PINK REPUBLIC/ MY BLOG IS A STORY MARATHON.

 Country singer JD Graham left barely alive with broken neck and back after horror highway crash Country singer JD Graham is recovering in a Texas trauma center after a devastating interstate crash left him with severe injuries. From his hospital bed, Graham shared a heartfelt video update, wearing a neck brace and thanking fans for their support.  He revealed the extent of his injuries including a broken back, ribs, and neck and mourned the loss of his dog, who died in the accident.  His daughter Destiny later confirmed that he was struck by one semi-truck and then collided with another, requiring first responders to cut him from the wreckage before he was airlifted to the hospital. Destiny has launched a GoFundMe campaign that has already raised nearly $50,000, highlighting the family’s financial and emotional challenges.  With Graham’s wife Amy recently finishing her own battle with cancer and unable to work, the family is facing added strain. Destiny explained th...

 A Tennessee Children’s Hospital Has Been Renamed After Dolly Parton Dolly Parton has officially partnered with East Tennessee Children’s Hospital in Knoxville, which will now carry her name as the Dolly Parton Children’s Hospital.  Established in 1937 and operating as a nonprofit since 1952, the hospital is recognized as a Comprehensive Regional Pediatric Center and serves as the leading provider of pediatric care in the region.  With more than 400 physicians and nearly 2,200 staff members, it treats infants, children, and teens regardless of background or financial means, averaging over 435,000 patient visits each year. Parton emphasized her lifelong connection to East Tennessee, saying that growing up in the mountains taught her the importance of caring for one another.  She expressed that every child deserves exceptional medical care delivered with compassion and love, and she sees her involvement as a way to bring hope and healing to families.  Hospital CEO...

  Lindsay Lohan asks 'Why didn't anyone protect me as a teen' in candid new interview Lindsay Lohan, 39, graced the cover of Vogue Arabia’s March 2026 issue with a glamorous photoshoot atop the Burj Al Arab’s helipad in Dubai. Wearing high-fashion looks ranging from a sleek black dress with Tiffany diamonds to a bold red suit and flowing blue gown, she posed against the city’s skyline.  The actress, who recently lent her voice to an adult Maggie Simpson in The Simpsons, used the occasion to reflect on her journey from child star to seasoned performer. In her interview, Lohan opened up about the challenges of growing up in the spotlight, recalling how she wished someone had protected her more during her teenage years.  She rose to fame in The Parent Trap and went on to star in hits like Freaky Friday and Mean Girls, but her career was often overshadowed by her party lifestyle and legal troubles. Now, she says age has given her confidence and a stronger voice in her creativ...

 Candace Owens claims Erika Kirk lied about not dating anyone for 5 years Candace Owens, 36, has publicly criticized Erika Kirk, 37, over comments about her dating history. On the February 27 episode of her Bride of Charlie YouTube series, Owens accused Erika of being dishonest about her past relationships, claiming she misrepresented her romantic background before marrying Charlie Kirk in 2018.  Owens suggested Erika’s recollections seemed inconsistent, describing them as “glitches” in her storytelling. She also alleged that Erika had actively sought proximity to high-profile figures in an effort to gain fame. Erika has previously insisted she did not date during her five years in New York, citing her preference for coffee or brunch over drinks and distancing herself from the city’s dating culture. However, resurfaced evidence appears to contradict her claims.  A deleted Instagram post from 2017 showed her attending a painting class with Cabot Phillips, while a 2014 audi...

 CORPS COMMANDER ORDNANCE CONDUCTS ASSESSMENT VISIT TO OPERATION FANSAN YAMMA The Corps Commander Ordnance conducted an assessment visit to Headquarters Joint Task Force Operation FANSAN YAMMA (HQ JTF OPFY) on Thursday 27 February 2026, where he was received by the Deputy Theatre Commander, Air Vice Marshal UK Abdullahi on behalf of the Theater  Commander  , alongside principal staff officers and other senior officers at the Headquarters. During the visit, the Corps Commander was conducted round to assess the state of ordnance equipment, maintenance structures and overall logistics support to troops engaged in ongoing operations. He commended the troops for their resilience, professionalism, and commitment in sustaining operational tempo despite prevailing challenges. The senior officer emphasized the critical role of effective ordnance support in enhancing combat efficiency and operational success. He assured personnel of continued support from the Ordnance Corps to ensu...

