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 Cameron Diaz reflects on her acting hiatus and having her first child aged 47 Cameron Diaz has reflected on her decade‑long break from acting and becoming a mother later in life.  Now 53, she explained in a recent interview that she was grateful for the time away, which allowed her to focus on her family with husband Benji Madden.  The couple share two children daughter Raddix, six, and son Cardinal, two. Diaz returned to acting last year and is set to star alongside Keanu Reeves in Apple TV’s Outcome, calling the opportunity “a thrill” and describing acting as “the best job in the world.” Diaz also spoke about embracing motherhood at 47, saying it is the most fulfilling part of her life, even if it comes with challenges.  She admitted she approaches parenting like any other mom, trying to stay strong and healthy. Her comments follow earlier remarks about rejecting cosmetic procedures such as Botox, which she once tried but disliked.  Diaz has said she prefers ...

 Russia's Africa Corps confirms withdrawal from Mali's Kidal Africa Corps, a paramilitary group controlled by ​Russia's Defence Ministry, confirmed on Monday that its forces ‌had withdrawn from the northern town of Kidal in Mali after fierce fighting there. The Azawad Liberation Front, or FLA, a Tuareg-dominated rebel ​group, carried out simultaneous attacks across the country at the ​weekend, including on Kidal, in coordination with West ⁠Africa's al Qaeda affiliate. Africa Corps, which has been supporting ​the military-led central government, said in a statement that the ​decision to withdraw from Kidal had been taken in conjunction with the Malian leadership. "In accordance with a joint decision by the leadership ​of the Republic of Mali, units of the African ​Corps that were stationed and engaged in combat in the town of ‌Kidal ⁠have withdrawn from the area alongside Malian Army personnel," the statement, posted on Telegram, said, Reuters reported. "W...

 DRC to set up paramilitary unit to secure mines The Democratic Republic of Congo announced on Monday that it was setting up a paramilitary unit to secure mining sites in the country, which has abundant deposits of sought-after minerals. The Central African nation produces around 70% of global cobalt output – key for making electric batteries and in defence technology – and holds some of the world's richest deposits of copper, coltan and lithium. Chinese firms hold a significant mining position in the country, though there are companies from the United States and elsewhere. The General Inspectorate of Mines (IGM), a government body that oversees and fights fraud in the mining sector, announced the creation of "the mining guard." Securing 'entire mineral exploitation chain' It said in a statement it was a "paramilitary special unit intended to secure the entire mineral exploitation chain" in the DRC. With funding of $100 million, it said the plan was part...

Nedra Talley Ross, last surviving member of The Ronettes, dies at 80 Nedra Talley Ross, the last surviving member of the iconic 1960s girl group The Ronettes, has died at the age of 80. Her daughter, Nedra K. Ross, said the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee died Sunday morning at her home, surrounded by family. In a social media post, she wrote that her mother “went home to be with the Lord” at about 8:30 a.m., noting she was “safe in her own bed at home with her family close, knowing she was loved.” Ross performed alongside her cousins Estelle Bennett and Ronnie Spector in The Ronettes, which rose to fame in the early 1960s after signing with producer Phil Spector. The group became known for defining hits such as “Be My Baby” and “Baby I Love You,” helping shape the sound and style of the era’s girl-group pop. The Ronettes achieved international success, including popularity in the United Kingdom, and famously opened for The Beatles during their final U.S. tour in 1966. Decades late...

 Reports say Iranian strikes caused billions in damage to US military bases and equipment across the Gulf region Iranian strikes reportedly inflicted billions of dollars in damage on U.S. military bases and equipment across the Gulf region, raising questions about the Trump administration’s disclosure of the full cost of repairs and battlefield losses. According to individuals familiar with the aftermath, the attacks hit runways, radar systems, aircraft, command centers, hangars, warehouses, and satellite communications infrastructure across multiple U.S. and allied installations in the Middle East. The total damage is estimated to reach as high as $5 billion for repairs alone, not including additional losses to weapons systems and equipment deemed beyond repair. The reported damage spans several countries, including Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Bahrain, Qatar, and Iraq. Early in the conflict, Camp Buehring in Kuwait was among the first sites struck, foll...

