PINK REPUBLIC/ MY BLOG IS A STORY MARATHON.

 Australian singer Marcie Jones died aged 79 on Saturday, just days after being diagnosed with leukemia. The veteran singer fronted Marcie and the Cookies, one of Australia's first 'girl groups' in the 1960s, in an era where music was dominated by male-led rock bands.  Her daughter in law Lisa Asta broke the news on her face book page few hours ago with the caption "It's with great sadness to let you all know that my beautiful mother-in-law, Marcie Jones, passed away yesterday evening. I feel numb inside. Marc, never again will there be our little outbursts of song and dance. You made me laugh so hard and always gave me great advice. You were a legend, an icon, and you will always be remembered. You always said that we were so alike in many ways, and that's why I know you will always be my guiding light. I will miss you so much. I love you. Until we meet again to sing another song!❤️". More photos below. 

  Ukrainian Ground Forces Commander Resigns After Deadly Russian Strike Kyiv, June 1, 2025 – General Mykhailo Drapatyi, Commander of Ukraine’s Ground Forces, announced his resignation following a devastating Russian missile strike on a military training camp in the Kharkiv region. The attack, which occurred on Sunday, killed 12 Ukrainian soldiers and wounded over 60 others, marking a significant blow to Ukraine’s military.  Drapatyi cited the lethal strike as the reason for his departure, stating, “Circular responsibility and impunity are poison for the army. I tried to eradicate them.” The Russian Defense Ministry claimed its Iskander-M ballistic missile system targeted a Ukrainian Armed Forces (AFU) training position near Chuguyev’s military airfield. The strike reportedly destroyed six UAV launchers, eight motor vehicles, and approximately 30 kamikaze drones, though Ukrainian officials have not confirmed the extent of the damage. The attack has raised questions about securi...

  Rihanna's father, Ronald Fenty, has died.  He was 70. According to Starcom Network, Fenty died in Los Angeles following "a brief illness".  His official cause of death has yet to be revealed. Sources told the Barbadian news outlet that Fenty's family was with him around the time of his death. Rihanna - who is currently pregnant with her third baby - was born to Fenty and mother Monica Braithwaite in February 1988. Along with brothers Rajad and Rorrey, Rihanna also has three half-siblings from her father's previous relationships - sisters Samantha and Kandy, and brother Jamie. The family grew up in Bridgetown in Barbados, where Rihanna lived until she was 16. The pair divorced in 2002, when the Umbrella singer was 14. Rihanna's relationship with her father has had its ups and downs over the years. After the star was assaulted by her then-boyfriend Chris Brown in 2009, Fenty reportedly spoke to the press about the incident without his daughter's consent. A...

  Ricky Gervais proved he hasn't mellowed with age during his Hollywood Walk of Fame acceptance speech on Friday, delivering the kind of controversial moment that has defined his career. The 63-year-old comedian received his star on Hollywood Boulevard and used the platform to make his boldest claims yet about the culture wars that have dominated entertainment discourse. "We've had a few weird years of cancel culture, people telling you what you can and can't laugh at or talk about," Gervais declared, "but we pushed back, and we won. Until the next time." But it was his follow-up comment that really raised eyebrows.  Gervais thanked fellow Walk of Fame honorees including "Michael Jackson, Bill Cosby, Fatty Arbuckle" - three men who have all faced serious sexual assault allegations, though outcomes varied significantly in each case. This isn't new territory for Gervais, who famously skewered Hollywood's elite during his Golden Globes hos...

 A Florida Jersey Mike's employee found a note in the bathroom begging for help, which led to a kidnapped woman being saved. When Eleanor Coffee took a quick bathroom break while working her shift, she had no idea that she would play an integral role in taking down a violent offender and saving a woman from a horrible fate.  As she was using the restroom she noticed a small piece of paper wedged in next to the toilet paper dispenser.  Eleanor's curiosity got the best of her and she retrieved the paper and unfolded it revealing it's chilling message.  Written on the inside of the paper was a brief message that read "Please help me, I'm at this address in Navarre. I need you to call the police and do a wellness check." Eleanor wasted no time informing her manager who in turn made a call to 911. Officers responded to the restaurant and used surveillance videos to identify 34-year-old Jordan Williams as the suspect in the case. Williams has two previous violent do...

