PINK REPUBLIC/ MY BLOG IS A STORY MARATHON.

 Daughter Sentenced to Life for Father’s Murder in Limpopo The Polokwane High Court has sentenced 28-year-old Mologadi Magdeline Mehlape to life in prison for the murder of her father, Dr Malekutu Johannes Mehlape. He was a Circuit Manager at the Limpopo Department of Education. The murder happened on 28 December 2023 at the family home in Mankweng Zone 1, near Polokwane. Four others, Tshepo Gabriel Ranoto, Hlologelo Klaas Mogotlane, Mahlodi Melida Mathole, and Michael Sello Molongoane, are also accused. They face charges including conspiracy to murder, robbery, and illegal possession of a firearm. Their trial has been separated and will continue on 20 June 2025. According to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), Mehlape planned the murder after a traditional healer, Mogotlane, claimed that her father had used “muthi” (witchcraft) to cause her mother’s death. When traditional revenge methods failed, she allegedly paid R200,000 to hire a hitman, involving some of her relatives. ...

 The music world mourns the loss of Brian Wilson, the creative genius behind The Beach Boys, who passed away today at age 82.  Wilson's family confirmed the heartbreaking news on social media, describing him as their "beloved father" and asking for privacy as they grieve alongside the world. Wilson revolutionized pop music in the 1960s, crafting the distinctive California sound that made The Beach Boys international superstars. His masterpiece "Pet Sounds" remains one of the most influential albums ever recorded, inspiring The Beatles and countless other artists. From "Good Vibrations" to "I Get Around," his songs captured the optimism and spirit of an entire generation.

 Kim Kardashian has joined a growing chorus of celebrities speaking out against ICE raids sweeping the nation.  The billionaire entrepreneur and reality star condemned "hardworking people being ripped from their families in inhumane ways" in an Instagram story to her massive 356 million followers. Kardashian, who has been working toward becoming a lawyer, emphasized how "deeply immigrants are woven into the fabric" of Los Angeles. She joins Eva Longoria, who called the raids "inhumane" in a viral TikTok, rapper Doechii who criticized the military deployment at the BET Awards, and other stars like Mark Ruffalo and Pedro Pascal. The celebrity outcry comes as protests have spread from Los Angeles to New York, Philadelphia, and Chicago. Even TikTok's most-followed creator Khaby Lame was detained in Las Vegas and chose voluntary departure from the country.

 Kenya president says death of blogger in police custody 'unacceptable' Kenyan President William Ruto on Wednesday condemned the death of a man while in police custody that has sparked widespread anger, TRT Afrika reported. "This tragic occurrence, at the hands of police, is heartbreaking and unacceptable," Ruto said of the death of Albert Ojwang, 31, over the weekend, urging a swift investigation. It was the president’s first public statement in the death that has sparked protests and widespread anger. Medical examiners said on Tuesday that suicide was unlikely in the death of Ojwang, contradicting police claims that he died in his cell after hitting his own head against the wall. ‘Premature judgements’ In a statement, Ruto urged the public to refrain from "making premature judgments or drawing conclusions" that could compromise investigations. “I therefore call on the National Police Service to fully cooperate with the Independent Policing Oversight Author...

 DISCIPLINE: CP ORUTUGU ORDERS DETENTION OF THREE POLICE INSPECTORS OVER ALLEGATION OF CORRUPTION The Commissioner of Police Anambra State Police Command *CP Ikioye Orutugu fwc MNIPS PhD* today 11th June 2025 ordered the detention of three Police Inspectors over an allegation of corruption. He further directed the immediate commencement of internal disciplinary proceedings of the Force on the officers.  The *CP* during interrogation of the Officers frowned at the poor Character exhibition of how they accosted an unsuspecting member of the public during a security patrol, forcibly searched his phone and extorted from the victim.  The *CP* reiterated that the Nigeria Police Force, as a disciplined, transparent, responsible, responsive and accountable institution will never condone any form of abuse of office, corruption and sundry unprofessional conduct. He noted that such anomalies, aside from negating the professional calling of the Police, are unacceptable as they affect...

