PINK REPUBLIC/ MY BLOG IS A STORY MARATHON.

 LAGOS POLICE LOCATES ODERA GREGORY MBADIWE IN WIDELY CIRCULATED VIRAL POSTS The Lagos State Police Command wishes to inform the public that one Odera Gregory Mbadiwe, ‘m’, aged 32, earlier reported missing and whose case went viral on social media, has been located by police detectives attached to the Lagos State Police Command today, 1st September 2025, at about 8:30 a.m. 2 It was reported to the police that on 1st September 2025, Odera Mbadiwe left his residence at Victoria Island, Lagos, with his father’s vehicle, a Nissan 350Z Convertible, and did not return home. This prompted his family to report him missing at Victoria Island Police Division on 3rd September 2025. 3 A discreet and diligent investigation was promptly ordered by the Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, CP Olohundare Jimoh, into the disappearance of the missing person. Acting on actionable intelligence and with the support of public-spirited individuals, he was traced to the Mile 2 area of Lagos State...

 Court Jails Fake Investor for $71,000 Fraud The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on Thursday, September 4, 2025, secured the conviction  and sentence of one Dennis Tamarakuro (a.k.a. Keisha Reynolds) before Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court, Maitama, Abuja. Tamarakuro was arraigned on a one-count charge bordering on cybercrimes. The lone charge reads: “That you, DENNIS TAMARAKURO (a.k.a Keisha Reynolds) sometime in December 2024 at Abuja within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, with intent to defraud, falsely represented yourself as Keisha Reynolds, a female private investor in the United States of America, and in that assumed character obtained the sum of $71,795.41 (Seventy-One Thousand, Seven Hundred and Ninety-Five Dollars, Forty-One Cents) from one Philbert, through Bybit, and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 22(2)(b)(ii) of the Cybercrime (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act, 2015 as Amended in 2024 and punishable under...

  Governor Francis Nwifuru, has announced a complete ban on house and land agent businesses across Ebonyi State. Governor Francis Nwifuru Clamps Down On  House and Land Agents In Ebonyi, bans their operations in order to curb exploitation and Inflating rents. Agents will no longer be allowed to collect or fix price for properties they do not own and this order is effective from January 2026. Governor Nwifuru attributed the skyrocketing rents and property prices in Ebonyi to the exploitative practices of agents, who often charge exorbitant fees sometimes up to ₦500,000 merely to show prospective tenants properties that are not even their own. “I don’t want to see or hear anything about house or land agents in Ebonyi State from 2026. I am here for the good people of Ebonyi.This exploitation must stop. No agent should collect any money from anyone seeking accommodation again,” This development also aligns with ongoing efforts by the Ebonyi State House of Assembly, which has expre...

 600 level pharmacy Student loses his life in  trailer Accident, in Enugu Idoko David Ikechukwu, a 600 level pharmacy Student, from University of Nigeria Nsukka, tragically lost his life in the ghastly tipper accident, on 3rd September 2025.  He was a former presidential aspirant of the Pharmaceutical Association of Nigerian Students. An outstanding First-class student.  He was supposed to graduate in December, but met his untimely death.  May his soul rest in peace. 🤍🕊️

 Press Statement   Tinubu’s Development Agenda Driven by National Interest, Not Politics — Information Minister    Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has stated that President Tinubu’s development agenda is driven purely by national interest, not politics, with transformative projects and programmes rolling out across every state of the Federation without favour or partisanship.    Idris made this remark in Abuja on Wednesday while receiving Commissioners for Information from the 36 states of the Federation during a courtesy visit to his office.    He stated that the President is motivated by the conviction that the challenges confronting Nigerians know no political boundaries and he is tackling them squarely in order to positively impact the lives of all citizens.     “I have not seen where there are things to do and the president refused to do because the governor of that state is not in the APC. In ...

