Today: Andy Burnham is warned that Britain could face a Russian attack after boosting military support for Ukraine, Dolly Parton dies at 80 after a private cancer battle in Nashville, Ofgem raises the UK energy price cap to a three-year high, Joe Lycett discusses his sexuality and fatherhood, and scientists reveal India leads the world in snake attacks while Australia is not in the top twenty. Your briefing for Wednesday 26 August, from the Daily Mail, with the best of your comments.
(00:00) Today's headlines
(00:28) Andy Burnham Russia warning
(01:32) Dolly Parton dies at 80
(02:38) UK energy bills rise
(03:32) Joe Lycett on sexuality and fatherhood
(04:37) World snake attack hotspots
Andy Burnham told UK faces Russian attack risk
Andy Burnham has been warned by security experts that Britain could face a direct attack from Russia after increasing military support for Ukraine. The Kremlin expected Burnham to take a softer line than Keir Starmer but changed its view after the UK shared missile blueprints and battlefield AI with Kyiv. Burnham discussed the Russian threat in an ITV interview, as officials urged the Prime Minister to prepare for retaliation from Vladimir Putin.
Dolly Parton dies after private cancer battle
Dolly Parton has died aged 80 following a brief, private battle with cancer. Her representatives confirmed she passed away at the Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center in Nashville, surrounded by loved ones. Dolly had withdrawn from public life and cancelled appearances in recent months, sparking concern among fans. Her generosity was described as unmatched by those close to her, though the exact type of cancer was not disclosed.
Ofgem raises UK energy price cap to £1,730
Millions of UK households face higher energy bills this winter as Ofgem raises the energy price cap by 4 percent to a three-year high. From October, average annual bills will reach about £1,730. Energy Secretary Miatta Fahnbulleh said the government is considering a range of support measures, but help may only reach the most vulnerable. The increase comes as families struggle with the cost of living and question government support.
Joe Lycett discusses sexuality after becoming a father
Joe Lycett discussed his sexuality and identity after welcoming a baby boy with his girlfriend in 2024. Some fans initially believed the announcement was a prank, but Lycett insisted it was genuine. He spoke about feeling 'embarrassed' about his career as a comedian after taking a year off for fatherhood. Lycett addressed these changes and public perceptions in an interview with Fearne Cotton's Happy Place.
India tops global snake attack map, Australia not in top 20
Scientists have mapped global snake attack hotspots and found India leads with up to 1.3 million people bitten annually. Nigeria, Indonesia, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo also report hundreds of thousands of bites each year. Australia, despite its reputation, does not make the top twenty. The study estimates seven million people are bitten by snakes worldwide every year, with up to half a million deaths, mostly in low-income countries.
The Daily Download is the Daily Mail's daily news podcast: five stories in five minutes, every morning. A Daily Mail journalist carefully curates every episode, and our AI hosts bring their reporting to life. Today's episode was curated by Jake Holden, a Daily Mail journalist. Comment on a story to feature on tomorrow's show.
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