 Pakistan conducts airstrikes inside Afghanistan as border clashes continue  Pakistan’s military, supported by artillery and airstrikes, launched attacks on military installations deep inside Afghanistan overnight into early Saturday, escalating border fighting after Islamabad declared it was in “open war” with its eastern neighbor. Pakistan claimed more than 300 Afghan forces were killed in response to a broad Afghan cross-border assault that began Thursday night, though Afghanistan denied the figures, saying only civilians were targeted and killed. Independent verification of casualties from either side was not available. The conflict followed Pakistani airstrikes in eastern Afghanistan the previous Sunday, which Islamabad said targeted the outlawed Pakistani Taliban (TTP), a group linked to Afghanistan’s ruling Taliban. Afghan officials rejected this, saying civilians were struck. After the cross-border attack, Pakistani Defense Minister Khawaja Mohammad Asif declared that ...

 President Donald Trump suggests 'friendly takeover' of Cuba  President Donald Trump suggested the possibility of a “friendly takeover of Cuba” while speaking to reporters as he departed the White House on Friday, though he did not provide details on what that would entail. His remarks came after questions about a deadly incident off the Cuban coast on Wednesday, in which Cuban authorities said individuals on a U.S.-registered speedboat fired on Cuban border troops during what officials described as an attempted “infiltration for terrorist purposes.” Trump said the Cuban government is “talking with us” and described the nation as being in deep trouble, citing a lack of money, oil, and food. “We could very well end up having a friendly takeover of Cuba,” he added. He also said Secretary of State Marco Rubio is handling discussions with Cuba at a “very high level.” The comments follow Trump’s January executive order imposing additional tariffs on countries supplying oil to Cuba,...

 Ex-MLB pitcher gets life without parole for killing in-laws  Former MLB pitcher Daniel Serafini was sentenced Friday to life in prison without parole for the 2021 shooting of his wife’s parents during a burglary at their Lake Tahoe home. Serafini, 51, was convicted in July 2025 of first-degree murder for killing his father-in-law, Gary Spohr, attempted murder for wounding his mother-in-law, Wendy Wood, and first-degree burglary. Wood survived the initial attack but died a year later. Placer County District Attorney Morgan Gire said the victims were “loving grandparents” and that Serafini’s actions had a profound impact on the family and the community. “The impact of this attack has extended far beyond the immediate victims, deeply affecting family members and the broader community, and highlighting the lasting harm caused by deliberate violence,” Gire said. During the sentencing hearing, Serafini maintained his innocence, telling the court he was out with his wife the night o...

Trump warns of possible US casualties in ‘massive ongoing operation’ against Iran   President Donald Trump announced early Saturday that the U.S. military has launched “major combat operations” in Iran, urging the Iranian people to seize the moment for regime change. Speaking in a video posted on Truth Social, Trump described the Iranian government as a “vicious group of very hard, terrible people” and said the U.S. objective is to defend Americans by eliminating imminent threats posed by the regime. Trump called the operation “massive” and warned that it could result in American casualties. He said the campaign targets Iran’s Revolutionary Guard, intelligence networks, government facilities, and defense sites, and stressed that the U.S. action is intended to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons. He urged Iranians to take control of their government once the operation concludes, describing the effort as a “noble mission” and a rare opportunity for citizens to shape their fut...