 A 1-year-old child has passed away after being left unattended in a vehicle in the New Mexico sun. The Albuquerque police department received a call in reference to an unresponsive child. As First responders arrived on scene, they discovered the lifeless baby. EMS worked diligently to try to revive the child but unfortunately it was too late. The baby was pronounced deceased on the scene. As detectives began to investigate what led to this absolute tragedy, they learned the child was being watched by a relative. That relative said he did not realize the child was not with him until he received a phone call to check on how things were going. That's when he realized he had made a fatal mistake. According to the family member the child had been left unattended in the hot vehicle mid-morning to 5 p.m. in the evening. This death marks the 3rd child to pass away due to being left in hot cars so far in 2025. This should serve as a stark reminder to be mindful of children during these hot...

 SECURITY IN ANAMBRA: CP ORUTUGU TAKES SECURITY ADVOCACY TO ACHALLA COMMUNITY, AWKA NORTH LOCAL GOVERNMENT _moves to apply Alternative Dispute Resolution to bring the Stakeholders in the Community together_ The Commissioner of Police *CP Ikioye Orutugu fwc MNIPS PhD* today 1st June 2025 took security advocacy to Achalla Community, Awka North Local Government Area on a courtesy visit to the Palace of the traditional ruler His Royal Majesty Igwe Ositadimma Sunny Nwokedi, Eze Oranyelu I of Achalla Kingdom. The visit was aimed at promoting Security dialogue in addressing matters of concerns among the Stakeholders of the community and collaboration to combat the common enemy threatening the State.  The *CP* observing the geographical nature Community sought greater cooperation from the indigenes to continue to deny the Criminal elements the space to wreak havoc in the State. The Traditional Ruler, Eze Oranyelu, while appreciating the *CP* for the visit welcomed the security initiat...

 The Kano State Government has announced 1 million naira support each to the families of 22 young athletes who lost their lives in a fatal motor accident while returning from the National Sports Festival held in Abeokuta, Ogun State. The announcement was made on Saturday by the state deputy governor, Aminu Gwarzo, during a condolence visit to Nasarawa Hospital in Kano, where the remains of the deceased were deposited. The accident took place on the Daka Tsalle bridge in the Garun Malam Local Government area, Kano State on Saturday. The bus encountered a pothole, which caused it to overturn. More photos below. 

 Your selflessness and drive to create a better future for our generation do not go unnoticed - Eniola Badmus Tell Seyi Tinubu as she praise him as good youth leader Nigeria actress and Political post holder Eniola Badmus celebrated The President Son of Nigeria, Seyi Tinubu  The Nollywood actress review the kind of leader the President son his as she review that is a True leader,  a visionary and an inspiration to the youth of our great country. The actress noted how the President son is a young leader with a heart for the people as he has continuously shown dedication, compassion, and a commitment to uplifting Nigerian youth.  From empowering young minds,he embodies what it means to lead Keep shining, keep inspiring, and keep leading…

 A Florida woman has been charged in her 6-year-old son's death after she attempted an "at home exorcism".  The St. Lucie County Sheriff's Office executed a welfare check at a home in Fort Pierce at 10 a.m., Friday, May 30th after a school resource officer called in to report Ra'myl Pierre had not been to school since May 14th. Deputies visited the home and were met in the driveway by 41-year-old Rhonda Paulynice (pictured below) Rhonda escorted deputies inside of her home where they discovered little Ra'myl deceased in his bed. Deputies say Ra'myl's body was wrapped in a shroud with only his face exposed. They reported obvious signs of decomposition suggesting Ra'myl had been deceased at least for several days. While questioning Rhonda, she confided in deputies that "God told her she must exorcize the demons from her son". She told deputies when Ra'myl eventually quit moving she knew the demon had left his body. She contended the las...

 A survivor of last months deadly tornadoes in London, Kentucky has taken down her GoFundMe me after a police probe delves into the validity of the claims. Sierra Barnes took to social media, sharing a GoFundMe to help rebuild her family's lives after she alleged they suffered major setbacks in the aftermath of the storms. Sierra claims she was heading home to London from Lexington after being at her mother-in-laws side as she passed away. Upon hearing of the tornado, Sierra said she turned around and headed back to the safety of Lexington.   This act could possibly have saved her life as her home was actually destroyed in the storms.  However, in Sierra's GoFundMe, she made claims that seem to have no basis in reality.  Sierra claimed that her boyfriend who had been  working 12 hour days in the wake of the tornado was told by the city of London he was going to be laid off. However this claim does not match with the reality of the situation.  Every emp...