 FCT Minister Wike Warns Contractors, Dismisses Opposition Coalition Amid Road Commissioning The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, issued a stern warning to contractors on Wednesday, cautioning against causing him trouble by failing to meet project deadlines. Speaking during the commissioning of the Arterial Road N16 (Shehu Shagari Way) from Ring Road 1 (Nnamdi Azikiwe Way) to Arterial Road N20 (Wole Soyinka Way) and other roads in the Katampe district by President Bola Tinubu, Wike urged contractors to honor their commitments. “This job was awarded by the Federal Council in September, and we flagged it off in October. I told the contractor, I don’t want to hear abandonment,” Wike stated. He emphasized that payments made during the rainy or dry seasons must result in corresponding work progress, adding, “If I pay you during the rainy season, you must work during the rainy season. Return the money if you can’t, and we’ll pay you after the rain.” Wike expr...

 First Lady Defends Tinubu’s Support for Gov. Mbah, Highlights Educational Milestone in Enugu First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has clarified President Bola Tinubu’s backing of Governor Peter Mbah’s administration in Enugu, emphasizing her husband’s preference for leaders who wisely utilize public funds for the public’s benefit. The statement came during the commissioning of the Technical, Vocational Education and Training (TVET) College, GTC, Enugu, on the sidelines of her recent two-day working visit to the state. The TVET College, a transformative project, replaced a dilapidated Government Technical College demolished 11 months ago. The new facility boasts 24 ultra-modern skill training centers, massive hostels for 1,000 students, and two Smart Green Schools, reflecting Governor Mbah’s vision for educational advancement. Speaking at the event, Senator Tinubu praised the increased federal allocations under her husband’s administration and urged leaders to invest thes...

 Rivers State Budget Proposal Aligns with Development Plan, Amid Emergency Governance The proposed budget for Rivers State aligns with the strategic objectives of the Rivers State Development Plan 2017-2027, according to the state’s sole administrator. Speaking on Wednesday, he highlighted that the budget presents a strategic and integrated framework aimed at boosting revenue, accelerating infrastructure development, enhancing human capital, and fostering inclusive economic growth across all sectors. The administrator also addressed the ongoing state of emergency, noting, “In anticipation of the eventual return to constitutional order, the draft budget prudently retains provisions for the offices and functions of suspended political actors, some of whom have already drawn on allocated resources in the first quarter and are expected to resume their duties at the expiration of the emergency period.” However, challenges persist, as the administrator accused state government officials ...

 ‎Obi left more debt for Anambra than any governor before him - Reno Omokri ‎ ‎Former presidential aide Reno Omokri has said that the claim of former governor of Anambra state, Mr Peter Obi, in a recent interview with Rufai (A journalist) to have left about 150million dollars and 36billion Naira is dishonest and misleading. ‎ ‎According to Reno, Peter Obi left  a debt of 127billion Naira that was due immediately after his successor Willie Obiano took over,  ‎ ‎He said that he debt came from unpaid money to contractors who were hired by Obi Administration but couldn't finish their works before his tenure of office expired. Also he said Obi hired new staff at the last minute and their salaries will be paid by the new administration. He said more of the debt also came from approvals Obi made when he was about to leave office. ‎ ‎Peter Obi mentioned in his interview with Rufai that the money he left was able to settle contractors that he hired when they finish their work, tha...

 ‎Nnamdi Kanu Must Be Released, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Tells FG After Leadership Summit ‎ ‎The apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, has demanded the immediate release of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), from Federal Government custody, describing his continued detention as unjust and unacceptable. ‎ ‎This resolution was part of a communique issued at the end of a two-day Ohanaeze Ndigbo Leadership Retreat held in Enugu which was jointly signed by the President General, Senator Azuta Mbata, his deputy and Chairman, Planning Committee, Prince Okey Nwadinobi, Secretary General, Emeka Sibeudu, and National Publicity Secretary, Dr. Ezechi Chukwu.