U.S and Israel planned operation against Iran for months, IDF says The United States and Israel carried out extensive strikes on Iran on Saturday in an operation dubbed “Operation Epic Fury” by American forces, with Israeli officials saying the attacks were planned over several months. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) described the strikes as targeting dozens of military sites and emphasized close cooperation with the U.S. during the planning phase. “In the months leading up to the attack, joint planning between the IDF and U.S. Army enabled a coordinated strike with maximum effectiveness,” the IDF said. The statement described Iran as continuing efforts to protect and advance its nuclear program, restore missile production, and support armed proxies, actions the IDF called an existential threat to Israel and a danger to the wider region. Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar said Saturday that action was necessary despite risks, warning delays would have allowed Iran to strengthen its n...

 Russian foreign ministry slams US-Israel strikes on Iran  Russia’s Foreign Ministry on Saturday denounced the U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iran, calling them “a pre-planned and unprovoked act of armed aggression against a sovereign and independent U.N. member state” and demanding an immediate end to the attacks in favor of diplomacy. In a Telegram statement, the ministry accused the U.S. and Israel of using concerns over Iran’s nuclear program as a cover for pursuing regime change. It warned the strikes could trigger a “humanitarian, economic and possibly radiological catastrophe” and claimed the actions risk plunging the Middle East into uncontrolled escalation. Moscow also described the bombing of nuclear facilities under International Atomic Energy Agency safeguards as “unacceptable” and said it is prepared to assist in brokering a peaceful resolution, while holding Washington and Tel Aviv fully responsible for the crisis.

 Israel targets Khamenei, senior officials in effort to destabilize Iran's regime The Israeli Air Force launched a series of strikes across Iran on Saturday morning targeting Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and senior political and military officials, according to Israeli and U.S. sources. The operation is part of a broader U.S.-Israeli campaign aimed at destabilizing the Iranian regime, which has governed since the 1979 Islamic Revolution. Israeli officials said the strikes hit three sites where top leaders were gathered, aiming to remove key figures involved in managing the regime. Among those reportedly targeted were President Masoud Pezeshkian, Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps commander Mohammad Pakpour, Defense Minister Amir Nasirzadeh, Khamenei’s top security adviser Ali Shamkhani, and former President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad. Officials indicated that Pakpour and Nasirzadeh may have been killed, while Khamenei’s sons likely survived. U.S. strikes focused on Iran’s missile program an...

 LAGOS GOVT DEBUNKS BUDGETING N4.2B FOR PURCHASE OF FURNITURE, MICROPHONES FOR DEPUTY GOVERNOR'S OFFICE   The Lagos State Government has debunked the allegation that N4.2 billion is proposed in the Year 2026 budget for the purchase of furniture and 30 microphones for the Office of the Deputy Governor.   In a statement issued and signed by the Lagos State Ministry of Economic Planning and Budget, the State Government described the news report in some online media as inaccurate and a clear misinterpretation of the approved capital provisions.   The statement reads in part: "The attention of the Lagos State Government has been drawn to reports alleging that ₦4.2 billion was proposed in the 2026 budget for the purchase of office furniture and microphones for the Office of the Deputy Governor.   "This claim is inaccurate and results from a clear misinterpretation of the approved capital provisions. The total capital allocation for the Office of the Deputy Governor fo...

 Mauritius suspends diplomatic ties with Maldives over Chagos Islands row Mauritius has suspended diplomatic relations with the Maldives in a move it attributed to the Maldivian government's non-recognition of Mauritian sovereignty over the Chagos Islands. The decision follows Maldives' stand that "it no longer recognizes the sovereignty of the Republic of Mauritius over the Chagos Archipelago, its territorial integrity and is now objecting to the Agreement between Mauritius and the United Kingdom," according to a statement by the foreign affairs ministry. The decision "reflects the commitment of Mauritius to safeguard its national interest and uphold the principles of sovereignty and respect to the United Nations Charter, international law, peace and stability in the region," read the statement issued after a Cabinet meeting late on Friday, Anadolu Agency reported. The UK and Mauritius signed last year an agreement to settle the future of the contested Chag...

