PINK REPUBLIC/ MY BLOG IS A STORY MARATHON.

  Israeli forces seize historic Beaufort Castle in deepest Lebanon advance in more than 25 years  Israeli forces have captured the strategic Beaufort Castle in southern Lebanon, marking their deepest advance into the country in more than 25 years and signaling a major escalation in the ongoing conflict with Hezbollah. The seizure of the mountaintop fortress near the city of Nabatiyeh followed days of airstrikes and fierce ground battles in surrounding villages. Israeli troops fought Hezbollah fighters in the rugged terrain before securing the historic site, which overlooks large portions of southern Lebanon and northern Israel. The latest conflict began on March 2 when Hezbollah launched rockets into northern Israel following military action by the United States and Israel against Iran, Hezbollah’s primary ally. Since then, Israel has carried out a ground offensive in southern Lebanon, taking control of numerous towns and villages near the border, while Hezbollah has responded...

780 detained after violence erupted across France during Paris Saint-Germain's Champions League celebrations    French authorities detained 780 people after celebrations following Paris Saint-Germain’s Champions League victory turned violent in Paris and other cities across the country Saturday night. Officials said 57 police officers were injured during the unrest, though most suffered minor injuries. Incidents included fires being set, shops being vandalized, vehicles being burned, and an attempted breach of a police station in Paris. Law enforcement reported that the situation was largely brought under control by Sunday. While the majority of supporters celebrated peacefully, the most significant disturbances occurred around the Champs-Élysées and near Parc des Princes stadium, where thousands of fans had gathered to watch the match. Police also intervened several times overnight to prevent groups from blocking major roadways around the French capital. Authorities said inci...

Pirate-themed boat carrying nearly 150 people sinks off Turkey coast, passengers jump into Mediterranean Sea  A pirate-themed tour boat carrying nearly 150 passengers, including children, sank Friday off the coast of Turkey, forcing everyone on board to jump into the Mediterranean Sea as the vessel took on water and rapidly went under. The ship, identified as the “Big Boss Diamond,” was departing on a sightseeing cruise when it began sinking, eventually submerging completely about an hour after the incident began. All passengers were able to safely make it back to shore, and no injuries were reported. At least 20 children were among those on board, along with British tourists, according to reports. Video from the scene appears to show the vessel tipping sharply to one side before sinking quickly. The cause of the incident remains unclear, though some passengers reportedly described possible engine failure and fire. The boat operator has said it plans to continue tours using another...

 Trump says he is 'in no hurry' as US and Iran remain without deal to end fourth-month conflict    The United States and Iran have not yet reached an agreement to end the conflict, entering its fourth month, with President Donald Trump saying Saturday he is in “no hurry” to finalize a deal. In an interview with Lara Trump on Fox News, the president said he is seeking an agreement that would prevent Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon. While he said he would prefer a quick resolution, he stressed that rushing the process would undermine the quality of any deal and warned that military action remains an option if talks fail. “I’d like to say I’m in a hurry because gasoline prices are going to come tumbling down, but if you’re going to be in a hurry, you’re not going to make a good deal,” Trump said. “And slowly but surely we’re getting, I think, what we want, and if we don’t get what we want we’re going to end it a different way.” “We’re going to make a great deal, [otherw...

 Former NBA player Terry Rozier hit with new federal bribery and wire fraud conspiracy charges in expanded sports betting case Former NBA player Terry Rozier faces new federal bribery and wire fraud conspiracy charges in an expanded sports betting case tied to alleged payments linked to a 2023 NBA game Former NBA player Terry Rozier has been hit with new federal charges, including sports bribery and honest services wire fraud conspiracy, as part of a widening sports betting investigation. A superseding indictment returned by a federal grand jury in Brooklyn alleges Rozier accepted and solicited a $100,000 bribe in exchange for alerting a group of bettors that he planned to leave a March 2023 game early due to an injury while playing for the Charlotte Hornets. Prosecutors say Rozier worked with others, including co-defendants Marves Fairley and De’Niro Laster, in what they describe as a “predetermined bribe arrangement” designed to allow wagers to be placed based on his early exit. ...

