communicate with younger generations via ASL. She said, “I dance to the songs of KIDZ BOP.” You can follow along with another KIDZ BOP Kid in a separate series called “Sign + Dance Alongs” where I sign and dance with another Kidz BOP Kid! It’s all about bringing joy to everyone and demonstrating that music is universal.

All members expressed excitement over seeing fans on the road and anticipating bringing the UK crowds back. Classic tunes and a few of their newest numbers from the recently released KIDZ BOP 51 will be on the tour.

The most popular hits, such as APT, Pink Pony Club, and others, were performed by children’s artists for children on the most recent album, which was released on July 18. Fans can purchase tickets for their tour on the KIDZ BOP website.

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Japan’s minority gov’t faces election setback over inflation, immigration

By in News, World News

In the first national election since Shigeru Ishiba took office last year, Japan’s fragile minority government appears to be facing yet another setback in a crucial upper house vote this weekend.

On Sunday, the candidates for the remaining 248 seats in Japan’s Upper House of Parliament will be contested. To maintain its majority, Ishiba’s Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) and its veteran junior coalition partner Komeito must win 50 of its 66 seats.

However, polls indicate the coalition will fall short in the event of a potential repeat of the disastrous election in which case the LDP-Komeito coalition lost its parliamentary majority in Japan’s more powerful lower house, the worst result since briefly losing control in 2009.

Japan has experienced almost complete post-war rule from the LDP.

Ishiba has faced a severe problem from inflation, with the price of rice, which has doubled since last year as a result of poor harvests and government policies, becoming a magnet for voter discontent.

To help Japan’s long-standing economic stagnation, opposition parties have promised tax cuts and welfare spending.

On July 18, 2025, Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba meets with US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent in Tokyo, Japan. [Photo: Shuji Kajiyama via Reuters]

Locals are paying more for housing, but the weak Yen has drawn a sizable crowd of foreigners. Local discontent has been fueled by concerns about overtourism and a disregard for local customs, which Sanseito, an upstart populist party, has exploited.

The party gained popularity during the COVID-19 pandemic as it promoted conspiracy theories and far-right talking points when it was first introduced on YouTube in 2019 by streamer Kazuya Kyoumoto, politician Sohei Kamiya, and political analyst Yuuya Watase.

Sanseito has successfully mobilized against what it calls a “silent invasion” of immigrants in the years that have passed to appeal to a small but growing segment of Japan’s electorate with its “Japanese First” campaign and anti-immigration stance.

Japan’s population is currently only about 3 percent, but it has hired about a million foreigners over the past three years to fill positions left vacant by its aging population.

Sanseito, the party’s 47-year-old leader, said Kamiya’s party is pressuring it to address growing concerns about foreigners in Japan by dragging rhetoric from the political fringe into the mainstream.

FILE PHOTO: Sanseito Secretary General Sohei Kamiya speaks during a debate with leaders of other political parties at the Japan National Press Club in Tokyo, Japan, July 2, 2025. Tomohiro Ohsumi/Pool via REUTERS/File Photo
On July 2, 2025, Sanseito Secretary-General Sohei Kamiya addresses guests at the Japan National Press Club in Tokyo, Japan. [Photo by Tomohiro Ohsumi via Reuters]

“In the past, the left would have targeted anyone who raised immigration.” We are also losing support, Kamiya told the Reuters news agency this week.

Kamiya continued, “The LDP and Komeito can’t stay silent if they want to maintain their support.”

Each loss is crucial for Prime Minister Ishiba’s fragile minority government, which is increasingly dependent on opposition parties to maintain control, despite polls suggesting Sanseito may only hold 10 to 15 of the 125 seats in this election.

Ishiba will almost certainly try to expand his coalition or negotiate informal deals with opposition parties if the LDP’s seat share declines, as expected.

The LDP, which has a large part in its longevity to its broad appeal and centrist image, may find doing so with Sanseito problematic.

Tsuneo Watanabe, a senior fellow at the Tokyo-based Sasakawa Peace Foundation, told Reuters, “If the party]LDP] goes too far right, it loses the centrists.”