Mariclare Costello, actress from The Waltons and cult horror film star of Let’s Scare Jessica to Death, dies at 90 Mariclare Costello, a veteran stage and screen actress and lifetime member of The Actors Studio, has died at the age of 90. She passed away on April 17 in Brooklyn, her family said. Costello was widely recognized for her role as schoolteacher Rosemary Hunter on CBS’s The Waltons, where she appeared in 15 episodes during the series’s first five seasons from 1972 to 1977. Her character became a memorable part of Walton’s Mountain, including a storyline in which she married Rev. Matthew Fordwick, played by John Ritter. She also appeared in the series Sara during the same era. In film, Costello earned a lasting cult following for her role as Emily Bishop in the 1971 horror film Let’s Scare Jessica to Death, where she portrayed a mysterious figure tied to a psychological and supernatural story. One of her most striking scenes featured her rising from a lake in a wedding dress. ...

 Country singer and former The Voice contestant Dylan Carter dies at 24 in South Carolina car crash Country singer and former The Voice contestant Dylan Carter has died at the age of 24 following a car accident in Colleton County, South Carolina, on April 25. His death was confirmed by a nonprofit organization he co-founded, which supports women battling cancer, though officials have not released further details about the crash. Carter, described as a “proud Lowcountry native,” was known both for his music career and community involvement. He co-founded the organization behind the announcement and was also a business owner and realtor, operating Sunny Days RV & Campground. The group said he was deeply committed to the idea that every voice matters, adding that he brought people together through his kindness, music, and personality. In 2023, Carter appeared on Season 24 of The Voice, where he gained attention after performing Whitney Houston’s “I Look to You” during his audition...

Jay Bryant pleads guilty in 2002 killing of Run-DMC’s Jam Master Jay, agrees to 15–20 year sentenc     Jay Bryant pleaded guilty on Monday in connection with the 2002 killing of Run-DMC DJ Jason Mizell, known as Jam Master Jay, admitting in court that he helped two gunmen gain access to a Queens recording studio where the hip-hop legend was shot and killed. Bryant, 52, pleaded guilty to one count of firearm-related murder as part of a deal that could limit his sentence to 15 to 20 years in prison, despite the charge carrying a potential life sentence. In court, he acknowledged that he knowingly assisted in the attack, stating he helped the gunmen enter the studio and understood a shooting was planned. He also admitted he knew his actions were illegal and directly contributed to Mizell’s death. Prosecutors said Bryant played a key role in the fatal shooting by allowing the attackers into the Jamaica, Queens studio through a rear entrance. In his written statement, Bryant a...

 Emefiele: Witness Narrates How $6.23 billion Was Moved from CBN Coffers to Fund Foreign Observers of 2023 Election A witness,  Chinedu Eneanya on Monday, April 27, 2026 told Justice Hamza Muazu of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, High Court, Maitama, Abuja, a total sum of  $6.23billion was allegedly siphoned from the coffers of the Central Bank of Nigeria under the guise of funding foreign election observers. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, is prosecuting Emefiele on an amended 20-count charge bordering on criminal breach of trust, forgery, abuse of office, conspiracy to obtain by false pretence. Eneanya, who was led in evidence by the prosecution counsel,  Rotimi Oyedepo,  SAN,  as the 13th prosecution witness, PW13, told the court that he was part of the team assigned to investigate the allegations against the defendant. According to him, investigations revealed that the sum of $6.23 billion was removed from the coffers of the CBN ...

 ‎NATIONAL SECURITY: Gov. Diri Okays Use Of Kinetic, Non-Kinetic Approaches For Tackling Insecurity. ‎ ‎Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, on Monday, said the adoption of both kinetic and non-kinetic approaches in the fight against banditry, kidnapping, insurgency and other forms of criminality will help in tackling insecurity rocking the country. ‎ ‎Governor Diri stated this during a courtesy visit of participants of the Executive Intelligence Management Course (EIMC) 19, of the National Institute for Security Studies (NISS) in Government House, Yenagoa. ‎ ‎The Bayelsa Chief Executive, who was represented by his Deputy, Dr. Peter Akpe, emphasised the need for complementation, stressing that no military strategy, however sophisticated, can substitute for inclusive governance and equitable distribution of resources that will give the citizenry a sense of belonging. ‎ ‎He informed that his administration was sustaining the prevailing peace in Bayelsa mainly through non-kinet...