 ‎Tinubu should intervene before erosion wipes out Anambra Communities of Ekwulobia, Oko -U.S-based Attorney ‎ ‎Dr Okwudili Ezeike is a US based – Attorney, Public Heath Expert and the Coordinator, Odimma Ekwulobia, a 1 organization. In a  telephone interview with a Correspondent from the Authority Newspaper over the weekend,  ‎the Ikeakachi 1of Ekwulobia draws President Ahmed Bola Tinubu’s attention to what he described as havoc being caused by menace of erosion in Anambra Communities of Ekwulobia, Oko and environs before they are wiped out. According to him; ‎ ‎"The erosion menace has led to increased risk of diseases. In fact, anecdotal data show that among residents of these areas, there is some associated relationship between the increase in erosion devastation and increase in incidents of recorded waterborne diseases and respiratory illnesses due to contaminated water and air" ‎ ‎He praised Governor for his effort so far in controlling this erosion menace, he acknow...

Adams Oshiomole allegedly shut down Lagos airport terminal after missing his flight to Abuja A drama ensued at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) in Lagos today June 11, after the former Governor of Edo State, Adams Oshiomhole, allegedly ordered the closure of the Zulu Terminal at the General Aviation Terminal (GAT) , after he arrived late for his flight to Abuja. A video that has now gone viral shows the senator representing Edo North exchanging words with airport staff. According to eyewitnesses, the incident occurred around 6:10am when Oshiomhole arrived at the terminal to catch a Flight to Abuja, scheduled to depart at 6:30 am. However, the boarding process was said to have already been closed and the flight departed as scheduled. It is alleged that upon being told that he had missed his flight, Oshiomole became aggressive and engaged the airline staff in a heated argument. He is said to have blocked the terminal entrance, preventing other passengers from accessing t...

 📚✨ 30 years of celebrating women’s voices in literature! Queen Camilla has joined brilliant authors at a special event for the Women's Prize for Fiction in Bedford Square this afternoon. Ahead of their Awards ceremony tomorrow, Her Majesty met this year’s shortlisted authors, judges and past winners, before addressing guests to congratulate them on the past three decades of incredible storytelling. 🏆 Congratulations to Bernardine Evaristo, recipient of the first-ever Women’s Prize Outstanding Contribution Award! More photos below. 

 Anambra State Government Clamps down on overzealous developers By: Okechukwu Okolonji/Alufo Bonaventure Anambra State Physical Planning Board Enforcement Team engaged in demolition exercise in Obosi, Idemili North LGA. The exercise was as a result of encroachment into government land with indiscriminate erecting of perimeter fencing in said land.  In a statement, Mrs Adaku Egwuonwu, the Town Planner, Idemili North Planning Authority said  that the demolition exercise was as a result of complaints lodged to the Headquarters office of the Anambra Physical Planning Board in Awka concerning the recklessness and impunity exhibited by the developers in the area.  According to the Town Planner,  Mrs A. Egwuonwu the land belonged to Obosi Secondary School and that the officials  of the Local Planning Authority (LPA)visited the area with notice of removal of valuables, but the developers vehemently ignored the notices issued to the effect.  The residents of th...

 Governor Soludo Flags Off Desilting Of Drainages In Onitsha South Local Government  ...As Mayor Orji Warns Against Indiscriminate Dumping Of Refuse By Juliana Nwachukwu  To ensure free flow of rain waters this raining season and in response to recent flooding  incidents in and  around Iweka road, Ziks Avenue and others, the Governor of Anambra State, Prof Charles Soludo on 6th June flagged off desilting of drainages at Queen of Peace Catholic Church, Onitsha South Local Government Area. Represented by his Deputy, Dr Onyekachukwu Ibezim, Gov.Soludo while inspecting the work after the flag off suggested on ways and directives to rechannel some spots which might be the cause of flooding so that flood would move easily without any hitch. He, after sighting the machineries and manpower on ground for the work, commended the Onitsha South Local Government Mayor, Chief Emeka Orji for his dedication to duty, stated that he(Mayor) was fully prepared for the work. The May...