 STATEHOUSE PRESS RELEASE PRESIDENT TINUBU RENEWS THE TENURE OF ABUBAKAR AUDI AS COMMANDANT-GENERAL OF NSCDC President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reappointed Dr Ahmed Abubakar Audi as the Commandant-General of the Nigeria Security & Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) for a new five-year term. The reappointment took effect from Friday, February 27. Dr Audi was first appointed to the position in 2021 by former President Muhammadu Buhari. His initial five-year term ended last Friday as he participated in activities commemorating the 2026 World Civil Defence Day at the NSCDC National Headquarters in Abuja. He will resume his duties on Monday with a renewed mandate.  President Tinubu charged Audi to reposition the service to play a more significant role in the country's security, especially as the police refocus on their primary responsibility of protecting citizens from bandits, kidnappers, and terrorists. Dr Audi was born on September 30, 1967, in Laminga Town, Nasarawa LGA, Nasarawa Sta...

 African Union calls for 'urgent de-escalation' after US, Israel launch attack on Iran The African Union urged cooler heads to prevail on Saturday after the United States and Israel launched strikes against Iran, warning that conflict could risk harming people on the continent. The pan-African body's head, Mahamoud Ali Youssouf called "for restraint, urgent de-escalation and sustained dialogue". "Further escalation risks worsening global instability, with serious implications for energy markets, food security, and economic resilience -- particularly in Africa, where conflict and economic pressures remain acute." The strikes come amid escalating tensions over Iran’s nuclear programme amid talks with the United States. Witnesses reported a powerful explosion in Iran’s capital, Tehran, with thick smoke rising, while the Iranian government has yet to comment, Reuters news agency reports. Explosions also heard in Isfahan, Qom, Karaj and Kermanshah, according ...

 Pentagon to sever ties with Columbia, Yale, Brown, and others as Hegseth cites 'wokeness" The Pentagon announced that beginning next school year, members of the U.S. military will be prohibited from attending Columbia, Yale, Brown, Princeton, and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, along with several other institutions. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth unveiled the policy in a video message, accusing the universities of fostering what he described as anti-American sentiment and ideology incompatible with military values. He called for the “complete and immediate cancellation” of Defense Department attendance at the named schools, arguing that elite institutions have benefited from taxpayer dollars while promoting what he labeled as “wokeness and weakness” instead of pragmatic leadership and a focus on victory. The directive follows an earlier move targeting Harvard University, where restrictions were placed on military participation in certain graduate-level professional...

 GOVERNOR ALIA SURPRISES BENUE ARTISAN, MR IORDYE  WITH ₦10 MILLION ON BAPTISM DAY, GIVES ACCOUNT  In an unexpected gesture of generosity, Hyacinth Alia visited Mr. Isaac Iordye at his shop on September 14, 2025, the very day the artisan was scheduled for baptism. The Governor personally gifted ₦10 million to Mr. Iordye, while Hon. Haakyav Tombu Peter contributed an additional ₦1 million. Speaking to Benue Info-pedia during a recent visit, Mr. Iordye expressed deep gratitude, describing the visit as “overwhelming” and life-changing. The financial support has reportedly helped boost his business and inspired local conversations about the Governor’s hands-on approach to supporting ordinary citizens. Residents of Benue have since applauded the initiative, highlighting it as an example of leadership that connects directly with the people.

 LSMTL SIGNS LABORATORY QUALITY POLICY STATEMENT … Commits Agency To ISO 17025:2017 Accreditation In a landmark move towards International recognition, the General Manager of the Lagos State Materials Testing Laboratory Agency (LSMTL), Engr. Olayinka Abdul has officially signed the Agency's Laboratory Quality Policy Statement, reinforcing its commitment to achieving ISO/IEC 17025:2017 Accreditation.  The signing ceremony, held on Thursday at Ojodu-Berger and attended by all personnel of the Agency, marked a pivotal moment in its accreditation journey.  In her remarks, Engr. Olayinka Abdul emphasised the transformative potential of the accreditation drive, noting that Stakeholders and Members of the Public have continued to commend the Agency's operations.  She revealed that feedback from Clients and Industry Partners indicates that the Agency's activities are impressive and at par with International best practices in Materials Testing. Following the Policy signing, e...

