A warm welcome to today’s edition of The Morning Scoop, your first port of call if you’re looking for a fast and effective run-down of the news stories on everyone’s lips. This morning we take a look at an explosion in Monaco, the shock cause of death for former child star Daveigh Chase, as well as the bodies of a missing couple being found in a mass grave in Mexico. All that and more, below…
Woman dies after alligator bites off her arm in Florida
A 31-year-old woman has died after a horrific alligator attack while swimming in a river in Central Florida. The woman had been hiking with her boyfriend and a friend before they entered the Econlockhatchee River to cool off. Authorities say the alligator grabbed her in shallow water, inflicting catastrophic injuries to both arms. Despite desperate efforts by her boyfriend and emergency crews to free and save her, she died before reaching hospital.
Wildlife officers have since captured two large alligators from the area and are conducting DNA tests to determine which animal was responsible. The incident is the third reported alligator attack in Central Florida within a week, although officials stress that serious encounters remain rare.
Missing couple found dead in mass grave
Weeks after a Chicago couple mysteriously disappeared in Mexico City, investigators discovered four bodies in a mass grave and later confirmed two of the victims were the missing pair. The couple, Guillermo Ortiz and Zafar Mawani, both 56, had relocated to Mexico from Chicago in October 2025, where according to Ortiz, they were “surrounded by fabulous friends, beautiful flowers, and the kind of chaos that deserves background mariachi music.”
On the day they vanished, the pair were on their way to buy a chairlift for Mawani’s elderly mother, who has Alzheimer’s disease, according to NBC Chicago.
Serena Williams returns to tennis at Wimbledon
Tennis legend Serena Williams is making her long-awaited return to Grand Slam singles at Wimbledon, stepping back onto Centre Court for the first time in nearly four years. The 44-year-old, a seven-time Wimbledon champion and 23-time Grand Slam singles winner, has been awarded a wildcard entry and will face Australia’s Maya Joint in the opening round. Williams says she’s excited to be back, although she admits this could be her final appearance at the All England Club.
Three people injured in explosion in Monaco
Three people have been seriously injured after a powerful explosion ripped through the entrance of a residential building in Monaco in what authorities believe was a deliberate attack. Investigators say a suspect was caught on CCTV leaving a backpack containing an explosive device packed with bolts and buckshot before fleeing on foot into neighbouring France. Two adults remain in critical condition, while a 13-year-old boy suffered less serious injuries.
The victims are reported to be members of the same Ukrainian family, including businessman Vadym Iermolaiev.
Daveigh Chase’s cause of death was AIDS
The cause of death of former child star Daveigh Chase has been officially confirmed by the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner. The 35-year-old actress, best known for voicing Lilo in Lilo & Stitch and playing Samara in The Ring, died from complications related to acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). Her death was ruled natural, with chronic polysubstance use also listed as a significant contributing condition.
Chase died on June 16 after being hospitalised with severe infections, including meningitis and sepsis. Her death has prompted an outpouring of tributes from fans remembering her iconic performances, while also highlighting the personal struggles she faced in later life, including addiction and homelessness after stepping away from Hollywood.
And that just about it does it for today. Check back tomorrow for more!
