PINK REPUBLIC/ MY BLOG IS A STORY MARATHON.

 'No Kings' protest in Los Angeles turns chaotic as dozens arrested after day of mass demonstrations The “No Kings” protests in Los Angeles this past weekend highlighted how quickly a peaceful demonstration can shift into unrest.  Thousands of people filled downtown streets as part of a global wave of coordinated events opposing President Donald Trump’s policies and the war in Iran.  For much of the day, the atmosphere was calm, with chants and signs near City Hall and Grand Park.  But by evening, tensions escalated near the Metropolitan Detention Center, where authorities declared an unlawful assembly. Police reported that some protesters began throwing rocks, bottles, and chunks of concrete, injuring two federal officers.  In response, law enforcement deployed tear gas, pepper balls, and bean bag rounds to disperse the crowd.  Seventy-four people were arrested for failing to leave, including eight juveniles, and one person was detained for carrying a dagg...

 Trump says we need to focus money on war, not daycare At an Easter Luncheon on April 1, President Donald Trump made remarks that sparked controversy over federal spending priorities.  He argued that the government should not subsidize daycare, Medicaid, or Medicare, insisting that such programs should be handled by individual states.  Instead, he said federal resources must be focused on military protection and ongoing wars, particularly the conflict in Iran. Trump explained that states should raise their own taxes to cover daycare costs, while the federal government could lower taxes slightly in return.  His comments came after funding cuts in January to daycare programs in five Democrat-led states: California, Colorado, Illinois, Minnesota, and New York.  He dismissed federal involvement in social programs as “little scams,” saying the government’s role should be limited to national defense. The timing of his remarks drew attention to the financial trade-offs...

 House Oversight Committee vows to enforce Pam Bondi subpoena despite removal as attorney general      Members of the House Oversight Committee said Thursday they plan to continue efforts to enforce a subpoena against former Attorney General Pam Bondi, even after her removal from the position. Lawmakers from both parties have been scrutinizing Bondi over her handling of the Justice Department’s release of files tied to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Some Republicans also welcomed her departure. Rep. Nancy Mace of South Carolina criticized Bondi’s handling of the Epstein files, saying it undermined President Donald Trump. Mace emphasized that the subpoena remains valid, noting it was issued to Bondi personally, not solely in her capacity as attorney general. Democrats on the committee made clear they intend to press forward. Rep. Robert Garcia of California said Bondi remains legally obligated to testify under oath and will not avoid accountability. He added ...

Artemis II crew shares first image of Earth from Orion spacecraft on lunar mission Following a successful launch from Earth, the Artemis II crew captured and shared the first image of Earth from aboard the Orion spacecraft. NASA released the photo early Thursday, marking the second day of the 10-day lunar mission before the astronauts begin their return trip to Earth. Artemis II lifted off on Wednesday from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the same site that launched the Apollo missions decades ago. Survivors of the Apollo program watched as the Space Launch System rocket ascended into the evening sky, with a nearly full moon 248,000 miles away serving as the mission’s distant target. Commander Reid Wiseman led the crew with the call, “Let’s go to the moon!” alongside pilot Victor Glover, Christina Koch, and Canada’s Jeremy Hansen. This mission is NASA’s most diverse lunar crew to date, including the first woman, first person of color, and first non-U.S. citizen in the Orion cap...

Gucci Mane allegedly robbed and kidnapped by Pooh Shiesty and Big30 in Dallas music studio   Rapper Gucci Mane, whose real name is Radric Delantic Davis, was allegedly kidnapped and robbed at gunpoint in Dallas by fellow rappers Pooh Shiesty and Big30, federal authorities said. According to the Department of Justice, nine individuals participated in the incident at a Dallas music studio. Eight of the nine suspects were arrested on Wednesday in Dallas, Memphis, and Nashville. The robbery occurred during a meeting arranged by Pooh Shiesty, whose real name is Lontrell Denell Williams Jr., to discuss recording contract terms with one of the victims. Williams Jr. previously gained fame with songs like Back in Blood and had been signed to Gucci Mane’s 1017 label before legal troubles. Authorities say that once inside the studio, Williams Jr. and his co-conspirators, some traveling from Memphis, executed an armed takeover. Williams Jr. allegedly pulled out an AK-style pistol and forced a ...