 Tribunal Begins Trial of Former Bangladesh Prime Minister International Crimes Tribunal to Broadcast Sheikh Hasina’s Trial Worldwide The prosecution of the International Crimes Tribunal has taken the initiative to broadcast the trial of ousted former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to the entire world. Formal charges are set to be filed today, Sunday, against Sheikh Hasina for crimes against humanity committed during the July–August protests. A live hearing broadcast is planned, and a test transmission has already been conducted via Bangladesh Television (BTV). At a meeting on Saturday, Chief Prosecutor Tazul Islam stated, “We are fully committed to advancing the trial process.” He described Sheikh Hasina as the "nucleus of disappearances and the Ayana Chamber.” He further stated that significant progress in the trial would be visible by December. The Chief Prosecutor confirmed that the trial is proceeding at full pace, though reasonable time is required to complete the investigatio...

 Reaction Unit South Africa (RUSA) responded to an incident in Hilltop, KwaZulu-Natal, on Sunday morning, where a man was reportedly stabbed after allegedly boasting about sleeping with his friend’s girlfriend. According to reports, the woman had been drinking at a local tavern with her boyfriend, who later fell asleep. The friend allegedly took advantage of the situation and took the woman to his home. The boyfriend, having received a tip-off, went to his friend’s residence, where he allegedly found the two in bed. Enraged, he reportedly stabbed his friend multiple times before RUSA was called to the scene for assistance.

 Katsina Gov Radda mourns Niger flood victims, condoles families Katsina State Governor, Dikko Radda, has expressed grief over the flood that ravaged Mokwa and surrounding communities in Niger State. The flood claimed the lives of at least 151 persons, displaced many, and destroyed homes and critical infrastructure, including roads and bridges. Radda, in a statement on Sunday by his Chief Press Secretary, Ibrahim Kaula Mohammed, commiserated with the Niger State Government as well as the families of the flood victims. “The news of the Mokwa flood disaster deeply grieves us all. Our thoughts and prayers are with everyone affected by this unfortunate incident,” stated Governor Radda. To the governor, “natural disasters is a reminder of our shared vulnerability and the importance of standing together during times of crisis.” He stated that Katsina stands in complete solidarity with her Niger State brothers and sisters during this difficult period. The governor stressed the need for en...

 You can’t give students loans in a broken economy — ASUU President, Piwuna   The new President of the Academic Staff Union of Universities, Prof Chris Piwuna, speaks to DANIEL AYANTOYE on the persistent challenges facing universities, and the non-implementation of the 2009 agreement with the Federal Government How would you assess the Federal Government’s disposition to the welfare of workers in the education sector?  You are aware that issues surrounding the welfare of ASUU members are still unaddressed. We are still on the 2009 agreement matter, and this is one of the key things that we believe will reverse the deteriorating state of affairs in our universities, particularly the welfare of our members. The 2009 agreement has not been considered by the government, other than the committee that was set up, and nothing has been done on it since the advent of this government. We are talking about an agreement that was supposed to have been signed in 2009 and reviewed in 20...

 PDP’ll zone 2027 presidency to South – Bode George …Says power will only return to North in 2031 Chief Olabode George is a chieftain of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and member the Board of Trustees of the party. He is also a former military governor of Ondo State. In this interview with Sunday Sun, he spoke about his party’s plan for 2027. He also berated the All Progressives Congress (APC) led  government, saying its move towards a “one-party state is a huge joke.” Excerpts: PDP is experiencing a lot of internal crises, some say it is no longer a healthy party. What do you think about this? Well, in every human organisation, there must be problem and disagreement about policies and agreements. Spiritually, even the Almighty God told us in the holy book that as far as we believe, trust and worship Him, does not mean we will not encounter trials and tribulations. But if we trust Him, we will overcome. Now to your question, in any organisation, when one gets through the ...

 Why I don’t take chieftaincy titles, Gov Makinde The Governor of Oyo State, Engr. Seyi Makinde said that he made up his mind as a matter of principle not to receive awards or chieftaincy titles until the expiration of his tenure of office. Makinde made this known while receiving the Deji of Akure in Ondo State, Oba Aladetoyinbo Ogunlade Aladelusi, Odundin II, through a delegation he empowered to meet the governor in his home in Ibadan, Oyo State. While playing host to the delegation, Governor Makinde confirmed that he had been approached on various occasions for awards and chieftaincy recognition but humbly declined them based on his conviction. The governor however said that, with the offer of a chieftaincy title made to him by Oba Ogunlade, he would, for the sake of the respect he has for the monarch, accept the offer. Governor Makinde said his reason for not receiving chieftaincy titles was to allow people to properly assess and evaluate his performance in office and decide whe...