 Barbra Streisand slammed over Olympic post about Alysa Liu Barbra Streisand recently faced backlash online after posting what she intended as a celebratory message for Olympic figure skater Alysa Liu. The legendary performer congratulated Liu on her gold medal win at the Winter Olympics in Milan, highlighting that Liu had once skated to her song “Don’t Rain on My Parade.”  Streisand also added a personal anecdote about her childhood experiences with a Chinese family in Brooklyn, noting Liu’s heritage. While the post was meant to honor Liu, many social media users felt the caption wandered off-topic and drew attention away from the skater’s achievement. The reactions on Instagram were swift, with some praising Liu’s historic victory while others criticized Streisand’s wording.  Comments ranged from lighthearted jokes to blunt critiques, with several users suggesting the message seemed awkward or self-focused.  Many felt that Streisand’s reference to Liu’s background ...

 Billy Ray Cyrus’s ex-wife Firerose accused him of abuse, now her own family are coming to his defense Billy Ray Cyrus’ ex-wife, Firerose, has accused him of “narcissistic abuse” following their split in May 2024 after seven months of marriage. The 64-year-old country star, now dating actress Elizabeth Hurley, has faced repeated claims from Firerose that he isolated her from loved ones.  However, her parents, Stephen and Debbie, dispute those allegations, telling Page Six that Cyrus never cut her off from family.  Instead, they say Firerose severed ties with them back in 2020, leaving them heartbroken and eager to reconnect. The couple’s short-lived marriage has been marked by mutual accusations of emotional mistreatment. Firerose alleged in court documents that Cyrus controlled her communications and restricted visits from friends and family, while  Cyrus denied those claims and countered that she was verbally and physically abusive toward him. Firerose’s representa...

 They Were Meant to Be Flying Home - Man Fighting Lung Cancer Is Stranded Abroad After Suffering a Stroke While on Vacation What was supposed to be a few peaceful weeks by the sea has become a medical nightmare thousands of miles from home. Wayne Muress, 66, from England, is hospitalized in India after suffering a stroke while on vacation with his wife, Maggie.  The couple had traveled to Goa for a three week break, hoping for rest and time together before returning home. Instead, they now find themselves navigating a health crisis in a foreign country. Wayne has been living with lung cancer for six years, a diagnosis that ended his career as a fisherman and reshaped daily life for the couple.  According to his relative, Sam Pigget, who spoke to The Mirror, Wayne and Maggie have focused on making the most of their time together, determined to enjoy life despite ongoing treatments and uncertainty. On the morning of Feb. 12, just two days before their scheduled flight back ...

 'Is he wearing a mask?' Jim Carrey's unrecognizable puffy new look sparks fan meltdown  Jim Carrey took the Paris spotlight on Thursday night, not just for the career honor he received, but for an appearance that had fans buzzing. The 64-year-old actor arrived at the 51st César Awards held at the historic L'Olympia in a sleek, all-black suit, exuding classic Hollywood style.  Carrey was presented with an Honorary César, a celebration of his decades-long contributions to film, and delivered a heartfelt speech dedicating the milestone to his late father. “I wanted to recognize my dad. I mean, my dad was the type of person that if you met him for five minutes, you felt like you knew him for 50 years,” Carrey said, a clip from the ceremony quickly going viral online. While many applauded the tribute and celebrated Carrey’s incredible filmography, including The Mask, Ace Ventura: Pet Detective, Liar Liar, and Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, social media users couldn’...