 PRESS STATEMENT APC RELEASES REVISED TIMETABLE FOR 2027 GENERAL ELECTIONS The All Progressives Congress (APC) has released its revised timetable and schedule of activities for the 2027 General Elections. This is contained in the revised schedule of activities signed by the Party’s National Organising Secretary, His Excellency Sulaiman Muhammad Argungu, OFR. The revision includes changes to timelines for, among others, screening, appeals, and primary elections, as well as directives on the sale of forms and the Party’s bank accounts approved to receive all payments relating to the purchase of Expression of Interest and Nomination Forms. Signed: *Felix Morka, CON* National Publicity Secretary All Progressives Congress (APC) ABUJA, FCT APRIL 27, 2026

 Pope Leo XIV and Archbishop of Canterbury Sarah Mullally pray together in historic Vatican meeting, pledging unity despite church divisions    Pope Leo XIV met Monday at the Vatican with the Archbishop of Canterbury Sarah Mullally, where the two prayed together and pledged to continue working to bridge long-standing divisions between the Roman Catholic Church and the Anglican Communion. Leo called the meeting historic and said he remained committed to overcoming differences “no matter how intractable they may appear,” while acknowledging that new tensions have been added to centuries-old theological disputes. The encounter brought together two of Christianity’s most prominent figures, including Mullally, the first woman to serve as Archbishop of Canterbury and leader of the global Anglican Communion. The meeting took place at the Vatican, where the two later prayed together in a chapel inside the Apostolic Palace in what was described as a private “moment of prayer.” The...

 Trump backs idea to rename ICE to ‘NICE’ in proposed Homeland Security agency rebrand push President Trump on Sunday endorsed a proposal to rename Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to the National Immigration and Customs Enforcement, a change that would rebrand the agency with the acronym “NICE.” The idea was first promoted by a conservative influencer last month, who suggested the new name would force critics to repeatedly refer to “NICE agents” in public discourse. Trump publicly embraced the suggestion late Sunday, writing, “GREAT IDEA!!! DO IT,” on social media. Other conservative voices quickly backed the proposal, urging Homeland Security leadership to pursue the change as well. The push reflects a broader effort among some allies to reframe messaging around immigration enforcement. Changing the name of a federal agency typically requires congressional approval to amend the law that established it. However, recent administration efforts have tested the boundaries of ...

 Five injured in shootout at Indiana University street party during Little 500 celebrations     Five people were injured in a late-night shootout during a street party near Indiana University in Bloomington, Ind., as crowds gathered for the annual Little 500 cycling celebrations, authorities said. Police said the incident happened around 12:25 a.m. Sunday on East Kirkwood Avenue, where a large crowd had gathered outside a burger restaurant, an argument broke out between two women. Bloomington Police Chief Mike Diekhoff said the confrontation quickly escalated when multiple people pulled handguns. “During the fight, multiple individuals can be seen drawing handguns, and it is believed that two separate individuals fired their weapons,” Diekhoff said. “At that point, everyone began running from the scene, and officers rushed to the area to begin to look for victims.” Five women, ages 17, 18, 20, 21, and 22, were injured in the gunfire. One victim was hospitalized in st...

 Trump assures King Charles III will be 'very safe' during Washington state visit following security concerns President Donald Trump said King Charles III will be “very safe” during his upcoming four-day state visit to Washington, offering public assurances following security concerns raised after a shooting at a major political dinner over the weekend. Speaking ahead of the monarch’s arrival, Trump said the White House and surrounding area were secure and prepared for the visit. “I think it’s great, he’ll be very safe,” Trump said in a television interview. “The White House grounds are really safe. This area of not very many acres is really safe. And he’ll be staying here… he’s going to a couple of other locations because he’s here for a few days.” Buckingham Palace confirmed Sunday that King Charles and Queen Camilla would proceed with the trip after consultations with the White House, saying only minor adjustments had been made to the schedule. The palace said the royal coup...

 Trump administration fires entire National Science Board overseeing NSF      The Trump administration has dismissed all members of the independent board that oversees the National Science Foundation, removing the panel responsible for advising on science policy and guiding the agency’s direction. Members of the National Science Board were notified on Friday in an email from the Presidential Personnel Office stating that their positions were terminated immediately on behalf of President Donald Trump. The board, established in 1950, plays a key role in advising the president and Congress on science and engineering issues, approving major funding awards, and shaping the foundation’s long-term priorities. The board typically consists of 25 presidential appointees serving staggered six-year terms. The dismissed members, drawn from academia and industry, represent fields such as astronomy, mathematics, chemistry, and aerospace engineering. According to former member Yolan...