 Popular Influencer, Jarvis, Concludes Successful School Tour In Kaduna Popular Nigerian social media influencer, Jarvis, also known as Jadrolita, has successfully concluded her school tour across Kaduna State. During the tour, she visited several schools, engaging directly with students and inspiring them through a series of interactive sessions. Jadrolita, who rose to fame through her creative AI content and her association with fellow influencer Peller, used the opportunity to educate students on how to harness the power of social media to showcase and develop their talents. In addition to her mentorship, she generously distributed items and cash gifts to some of the students as part of her outreach efforts. As a mark of appreciation, she was honored with an award by Air Force Secondary School, Kaduna, just before her departure to Lagos. More photos below. 

 The longstanding feud between 50 Cent and Sean "Diddy" Combs has taken a dramatic political turn. After President Trump suggested he might consider pardoning Diddy if he was being "mistreated," 50 Cent quickly moved to shut down that possibility. In fiery Instagram posts, the G-Unit mogul declared his intention to personally contact Trump, reminding the president that Diddy "said some really bad things" about him. 50 Cent argued that pardoning Diddy would be a "distraction" from making America great again, emphasizing that Trump "doesn't take well to disrespect." This development adds another layer to Diddy's legal troubles, as he faces multiple felony charges including sex trafficking. Federal authorities allege he ran a years-long criminal enterprise involving threats, abuse, and coercion of victims.

 NARD COMMENDS GOV. ALIA OVER OUTSTANDING COMMITMENT TO HEALTHCARE DELIVERY IN BENUE 1st June, 2025       Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia, has received commendation from the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD), for his administration's proactive and unprecedented efforts in advancing the health sector, citing the governor's adequate care for the welfare of medical doctors in the state.  The commendation came at the end of NARD’s May 2025 Ordinary General Meeting (OGM) and Scientific Conference, held in Uyo, the Akwa Ibom State capital. In a communique released at the end of the Conference, dated May 31st, 2025, the association hailed Governor Alia as the first governor in the entire country to fully implement the Medical Residency Training Fund (MRTF) at the newly approved rate, setting a benchmark for other states in the federation.  Aside from the MRTF, NARD also commended the Governor for ensuring timely and complete ...

 Disappointing news for Shakira fans: The Colombian superstar has been forced to cancel her highly anticipated Washington DC concert at the WorldPride festival - marking her second cancellation in three days. Following safety issues that shut down her Boston show, tour production complications have made it impossible to transport her full stage setup to DC in time for Saturday's performance. In a heartfelt statement, the Grammy-winning artist shared her disappointment: "I have been counting the days, excited to be reunited with my fans in both Washington and Boston. I promise that I will do everything in my power to be with you as soon I can." Fans are receiving immediate refunds for the cancelled show. Shakira's Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran tour continues with her next scheduled performance in Atlanta on Monday, June 2nd.

 It's with heavy hearts that we share the passing of Renée Victor, the talented actress who brought Disney's Abuelita to life in the beloved animated film "Coco." Victor died Friday evening at her Sherman Oaks home, surrounded by family, after battling lymphoma. She was 86. Born in San Antonio and later moving to Los Angeles in the 1960s, Renée began her entertainment career as a singer with prominent Latin big bands, working alongside legends like Xavier Cugat and Perez Prado. Her transition to acting in the mid-1980s led to memorable roles in "Matlock," "The Addams Family," and notably as Lupita in Showtime's "Weeds." However, it was her role as the fierce, loving grandmother in 2017's "Coco" that cemented her legacy. The film, which respectfully celebrated Mexican culture and Día de Muertos, became a box office sensation and won two Academy Awards, including Best Animated Feature. Victor's authentic portrayal of A...

 Country music legend Dolly Parton has nothing but praise for Beyoncé's bold reinterpretation of her iconic 1973 hit "Jolene" on the Cowboy Carter album.  In a recent interview with PEOPLE, Parton revealed her genuine reaction to hearing her classic song transformed from a vulnerable plea into a fierce warning. "I was just honored that she did a completely different take on 'Jolene' than my version of it," Parton shared. She explained the key difference: "Hers was more like, 'Well, you're not getting him, you're not taking him, you're going to go through me to get him.' Mine was more like, 'Please don't take him!' So I loved her interpretation." The 78-year-old singer-songwriter called Beyoncé "a magnificent artist" and described Cowboy Carter as "really, really good." Parton's involvement in the album goes beyond just her blessing - she appears twice on the record, including as a fictiona...