 Resident Doctors Call Off Strike In Kaduna The National Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) at Barau Dikko Teaching Hospital in Kaduna has officially suspended its six-day warning strike. Dr. Josiah Yakubu, the chapter president, confirmed the development on Monday in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN). He stated that the decision came after an emergency congress held on Saturday and a series of meetings, notably involving both national and state leaders of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA). According to Yakubu, hospital services will resume on Tuesday, with senior staff returning by 8:00 a.m. and other resident doctors by 10:00 a.m. He noted that since the strike began, the Secretary to the State Government (SSG) has intervened to mediate on behalf of the Kaduna State Government. This intervention led to further discussions with the NMA leadership, marking a shift from earlier tensions, during which some doctors received termination and warning letters—act...

 PRESS RELEASE  Federal Government Strengthens Partnership with Impact Investors to Drive Nigeria’s Economic Transformation The Federal Government of Nigeria has reaffirmed its commitment to fostering sustainable economic growth through a landmark $50 million investment in the *Nigeria Wholesale Impact Investment Fund (WIIF), anchoring the fund’s first close at $100 million. This strategic initiative supports President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s vision of achieving 7% annual economic growth, with a focus on critical sectors including agriculture, infrastructure, and digital innovation.   The Honourable Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun, today hosted a high-level delegation comprising leadership from the Impact Investors Foundation (IIF), the Global Steering Group (GSG) for Impact Investment, and key private-sector stakeholders. The meeting, attended by Mrs. Ibukun Awosika (Chairman, IIF/GSG), Mr. Wale Adeosun (CEO, Kuramo Capital), ...

 Senator Orji Uzor Kalu Pledges Unwavering Loyalty to APC, Ready to Die for Party’s Victory Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, representing Abia North, has vowed to sacrifice his life to secure victory for the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Abia State and beyond. Speaking to journalists at his country home in Igbere on Tuesday, the former Abia State governor reaffirmed his staunch commitment to the APC, declaring, “I am ready to lay down my life for the party.” Kalu, a former Senate Chief Whip, emphasized the APC’s strength in Abia North and expressed confidence in the party’s ability to deliver the state for President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 elections. “APC is strong in Abia. Our party will work hard to deliver the President in the state. We have done it in the past, and we will do it again,” he stated. Highlighting Tinubu’s achievements over the past two years, Kalu argued that the president’s track record is sufficient to win the support of Nigerians. He also addressed concerns about N...

 EFCC Arrests 11 Suspected Internet Fraudsters in Kaduna  Operatives of the Kaduna Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC have arrested 11 suspected internet fraudsters in the state. They were arrested in Mahuta and Barnawa areas of the state capital following credible information that linked them to fraudulent internet activities.  Items recovered from them include a black-coloured Mercedes Benz C300, 14 mobile phones, two laptop computers, an iPad, two mifi, one JBL speaker and one zealot speaker. They will be charged to court as soon as investigations are concluded. One more photo below. 

 LAGOS DEEPENS GLOBAL PUSH FOR ADIRE, AFRICAN FASHION  In order to spotlight indigenous fashion and textiles on the global stage, the Lagos State Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mrs. Toke Benson-Awoyinka, recently hosted a high-level meeting with Her Majesty Queen Ronke Ademiluyi-Ogunwusi, founder of Africa Fashion Week London and Nigeria, alongside the British Deputy High Commissioner, Mr. Jonny Baxter. The strategic engagement focused on advancing the cultural and economic potential of Adire textiles, an iconic Yoruba fabric, as a major export and symbol of Nigeria’s rich heritage. Mrs. Benson-Awoyinka, during the high-level meeting, reaffirmed Lagos State’s unwavering support for creative platforms that empower designers, preserve cultural identity, and contribute meaningfully to the state's economy.  She emphasised that such partnerships are vital in amplifying African narratives and positioning Lagos as the heartbeat of fashion and creativity on the conti...

 Sudanese army accuses Libya's Haftar forces of border attack The Sudanese army accused forces under eastern Libyan military commander Khalifa Haftar of attacking border post, the first time it has accused its northwestern neighbour of direct involvement in the country's two-year war, Reuters reported. The war between Sudan's army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces, whom the military also accused of involvement in the border attack, has drawn in multiple foreign countries, while international attempts at bringing about peace have so far failed. Sudan had early in the war accused eastern Libya's Haftar of supporting the RSF via weapons deliveries. It has long accused Haftar's ally the United Arab Emirates of supporting the RSF as well, including via direct drone strikes last month. The UAE denies those allegations. Haftar forces denied involvement in the attack and accused a force affiliated with the Sudanese armed forces of attacking a military patrol while i...

