PINK REPUBLIC/ MY BLOG IS A STORY MARATHON.

A 40-year-old man became stuck and then slowly fatally strangled by an escalator while multiple people noticed and failed to help. Steven McCluskey was heading to catch the subway in the early morning hours of February 27th, 2026, when a freak accident combined with public indifference took his life.  As Steven rode the escalator down to the subway platform at Davis station in Sommerville, Massachusetts, he stumbled and fell. What ordinarily would have been an early morning nuisance quickly spiraled into a life or death situation when Steven's clothing became caught in the escalator and cut off his airway.  All escalators have an emergency stop button at the top and bottom. Had anyone in that subway station pressed that button, Steven would be alive and well for the two children he left behind. However, multiple people passed Steven by choosing to take the stairs rather than assess the situation. The few people who did seem to notice and check on him ultimately chose to just k...

 Westminster Dog Show moves to Netflix in new global streaming deal starting with 151st competition The Westminster Dog Show is moving to Netflix as part of a new media partnership that will make the streaming platform the event’s primary home beginning with its 151st edition. The long-running competition, which is sponsored by Purina, will now reach a global audience through Netflix, marking a shift away from its previous broadcast arrangement. Held in New York City, the 2026 Westminster Dog Show will feature more than 3,000 dogs representing roughly 200 breeds over three days and nights. The event is considered the second-longest continuously held sporting competition in the United States, behind only the Kentucky Derby. Under the new arrangement, coverage will be split across multiple platforms. Daytime breed judging from the Javits Center will stream live online, while evening competitions from Madison Square Garden will be broadcast on Netflix on Feb. 1 and Feb. 2. The agility...

Cruise ship tied to deadly hantavirus outbreak to arrive in Rotterdam for disinfection and crew disembarkation The MV Hondius cruise ship is scheduled to arrive on Monday at the Port of Rotterdam in the Netherlands, where remaining crew members and medical staff will disembark, and the vessel will undergo a full cleaning and disinfection, according to the ship’s operator. The ship has been at the center of a hantavirus outbreak that has killed three people, sickened 10 others, and placed dozens more into quarantine, according to the latest figures from global health officials. Health authorities said a Canadian passenger who had been aboard the vessel tested positive this week for the Andes strain of hantavirus and remains hospitalized in isolation. That passenger’s travel companion, who had earlier reported mild symptoms, later tested negative, according to Canadian health officials. Disembarkation of passengers began last week in a coordinated process involving multiple countries and...

Woman gives birth on Brooklyn courtroom bench after labor begins during arraignment hearing    A Brooklyn woman gave birth on a courtroom bench late Friday night, just hours after being discharged from a hospital, after going into labor during her arraignment on drug charges, according to police and witnesses. The woman, identified as 33-year-old Samantha Randazzo, delivered a baby boy during the proceeding, with defense attorneys and court observers saying she gave birth “without adequate medical care, privacy, or dignity.” Her attorney did not immediately respond to requests for comment, but later described the moment as both “joyful and sad,” while praising court officers who stepped in to assist as her labor progressed. According to law enforcement, Randazzo was arrested Thursday evening after officers said they observed two people on a rooftop at a public housing complex with a controlled substance in plain view. She was charged with criminal possession of a controlled su...

 Rugby icon Scott Hastings passes after cancer battle, family shares emotional message Scottish rugby is mourning the loss of Scott Hastings, who passed away at 61 after a long battle with cancer. Hastings, widely recognised as one of Scotland’s most respected rugby players, had reportedly been receiving treatment for Non-Hodgkin lymphoma, a form of cancer affecting white blood cells.  According to a statement released by his family, complications connected to treatment caused his condition to worsen quickly. His children, Corey and Kerry-Anne Hastings, confirmed that he passed peacefully on the morning of May 17 while surrounded by family members. In an emotional message shared through Scottish Rugby, the family reflected on the timing of his passing, noting that the day also marked the birthday of his late wife, Jenny, a detail they described as deeply meaningful. The statement praised medical staff who cared for Hastings during his final days, thanking the intensive care te...

 Donald Trump Jr. called out for inappropriate post celebrating his daughter’s birthday Donald Trump Jr. recently marked his daughter Kai’s 19th birthday with an Instagram post featuring photos of her over the years.  While many followers simply offered birthday wishes, others criticized the post, particularly the inclusion of bikini photos that Kai herself has never shared online.  Some felt it was inappropriate for a father to post such images, with critics directing their disapproval at Don Jr. rather than Kai. Comments ranged from calling him a “horrible father” to drawing comparisons with how former President Trump has publicly treated his daughter Ivanka. The backlash extended beyond the photos themselves, with some users using the post as an opportunity to air broader grievances against the Trump family. Critics accused them of flaunting wealth and being out of touch with ordinary Americans’ struggles.  Comments referenced unrelated issues such as Jeffrey Epst...