Another Nigerian found dead in workplace the UK Another UK-based Nigerian has been found dead in the UK, making him the third UK-based Nigerian whose death occurred suddenly in April.  Ademola Oke was reportedly found unresponsive at his workplace in the United Kingdom.  According to a close family friend, Adejonwo Odutola, the incident occurred on April 18.  Odutola explained that Ademola had left home that morning in good health and remained in contact with his wife throughout the day, with no indication of any illness.  Later that day, Ademola was found unresponsive at his workplace by a colleague who arrived for a night shift.  Odutola wrote, “On 18th April, 2026, Ademola, 37 years old, left home in the morning hale and hearty, with no signs of illness. He was in contact with his wife during the day, and they even shared a WhatsApp message at 2:08 pm—everything seemed normal.  “Tragically and without warning, Ademola passed away suddenly while at work. ...

 Crystal Kung Minkoff reveals near stroke scare after blood pressure spike and hospital warning” Crystal Kung Minkoff has shared a worrying update about her health, revealing she recently experienced a scare involving dangerously high blood pressure. On the April 27 episode of her podcast Humble Brag With Crystal and Cynthia, the 43-year-old former Real Housewives of Beverly Hills cast member explained she was delayed arriving at the recording after an urgent doctor’s appointment. She said her blood pressure had spiked to 160/110 mmHg, a level doctors consider significantly above the healthy range. Reflecting on the situation, she said she immediately feared the seriousness of what it could mean. “I was like, ‘OK, so we’re in the realm of stroke now,’” she shared, adding that she was told the condition can often develop quietly without obvious warning signs. Minkoff explained that she had been feeling unusual pressure in her chest, which led her to seek medical attention. After tes...

 Enough is Enough - Melania Trump Calls Out Jimmy Kimmel, Urges ABC to ‘Take a Stand’” Melania Trump has publicly criticized late-night host Jimmy Kimmel, calling on ABC to address what she describes as harmful commentary from his show. In a post shared on X on Monday, April 27, the 56-year-old first lady expressed strong displeasure over recent remarks made about her and her family, saying the tone crossed a line from comedy into something more damaging. She wrote that Kimmel’s monologue “isn’t comedy” and argued that it contributes to division rather than humour. In her words, she described his commentary as “h@teful and vi0lent rhetoric,” adding that such content should not be entering people’s homes through television each night. Melania also directed criticism at ABC, suggesting the network was allowing the situation to continue.  She questioned how often leadership at the broadcaster would continue to “enable” the comedian’s behaviour, and called for accountability....

 Harry Styles and Zoë Kravitz Are Engaged, Keeping It Low-Key for Now It’s official, Harry Styles and Zoë Kravitz are engaged. The couple has quietly shared the news with a small group of people close to them, and Zoë has already been spotted showing her ring to friends. Talk started picking up earlier this month when Zoë was seen in London wearing a noticeable ring on that finger while spending time with Harry.  Photos published on April 21 captured the two sharing a kiss, and fans quickly connected the dots. She had also been seen with the ring a couple of days earlier during another outing with him. Their relationship itself hasn’t been loud or overly public. It first came onto the radar in August 2025 when the two were seen walking closely together in Rome. Not long after, reports surfaced that they had been spotted kissing during a night out in London. At the time, it was said that Harry was spending time with Zoë while she was busy promoting her project Caught Stealing. ...

 Jodie Sweetin clarifies relationship with "Full House" costar Candace Cameron Bure amid political differences Jodie Sweetin recently addressed the way people often pit her against her Full House co‑star Candace Cameron Bure, stressing that she has never spoken negatively about her.  Appearing on the McBride Rewind podcast, Sweetin explained that while she and Bure hold very different political and social views, she still values their friendship.  Sweetin has been outspoken in her support of LGBTQIA+ rights, reproductive freedom, and climate change, while Bure has publicly aligned with conservative Christian beliefs, including traditional marriage and pro‑life advocacy. Sweetin emphasized that differences in opinion don’t mean animosity, saying she can still hug Bure when she sees her and wishes her well.  She admitted to joking about Bure’s beliefs on the set of Fuller House, but clarified that their disagreements don’t erase their bond.  Sweetin described hers...

 It was a great honour to be present at the 16th Convocation Ceremony of Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University as a visitor to this great institution. The ceremony was a celebration of excellence, hard work, and the power of quality education. It was also a reminder of the critical role universities play in training skilled manpower, shaping character, advancing knowledge, and preparing young people to contribute meaningfully to society. I was particularly delighted to decorate the Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, Most Rev. Dr. Matthew Hassan Kukah, as the new Chancellor of Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University. I am confident that his wisdom, experience, and moral leadership will further strengthen the vision and standing of the university. In recognition of exceptional academic achievement, I announced a ₦4 million naira cash gift to Somtochukwu Augustus Ume of the Economics Department, who emerged as the overall best graduating student at COOU’s 16th Convocation with an outs...