 PRESS RELEASE POLICE UNCOVERS, DISMANTLES WHATSAPP FRAUD SYNDICATE TARGETING HIGH-PROFILE NIGERIANS. As Police Urges Citizens to Adopt Multi-Factor Authentication to Secure Digital Transactions The Nigeria Police Force, through its National Cybercrime Centre (NCCC), has successfully uncovered and disrupted a sophisticated cyber fraud syndicate responsible for hijacking several WhatsApp accounts of citizens, particularly prominent figures, and subsequent attempts to defraud contacts within its network. The operation followed an official complaint lodged on April 14, 2025. A swift and strategic response by the NPF-NCCC’s cyber intelligence team led to the unmasking of a calculated scheme built around mobile platform compromise and social engineering tactics. Through advanced digital forensics and other high investigative tactics, the investigators traced the fraudulent activity across multiple Nigerian banks, resulting in the freezing of illicit funds amounting to millions of naira....

 Scarlett Johansson opened up about the difficulties of dating men who aren’t in show business, sharing that jealousy often surfaced because actors naturally form close, intimate relationships at work. She explained that, while loyalty is possible, the blurred lines and public scrutiny can be tough for those outside the industry to grasp s.  Hollywood star Scarlett Johansson has opened up about the complexities that can come with dating someone who isn’t part of the entertainment world. In a candid conversation with Stranger Things and Thunderbolts actor David Harbour for Interview magazine, the Avengers star reflected on how being with someone outside the industry can bring unexpected challenges. “I’ve had serious relationships with people that were not in the industry, and I found one of the challenges was that the person had no idea of what I needed to do my job,” she said. “Obviously, if I was dating an oncologist, I wouldn’t know what they needed to do for their job. But ...

  R. Kelly’s attorneys have filed an emergency motion seeking his immediate release from federal custody, claiming prison officials orchestrated a murder-for-hire plot involving Aryan Brotherhood inmates.  A terminally ill inmate reportedly provided a sworn statement that he was offered his freedom in exchange for killing Kelly, but instead alerted him to the plot. The legal team argues that the singer’s life remains in danger and that government misconduct has compromised his safety and rights. Do you believe these allegations warrant his release, or should the system do more to protect high-profile inmates? 

  Halle Berry shared her deeply personal experience with menopause, revealing she was blindsided by symptoms and feared she’d lost her intimacy forever.  “I was really afraid at that time that I would never enjoy that part of my femininity again and that I had lost that,” she said. Berry’s journey led her to become an advocate for women’s health, partnering with wellness companies and urging women to speak up, seek support, and fight the stigma around menopause. Do you think society talks enough about women’s health and menopause?. 

 Kanye West is once again making headlines for reinventing himself.  The Grammy-winning artist, who previously changed his name to Ye, is now using the moniker “Ye Ye” in official documents. This latest move comes as he continues to reshape his public image and encourages peace and unity in recent statements. Do you think frequent reinvention helps or hurts an artist’s legacy? 

 I attracted women because of my ‘banging’ body – Charly Boy Singer and media personality Charly Boy has opened up on his youthful days and late father, Chukwudifu Oputa’s charm. He recounted tales of his father, a former student at Achimota College in Ghana, whose good looks and physique reportedly made him a magnet for women. Charly Boy revealed that 30 years ago, he posed for suggestive nude photos, confident in his own “banging body” and physique, despite being married. He humorously noted the persistent attention from women, playfully attributing his charisma to his father’s genes. Charly Boy wrote on X: “There are times and seasons in everyone’s life. I heard stories of my beloved late father when he was single and young. He attended Achimota College in Ghana. “Rumours had it that women no let the fine Bobo rest. He was always showing off his body cos he was a gym rat too. 30yrs ago, I took some suggestive nude pictures, bcos I knew I had a banging body and the women no let m...