 APC Senatorial Aspirants In Kaduna Sign Peace Pact Ahead Of Party Primaries Senatorial aspirants of the All Progressives Congress (APC) from the three senatorial zones of Kaduna State have signed a peace pact ahead of the party’s forthcoming primaries, pledging to ensure peaceful, transparent, and credible electoral processes. The peace pact signing ceremony was held at the Kaduna State Police Headquarters and brought together prominent APC stakeholders, aspirants, and party representatives from across the state. Among those present at the meeting were Distinguished Senator Danjuma Tella La’ah, Amb. Yerima Usman Shettima, Hon. Yusuf Ibrahim Zailani (Ciroman Rigachikun), Mukhtar Ramalan Yero, Ibrahim Khalid Mustapha, and Engr. Dr. Michael Ayuba Auta, alongside several other APC aspirants and political leaders. During the engagement, the aspirants collectively reaffirmed their commitment to peaceful conduct before, during, and after the primary elections.  They also pledged to ...

  Chelsea FC Officially Appoint Xabi Alonso as New Manager on Four-Year Deal Xabi Alonso has officially been announced as the new manager of Chelsea FC. The Premier League club confirmed on Sunday that the Spaniard will officially take over on July 1, 2026, after signing a four-year contract at Stamford Bridge. 'Chelsea Football Club is delighted to announce the appointment of Xabi Alonso as Manager of the Men’s Team,' the club wrote on social media platform X on Sunday. 'The Spaniard will begin his role on July 1, 2026, having agreed a four-year contract at Stamford Bridge. Welcome to Chelsea, Xabi.' Reacting to the appointment, Alonso expressed excitement about taking charge of one of the world’s biggest football clubs. "Chelsea is one of the biggest clubs in world football and it fills me with immense pride to become manager of this great club. "From my conversations with the ownership group and sporting leadership, it is clear we share the same ambition. W...

 LAWMA CARRIES OUT CLEAN-UP EXERCISE AROUND NNS BEECROFT, APAPA The Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) has carried out a comprehensive clean-up and waste evacuation exercise around the NNS Beecroft axis in Apapa as part of efforts to maintain environmental standards ahead of the institution’s anniversary celebration. The Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of LAWMA, Dr. Muyiwa Gbadegesin stated at the weekend that the exercise formed part of the Authority’s continuous commitment to maintaining cleaner public spaces and strengthening environmental sustainability across Lagos State. He explained that the operation, executed by LAWMA’s street sweeping and sanitation teams, focused on the clearance of accumulated waste, restoration of road medians, and improvement of general environmental sanitation within the corridor. According to him, the intervention was aimed at eliminating blackspots, improving aesthetics, and ensuring a cleaner and healthier environment for residents...

 FEDERAL GOVERNMENT TO SUPPORT STUDENTS WITH CAPITAL GRANTS The Federal Government says, in addition to the ongoing student loan scheme, it will introduce capital grant initiatives to support students with innovative ideas and entrepreneurial skills. Minister of State for Education, Dr. Suwaiba Said Ahmad, stated this during the 70th anniversary celebration of Kaduna Polytechnic. She explained that the initiative is part of the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s commitment to empowering young Nigerians through education, innovation, and entrepreneurship. Dr. Suwaiba noted that the proposed grants would provide financial support to students with viable ideas, enabling them to develop their innovations and contribute meaningfully to national development. The Minister also commended Kaduna Polytechnic for its contributions to technical and vocational education over the past seventy years, describing the institution as a critical pillar in Nigeria’s human capital developme...

 WHO declares Ebola outbreak in Congo, Uganda an emergency of international concern An Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda has been declared a public ‌health emergency of international concern by the World Health Organisation, after 80 suspected deaths. The WHO said the outbreak, caused by the Bundibugyo virus, does not meet the criteria of a pandemic emergency but that countries sharing land borders with the DRC are at high risk of further spread. On Sunday, the U.N. health ​agency said in a statement, that 80 suspected deaths, eight laboratory-confirmed cases and 246 suspected cases had been reported as of ​Saturday in the DRC's Ituri province across at least three health zones, including Bunia, Rwampara and Mongbwalu.