 LAWMA SEEKS STRATEGIC INVESTMENT TO DRIVE WASTE MANAGEMENT REFORMS IN LAGOS The Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) has called for increased investment in critical waste management infrastructure and systems to address existing gaps and support the development of a comprehensive Waste Management Master Plan for Lagos State. Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of LAWMA, Dr. Muyiwa Gbadegesin made the call on Monday at the Authority’s headquarters in Ijora Olopa while receiving a delegation from the European Union to Nigeria and ECOWAS. He clarified that while Lagos State had yet to have a Waste Management Master Plan, the Authority was actively advocating its development as a strategic framework to guide long-term planning, investment, and sustainable waste management practices. Dr. Gbadegesin emphasised that closing the infrastructure gap across the waste value chain required deliberate and sustained investment, particularly in landfill development, Material Recovery Fa...

 Don't heat up the polity, Gov. Diri charges media aides  ‎ ‎...appreciates them for promoting govt. policies  ‎ ‎Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Douye Diri has charged his new media aides to apply caution in their engagements as political activities begin. ‎ ‎Governor Diri gave the charge at a one-day Review Meeting/media training for government new media aides, which was held at the Banquet Hall in Yenagoa. ‎ ‎While appreciating the media aides for their efforts in promoting government policies and programs over the years, the governor represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Nimibofa Ayawei, however, advised them on the need to maintain decorum and play by the rules. ‎ ‎Governor Diri stated that the unfriendly arguments and political friction among Government new media aides on the social media space because of aspirants was disturbing, urging them to maintain sanity. ‎ ‎Also, Commissioner for Information, Orientation and Strategy, Mrs. Ebiuwou Ko...

  HALIMAT ADENIKE TEJUOSHO  The public is hereby notified that HALIMAT ADENIKE TEJUOSHO, whose photograph appears above is wanted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in an alleged case of Obtaining Money by False Pretense. Tejuosho, 41, is an indigene Lagos State, and her last known address is: House A26, Aso Grove Estate, Maitama Extension, Abuja.  Anybody with useful information as to her whereabouts should please contact the Commission in its Ibadan, Uyo, Sokoto, Maiduguri, Benin, Makurdi, Kaduna, Ilorin, Enugu, Kano, Lagos, Gombe, Port Harcourt or Abuja offices or through 08093322 644; its e-mail address: info@efcc.gov.ng or the nearest Police Station and other security agencies. Dele Oyewale Head, Media & Publicity

 EFCC Arraigns Man for Fraud in Kaduna The Kaduna Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes commission, EFCC, has arraigned one Rufai Abdulkarim before Justice Darius Khobo of the Kaduna State High Court, Kaduna Division for fraud. He is being prosecuted on a one-count charge, bordering on criminal misappropriation of funds.  The charge reads: "That you, Rufai Abdulkarim on or about the 4th of February, 2021, in Kaduna, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, dishonestly misappropriated the sum of N2,000,000.00 (Two Million Naira only), property of one Timothy Tachio and you thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 293 of the Kaduna State Penal Code Law, 2017 and punishable under Section 294 of the same Law." He pleaded “not guilty” following which the prosecuting counsel, Moses Arumemi asked the court for a trial date, while the defence counsel, Kabiru Mohammed, urged the court to grant the defendant bail. Justice Darius,  after listening t...

 NIGERIA NO LONGER SAFE HAVEN FOR DRUG CARTELS — UNODC COMMENDS NDLEA AT HANDING OVER MODERN INTERROGATION FACILITIES The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) has declared that Nigeria is no longer a permissive ground for international drug cartels given the strong message that has been sent out by the unprecedented number of arrests, seizures and convictions of drug traffickers recorded by the current leadership of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in the past five years. The UNODC Country Representative in Nigeria, Mr. Cheikh Ousmane Toure stated this in Abuja during a brief ceremony to hand over to NDLEA audiovisual interview rooms equipped with modern technology provided by UNODC and funded by the United States International Narcotics and Law Enforcement (US-INL). According to Mr Ousmane, Transnational drug trafficking remains one of the most destabilizing forces of our time; it fuels corruption, funds violence, destroys communities, and exploits the ...