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 Xi Jinping to visit North Korea for first time in nearly seven years as China seeks to reinforce ties with Pyongyang  BmChinese leader Xi Jinping is set to visit North Korea next week, marking his first trip to the country in nearly seven years as Beijing moves to strengthen ties with its nuclear-armed neighbor. The visit, announced by both countries, is scheduled as a two-day state trip beginning Monday. It comes as China seeks to reinforce its strategic influence in the region while North Korea continues expanding its relationships with other partners, including Russia. In recent years, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has deepened cooperation with Moscow, including sending troops and military equipment to support Russia’s war in Ukraine. At the same time, Pyongyang has also been working to repair and strengthen its relationship with Beijing, its largest trading partner and key source of economic support. Analysts say the timing of Xi’s visit highlights competing regional dy...

 South Africa launches biannual HIV prevention injection amid funding cuts that could limit access despite high hopes for impact    South Africa has launched a new twice-yearly HIV prevention injection that health officials say could significantly reduce new infections, though limited funding is expected to restrict early access. The drug, lenacapavir, is a form of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) that is administered as an injection every six months and is highly effective at preventing HIV infection in high-risk individuals. It is being rolled out in South Africa as part of a broader expansion across the continent, where it is already in use in several other countries. South Africa is the ninth African nation to introduce the treatment. The launch was described by President Cyril Ramaphosa as a major milestone in the country’s fight against HIV, calling it a potential turning point in the national response to the epidemic. The initial rollout will take place across 360 h...

 Iran defender Ehsan Hajsafi criticizes FIFA over visa delays as World Cup squad arrives in Mexico amid US entry issues  The Iranian national team arrived in Mexico on Sunday, but members of the delegation are still waiting for U.S. visas ahead of three World Cup group-stage matches scheduled to be played in the United States later this month. The situation has added further uncertainty to Iran’s tournament preparations, which have already been disrupted by regional conflict and earlier visa delays. Those issues previously forced the team to relocate its training base from Tucson, Arizona, to Tijuana, Mexico, just south of the U.S. border. Defender Ehsan Hajsafi said the squad was relieved to finally arrive together in Mexico, but he criticized the handling of the visa process and said only players and part of the coaching staff had been cleared. “First of all, we’re very happy that the team has finally arrived, and we’re delighted about that,” Hajsafi said. “Thank God, the te...

 Armenia votes in high-stakes election as government pushes to pivot away from Russia and deepen EU ties Armenians voted in a parliamentary election on Sunday as the country’s government sought to secure a mandate for its effort to reduce dependence on Russia and strengthen ties with Western partners, while facing pressure from Moscow and a divided political landscape at home. Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and his Civil Contract party campaigned on continuing a foreign policy shift that emphasizes cooperation with the European Union alongside relations with regional neighbors and other global powers. Casting his ballot, Pashinyan said Armenia would continue reinforcing its independence, democratic institutions, and rule of law, while also describing relations with Russia as stable and based on mutual respect. The election took place against a backdrop of heightened tensions with Moscow, including recent restrictions on Armenian exports and warnings from Russian officials about the...

 Large opioids consignments intercepted in Taraba as NDLEA arrests 75-year-old in Ebonyi - Nabs four notorious female dealers in sweeps across Edo, Imo, Kano, Gombe  Large consignments of various opioids and illicit substances concealed in building materials have been intercepted by operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in a relentless nationwide offensive against drug cartels leading to the arrest of a 75-year-old grandpa in Ebonyi, and four notorious female drug dealers in Edo, Imo, Kano, and Gombe states. A major blow was dealt to opioid trafficking networks in Taraba state on Saturday 6th June 2026 following credible intelligence which led to the interception of a truck conveying building materials from onitsha, Anambra state to Jalingo. A thorough search of the vehicle by NDLEA operatives at the Nukkai Timber Shade, Jalingo, led to the discovery of a massive drug stash concealed beneath the cargo, while a 22-year-old suspect, Buhari Abdullahi, was...

 Gwyneth Paltrow clarifies her political stance after her 'progressive' husband incorrectly stated her party: 'I'm completely an independent' Gwyneth Paltrow recently addressed her political stance after her husband, Brad Falchuk, mistakenly assumed her party affiliation. On the June 2 episode of her Goop podcast, she spoke with venture capitalist Trae Stephens about the highly polarized nature of American politics.  Stephens emphasized the need for respectful dialogue to solve national issues, a sentiment Paltrow wholeheartedly agreed with.  She explained that while Falchuk is deeply progressive and compassionate, she sometimes finds their differing perspectives challenging in today’s climate. Paltrow elaborated that political discussions can often feel “binary” and emotionally charged, making it difficult to navigate conversations without triggering strong reactions.  She described herself as leaning toward the center, clarifying that she is not a Republican despi...