 A freak accident involving a deer took the life of a Pennsylvania teen on his way to school.  Kevin Donahue was a sophomore at Malvern Prep School.  He was well liked and a stand-out member of the school's lacrosse team.  At 8 a.m. on Tuesday, as Kevin traveled to school on Route 322 in Chester County, Pennsylvania, disaster struck. A driver in the oncoming lane struck a deer and sent it hurtling across the highway and straight through Kevin's windshield.  Kevin suffered serious injuries and sadly  passed away a short time after the accident. Police are still searching for the driver of the vehicle which struck the deer. They believe it is a black Toyota Sienna with heavy front end damage.  If you have any information regarding this vehicle please call Chester County Sheriff's Department at 610-344-6850. Our thoughts are with the family and friends of Kevin Donahue.

A Brazilian billionaire who has never met Neymar has reportedly left his entire will to the superstar footballer.   The former Barcelona star, 33, is claimed to have been given the enormous sum of £846million by an unidentified deceased man from Brazil who is said to have been a billionaire.    According to Brazilian outlet RIC, the will was formalised at an office in Porto Alegre and authenticated on June 12 with two witnesses allegedly present.    The matter is now purportedly subject to clearance from Brazilian courts if Neymar is to be named as the individual's heir, who has potentially chosen him because he is reportedly childless and single.  Neymar has not publicly commented on reports surrounding the fortune, but the will could be subject to legal complications even if it is approved.    The businessman allegedly opted to give it to Neymar because he 'identifies with [him] on a personal level, per local media reports.    He is sa...

 Russian President Vladimir Putin has cautioned Washington against trying to strong-arm India and China with tariffs and sanctions, saying such tactics are outdated and ineffective.  Speaking after the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit in China, Putin said, “You cannot talk to India or China in that way,” and accused the US of using economic pressure to weaken two of Asia’s largest powers. Calling India and China “partners,” Putin noted that both nations had faced difficult histories, including colonialism, which shaped their political instincts. “When somebody tells you they are going to punish you, you have to think—how can the leadership of those big countries react? If one shows weakness, his career will be over,” he said, adding that Washington’s rhetoric resembled “colonial-era thinking.” Putin’s remarks came as US President Donald Trump announced fresh sanctions on India for continuing to buy Russian oil, warning that “phase two” and “phase three” sanctions...

 Rodgers says Celtic fans 'will love' striker Iheanacho Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers says Kelechi Iheanacho "will make a big contribution" after beating the Europa League signing deadline to secure the Nigeria striker as a free agent. The 28-year-old Nigeria international's arrival on a one-year contract comes 24 hours after he came to an agreement with Sevilla to terminate his deal with the Spanish club. It also comes after Celtic came under fire from their supporters for their failure to sign a striker on transfer deadline day. Rodgers has turned to someone he managed during the striker's seven-year spell with Leicester City. "He is such a talented player, with great ability, athleticism and work-rate," he told Celtic's website.

 Eid-Ul-Mawlid: FG declares Friday public holiday The Federal Government has declared Friday, September 5 as a public holiday to mark Eid-ul-Mawlid, the celebration of the birth of Prophet Muhammad. This was disclosed in a Wednesday statement by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Interior, Dr. Magdalene Ajani, on behalf of the Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo. Ajani congratulated Muslims across the country and in the diaspora on the occasion, urging them to emulate the Prophet’s virtues of peace, love, humility, tolerance, and compassion. She also encouraged Nigerians of all faiths to use the celebration to pray for peace, security, and stability in the country, while supporting government’s efforts to strengthen national unity and foster development. “The Minister of Interior wishes Muslims a joyous and peaceful Eid-ul-Mawlid celebration. “The celebration of Eid-ul-Mawlid offers us yet another opportunity to strengthen the bonds of brotherhood, promote peaceful coexi...