David Boling, director for Japan and Asian trade at political risk consultancy Eurasia Group, predicts that Ishiba may be forced out of office in the worst-case scenario for the LDP.

Boling said, “I think he would have to resign if he had an overwhelming loss.”

A decision like that would cause political unrest, especially as Japan is desperately trying to avoid Donald Trump’s proposed 25 percent tariffs before the US president touted a deadline of August 1.

Ishiba took a break from campaigning on Friday to urge Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Washington’s top tariff negotiator Ryosei Akazawa to continue discussions.

Bessent said that a good deal is more important than a rushed deal following his meeting with Ishiba.

‘It’s been difficult’ – the champion who ran out of challengers

By in News, Sports News
Images courtesy of Getty
Paul Battison
Journalist for BBC Sport

Sumiko Inaba vs. Dakota Ditcheva in the PFL Champions Series

Dakota Ditcheva had no idea what the disappointment would be when she won the first world title in MMA, becoming the first British woman to do so.

She had all the momentum after her historic victory over Taila Santos in the PFL flyweight title match. This was her fourth victory in a golden 2024.

Amanda Nunes, Cris Cyborg, and Joanna Jedrzejczyk, some of the top women’s MMA players, gave congratulations, but the story would soon start to develop.

What’s next, everyone, was the subject of a conversation that was starting to surface after that career-high moment in November?

There were no worthy competitors left in the promotion because of Ditcheva’s dominant strategy, which included three first-round stoppages and one in the second round, which left her opponents fighting in vain.

Ditcheva tells BBC Sport, “Obviously, it’s made it difficult because I went through them last year.”

It’s undoubtedly frustrating. I fought in the cage four times last year, and obviously the last one attracted a lot of attention, but now I feel like my momentum has kind of lost.

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Due to his contract with the PFL, Manchester’s Ditcheva is unable to pursue a new promotion.

Ditcheva claims she thought about participating in the PFL’s flyweight competition again this year, but she turned down because many of the competitors had fought in 2024.

She uses Jena Bishop, the flyweight champion of this year, as an example. Ditcheva lost in the first round of the tournament last August.

After months of waiting, the PFL has announced that Ditcheva and Sumiko Inaba will square off against one another in Cape Town, South Africa, on Saturday.

Ditcheva claims that Inaba was chosen because she won eight of her nine fights and that “there is no disputing her skill level” with the majority of her theoretically viable competitors competing in the flyweight competition. How dangerous will the 34-year-old Hawaiian be as compared to.

For the first time in Africa, a major MMA event is taking place.

Ditcheva can see a benefit from her eight-month wait to find an opponent, the buzz of anticipation for her return to action.

Ditcheva is one of the most exciting British fighters in the world thanks to her exceptional striking, which has resulted in 12 knockout victories in 14 fights.

I fought four times last year, which was very beneficial, but now I feel like everyone is waiting for me to fight, Ditcheva said.

Mackenzie Stiller defeated Inaba in the last competition in September of that year.

She has lived with me more than I do. Ditcheva said, “I don’t know whether she is the fight I would have chosen, but I don’t know what fight I would have chosen,” “but then again, I don’t know.”

I’m pleased they were able to fight me, I guess. I’m anticipating it, and I’m anticipating a difficult battle.

In the headline fight, Ditcheva and Inaba square off against Costello van Steenis from Spain in what is billed as the co-main event at the Grand Arena.

Eblen is the current middleweight champion on Bellator, last defending it against Fabian Edwards in October of that year. However, the company has since been disbanded as a result of a merger in 2023.

related subjects

  • Mixed Martial Arts

EFCC Hosts Entertainers, Others, Seeks Support Against Naira Abuse

By in News, Nigeria News

Ola Olukoyede, the EFCC’s executive chairman, has urged key players in the anti-graft fight to join forces with the Commission to combat the threat of naira abuse in the nation.

He made an appeal on Friday during a meeting with important stakeholders, including&nbsp, music producers, musicians, non-governmental organizations, media, bureau de change operators, legal practitioners, security agencies, and others.

He claimed that the EFCC’s Lagos Zonal Directorate 1’s program was a result of the nation’s growing trend of Naira mutilation and abuse.