 Israeli citizen kills one in shooting rampage across central Israel before being fatally shot by police    A Palestinian man with Israeli citizenship carried out a shooting attack across multiple locations in central Israel on Sunday, killing one person and injuring five others before being fatally shot by police. Authorities initially feared the shootings could be part of a coordinated assault involving multiple attackers, but investigators later concluded the violence was carried out by a lone gunman with assistance from an accomplice. The first reports of gunfire came at around 10:30 a.m. from a gas station near Kokhav Yair, a town located near the boundary with the West Bank. Additional shootings were reported shortly afterward in Tsur Natan, Tsur Yitzhak, and near the Israeli settlement of Sal’it in the West Bank. The rapid succession of attacks across several locations triggered a large-scale security response. Police later arrested a second suspect believed to hav...

 Bernadette Chirac, former French first lady and political figure, dies at 93    Bernadette Chirac, former French first lady who built her own political influence and became a national public figure during and after Jacques Chirac’s presidency, has died at 93. Bernadette Chirac, the longtime wife of former French President Jacques Chirac, served as first lady from 1995 to 2007 and was widely known for her steady presence at the Élysée Palace, her influence in rural French politics, and her blunt humor in the face of her husband’s well-documented infidelities. Her death was confirmed Saturday by President Emmanuel Macron, who said he and his wife Brigitte learned of it with “great sadness” and paid tribute to a woman who left a lasting mark on French public life. Born Bernadette Chodron de Courcel in Paris in 1933, she met Jacques Chirac at Sciences Po, and the two married in 1956, remaining together for 63 years. While her husband rose through national politics to become ...

  Sienna car stolen during church service in Umuahia A brown Toyota Sienna belonging to Evangelist G. N. Izuwa, wife of a traditional ruler from Nkpa Community in Bende Local Government Area of Abia State, was reportedly stolen during a church service in Umuahia. The incident occurred on Sunday, June 7, 2026, at the Assemblies of God Church, 5–8 Item Street, Umuahia, where the owner had attended a church service. According to information made available by family sources, the stolen vehicle is a brown Toyota Sienna with a Lagos registration number beginning with LA 400. The full registration number could not be immediately confirmed at the time of filing this report. The theft was discovered after the church service, prompting efforts to trace the vehicle and alert security agencies. Members of the public who may have seen the vehicle or have information that could assist in its recovery are urged to contact the owner, Evangelist G. N. Izuwa, on 08033320445, or report to the nearest...

PFN Rejects Claims Linking Nationwide Prayer Programme to RCCG, Pastor Adeboye   The Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN) has dismissed as “false, misleading, and entirely baseless” allegations that its recent nationwide prayer programme was organised by the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) or its General Overseer, Pastor Enoch Adeboye. In a statement issued by its National Secretary, Bishop David Bakare, the PFN clarified that the initiative was conceived, directed, and executed solely under its own authority. “It is deeply unfortunate for anyone to attempt to attribute the programme to Pastor E.A. Adeboye or the Redeemed Christian Church of God,” Bakare said. “The RCCG never called for any protest. The programme was entirely a PFN initiative.” The fellowship emphasised that all directives, instructions, and operational decisions originated from its leadership, with participating churches, including RCCG, simply complying as responsible members of the Pentecostal communi...

 Sudden Collapse: Hospital Administrator Urges Regular Medical Check-Ups By Ebele Egoh The Anambra State Hospital Administrator, Dr. Frank Ifeanaeme has expressed concern over the growing incidence of sudden collapse and death across Nigeria, describing the trend as alarming but largely preventable through regular health monitoring and timely medical intervention. Speaking on the issue, Dr. Ifeanaeme noted that many of the reported cases are linked to cardiovascular conditions, including sudden cardiac arrest, heart attacks and complications arising from undiagnosed hypertension, adding that other underlying causes often include stroke, brain aneurysms, pulmonary embolism (blood clots in the lungs) and chronic illnesses such as diabetes. According to him, while some victims may experience little or no warning signs before a collapse, symptoms such as chest discomfort, dizziness, unusual fatigue, heart palpitations, severe headaches and shortness of breath are frequently overlooked ...

 Anambra Steps Up Urban Renewal Efforts, Serves Demolition Notices on Illegal Buildings in Nnewi ‎ ‎ ‎By Chukwuka Ugokwe ‎ ‎As part of the Anambra State Government's ongoing urban regeneration programme, the Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development has issued demolition notices to more than 500 owners of illegally erected structures across Nnewi Metropolis. ‎ ‎The affected structures include shanties built beneath high-tension electricity lines, buildings constructed without approved setbacks, unapproved developments, filling stations, hotels, and other dilapidated or structurally unsafe buildings. ‎ ‎The enforcement exercise was led by the Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Barr. Chijioke Ojukwu, who inspected several locations including Onitsha Road, Anaedo Hall Road, Hundred Foot Road, Ezenwegwu Road, the Post Office area, Nkwo axis, and other parts of the metropolis. ‎ ‎Speaking during the exercise, Barr. Ojukwu expressed concern over the growi...