 Survivors of Jeffrey Epstein sue Les Wexner and Wexner Foundation over alleged enabling of sex trafficking ring Eleven survivors of convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein have filed a lawsuit against billionaire retail executive Les Wexner, the Wexner Foundation, and Nine East 71st Street Corporation, claiming they enabled Epstein to build an international sex trafficking network and commit widespread gender-based abuse. The plaintiffs allege that Wexner, who had a longstanding business relationship and personal association with Epstein from the 1980s until 2007, provided the financial resources and connections that allowed Epstein to target and assault women. The lawsuit highlights comments from members of Congress stating that Epstein’s influence would have been impossible without Wexner’s support. The suit details Wexner’s financial and professional ties to Epstein, including roughly $200 million in payments for wealth management services, and accuses him of allowing Epstein to...

Judge dismisses most of Blake Lively’s sexual harassment claims against director Justin Baldoni  A federal judge on Thursday dismissed most of the claims in Blake Lively’s sexual harassment lawsuit against Justin Baldoni, the director and co-star of her 2024 film “It Ends With Us.” In the case, Lively’s lawyers argued that Baldoni repeatedly crossed boundaries on set, describing him as “consistently inappropriate.” They also accused Baldoni and his Wayfarer Studios production company of carrying out a punitive “smear campaign” after Lively spoke out about the alleged toxic work environment. Baldoni’s legal team countered, stating their client was “kissed, nuzzled and touched” without her consent. Neither Lively nor Baldoni’s representatives have responded to requests for comment. A Zoom hearing regarding the remaining claims is scheduled for Thursday afternoon at 5 p.m. ET.

 Status quo versus status quo ante bellum: An explainer to the wailing ADC I asked AI and Google to explain the meanings of the Latin terms. Here is the explanation that I got:  Status quo ante bellum means "the state existing before the war". It is used in treaties and diplomacy to describe a peace settlement in which neither side gains or loses territory, power, or economic rights, effectively restoring the political and geographical conditions that existed before the conflict began. Status quo: The current state of affairs. Status quo ante or status quo ante bellum: The state of affairs prior to a specific event. For example, Russia and the United States are now trying to maintain the status quo about their nuclear arsenals. To maintain the status quo is to keep things as they are.  The related phrase status quo ante, literally 'the status before', refers to the state of affairs that existed previously. In the case between Nafiu Gombe versus ADC, David Mark, and Ra...

 STATEHOUSE PRESS RELEASE PRESIDENT TINUBU: FG TO DEPLOY AI-ENABLED CAMERA NETWORKS TO COMBAT INSECURITY IN PLATEAU President Bola Tinubu has assured the people of Plateau State that the Federal Government will deploy an artificial intelligence-enabled network of over 5,000 digital cameras to help law enforcement agencies combat insecurity in the state. President Tinubu gave the promise in his address during his visit to Jos on Thursday. He commiserated with the government and people of the state on the March 29 gun attacks that claimed the lives of innocent citizens in the Angwan Rukuba district of Jos North Local Government Area. “I promise you that this experience will not repeat itself,” he said. President Tinubu directed the Minister of Defence, Gen. Christopher Musa (Rtd), Chief of Army Staff, Gen. Waidi Shaibu, and the Inspector General of Police, Olatunji Disu, to “unearth and find the killers” of innocent Nigerians. He announced that the Minister of Communication and Digit...

 David Craig Files for Divorce from RHONY’s Sai de Silva After Nearly 20 Years Together RHONY Star Sai de Silva’s Marriage Ends as Husband Files for Divorce Sai de Silva and David Craig Part Ways After Nine Years of Marriage Reality TV star Sai de Silva and her husband David Craig are closing a long chapter. Craig filed for divorce in New York on April 2, ending nine years of marriage and nearly two decades together, according to court records. In the filing, Craig is listed as the plaintiff, initiating the legal process, while Silva, mother of their children London, 14, and Rio, 8, is listed as the defendant. She has not publicly commented on the proceedings. Representatives for Silva and Craig’s attorney have not responded to requests for comment. Silva, who joined The Real Housewives of New York City during its 2023 recast season alongside Erin Lichy and Jessel Taank, has occasionally shared the spotlight with Craig on the series. Last season, she confronted rumors that she “sto...

 COAS  DEPLOYS MORE  TROOPS TO PLATEAU TO CURB RISING TENSION In a swift and decisive move to contain the escalating security situation in parts of Plateau State, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, NAM, has approved the immediate deployment of additional troops to strengthen ongoing operations under Operation ENDURING PEACE. The reinforcement is aimed at supporting troops already on ground in de-escalating tensions and restoring law and order across affected areas of the state. While addressing troops at the Headquarters Joint Task Force Operation ENDURING PEACE in Jos, the COAS charged them to remain professional, disciplined and firm in dealing with criminal elements threatening the peace and security of law-abiding citizens. He assured the personnel that adequate logistics and combat enablers have been provided to ensure the effective execution of their mission. The newly deployed troops, numbering over 850, were drawn from formations in A...