The Naira, according to the EFCC boss, serves as a powerful symbol of national pride and sovereignty. It is also a means of exchange.

He continued, “The Naira is a symbol of our sovereignty,” underscoring that Nigeria’s economic stability and national image are directly affected by its value and integrity. How we handle it determines how much of our people we respect.

He also criticized the widespread use of stamping, mutilation, and spraying as a form of social behavior.

“Over the past year, the EFCC and the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) have increased enforcement and public awareness campaigns to combat Naira abuse. He cited the establishment of a Task Force on Dollarization and Naira Abuse, as well as the prosecution of offenders, including prominent public figures and celebrities.

Olukoyede also refuted the widespread notion that “cultural practice” is to spray Naira, particularly at social events.

He claims that it is impossible for me to throw my hard-earned money into the air because I work for a living. He said that ignorance of the law is a crime, and that it is not an offense.

Naira abuse is a criminal offence under the CBN Act and the Foreign Exchange (Monitoring and Miscellaneous Provisions) Act, which expends substantial resources replacing defaced or mutilated notes.

Therefore, he urged entertainers, influencers, and stakeholders in the creative industry to make use of their platforms to promote the proper handling of the Naira, stating that “let one of your opening lines serve as a reminder to your fans that spraying or stamping on the Naira is a crime.” We must stand up and defend our currency’s integrity.

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The Bola Tinubu administration’s policy of implementing strategic enforcement, responsible asset recovery, and public enlightenment was also reaffirmed by the anti-graft Czar at the same time.

Further, he further explained that flagship social investment initiatives like the National Education Loan Fund (NELFund) and the Consumer Credit Scheme (Credicorp) already have committed the sum of N100BN in recovered proceeds from crime.

He cited instances of recovered assets being used to finance development projects like the NDDC’s Bayelsa skill acquisition center and liaison office and the transformation of a seized property into the Kachia Federal University of Applied Sciences.

Lanre Issa-Onilu, director general of the National Orientation Agency, praised the creative sector for its significant contributions to national development.

He also urged industry stakeholders to acknowledge and take pride in their significant influence on the nation’s values and image.

He asserted that the abuse of the Naira is unethical and not just unlawful. We as citizens must demonstrate civic responsibility and cohesion. Our choices must be in line with the National Values Charter. We must use values as our guide in everything we do.

Issa-Onilu claimed that the NOA’s intervention is in line with both the National Values Charter and the Nigerian Identity Project’s (NIP) and its main objective of upholding civic responsibility, patriotism, and respect for national symbols.

The Naira is not confetti, they say. It serves no purpose other than to add prestige. Respect is a requirement for this valuable national asset. Issa-Onilu remarked, “You honor Nigeria when you honor the Naira.”

He stated that the NOA is committed to a national campaign to change attitudes.

According to him, “ongoing efforts include multilingual media sensitization, school outreach, market advocacy, and the deployment of the agency’s AI-powered voice/chat assistant CLHEEAN, which provides real-time civic information on crime, abuse, health, and patriotism via www. noa. gov. ng”.

The DG stressed that “this campaign must be national in scope but local in execution. Calls on traditional leaders, religious institutions, influencers, market unions, and especially the youth to become champions of national values. Everyone has a part to play in restoring the Naira’s dignity. Let’s rekindle the trend of respect for our currency.

The Commission’s wider campaign to uphold Nigeria’s economic values and the dignity of the Naira was reflected in the sensitization program, which brought together key players from the entertainment, financial, and regulatory sectors.

‘The guy is incredible’ – Usyk v Dubois 2 predictions

By in News, Sports News

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Daniel Dubois and Oleksandr Usyk in the second round

Wembley Stadium, London Date: Saturday, July 19th,

When Daniel Dubois squares off against Oleksandr Usyk at Wembley Stadium on Saturday, he wants to retaliate and make history.

The Londoner wants to add Usyk’s WBA (Super), WBO, and WBC world titles to his collection and become the first British heavyweight to win the title since 1999.

Dubois, 27, won three fights in a row before being defeated by the unbeaten Usyk in 2023, earning the IBF world title along the way.