 2027: Dele Momodu hints at dumping PDP Dele Momodu,  a renowned media mogul and publisher of Ovation International, has made a startling revelation about his disillusionment with the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), positing  that his commitment to the party has reduced drastically PM has learnt. Momodu who spoke  during an interview on the Broadcasting Corporation of Oyo State (BCOS) programme on Tuesday afternoon,   lamented the deepening internal crisis within the party. Momodu said that the growing disunity and internal wrangling in PDP  have left the party vulnerable and ineffective as a strong opposition force. “My soul has left the PDP; only my body remains,” Momodu said, painting a vivid picture of his current detachment from the party’s affairs. He expressed concern that unless the PDP resolves its internal divisions and presents a united front, it stands little chance of challenging the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the...

 FG’s plan for fresh $5bn oil-backed loan hampered by low price — Report The Federal Government’s plan to obtain a $5 billion oil-backed loan from Saudi Arabian oil company, Aramco has been hampered by low oil prices in the international market. A report by Reuters citing four sources said the recent drop in crude oil price has raised concerns among banks that were expected to back the deal. Nigeria has in the past obtained about $7 billion loans from Afreximbank ($3.3 billion) and other financial institutions using forward sale of its oil production. The Aramco deal, if it goes through, would be Nigeria’s largest oil-backed loan to date and Saudi Arabia’s first participation of this scale in the country, although the decline in oil price could shrink the size of the deal, the sources said. Two of the sources said President Bola Tinubu first broached the loan in November when he met with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in Riyadh at the Saudi-African Summit. The report stated...

 Shehu Sani Opposes Renaming of ICC After Tinubu Former Senator Shehu Sani has urged President Bola Tinubu to reject the renaming of the Abuja International Conference Centre (ICC) after him. Reacting to the move by FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, who unveiled the new name—Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre—Sani said the facility was built by former Head of State Ibrahim Babangida and should retain its original identity.

 Budget Cuts Leave 1,500 Health Workers Unpaid for 20 Months Over 1,500 health professionals under the Environmental Health Council of Nigeria (EHCON) have gone unpaid for 20 months due to a federal directive cutting funding to certain agencies. EHCON, which played key roles during the Ebola and COVID-19 outbreaks, was excluded from the 2024 budget after being reclassified under the Ministry of Environment. While 13 health agencies were later exempted and paid, EHCON received no allocation. Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, has appealed to President Bola Tinubu to restore EHCON’s funding, citing the critical role its workers play in disease prevention and public health.

 Arsenal, Man United fingered  in  Osimhen’s Al- Hilal snub Nigeria International striker  Victor Osimhen  reportedly  snubbed the  big money move to the Saudi Pro league with Al Hilal  following a  renewed interests from two  English Premier giants, Arsenal and Manchester United. At the weekend, a move to Saudi Arabia looked to be all sewn up for the Napoli-owned  striker , with the Italian club reportedly agreeing a deal worth around €75million (£63.2million). However,   he rejected  the ‘pharaonic contract’ rumoured to include a whopping €30million (£25.3million) per-year contract. The 26-year-old has spent the last season on loan at Galatasaray, where he won the Turkish  Cup and Turkish Super Lig – following up his Serie A title from 2022/23 with Napoli. But according to Tuttosport newspaper as reported by Football Italia, Osimhen  may  have been convinced  to snub a move to Al-Hilal following ...

 A Kentucky man is arrested for criminal assault ...with a raccoon? 40-year-old Jonathan Mason recently had issues with a local business and was subsequently barred from the property.  Jonathan was incensed and felt he only had one recourse to avenge his unfair treatment-  release a completely freaked out and wild raccoon into the business. The Murray Police Department received this unusual call at approximately 9:18 p.m. on June 6th. The owners of the business informed officers that Mr. Mason had entered the business and released a raccoon before turning around and leaving. One patron was bitten by the raccoon in the ensuing mayhem caused by its release. Officers soon tracked down Jonathan Mason and initiated a traffic stop. However, Mason wasn't going down easy; he was all out of raccoons so he had to think on his feet. He landed on the decision to refuse to roll down his vehicle's window. Mason eventually had to be physically removed from his vehicle. Jonathan Mason wa...