 Voter Registration: INEC partners NIMC on identity management The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has partnered the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) to harmonise identity and voter registration processes across Nigeria. INEC Chairman, Mahmood Yakubu, who spoke when the NIMC Director-General, Abisola Kukar, and her delegation visited the INEC headquarters in Abuja, hailed the ongoing cooperation between the two federal agencies. Yakubu is confident that the collaboration would transform the country’s electoral system, saying both agencies collectively hold the largest biometric databases in Nigeria—INEC for electoral purposes, and NIMC for general citizenship identification. This was disclosed in a statement on the NIMC X handle on Wednesday. “DG/CEO, NIMC, Engr. (Dr) Abisoye Coker-Odusote, alongside the management team, held a joint press conference with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), led by its Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, ...

 FCCPC unveils rules to end loan app harassment, impose ₦100m sanctions The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has rolled out regulations to curb harassment, data breaches, and other unethical practices by digital lenders in Nigeria. This was disclosed in a statement signed by the FCCPC’s Director of Corporate Affairs, Ondaje Ijagwu, which quoted the Commission’s Executive Vice Chairman/Chief Executive Officer, Tunji Bello, as unveiling the new framework in Abuja on Wednesday. “For too long, Nigerians have endured harassment, data breaches, and unethical practices by unregulated digital lenders. “These regulations draw a clear line that innovation is welcome, but not at the expense of the rights and dignity of consumers or the rule of law,” the CEO noted. Bello added, “The regulations provide the legal tools to hold violators accountable and promote responsible digital finance. No consumer should be harassed, defamed, or lured into unsustainable debt und...

 Kaduna Health Workers Celebrate As Gov. Uba Sani Approves New Pay Structure Health workers across Kaduna State erupted in joy on Wednesday after Governor Uba Sani approved the implementation of the 2024 Consolidated Health Salary Structure (CONHESS) and hazard allowances, effective September 2025. The announcement was made during a press briefing in Kaduna by the Chairman of the National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives (NANNM), Kaduna chapter, Ishaku Yakubu. Yakubu hailed the decision as “long overdue,” describing it as a major win for the state’s health professionals who, he noted, had endured years of neglect under past administrations. “This is highly commendable and timely. We’ve been pressing for this for over three years, even embarking on warning and indefinite strikes in the past to demand its implementation,” he said. He explained that the approval signals a fresh chapter for nurses, midwives, and other health professionals, stressing that it would boost morale...

Drama in Tanzania as match is temporary stopped after bees flew over the pitch A friendly international football match in Tanzania came to a dramatic halt when a large swarm of bees invaded the pitch, forcing players, officials, and media personnel to stop the game for several minutes. The bizarre incident occurred during the Tanzanite Preseason Tournament on Wednesday, September 3, 2025, at Kwaraa Stadium, a popular venue known for hosting regional competitions and friendly matches in Tanzania. In the 78th minute of the match, chaos broke out as a swarm of bees unexpectedly descended onto the pitch. The insects emerged from a nearby tree, triggering panic among the players. Match officials quickly ordered everyone on the field to lie flat as a safety measure to avoid stings or potential injuries. Watch video below. 

 9TH NATIONAL YOUTH GAMES: LAGOS' DOMINANCE, RESULTS OF INVESTMENT IN GRASSROOTS SPORTS DEVELOPMENT - LSSC  Director-General, Lagos State Sports Commission (LSSC), Lekan Fatodu, has described the State's dominance of the swimming event at the ongoing National Youth Games as a validation of the state government's investment in grassroots sports development. The swimming competition was concluded on Tuesday, with Lagos finishing tops with 23 medals; 19 gold, four silver, ahead of Edo State in second place with 10 medals, three gold, three silver and four bronze, while the host, Delta State, completed the top three with two gold, 10 silver and five bronze medals. Fatodu noted that the dominant display backed by exceptional performance of Lagos athletes was orchestrated by remarkable investment, competent human resources, managerial acumen and effective leadership of Lagos State Sports Commission. "It's actually a testament and validation of the resources, support, and...