 PRESS RELEASE   UPDATE ON FALSE REPORT OF ALLEGED KIDNAPPING OF STUDENTS AT ADUWAWA AND IKPOBA HILL, BENIN CITY   Further to the earlier press release issued by the Edo State Police Command regarding the false and misleading report of an alleged kidnapping of students at Green Park Academy Aduwawa and Western Boys’ College Ikpoba Hill, Benin City, the Command wishes to inform the general public that one Uzebor Emmanuella ‘f’, popularly known on social media as “Aza Woman,” has been arrested in connection with the viral publications.   Preliminary investigations reveal that the suspect knowingly disseminated false claims in various social media posts alleging that about 6 persons had been kidnapped through various Mini transport Buses. According to her some purportedly escaped from their abductors, while others paid ransome. These publications generated widespread apprehension, heightened public anxiety, and could undermine public confidence in the security architect...

 Central African Republic to accept third-country deportees from U.S, sources say The deal with Central African Republic was discussed during a May 18 meeting in Bangui with a U.S. delegation led by Christian Jové Ehrhardt, the State Department's deputy assistant secretary in the Bureau of Population, Refugees and Migration, a Central African government official told Reuters. "Central African Republic will indeed take in, within the framework of agreements with the U.S., immigrants deported by American authorities," said the official, who requested anonymity. A diplomat based in the region, also speaking on condition of anonymity, also said a deal had been reached. Washington has sent so-called third-country deportees to African countries including Democratic Republic of Congo, Ghana, Sierra Leone and Equatorial Guinea, under opaque deals that Senate Democrats say have cost tens of millions of dollars.

 OPERATION HADIN KAI EXECUTES UNPRECEDENTED INTELLIGENCE-LED RESCUE OPERATION, FREES 360 ABDUCTEES FROM JAS STRONGHOLD IN THE MANDARA MOUNTAINS In one of the most significant hostage rescue operations conducted in the North East Theatre in recent times, troops of the Joint Task Force (North East) Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), comprising Special Forces and troops of Sector 1, have successfully rescued 360 abductees from a heavily fortified Jama’atu Ahlis Sunna Lidda’awati wal-Jihad (JAS) enclave deep within the Mandara Mountains area of southern Borno State. The operation, which was the culmination of weeks of painstaking intelligence preparation, covert reconnaissance, and operational planning, resulted in the safe recovery of men, women, and children who had been held in captivity under harsh conditions after being abducted from several communities, particularly within the Ngoshe axis. The successful rescue underscores the growing operational reach, intelligence dominance, and tacti...

 12.72s MR 🇳🇬👑🔥 World record holder Tobi Amusan competed at the New Taipei Athletics Open and made it look effortless. The Nigerian sprint hurdles queen dominated the women’s 100m hurdles final, storming to a Meet Record of 12.72s (-0.3) and finishing comfortably clear of the field. 🇹🇼 Bo Ya Zhang was a distant second in 13.17s, as Amusan once again showed her class on the international stage. Another race, another victory for Tobi Amusan.

The police have released video footage showing how the sister of former minister Adebayo Adelabu was rescued from suspected kidnappers. The footage reportedly captures details of the operation that led to her freedom, offering insight into the efforts of security operatives during the rescue mission. Authorities shared the video as part of updates on the incident, highlighting the actions taken to secure her safe release from captivity. Watch video below. 

 Ousted Senegal PM Ousmane Sonko re-elected party chief amid crisis The speaker of Senegal's parliament, Ousmane Sonko, a powerful mentor-turned-rival to President Bassirou Diomaye Faye, won re-election as head of their party amid a political crisis sparked by their falling-out. Sonko, who was sacked as Faye's prime minister last month, easily won a leadership vote at a congress of their Pan-Africanist Pastef party in Diamniadio, outside the capital Dakar, according to a text read out at the gathering. Pastef said Sonko had unanimously won a vote of 583 party delegates. Faye won the presidency after widely popular Sonko was barred from standing in Senegal's 2024 election. Sonko anointed Faye to run in his place, then served as his premier. But after months of mounting tension between them, Faye dismissed Sonko as prime minister on May 22. Four days later, Sonko won election to his current post as speaker of the National Assembly.