 Otti Emerges Labour Party Consensus Governorship Candidate in Abia Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, has emerged as the consensus candidate of the Labour Party in the party’s governorship primary election ahead of the next general election. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reported that all Labour Party candidates for the State House of Assembly, House of Representatives and Senate also emerged through a consensus candidature process, which was subsequently endorsed by delegates across the state’s political wards. Announcing the results on Saturday in Umuahia, the Returning Officer for the Labour Party primary elections in Abia and Chairman of the party’s Electoral Committee, Mrs. Oluchi Opara, said the exercise was conducted through direct primaries across the state. Opara stated that the election complied substantially with the provisions of the Labour Party Constitution, the Electoral Act 2026 and the Labour Party Electoral Guidelines 2026. She added that after voting and collati...

 Presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has pledged to run an inclusive administration in partnership with Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso if elected president in the 2027 general election. Obi made the declaration on Saturday at the NDC national convention in Abuja, where he formally unveiled Kwankwaso, a former governor of Kano State, as his vice-presidential running mate. The former Labour Party presidential candidate said his administration would depart from the traditional structure in which vice presidents play limited roles, stressing that Kwankwaso would be an active partner in governance. “The government we intend to form will no longer be a government where anybody will say that the vice president is a spare tyre,” Obi said. According to him, decisions under an NDC administration would be taken collectively, with both leaders working as partners to advance the country's development. “The vice president will be a partner because we want to build a...

 Three Arrested Over Death of FUTO Student in Imo Operatives of the Imo State Police Command have arrested three suspects in connection with the death of 21-year-old Christogonus Chinedu Chibuzo, a 100-level student of the Federal University of Technology, Owerri (FUTO), who reportedly died under suspicious circumstances on May 30. The Command’s spokesperson, Henry Okoye, disclosed this in a statement, saying preliminary investigations revealed that the deceased, a Cyber Security student and member of the Man O’ War organisation on campus, was allegedly subjected to severe assault by some members of the group following an accusation of theft involving N13,500. According to the police, the suspects identified as Benedict Chukwuemeka, 21, Gospel Kelechi Ikenna, 24, and Anastasia Obioma, 21, all 500-level students of the university, have been taken into custody. Okoye said initial findings indicated that Chibuzo was allegedly restrained and assaulted, resulting in critical injuries. H...

 PDP Caucus Leader Condemns Police Blockade of Convention Venue, Calls It Threat to Democracy The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Caucus Leader in the House of Representatives, Fred Agbedi, has condemned the alleged blockade of the party’s convention venue by the Nigeria Police, describing the action as an attack on democratic principles. Speaking during a television interview on Sunday, Agbedi expressed concern over the incident, which occurred ahead of a convention convened by the Taminu Turaki-led faction of the PDP to ratify former President Goodluck Jonathan as its presidential candidate. According to Agbedi, police operatives on Saturday barricaded roads leading to the venue of the convention, preventing party members and supporters from gaining access. “They blocked the entire route, denied Nigerians access to the road, and prevented the PDP from using a venue it had lawfully secured for its convention,” he said. He added that despite what he described as an attempt to restri...

 Former Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, has reaffirmed his loyalty to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and expressed continued support for the administration’s policies and programmes. Tuggar also dismissed reports suggesting that he criticised the President during a recent Hausa-language interview, describing such claims as false and a deliberate misrepresentation of his remarks. In a statement issued on Sunday in Bauchi by his media aide, Abdulkadir Alkassim, the former minister maintained that he remained fully committed to the President’s reform agenda and the success of the ruling All Progressives Congress. “For the avoidance of doubt, Ambassador Tuggar did not criticise or question President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in any way. Any suggestion to the contrary is false and a deliberate distortion of his remarks,” Alkassim stated. He added that Tuggar remains a loyal supporter of the President and is fully committed to the administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda. According to the st...

 Former Kogi Governor Yahaya Bello Visits President Tinubu for Eid Homage While Facing Ongoing EFCC N80.2 Billion Fraud and Money Laundering Trial Former Governor of Kogi State and APC Senatorial Candidate for Kogi Central, His Excellency Alh. Yahaya Adoza Bello, CON, on Saturday paid a Sallah homage to Bola Ahmed Tinubu at his Lagos residence as part of activities marking the Eid-el-Kabir celebrations. The visit provided an opportunity to engage in discussions on matters of national importance, governance, and the continued progress of the nation. Bello used the occasion to extend Sallah greetings to the President and commend his leadership and commitment to the development of Nigeria. The former governor reaffirmed his support for the administration’s efforts aimed at strengthening the economy, promoting national unity, and improving the welfare of Nigerians. He also expressed confidence in the President’s vision and ongoing reforms geared towards sustainable growth and developme...