 Zambian ex-foreign minister sentenced to hard labour for corruption A Zambian court on Thursday sentenced former foreign minister Joseph Malanji to four years in prison with hard labour for corruption, AFP reported. Malanji, who served under former president Edgar Lungu from 2018 to 2021, was arrested in late 2021 for allegedly using embezzled state funds to acquire property, including two Bell 420 helicopters. The conviction marked a rare victory for state prosecutors in the Southern Africa country. "I have heard the spirited mitigation by counsel and taken note that the convicts are first offenders and are entitled to leniency," said magistrate Ireen Wishimanga. The 60-year-old will serve "four years imprisonment with hard labour", she ruled. Malanji's co-accused Fredson Yamba will serve three years, she added. Fight against corruption Yamba, a former secretary to the treasury, was accused of facilitating the transfer of more than $8 million without justifyin...

 Lisbon streetcar derailment leaves 15 dead A devastating accident struck Lisbon on Wednesday when one of the city’s iconic yellow-and-white streetcars derailed on a steep downtown hill, leaving 15 people dead and 18 others injured, according to emergency services. Among the injured was a child, and several of the victims were foreign nationals. Officials said five people were in serious condition. The derailment, described as Lisbon’s worst accident in recent memory, shocked the city and cast a shadow over one of its most beloved tourist attractions. The streetcar, known as the Elevador da Glória, toppled onto its side and crashed into a building at a bend in the narrow road it usually climbs, leaving its sides and roof mangled and parts of the metal vehicle crushed. Emergency crews worked for over two hours to rescue passengers trapped in the wreckage, eventually confirming that all victims had been removed. Eyewitnesses reported that the funicular appeared to be out of control a...

 Google ordered to pay $425 million in privacy lawsuit, jury rules A federal jury on Wednesday ordered Google to pay $425 million for violating users’ privacy by collecting data from millions of accounts that had opted out of a tracking feature. The verdict comes from a class-action lawsuit filed in San Francisco, in which plaintiffs alleged that Google “unlawfully accessed their devices and data, including app activity on mobile devices,” despite the company’s assurances under its Web & App Activity settings. The lawsuit, which began in July 2020, involved roughly 98 million Google users and 174 million devices. The plaintiffs had sought $31 billion in damages. Google said it plans to appeal the ruling. Spokesperson Jose Castaneda said the decision “misunderstands how our products work” and emphasized that the company’s privacy tools allow users to control their data, insisting that Google honors users’ choices when personalization is turned off.

 Deadly disease detected in bats at San Juan National Park, Washington  Officials with the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) are warning about a concerning discovery in Washington state’s San Juan Island National Park. Lab tests confirmed that three bats at the park tested positive for the fungus that causes White-Nose Syndrome (WNS), a deadly disease for hibernating bats. The fungus, Pseudogymnoascus destructans (Pd), is believed to have originated in Asia or Europe, with the first case in Washington detected in 2016. White-Nose Syndrome has killed millions of bats nationwide since it was first observed in New York in 2006 and has since spread across most U.S. states and Canadian provinces. While the disease does not affect humans, it can easily spread among bat populations. Park biologists are urging visitors to report any dead or injured bats to park personnel and to avoid touching or handling bats. “Although WNS does not cause illness in humans, a small percentage of bats can ...

 Bel-Air to return for final season in November  Peacock announced Wednesday that the fourth and final season of Bel-Air will premiere on Nov. 24. Season 4 follows Will (Jabari Banks) and Carlton (Olly Sholotan) as they navigate their senior year of high school. The new season hints at a shift in power between butler Geoffrey (Jimmy Akingbola) and Phillip Banks (Adrian Holmes). Viv (Cassandra Freeman) gains a fresh perspective on motherhood as her children—Carlton, Ashley (Akira Akbar), and Hilary (Coco Jones)—grow older. Jordan L. Jones and Simone Joy Jones also recur in the final season. Peacock confirmed the series will conclude with Season 4 in December. Carla Banks Waddles serves as showrunner, with creator Morgan Cooper and Will Smith continuing as executive producers. The drama is based on Cooper’s short film that reimagined The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air as a dramatic series. Cooper will direct the final two episodes of the show.