 Lewis Hamilton warned to swerve 'Kardashian curse' as his romance with Kim goes into overdrive Lewis Hamilton’s rumored romance with Kim Kardashian has quickly become a subject of intrigue, with some of his close associates advising caution.  The seven-time Formula One champion, 41, and the 45-year-old reality star have known each other for years, but recent outings including a private dinner in Paris and a joint appearance at the 2026 Super Bowl suggest their friendship has evolved into something more.  Observers noted Hamilton leaning in close to Kardashian during the game, even hinting he would introduce her to his mother. Insiders describe the relationship as fast-moving, with both stars adjusting their schedules to spend time together. Kardashian is reportedly drawn to Hamilton’s confidence and success, appreciating that he has built his own empire independent of her fame.  For Hamilton, the connection appears intense, though his friends worry about the media f...

  Meghan Markle and Prince Harry Present NAACP-Archewell Digital Civil Rights Award After Jordan Trip Meghan Markle and Prince Harry made a surprise virtual appearance at the NAACP Image Awards Creative Honors just hours after wrapping their humanitarian trip to Jordan. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex were featured in a pre-recorded video that aired during the Feb. 26 ceremony at L.A. Live.  In the message, they presented the NAACP-Archewell Digital Civil Rights Award to Dr. Mary Anne Franks for her leadership with the Cyber Civil Rights Initiative.  The backdrop used for the video is one the couple has featured in during previous joint appearances. Their cameo coincided with the conclusion of a two-day international trip focused on health, mental health, and support for communities affected by conflict.  On the same day, the Sussexes met with World Health Organization Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus during site visits in Jordan. The NAACP-Archewell Di...

 Music legend Neil Sedaka dead at 86 Legendary singer-songwriter Neil Sedaka passed away on Friday, February 27, at the age of 86. His family released a heartfelt statement expressing their grief, describing him as not only a rock and roll icon but also a devoted husband, father, and grandfather.  They emphasized that while millions admired his music, those closest to him cherished the warmth of his character most deeply. Sedaka’s death followed reports that he had been rushed to the hospital earlier that day. Rising to fame in the late 1950s and 1960s, he became a defining voice of the era with hits like Oh Carol, Breaking Up Is Hard to Do, and Next Door to an Angel.  He was also a key figure in shaping the “Brill Building” sound, collaborating with lyricist Howard Greenfield to pen classics for other artists, including Stupid Cupid and Where the Boys Are for Connie Francis, and Love Will Keep Us Together for Captain & Tennille. Over his six-decade career, Sedaka ear...

 Pink separates from Carey Hart for second time after 20 years of marriage Reports surfaced claiming that Pink and her husband Carey Hart had separated after two decades of marriage, but the singer quickly shut down the speculation.  On February 26, Pink posted a video on Instagram dismissing the rumors as “fake news,” joking that even her children hadn’t been informed of the supposed split.  She urged fans and media to focus on her accomplishments rather than fabricated stories, making it clear that her marriage remains intact. Pink, 46, and Hart, 50, share two children, Willow Sage and Jameson Moon. The couple first met at the 2001 Summer X Games and married in Costa Rica in 2006.  Though they briefly separated in 2008, they reconciled the following year, with Hart even appearing in Pink’s hit “So What” music video, which was inspired by their breakup.  Over the years, they’ve been candid about the ups and downs of their relationship, often crediting therapy a...

 El-Rufai: You Have Acted On The Yearnings Of The Downtrodden, Kaduna Citizens Tell EFCC, ICPC, DSS The Kaduna Citizens Watch for Good Governance has commended the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC), and the Department of State Services (DSS) for what it described as their courage and professionalism in holding the immediate past Governor of Kaduna State, Nasir El-Rufai, accountable for his eight years in office. The group said the agencies had acted on the yearnings and aspirations of millions of downtrodden citizens of Kaduna State. Members of the group staged a peaceful procession to the Kaduna offices of the EFCC and the ICPC, chanting solidarity songs and carrying placards with inscriptions such as, “Investigate and prosecute El-Rufai now,” “We won’t be silent until El-Rufai faces the law,” and “We stand with ICPC, EFCC.” Other placards read, “Citizens demand that El-Rufai be investigated and prosecuted,” “Inves...