 ADC Stakeholder Petitions Party To Disqualify Bello El-Rufai Over Alleged Constitutional Violations A stakeholder of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Kaduna North, Hon. Comrade Hussaini Baba, has submitted a petition to the party's national leadership challenging the eligibility of Hon. Bello El-Rufai to contest for the Kaduna North Federal Constituency seat under the ADC platform. Bello El-Rufai, the current representative of Kaduna North Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives and son of former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, recently defected from the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to the ADC. In a petition dated May 30, 2026, and addressed to the ADC National Chairman through the party's Kaduna State and Kaduna North chapters, Baba argued that El-Rufai's emergence as the party's candidate contravenes provisions of the ADC constitution governing membership and eligibility for elective office. Describing himself as a concerned stake...

 NDLEA uncovers illicit drug consignments in water purifier machines from Europe - Intercepts cache of military-grade ammunition in Kaduna, arrests couple for drug trafficking  Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have uncovered consignments of high potency illicit drugs concealed in water purifier machines shipped to Lagos from Netherlands. The illicit drug consignments, mnainly: ketamine weighing 3kilograms and 199 grams of MDMA (Ecstasy) pills which were carefully hidden in the water purifier machines, were discovered and seized at a courier company in Lagos on Tuesday 26n May 2026. In Kaduna, NDLEA operatives arrested a couple: Musa Sunday and Mercy Sunday, along with another suspect, Salomi Ezekiel, 38, following the seizure of 100 jumbo bags of skunk with a gross weight of 1,246 kilograms from their home at Gonin Gora area of Kaduna on Sunday 24th May. In another interdiction operation in the state, NDLEA officers on patrol along Abuja-Kaduna hi...

 Joy Behar, 83, reveals she wants surgery because her breasts are different sizes: "It drives me nuts!" Joy Behar recently opened up about her thoughts on cosmetic surgery during a candid conversation on *TheJoy Behar recently opened up about her thoughts on cosmetic surgery during a candid conversation on The View.  The 83-year-old comedian revealed her desire to undergo breast augmentation to correct asymmetry, humorously referring to her chest as “Thelma and Louise,” with one side larger than the other.  Her cohosts joined in the discussion, with Sunny Hostin sharing her own experience with breast reduction surgery and Sara Haines joking that natural breasts are “cousins,” while paid-for ones are “twins.”  The lighthearted exchange followed Rosie O’Donnell’s recent revelation about her facelift, which sparked broader conversations about body image and acceptance. O’Donnell, a former cohost of The View, had spoken openly on her Substack about losing 50 pounds and t...

 President Trump is in 'excellent health' after recent medical exam, doctor says Donald Trump received a positive health evaluation following his latest annual physical, with the White House reporting that the president is in “excellent health.”  According to a memo released by physician Capt. Sean Barbabella, Trump showed strong heart, lung, and neurological function, and was deemed fully capable of meeting the demands of the presidency.  The exam, conducted at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, marked his third public health check since returning to office last year. Trump later told supporters on Truth Social that the results “checked out perfectly.” One highlight from the report was Trump’s perfect score of 30 out of 30 on the Montreal Cognitive Assessment, a widely used test for cognitive function.  The memo also noted that he had gained 14 pounds since his April 2025 physical, with recommendations provided for diet, exercise, and weight management....

 Matt Brown Found Dead at 42, Brother Bear Shares Heartbreaking Update Matt Brown, the eldest son of the Brown family featured on Alaskan Bush People, has passed away at the age of 42. His brother, Solomon Isaiah “Bear” Brown, shared the news in an emotional Instagram video, revealing that Matt was found in Washington on May 30. “They found a body in the river a few hours ago, and it was positively identified as being Matt,” Bear said. Before the confirmation, Bear had told followers that the family believed Matt may have taken his own life. Following the discovery, he admitted the news came as a shock. “I would have never suspected he would have hurt himself, honestly,” Bear explained. “He struggled for a long time, as I've mentioned, and I worried he was going to end up with an overdose or something like that. I didn't think he would hurt himself.” Bear added that authorities were still carrying out their work, but said initial indications suggested the injury may have been s...