 World War I Harlem Hellfighters receive Congressional Gold Medal  Congress formally recognized the Army's 369th Infantry Regiment, famously known as the "Harlem Hellfighters," with a Congressional Gold Medal during a ceremony on Wednesday afternoon in Washington. House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., presented the medal to Debra Willett, whose grandfather, Sgt. Leander Willett served with the regiment in France, where the unit earned its celebrated nickname. "My grandfather and the other brave men who fought alongside him never imagined their courage and accomplishments would be honored in such a distinguished setting," Willett said. "They sacrificed, believing they were making a difference, and today shows that they truly did."

Giorgio Armani, iconic designer known for the power suit, dies at 91 Giorgio Armani, the legendary Italian designer whose vision transformed modern fashion, has died at 91. His passing was confirmed Thursday by Armani Group, which noted that he “worked until his final days” but did not provide further details. Armani first rose to prominence by reinventing the men’s suit, softening its internal structure to create a more natural, fluid silhouette. By removing shoulder pads and rigid linings, he introduced a style in the early 1980s that combined ease with understated elegance, quickly becoming popular among both men and women. His suits offered an alternative to the stiff, traditional attire of male executives and the formal skirt suits of professional women, defining a new standard for power dressing. Armani’s designs became the uniform of authority in Wall Street offices, Madison Avenue boardrooms, and Hollywood agencies, with his pared-back, luxurious aesthetic rendered in crepe, ca...

 Candor School District in New York briefly placed on lockdown; students remain safe  The Candor Central School District in New York went into lockdown Thursday morning after an individual experienced a mental health crisis near the campus. The person, who is not connected to the school, was seen behind the school, prompting officials to implement the lockdown as a precaution. Law enforcement quickly responded and took the individual into custody. The district confirmed that students were never in danger during the incident and expressed gratitude to the police for their swift action.

 Slain Kentucky judge had no prior relationship with sheriff's daughter before shooting New developments have emerged in the case of Kentucky Judge Kevin Mullins, who was fatally shot in his chambers by former Sheriff Shawn Stines. Investigators now say Mullins allegedly had no relationship with Stines’s underage daughter, contrary to earlier reports. The shooting occurred in September 2024, when Stines entered Mullins’ office with a gun as security cameras captured the deadly encounter. Prosecutors charged Stines with murder. Initial speculation suggested Mullins was involved with Stines’ daughter, based on her phone number being found in his call log, and that Stines acted out of anger over the alleged relationship. Grand jury transcripts reveal a different picture. Both Stine’s wife and daughter told detectives there was no relationship between Mullins and the daughter. Kentucky State Police Detective Clayton Stamper testified that the daughter denied any contact with Mullins vi...

 Sophie Turner to star as Lara Croft in Tomb Raider series Sophie Turner, known for her roles in Game of Thrones and X-Men, has been cast as Lara Croft in the upcoming Prime Video series Tomb Raider. The character, previously brought to the big screen by Angelina Jolie and Alicia Vikander, will now star in the new TV adaptation, with production set to begin January 19, Amazon MGM Studios announced Wednesday. Phoebe Waller-Bridge, creator and star of Fleabag and Crashing, will serve as creator, writer, executive producer, and co-showrunner, joined by co-showrunner and executive producer Chad Hodge and director/executive producer Jonathan Van Tulleken. Turner said in a statement, "I am thrilled beyond measure to be playing Lara Croft. She's such an iconic character who means so much to so many — and I am giving everything I've got. Following in the steps of Angelina and Alicia is daunting, but with Phoebe leading the project, Lara is in very safe hands. I can’t wait for ever...