PRESS RELEASE EDO POLICE NEUTRALIZE 1, ARREST 3 SUSPECTED KIDNAPPERS, RESCUE ABDUCTED VICTIM IN UHUNMWONDE The Edo State Police Command, under the leadership of the Commissioner of Police, CP Monday Agbonika, fdc, has again recorded a major breakthrough in the ongoing fight against kidnapping and violent crimes across the State. In a swift and intelligence-driven operation carried out in the early hours of Sunday, 17th May, 2026, operatives of the Command in collaboration with vigilante members successfully rescued a kidnapped victim unhurt, arrested three suspected kidnappers, and neutralized one armed gang member identified as Prince Momodu James during a fierce gun duel in the Eguaholor forest axis of Uhunmwonde Local Government Area. The operation followed intelligence received at about 06:30am. Acting swiftly, police operatives led by the Divisional Police Officer Ehor Division along with members of Edo State Security Corps (ESSC) were mobilized to the area where the kidnappers en...

 Governor Makinde and his 2027 gamble By Tunde Rahman The race to the presidency in 2027 is getting more exciting. Last Thursday, May 14, 2026, at the ancient Mapo Hall in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, Governor Seyi Makinde formally threw his hat into the ring and organised a spectacle that could only have been funded by Oyo State taxpayers' money.  His declaration to contest for the topmost office in the forthcoming general election, however, is anything but surprising. Some political watchers had long sensed where he might be headed, given the somewhat convoluted politics that have seen him taking several seemingly contradictory and illegal steps. What was unknown and unclear was which platform the "outgoing landlord of Agodi Government House" would contest on. His Peoples Democratic Party is, after all, still enmeshed in crisis, wherein his camp holds a short end of the political stick.  But let me state clearly from the outset that I disagree with renowned activist a...

 Emilia Clarke was convinced she had to die Emilia Clarke revealed that her breakthrough role in Game of Thrones coincided with a terrifying health crisis. Shortly after filming the first season, she collapsed in a London gym and was diagnosed with a brain hemorrhage.  Clarke described the pain as feeling like a rubber band snapping around her brain, recalling how she vomited and knew something was seriously wrong.  Despite the danger, her biggest fear was losing her dream role, and she confided only in the showrunners, ashamed that others might see her as weak. Years later, while rehearsing for a Broadway play, Clarke faced another ordeal when doctors operated on a second aneurysm discovered during her earlier treatment.  The surgery was fraught with complications, leaving her parents fearing she might not survive. Clarke admitted that the experience left her emotionally shut down and deeply sensitive, haunted by the belief that she had cheated death.  Even so,...

 Doing less is more - Bella Murphy shares the acting advice she still gets from Eddie Murphy Bella Murphy is stepping further into Hollywood on her own terms, but she says the lessons she learned from her father, comedy legend Eddie Murphy, still guide her every step on set. The 24-year-old actress stars in Netflix comedy Roommates, a new project produced by Adam Sandler.  The film follows two college freshmen with clashing personalities who struggle to live together, while Bella plays Amber, a student living nearby. The movie marks an important milestone for Bella because it is her first major feature film role separate from her father after previously appearing alongside him in Coming 2 America. Speaking about her acting journey, Bella revealed that Eddie has shared countless performance tips with her over the years, but one piece of advice continues to stay with her most strongly, keeping performances simple and natural. She explained that learning not to overdo scenes has ...

 PRESS RELEASE  Abia Command Apprehends Suspects for Child Stealing Rescues Victims and Reunites Them with Family *Suspects* 1.Vera Imiobong Udoyang, Female, 30 years Etimekpo LGA Akwa Ibom State  2.Chioma Duru Ukanwoke, Female, 40 years Amaraku Isiala Mbano Imo State  3.Ezinne Ukandu, Female, 41 years Obingwa LGA Abia State *Rescued Children* 1.Caleb Tamunoye Paul, Male, 3 years, Okrika, Rivers State 2.Joy David, Female, 3 years, Okrika, Rivers State *Facts of the Case* 1. On 10/05/2026, leveraging on actionable intelligence, operatives of Akwete Divisional Police Headquarters, in collaboration with community vigilantes, apprehended one Vera Imiobong Udoyang, in Abia State, who was found with the above-mentioned children. Upon interrogation, she confessed to stealing the children after luring them with donuts and soft drinks at Ozoaporo in Okrika, Rivers State, where she  resides.  2. Preliminary investigations revealed that Vera Imiobong Udoyang was earli...