 Five patients recover from Ebola in DRC, WHO confirms Five patients have recovered from a rare type of Ebola, the head of the World Health Organization said on Sunday during a visit to eastern Democratic Republic of Congo’s Bunia, a city at the heart of an outbreak. “Four people will be discharged today and there was one that was discharged the day before yesterday,” WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said during the opening of a new Ebola treatment centre in Bunia, the provincial capital of Ituri. “Of course, we’re still working on vaccines and treatments but that doesn’t mean that people cannot recover from Ebola,” he added. The health organisation said latest official figures showed 906 suspected cases and 223 suspected deaths. Neighbouring Uganda has confirmed nine cases and one death, the Ugandan Health Ministry said on Friday. 'There is hope' “The final message we would like to share with the Ituri community is that there is hope,” Pierre Akilimali, Incident...

 Being a Child in Nigeria Is Increasingly Risky Child Protection Advocate By Obianuju Nwosu Child protection advocate and Founder of Saffron Social Development Global Foundation (SaffronSDGF), Nigeria, Mrs. Opeyemi Ebulu-Eyuruntari, has warned that being a child in Nigeria is becoming increasingly dangerous amid rising cases of kidnappings, violence, abuse and other threats affecting children across the country. Speaking in a statement to mark the 2026 Children's Day celebration, Mrs. Ebulu-Eyuruntari said many Nigerian children are growing up in environments marked by fear, insecurity and exploitation rather than safety, protection and opportunity. “Being a child in Nigeria is increasingly risky,” she said, noting that childhood for many children is being overshadowed by violence, neglect, kidnappings, insecurity and preventable deaths." The child protection professional expressed concern over recent incidents involving mass kidnappings of schoolchildren, attacks on education...

 Bandits have abducted Major General Rabe Abubakar (rtd) and his wife in Matazu Local Government Area of Katsina State. According to a security source who spoke with Daily Trust, Abubakar, who was Director of Defence Information, was travelling to Katsina for a wedding when the armed men struck on Saturday, May 30, 2026. The driver was said to have escaped with gunshot injury but the retired General and his wife were whisked into the forest. In a video circulating on social media, the vehicle in which the victims were travelling was seen parked inside Matazu Divisonal Police Headquarters. At least two gunshot holes were spotted on the body of the red Peugeot 504 car. The military has commenced efforts to secure the release of the retired senior officer and his wife. “We have received the sad news of his abduction and that of his wife, and we will act accordingly to ensure he and his wife are rescued,” a top military source said. Information circulated on a military veterans’ platfo...

 Bello El-Rufai Secures Kaduna ADC House Of Representatives Ticket Unopposed Bello El-Rufai, a member of the House of Representatives, has emerged as the African Democratic Congress (ADC) candidate for the Kaduna North Federal Constituency after winning the party’s primary election unopposed. In a statement released on Saturday, Bello, son of former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, disclosed that he received 7,727 votes during the primary election. Expressing gratitude to party leaders, delegates, stakeholders, and supporters, the lawmaker described his emergence as the ADC flag bearer as a great honour and a reflection of the confidence reposed in him. “I am deeply honoured and humbled to emerge unopposed as the ADC candidate for Kaduna North Federal Constituency with a total of 7,727 votes. I sincerely appreciate the leadership of the party, delegates, stakeholders, supporters, and the good people of Kaduna North for this overwhelming show of trust," he said.  Bello not...

 DR. CHIBUZO OKEREKE EMERGES AS LABOUR PARTY PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE  Labour Party has adopted Dr. Chibuzo Okereke as its presidential candidate for the 2027 Presidential Election.  He emerged through a consensus arrangement among other apirants, party members and stakeholders. A statement by the National Publicity Secretary of the party Ken Asogwa describes Dr. Okereke as a distinguished governance expert, policy strategist and reform advocate, who has built an impressive reputation as one of Nigeria's leading voices on public policy, legislative governance and institutional development. He is the President of ERGAF-AFRICA Legislative Governance Innovation and Policy Hub, a foremost policy and legislative research institution, and serves as Legislative Consultant to key committees and ranking members of the National Assembly. He is also a Resident Lecturer in the Department of Public Policy and Administration, Miva Open University, Abuja, where he contributes to the devel...

 Sudan's RSF kills 27 civilians in attacks on North Kordofan villages- medics The Sudan Doctors Network accused the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) on Friday of killing 27 people in an attack on villages in the Al-Murra area in western Bara in Sudan’s North Kordofan State. The non-governmental network said an RSF force carried out an armed attack Thursday on villages in the area - the second day of the Muslim holiday of Eid al-Adha. Those killed included elderly residents, in what the group described as a new crime targeting unarmed civilians in areas with no military presence. It warned that continued attacks on civilians and safe villages are worsening the humanitarian crisis and forcing more families to flee their homes. The group urged the international community and human rights organizations to condemn the violations and take urgent action to protect civilians by pressuring RSF leaders to halt attacks against residential areas.