 Montana man pleads not guilty to shooting four people at a bar A Montana man accused of killing four people at a bar and evading capture for a week has been charged with additional crimes, including attempted arson. Michael Paul Brown appeared in court on Wednesday, where State District Judge Jeffrey Dahood ordered him held without bail. Brown’s attorneys noted mental illness could be a factor in the case. Court documents and statements from The Owl Bar owner David Gwerder indicate that Brown allegedly tried to ignite a bucket of flammable material using a cardboard pizza box as a fuse before returning shortly after with a gun to kill the bartender and three customers. Brown, 45, a former soldier who lived next door to the bar, faces charges of four counts of murder, attempted arson, theft, and eluding police. He pleaded not guilty through his attorney, Walter Hennessey, via video from jail in Butte. A decision on whether to seek the death penalty is pending. Brown is scheduled to...

 ‎PRESS RELEASE ‎IGP APPOINTS CSP BENJAMIN HUNDEYIN AS FORCE PUBLIC RELATIONS OFFICER ‎ ‎The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, NPM, Ph.D., has approved the appointment of CSP Benjamin Hundeyin as the new Force Public Relations Officer (FPRO). ‎ ‎CSP Hundeyin holds a BA (Hons) in English Language from Lagos State University and an MSc in Legal Criminology & Security Psychology from the University of Ibadan. He also obtained a Certificate in Civil-Military Coordination from the Martin Luther Agwai International Leadership and Peacekeeping Training Centre, Jaji, Kaduna State. He is an Associate of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), a Member of the International Public Relations Association (IPRA), and an Associate of the Chartered Institute of Personnel Management of Nigeria (CIPM). ‎ ‎A seasoned communicator, CSP Hundeyin previously served as the Police Public Relations Officer at Zone 2 Command Headquarters, Onikan, Lagos, was part of the ...

 Peller should focus on education, not house – Ossai Ovie  The Senior Special Assistant on Media to the Delta State Governor, Ossai Ovie Success, has criticised popular TikTok influencer Peller for acquiring a new house while allegedly neglecting his education. Ossai, in an Instagram post on Wednesday accompanied by photos of Peller’s new home, described the development as disappointing. “Peller buying a house and a car at his age when he ought to be in school is disappointing. I am disappointed in those managing him,” he wrote. He advised that the young content creator’s earnings should be channelled into furthering his education, stressing that wealth without knowledge could be short-lived. “The boy is too young to forget about education. Please, take Peller back to school and invest his money. I am really disappointed,” Ossai added.

 Collecting transport fare for dates, without showing up is punishable, Police warn women The Rivers State Police Command has warned against the rising trend of women collecting transport fare from men and failing to turn up for meetings, describing it as a criminal offence. The caution follows a viral video in which the Police Public Relations Officer, Grace Iringe-Koko, on Wednesday in a video on X said the practice amounted to fraud and could attract punishment under the law. “Why will you collect money from man without going to see him. It is an offence, a punishable offence. “It is obtaining money under false pretence. 419,” she explained. Iringe-Koko stressed that such actions fall under the category of obtaining by false pretence, noting that offenders could be arrested and prosecuted if complaints are lodged with the police. She further urged members of the public to avoid deceitful financial dealings.

 STATEHOUSE PRESS RELEASE PRESIDENT TINUBU DEPARTS ABUJA TO BEGIN  2025 ANNUAL LEAVE President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will depart Abuja today, September 4, to commence a working vacation in Europe, as part of his 2025 annual leave.  The vacation will last 10 working days. President Tinubu will spend the period between France and the UK and then return to the country. Bayo Onanuga   Special Adviser to the President   (Information & Strategy) September 04, 2025. More photos below. 