Can the Ukrainian refute a re-energized Dubois with a point that Usyk appears to be in the final embers of his career at the age of 38? Or will the Englishman declare himself the world’s best heavyweight champion?

What data are gathered from this quiz?

Tony Bellew, a former world champion, is in retirement.

Although I believe he might need to get off the floor for the first time in his career, he can win anywhere between rounds eight and twelve.

Eddie Hearn, a matchroom promoter,

Carl Frampton, a former two-weight champion, retired.

No one is discussing Usyk’s run of form, despite the fact that Daniel is a better fighter than he was when he faced him the first time. His most recent victories include those against Joshua and Dubois.

Ade Oladipo, a broadcaster for Dazn,

Lennox Lewis, the former undisputed heavyweight champion,

Don’t waste punches; instead, Dubois needs to get that jab going. Press him against the ropes, start combinations, and stay focused. Remember that he needs to be pressured because he is the real heavyweight.

Johnny Fisher, a heavyweight

Callum Simpson, a super-middleweight,

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Darren Barker, a former world champion and Dazn analyst,

Galal Yafai, the Olympic champion,

Harlem Eubank, welterweight

Joe Cordina, a former world champion,

Dubois will defeat Usyk. Dubois had a very bad luck with the outcome of his most recent feud. If Dubois can get on him early, Usyk will be very aware of that, and I believe he will raise his game in this conflict.

Steve Bunce, a boxing analyst for BBC Radio 5 Live,

Because of his superior intelligence, Usyk triumphs. Dubois might not be able to hit him on the chin, but he would have to do it frequently and Usyk has yet to show signs of decay.

Usyk is a smart fighter, and I believe he could hide the decline for a few fights and escape punishment because he is strong and quick.

Taylor Bevan, an Olympic medalist,

Ryan Garner, the super-fighter,

“Usyk is a class act, isn’t he? I have to go with him.” Dubois has improved significantly and is on a roll, but you must prefer Usyk. Who knows, though, given how recently Dubois has been acting.

Actor and comedian Tom Davis

“I’m going against the grain, but I believe Dubois prevails.” He has appeared incredible in his most recent fights, he is fearless, technically very good, and has incredible power.

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Coach of boxing, Dave Coldwell

Adam Smith, a Dazn broadcaster,

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  • Boxing

Four dead as South Korea lashed by torrential rain, displacing thousands

By in News, World News
As a result of torrential rains continuing to batter South Korea for a fourth day, causing thousands of residents to flee their homes and stranding livestock in rising floodwaters, authorities reported four confirmed fatalities and two others to go missing.

Authorities warned on Saturday that additional rain could fall throughout the day, raising concerns about additional casualties and damage, according to the country’s official Yonhap news agency.

Weather officials have issued extreme caution against the possibility of landslides and flooding, with warnings issued for most of South Korea, and it is expected to rain until Monday in some places.

More than 2,800 of the over 7, 000 people who have been evacuated in recent days are still unable to return to their homes, according to the Ministry of Interior.

The Seosan province in South Chungcheong province, which is located just south of Seoul, has had the most precipitation since Wednesday, reaching a record of almost 20 inches (plus).

In just the last four days, the country has experienced 40% of its average annual rainfall, according to Yonhap.

On July 18, 2025, a resident of Yesan, South Chungcheong Province, South Korea, inspects the damage to his home.

A person who was declared dead inside a flooded car on a Seosan highway was one of the reported victims. According to Yonhap, the man was taken to a nearby hospital and later died.

A retaining wall collapsed onto a moving vehicle, killing a man in his 80s and killing a third person in his home’s basement. According to officials, a second person was discovered dead in a stream as well. In Gwangju, in the southwest of the city, two people are still missing.

After sheds and stables were flooded by the rainwater, cows in the province of Chungcheong were desperate to keep their heads above water.

Additionally, Yonhap reported 729 instances of public infrastructure damage, including flooded roads and river collapses. More than 1, 000 private property damage cases, including 59 submerged farmland and 64 flooded buildings, were reported.

In Korea’s neighbor, North&nbsp, rain was also forecast.