 Court Jails One for False Information in Maiduguri Justice Aisha Kumaliya of the Borno State High Court sitting in Maiduguri convicted and sentenced one Abdulrahman Mallam to six months imprisonment. The convict was arraigned on Thursday, April 2, 2026 by the Maiduguri Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on a one -count charge for the offence of giving false information. The charge read: "That you, Abdulrahman Mallam between the period of 24 October, 2025 to March, 2026 at the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, 80, Baba Shehu Laminu Street, Maiduguri, within the Jurisdiction of this Honourable Court did make written statements to Alex Mbu Anjor and Sadiq Danjuma Junior, officers of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission to wit: "I introduced myself to bank fraud section as a civil servant with Ministry of Youth and Sport Poverty Alleviation Borno State.... I was already retired when I stand as surety..." which statement ...

 Nasarawa Court Grants Final Forfeiture of Multiple Properties, Cash to FG The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on Wednesday, April 1, 2026 secured the final forfeiture of multiple properties and cash before Justice M.O. Olajuwon of the Federal High Court, sitting in Lafia, Nasarawa State to the federal government. The assets are proceeds of unlawful activities belonging to one Theophilus Oloche Ebonyi. The properties forfeited include a 23-room hotel and event centre known as De Thinkers Home and Apartments, located at New Layout, Abattoir Road First Gate, Nyanya Gwandara, Nasarawa State; a warehouse and sachet water factory and dispenser, located at No. 20 Philip Doda Street, Koroduma, Karu Local Government Area of Nasarawa State; two office buildings, located at Philip Doda Street, before Chapel of Redemption Church, One-man Village, Koroduma, Karu, Nasarawa State; Theo International Academy Primary School, situated at Second Gate, Balogun Street, beside Football ...

   King Charles Hosts Maundy Service in Wales for the First Time in Decades King Charles and Queen Camilla were in Wales on April 2 for the Royal Maundy Service, marking a rare return of the tradition to the country.  It was the first time the event has been held in Wales since 1982, and only the second time in the service’s long history. The ceremony took place at St. Asaph Cathedral in north Wales, and it carried personal significance for Prince William and Kate Middleton.  Since King Charles became monarch in September 2022, William and Kate have held the historic titles of Prince and Princess of Wales, frequently visiting the region in their new roles.  King Charles himself carried the title of Prince of Wales for 64 years before ascending the throne, adding another layer of meaning to the occasion. At the service, King Charles personally presented Royal Maundy gifts to 77 men and 77 women, honoring their dedicated Christian service within communities across...

 Donald Trump Compares Himself To Jesus Christ On Social Media Donald Trump was compared to Jesus during a prayer session at a White House Easter lunch, after a senior faith adviser drew parallels between the challenges he has faced and the sacrifice of Christ. Speaking before guests and clergy at the event, Paula White-Cain, a senior adviser to the White House Faith Office and pastor, directly likened Trump’s political troubles and the failed 2024 assassination attempt to the suffering Jesus endured before the resurrection. Addressing the president during the prayer, she said no one had paid the kind of price he had paid. “Mr President, no one has paid the price like you have paid the price,” she said. “It almost cost you your life. You were betrayed and arrested and falsely accused. It’s a familiar pattern that our Lord and Savior showed us, but it didn’t end there for him, and it didn’t end there for you.” Her remarks effectively compared Trump’s ordeal to the suffering of Jesus...

 North West Steals the Spotlight in Surprise Stage Moment With Kanye More than 70,000 fans packed SoFi Stadium on Wednesday night, but one of the biggest moments of Kanye West’s comeback concert came when an unexpected guest walked onto the stage, his daughter, North West. The 12-year-old made a surprise appearance during the Los Angeles show, joining her father for live performances of their collaborative tracks, “Talking” and “Piercing on My Hand.”  The father-daughter moment quickly became one of the night’s standout highlights as the crowd roared in excitement. ([Page Six][1]) North arrived in her usual bold style, wearing an oversized black sweatshirt with a white star design, loose-fitting pants, chunky boots, and dark sunglasses.  She also kept her signature blue hair and topped off the look with a striking diamond skull necklace, giving the performance an edgy, youthful flair.  The concert itself ran for about two hours and marked a major return for Kanye, wh...