 Police rescue baby buried alive in Kebbi, arrest 20-year-old mother The Kebbi State Police Command has said it exhumed a baby buried alive in Kebbi State. Public Relations Officer, CSP Nafiu Abubakar, in a statement, said a farmer, Alhaji Kabiru Muhammad, while working on his farm near the area, discovered a patch of disturbed soil resembling a fresh grave. “He raised an alarm and, with the help of nearby residents, exhumed the baby, who was found alive. The infant was rushed to General Hospital, Kamba, where doctors confirmed her condition as stable after receiving medical attention.” The statement further added that, following investigation, the police promptly arrested a 20-year-old mother, Maryam Atiku, for allegedly attempting to kill her newborn baby girl by burying her alive in Kamba, Dandi Local Government Area of Kebbi State. It said the incident occurred on June 25, 2025, when Maryam allegedly tied the baby’s neck with wrappers, covered her mouth, and buried her in a sha...

 US pledges $32.5 million to ease hunger in Borno, northern Nigeria The United States has approved $32.5 million in humanitarian aid to Nigeria, targeting hunger in the country’s conflict-torn north, particularly Borno state. The U.S. mission to Nigeria said the funding will deliver food and nutrition support to internally displaced people in the northeast, where communities have been battered by more than a decade of insurgency. The aid package is expected to reach more than 764,000 people, including 41,569 pregnant and breastfeeding women and 43,235 children. Borno state has been hardest hit, with aid agencies warning that an “unprecedented hunger crisis” could leave 1.3 million people without food and force the shutdown of at least 150 nutrition clinics. In Maiduguri, Intersos, an Italian humanitarian group, now runs the only in-patient malnutrition facility still open. Margot van der Velden, the World Food Program’s regional director for West Africa, warned in July that funding...

 Illinois: A Jefferson County man has been arrested after police officers found his wife's remains in his vehicle during a traffic stop in Duquoin. The victim's best friend reached out to us to give the public some background on the victim's last days. On September 1st, Jefferson County officials were alerted to a possible homicide. The information included the name of John Wesley Finney (51 years old) with the victim being his wife, Amy Jo Finney, 42 years old. A vehicle description was provided as well.  It is alleged that "Wes" Finney was spotted by a Christopher Illinois officer at 9:00 p.m., last night, traveling near highway 14 and highway 148. He was eventually pulled over near DuQuoin, Illinois.  The Franklin County Sheriff's Department and the Christopher Police Department ultimately conducted a felony stop on the vehicle near rural DuQuoin near Birch Road.  Sadly, during the search of the vehicle they did find the remains of Finney's wife.  The v...

 A Kentucky woman has passed away after being attacked by a pack of dogs. Her husband (and other family members) believe there is much more to the story. Knox County Deputies received a 911 call on Friday, August 29th, saying a "woman was being attacked by dogs."  When deputies arrived on the scene, they discovered 44-year-old Priscilla Jones suffering from multiple bites wounds. There were no dogs present when deputies arrived due to a neighbor witnessing the attack. The neighbor told deputies he was able to chase the dogs away.  Priscilla was rushed to a nearby hospital where she sadly succumbed to her injuries. Priscilla's husband believes there is more to the story than just a dog attack. He says the injuries on her arms and legs appear to be the result of an animal attack, but says she suffered other injuries that appear to be from a possible human attacker. Authorities are investigating the incident and are trying to track down the dogs and their owner. They have be...

 Approximately 100 bronze vases were stolen from Hillcrest Cemetery in Centralia, Illinois. They were stolen for scrap metal. Between mid-August and August 21st at least one individual (possibly two) stole approximately 100 bronze vases off of the final resting places of many individuals laid to rest at the cemetery. The police are aware and there is allegedly one man in custody. I have received two names of individuals that might be involved but I am waiting to release the names until police confirm the names.  One family member that reached out to us informed us that the bronze vases were stolen so they "could be used for scrap metal".  Section 12 of the Hillcrest cemetery is the area where all of the vases were stolen. One woman that reached out shared that her mother and father's grave were one of the final resting places that were stolen from. She also had other relatives that had bronze vases stolen from their resting site.  Our thoughts are with everyone affec...