 Celebrity businessman Pascal Okechukwu, popularly known as Cubana Chief Priest, has denied taking part in the All Progressives Congress (APC) primary election for the Orsu/Orlu/Oru East Federal Constituency seat. In a series of Instagram story posts on Sunday, Okechukwu stated that he voluntarily withdrew from the race after Governor Hope Uzodimma briefed him on the party’s zoning position. According to Okechukwu, the governor explained that Orlu Local Government Area should complete at least two terms before the seat rotates to another area. He noted that his elder brother, Asiwaju Jerry Alagboso, had previously represented the constituency for three terms. “He made the argument that it was not the turn of my Local Government Area to occupy the seat at this time,” Okechukwu wrote. The businessman, who described himself as “a loyal party man and committed progressive,” said his decision to step down was made in full respect for the party’s leadership and internal arrangements. He ...

 Thai train driver charged with negligence after deadly Bangkok bus collision kills 8    Thai authorities have charged a train driver with negligence following a deadly crash in central Bangkok that killed eight people and injured 32 others when a freight train collided with a public bus at a rail crossing on Saturday. Police said the train driver was formally charged with negligence causing death after investigators determined there was evidence of reckless conduct that led to the fatal collision. The driver remains in custody as the investigation continues. Authorities also said the bus driver is expected to face charges, but has not yet been questioned due to injuries sustained in the crash and is currently receiving medical treatment. Officials added that additional charges could still be filed as the investigation develops. The crash occurred when a freight train struck a bus that had stopped on the tracks at a red light, triggering a fire that engulfed the vehicle a...

Islamist attack on Nigerian military school kills 17 police trainees At least 17 police officers were killed in Nigeria’s northeast Yobe state after suspected Islamist militants attacked a specialised military school that also trains police officers, ‌the national police spokesman said. “The officers, who were undergoing specialised operational ​training at the institution, lost their lives when the militants launched a coordinated ‌attack ⁠on the facility from multiple directions,” police spokesman Anthony Okon Placid said in a statement. He said several soldiers were also killed, though he did not give a figure for military casualties.

FAMILARISATION VISIT: LASERC HOSTS NEWLY APPOINTED PERMANENT SECRETARY, ENGR. KASUMU The newly appointed Permanent Secretary of the Lagos State Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources, Engr. Ibilola Kasunmu paid a familiarisation visit to the Lagos State Electricity Regulatory Commission (LASERC), where she emphasised the importance of teamwork, unity, and collaboration in achieving the Commission’s regulatory objectives in line with the THEMES Plus Agenda of the Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu administration. During the visit, Engr. Kasunmu described the Ministry and LASERC as “one family,” stressing the need for continuous cooperation, institutional synergy, and collective commitment toward advancing sustainable energy development and strengthening the electricity market in Lagos State. She commended the Chief Executive Officer, Executive Members, management, and staff of LASERC for their dedication, professionalism, and contributions to the growth and transformation of the energy sector...

STATEHOUSE PRESS STATEMENT  FISCAL YEARS ARE DEFINED BY LAW, NOT THE CALENDAR Statement by Tanimu Yakubu, Director-General, Budget Office of the Federation, on the Publication Timeline of Quarterly Budget Implementation Reports The Budget Office of the Federation acknowledges public concerns regarding the publication timeline for the recent Quarterly Budget Implementation Reports and considers it important to provide clarification within the broader constitutional and fiscal context governing public finance administration in Nigeria. The fiscal year is not necessarily synonymous with the calendar year. The calendar year is a fixed chronological construct of twelve months running from January to December. The fiscal year, however, is a juridical and legislative creation whose duration, commencement, and terminal date are determined by the extant appropriation framework enacted by law. Accordingly, where the prevailing Appropriation Act or related legislative instrument authorizes ex...

 Anambra HoS Warns Against Misconducts As She Visits Ihiala, Ekwusigo LGA Secretariats By MaryAnn Chukwuma. The Anambra State Head of Service, Ngozi Anuli Iwouno, Esq., mni, has warned that misconducts in the Civil Service will no longer be tolerated. This warning was made  during an unscheduled visit to the Ihiala and Ekwusigo Local Government Area Secretariats on Friday, May 15, 2026. The charge is in line with Governor Charles Chukwuma Soludo’s directive to transform the Civil Service into a disciplined, efficient, and effective workforce for Ndi Anambra. Assessing the level of compliance and commitment among workers during her visit, revealed a high level of nonchalance and unprofessionalism among workers of the local governments, which manifested both in their dressing and attitude to work. Iwouno described the high rate of lateness and absenteeism as disheartening and an enemy to the transformational agenda of the Governor Soludo's dream of a prosperous Anambra state. Sh...