 Pop superstar Miley Cyrus made headlines this week with remarkably candid comments about motherhood during an interview on The New York Times' "The Interview" podcast.  The conversation began with a simple question from her stepdad about why she's one of the few major pop stars without a makeup line. "I was like, 'Cause that's not my passion,'" Cyrus explained. "I don't have a makeup line because I'm not a makeup artist." She then connected this business philosophy to a more personal topic: "I feel that way about motherhood. It's never been something I'm overly passionate about. It's a lot of responsibility and devotion and energy, and if you're not passionate about that, I don't know how you do sleepless nights and 18 years of what my mom dealt with." The 32-year-old singer's honest approach breaks from typical celebrity narratives about family planning, offering a refreshing perspective that ...

 Atiku, El-Rufai Vow to Rescue Nigeria from Poverty, Governance Crisis Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai have announced their commitment to forming a coalition to address Nigeria’s deepening poverty and governance challenges. The declaration was made on Saturday during a lecture marking the 60th birthday of former Minister of Transportation and ex-Rivers State Governor, Rotimi Amaechi, in Abuja. The event, themed “Weaponising Poverty in Nigeria,” brought together prominent figures to discuss the nation’s worsening socio-economic conditions. Atiku accused the current administration of deliberately using poverty as a political tool, stating, “This particular government is weaponising poverty.” He revealed that he, alongside other political leaders, including Amaechi, is part of an alliance to reverse this trend. “We are in an alliance to ensure we don’t allow this trend to continue,” Atiku said. Reflecting on Nigeria’s past, Atiku no...

 Judiciary Workers Suspend Planned Nationwide Strike for Two Weeks The Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria (JUSUN) has suspended its planned nationwide strike, originally set to begin on June 2, following productive talks with the Minister of Labour and key judiciary stakeholders. The decision grants a two-week period for authorities to address pending financial issues. According to a statement by JUSUN’s Public Relations Officer for the National Judicial Council Chapter, Mr. Joel Ebiloma, the suspension follows a series of meetings over the past 48 hours involving JUSUN representatives, the Minister of Labour, and judiciary stakeholders, as directed by the Honourable Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun. The aim was to avert court closures nationwide. The meetings resolved to give the Minister of Labour and other stakeholders two weeks to resolve issues with the Office of the Accountant General of the Federation. The Accountant General is expected to release statutor...

 NECO Disowns Fake Facebook Account Impersonating Registrar The National Examinations Council (NECO) has issued a public warning regarding a fraudulent Facebook account created in the name of its Registrar and Chief Executive, Prof. Dantani Ibrahim Wushishi. In a statement signed by Azeez Sani, Acting Director of Information and Public Relations, NECO clarified that the account is not associated with the Registrar and was created to deceive and defraud unsuspecting individuals. The council urged the public to be cautious to avoid falling victim to the scam. “Security agents have been notified to take appropriate action against the perpetrators of this fraudulent act,” the statement added, as NECO works to protect the public from the ongoing fraud.

 Dickson Warns Atiku, Amaechi, Others Over 2027 Political Coalition Former Bayelsa State Governor Seriake Dickson has issued a subtle warning to leaders of an emerging political coalition, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, ex-Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi, and former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, urging them to tread cautiously in their political maneuvers ahead of the 2027 elections. Speaking at Amaechi’s 60th birthday celebration in Abuja on Saturday, Dickson referenced the coalition’s past actions, particularly their role in ousting the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and former President Goodluck Jonathan in 2015. He noted that the coalition’s success in removing what he described as a “clueless government” has not translated into meaningful progress for Nigerians. “When you took out my party in 2015, we thought poverty would not be weaponized and Nigeria’s challenges would be resolved,” Dickson said. “Now, 11 years later, I urge you, as expert consp...

 Otti Attributes Re-election Prospects to Divine Will, Highlights Abia’s Development Governor Alex Otti of Abia State has stated that his potential bid for re-election in 2027 depends on divine guidance, emphasizing that his second term lies in the hands of God. Speaking at a grand civic reception and appreciation ceremony organized by the ‘Oha Isiala Ngwa People’ of Isiala Ngwa North and South Local Government Areas on Saturday, Otti expressed gratitude for the community’s support and endorsement for his performance in office. Addressing calls for his re-election, Otti said, “Just as 2023 was in the hands of God, so too will 2027 be. I will consult with God, and as time goes on, my response will be made public.” He described the endorsements as recognition of his administration’s achievements, particularly in the Isiala Ngwa areas, while noting there is still much work ahead. Otti highlighted his administration’s focus on Aba as a driver of economic growth, citing deliberate inves...