 Vance says Charlie Kirk’s killing convinced wife Usha to have a baby Charlie Kirk’s assassination in 2025 left a profound mark on Vice President JD Vance and his family. In his memoir Communion: Finding My Way Back to Faith, Vance recalls how his wife Usha changed her mind about having another child after consoling Kirk’s widow, Erika.  Hearing Erika’s regret about only having two children deeply affected Usha, leading her to embrace the idea of expanding their own family.  Not long after Kirk’s funeral, she became pregnant with their fourth child, which Vance described as “one life was stolen from us, but another was given,” tying the moment to his Catholic faith. Vance also reflected on the personal guidance Kirk had offered him during their friendship. As Vance adjusted to the pressures of national politics, Kirk became a confidant, advising him on how to help his children cope with constant cameras and security.  Kirk’s reassurance that fame was a worthy sacrifi...

 Sharon Stone says she believes her mom felt 'internally incompetent' after moving in with her amid dad’s illness Sharon Stone’s recent podcast appearance offered a raw glimpse into her lifelong struggle with her mother, Dorothy. Speaking on The Person Who Believed in Me, she revealed that she never once heard her mom say “I love you,” a silence that weighed heavily on her even into adulthood.  When her parents moved in during her father’s terminal illness in 2009, Stone sensed that the situation left her mother feeling inadequate, which often manifested as anger.  Rather than confronting her directly, Stone admitted she tried to overcompensate by offering support a pattern she now recognizes sometimes left family members dependent and resentful. Her memories of preparing for her father’s final days were especially poignant. Stone described scrubbing her entire house by hand, cleaning every cupboard, and transforming her guest house into a disguised hospital space, comple...

 The View co-host Sunny Hostin argues other reporters should’ve stood up for Kaitlan Collins The clash between Donald Trump and CNN’s Kaitlan Collins has reignited debate about sexism in political press briefings. During a June 3 White House event, Trump singled Collins out, calling her “a corrupt reporter” and criticizing her for supposedly never smiling.  He went further, describing her as a “young beautiful woman” with “hatred in her eyes,” linking her demeanor to his policies on borders, taxes, and the military.  Collins, who hadn’t even asked a question at that moment, calmly responded, “I’m still from Alabama,” after Trump claimed she had once been a conservative. On The View, Sunny Hostin argued that Trump’s remarks were sexist, pointing out that men are never told to smile more. She shared her own experiences of being told to smile during her legal career, framing it as a double standard women often face.  Hostin also criticized other reporters in the room fo...

 Jessie James Decker reveals she turned doawn a project to be with family: 'This is my kids' summer' Jessie James Decker is prioritizing family this summer, choosing to spend time at home in Nashville with her husband Eric and their four children rather than taking on long-term work commitments.  She revealed that she turned down a project that would have kept her busy all season, explaining that she wants to enjoy a “Mom Girl summer” filled with travel, sunshine, and family gatherings.  While she isn’t stepping away from work entirely, she emphasized that she’s saying no to anything that would pull her away from her kids for an extended period. The singer, who has partnered with AbbVie for the Love In Mind campaign to raise awareness about migraines, also spoke about the importance of advocating for oneself.  Having lived with migraine symptoms for years, she encourages others not to simply “power through” but to speak up about their needs.  Her focus on self-c...

 FG COMPLETES SCREENING OF NIGERIANS FOR EVACUATION FROM SOUTH AFRICA The Federal Government says the screening of Nigerians in South Africa who registered for evacuation has ended, as joint teams finalize the list of those cleared to return home. A statement from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs says the exercise commenced on Thursday, June 4. It is a joint operation involving the Nigerian High Commission in Pretoria, South Africa's Department of International Relations and Cooperation, the South African Police Service, and Immigration authorities. At the conclusion of the screening exercise, authorities are expected to have a definitive figure of Nigerians cleared for evacuation. The Government says it will then finalize arrangements for the deployment of aircraft to bring the evacuees home. The evacuation follows growing concerns over the safety of Nigerians in South Africa amid renewed xenophobic attacks targeting African migrants

 THE RUBBER-RULER FALLACY: A RESPONSE TO RECENT CLAIMS ON PRICE CHANGES UNDER THE TINUBU ADMINISTRATION By Tanimu Yakubu In periods of economic adjustment, citizens naturally judge government performance through the prices they encounter in markets, petrol stations and grocery stores. Those experiences are real and deserve serious attention. Yet sound economic analysis requires more than observing nominal price movements. It requires measuring those changes against the value of the currency itself. When that principle is ignored, misleading conclusions can emerge from otherwise accurate figures. Recent political commentaries and infographics have circulated widely, purporting to demonstrate the performance of the Nigerian economy between May 2023 and May 2026 by comparing selected prices in naira terms. The figures typically show substantial increases in the prices of petrol, cooking gas, rice, cement and other commodities, alongside the depreciation of the naira from approximately...