 SPEAKER ABBAS AFFIRMED AS APC CANDIDATE FOR THE ZARIA CONSTITUENCY Speaker of the house of representatives Tajudeen Abbas says, the people of Zaria federal constituency should expect more dividends of democracy if elected in the 2027 general elections. Haruna Mohammed reports that speaker Abbas stated this after his affirmation as the house of representatives candidate for the aAl Progressives Congress in Zaria constituency.

 OUTCOME OF ALL PROGRESSIVE CONGRESS HOUSE OF REPSENTATIVE PRIMARIES IN 11 FEDERAL CONSTITUENCIES OF JIGAWA STATE  1. Malam madori & kaugama Federal constituency Hon. Makki Abubakar Elleman(AFFIRMATION) 2. Hadejia, Auyo Kafin Hausa Federal constituency   Hon. Aliyu Hussaini Usman (DIRECT PRIMARY) 3. Ringim/Taura Federal Constituency  Hon. Yusha'u Mohammed (DIRECT PRIMARY) 4. Miga/Jahun Federal constituency Hon. Umar Imam(AFFIRMATION) 5. Birnin kudu / Buji federal constituency Engr. Suleiman Da'u Aliyu(AFFIRMATION) 6. Gumel, Maigatari, Suletankarkar, Gagarawa Federal Constituency  Hon. Nazifi Sani Fulawa.(DIRECT PRIMARY) 7. Birniwa, Guri and Kirikasamma Federal constituency Hon.  Abubakar Fulata(AFFIRMATION) 8. Dutse & Kiyawa  Federal constituency Hon Tasi'u Soja(AFFIRMATION) 9. Gwaram Federal Constituency  Hon. Shitu Galambi(AFFIRMATION) 10. Garki/Babura Federal Constituency  Hon.  Rabiu Dan Sitta(AFFIRMATION) 11.Kazaure, Roni, G...

 Goodluck Jonathan Laments Rising Insecurity and Moral Decline in Nigeria, Says Violence Has Become Normalised Former Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan has expressed concern over the growing insecurity and moral decline in the country, stating that many Nigerians have become accustomed to violence and killings. Speaking during an event held at St James Anglican Church on Saturday, May 16, Jonathan lamented that the nation appears to be gradually losing its sense of humanity and moral values. “When we look around today, particularly at the challenges confronting our country, it is easy to become discouraged. Violence, insecurity, moral decline, and the loss of human values have become deeply troubling realities. What is even more painful is how society sometimes appears to normalise these tragedies as though they are ordinary occurrences. In times past, such incidents would shake the conscience of the nation. Today, people are k!lled, communities are destroyed, and life seems to ...

 APC Concludes House Of Representatives Primaries Across Kaduna State, Announces Results The All Progressives Congress (APC) has officially declared the results of its House of Representatives primary elections across Kaduna State in the presence of officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). The results announced from the various federal constituencies are as follows: Rt. Abbas Tajudeen emerged winner for the Zaria Federal Constituency with 930 votes. Amos Gwamna secured victory in the Zango Kataf/Jaba Federal Constituency with 1,930 votes. Arch. Hamza Ibrahim won the Soba Federal Constituency primary with 1,030 votes. In the Kaduna North Federal Constituency, Hon. Samaila Abdulsuleiman polled 3,049 votes to defeat Abdulazeez Abubakar Kaka, who scored 65 votes, and Abubakar Mahmud, who secured 96 votes. Mukthar Shehu Ladan emerged as the APC candidate for the Makarfi/Kudan Federal Constituency through a consensus arrangement. Ahmad Muhammad Munir won the Ler...

 Ogun Govt Confirms Full Recovery of Victims in Ijebu-Ode Gas Incident The Ogun State Government has disclosed that all persons admitted at the State Hospital, Ijebu-Ode, following the recent chemical inhalation incident in some schools within the town, have been discharged after receiving medical attention and being certified fit by health personnel. The Commissioner for Health, Tomi Coker, made this known during an engagement with parents, guardians and residents at Our Lady of Apostles Secondary School on Saturday. She stated that the state government would deploy ambulance crews to all wards in Ijebu-Ode to ensure prompt emergency response. According to her, each ambulance would be staffed with a driver and a paramedic to respond swiftly to incidents in the area. Dr. Coker also disclosed that the government had established a medical response protocol to ensure that any patient taken to secondary health facilities and requiring advanced care would be immediately transferred to O...