 Sudan Seeks African Development Bank's Support for Post-War Reconstruction: Finance Ministry During the AfDB’s annual meetings in Brazzaville, Sudanese Finance Minister Jibril Ibrahim met with bank President Sidi Ould Tah to discuss reconstruction after the devastating war, the ministry said, Sputnik reported. The minister highlighted severe damage to electricity, health, education, and water sectors, calling for the bank’s help with economic recovery. For its part, the AfDB reaffirmed its commitment to Sudan, including new projects such as the Port Sudan Water Project and solar-powered irrigation pumps. An $83 million agreement was signed to strengthen agricultural resilience, the ministry noted, adding that Ould Tah accepted an invitation to visit Sudan to advance cooperation.

  A 14-year-old Michigan girl fought off a man who tried to abduct her, leaving him injured and running to his vehicle. I began this story with the creepy phrase muttered by repeat S/Offender 29-year-old John Moore, as he attempted to drag the 14-year-old victim away. This startling chain of events began to unfold on the evening of May 12th. The young victim was walking down the sidewalk in her hometown of Kentwood, Michigan, at approximately 6 p.m., when Moore decided to unleash his evil plan. The harrowing events from that day were captured by security footage. As the young victim was making her way home from school, a blacked out SUV can be seen pulling up.  After making a quick stop, John Moore is seen jumping out of the vehicle and rushing the victim.  Moore is then seen making physical contact with the young victim. He begins @ssaulting her as he attempts to restrain her. Our young hero is having none of that and begins to ardently fight back. It's during this strug...

 Rema Opens Up on Split From Former Fiancée, Says Relationship Became Emotionally Draining Rema has opened up about the end of his relationship with a former fiancée, describing it as a beautiful experience that ultimately became emotionally challenging. Speaking during an interview with YouTuber Korty EO, the singer explained that his former partner was “quite manipulative,” which created ongoing emotional strain throughout the relationship. According to Rema, his career already exposes him to significant pressure and demands from the outside world, so he expected his personal life to provide comfort and peace. However, he said he often encountered additional stress at home instead. The award-winning artiste revealed that the situation eventually became too difficult to manage, prompting him to walk away from the relationship. Rema also disclosed that he is currently stepping back from romantic relationships in order to focus on his personal growth and career.

 NIGERIA POLICE FORCE CALLS FOR CALM OVER REPORTED XENOPHOBIC ATTACKS IN SOUTH AFRICA   The Nigeria Police Force addresses the public regarding reports of xenophobic attacks on Nigerians in South Africa and concerns about possible reprisal attacks on South African nationals, businesses, and interests in Nigeria.   After the Joint Intelligence Board Meeting on 18 May 2026, chaired by the National Security Adviser, security and intelligence agencies conducted a comprehensive review to assess security implications and determine necessary response measures. The Nigeria Police Force assures Nigerians that there is no cause for alarm. The Federal Government is actively engaging relevant authorities and stakeholders through diplomatic, intelligence, and security channels to resolve the situation peacefully and protect the interests of Nigerians at home and abroad.   While concerns about attacks on Nigerians in South Africa are understandable, the public is strongly advised ...

 TROOPS FOIL KIDNAP ATTEMPT, NEUTRALIZE TERRORIST, RECOVER WEAPON IN KOGI STATE Troops of 12 Brigade under 2 Division Nigerian Army have thwarted a planned kidnap operation and neutralized a terrorist during a successful ambush conducted in Lokoja Local Government Area of Kogi State. The operation which was conducted on 30 May 2026 followed credible intelligence indicating plans by terrorists to carry out kidnapping activities within Jakura II Community. Acting on the intelligence, troops swiftly deployed and occupied a suspected terrorist crossing point along Old Obajana–Tajimi Road, where an ambush was laid to deny the criminals freedom of action. During the operation, troops made contact with the terrorists and engaged them with effective fire. Following the firefight, one terrorist was neutralized while other members of the criminal group fled the scene with suspected gunshot wounds. Further exploitation led to the recovery of one AK 47 rifle, five magazines, 70 rounds of 7.62m...