 ANAMBRA STATE GOVT CLAMP DOWN ON ILLEGAL OCCUPANTS Bonaventure Alufo Anambra State Physical Planning Board, ANSPPB Enforcement Team demolished Shanties occupied by some individuals alongside those trading therein.  The demolition exercise was carried out at the Scraps Market by No. 35 Silas Works, Fegge, Onitsha South LGA. While the exercise was ongoing, some residents in the area welcomed the state government's demolition of the Shanties  indiscriminately built in this part of Fegge.  The likes of Mr Okwuchukwu Eke, and Pastor Nwankwo Ignatius in their separate speech lauded the enthusiasm and determination displayed by the Solution Government to make the environment safe for  human habitation and also conducive for business activities to thrive.  Continuing, they said that before the demolition, the whole place is being taken over by some bad boys and miscreants as their hideout after their nefarious activities.  However, a staff of ANSPPB, in Onits...

 APLUC Seals Residential Buildings, Shops in Odume Lay-out, Obosi By Anthonia Chioma Okeke The Anambra Property and Land Use Charge (APLUC) sealed the houses and business premises that belong to defaulting Landlords in Odume Layout, Obosi in Idemili North Local Government Area in Anambra State. The exercise was executed by APLUC Enforcement Team,  which was headed by Sir Ndu Victor in Awka. The President General (PG)of Odume Layout who is also the Chairman of Odume Landlords Association, Mr Anthony Esimoneze in a phone conversation with information officer confirmed that last year 2025; APLUC delegates and Odume Landlords Association held series of meetings, deliberated and agreed on a specific amount each Landlord will be paying to Anambra State Government annually depending on the type of building. According to the Chairman, the directive came from the state government and one can not fight the government. He further explained that those sealed buildings are people who refus...

 ANSIEC Lifts Ban Ahead of 2027 Election By Doris Onyekachi  The Anambra State Independent Electoral Commission (ANSIEC) has officially lifted the ban on political campaigns ahead of the 2026 Local Government elections in the state, paving the way for political parties to commence open campaigns across the 21 council areas. The lift was announced on April 1, during a press briefing at the Commission's headquarters in Awka. The decision aligns with the provisions of the Electoral Act 2022, which stipulates that campaign must begin 150 days before election day and end 24 hours prior to voting. The Commission specifically warned against the use of abusive, inflammatory or inciting language capable of provoking violence, stressing that the Commission would not hesitate to invoke relevant provisions of the law against offenders,whether individuals, candidates or political parties. ANSIEC disclosed that a total of 22 candidates ate contesting for the chairmanship position across the...

 Bandits Kill One, Kidnap Children, Pregnant Woman In Southern Kaduna Suspected bandits launched an attack on a community in Southern Kaduna on Wednesday night, killing one person and abducting several others, including children and a pregnant woman. The incident took place in Zuturung Tintaah village, located in Zangon Kataf Local Government Area of Kaduna State.  According to a family source, the attackers stormed the residence of Mr. Sunday Stephen Michael during the raid. A 48-year-old neighbour, Mr. Yashim Raphael, was killed in the attack, while about ten people comprising men, women, children, and a pregnant woman, were taken away by the assailants. The latest incident adds to the growing wave of violence in Southern Kaduna.  Just days earlier, at least 13 people were killed and 28 others abducted during an attack on a wedding ceremony in Kagarko Local Government Area. Residents have continued to call on security agencies to take urgent action to curb the increasin...

 LSTMB TRAINS SPIRITUAL INGREDIENTS SELLERS ON RULES, REGULATIONS  The Lagos State Traditional Medicine Board (LSTMB) has completed a two-week training programme for spiritual ingredients sellers. The training aimed to teach them about the laws and rules governing traditional medicine practices in Lagos State. Speaking at the closing ceremony, the Acting Registrar of LSTMB, Mr. Hakeem Bello, said the training is the first edition held for spiritual ingredients sellers, and it's part of the Board's efforts to ensure that traditional medicine practitioners operate properly.  Bello said the board wants to make sure that practitioners are aware of the rules and regulations, and that they work together to promote traditional medicine safely and responsibly. "The training is a first for spiritual ingredients sellers," he noted. "It's part of our efforts to ensure that traditional medicine practitioners operate properly, and to make sure practitioners are aware of t...