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Polygamous sect leader Samuel Bateman convicted on Arizona child abuse charges after girls found in unventilated trailer    A polygamous sect leader already serving a 50-year federal prison sentence has been convicted on additional state child abuse charges after authorities discovered three girls inside an unventilated trailer he was transporting through Arizona. The case stems from an August 2022 incident near Flagstaff, when a witness reported seeing small fingers reaching through gaps in a trailer door. Police stopped Samuel Bateman’s vehicle and found girls ages 11 to 14 inside a confined space equipped only with a makeshift toilet, sofa, and camping chairs. Bateman was previously convicted in federal court for coercing children as young as 9 into sexual acts and for plotting kidnappings from protective custody. He has also been linked to an offshoot group of the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, a polygamous sect with historic roots in communiti...

Uruguay goalkeeper Fernando Muslera substituted at halftime after costly World Cup error in loss to Spain   Uruguay goalkeeper Fernando Muslera asked to be replaced at halftime during the World Cup match against Spain on Friday night after a mistake that led to a goal, coach Marcelo Bielsa said. Sergio Rochet came on to start the second half with Uruguay trailing 1-0 in a match that ultimately ended in defeat and left the team on the brink of elimination. “He is the one who decided to leave,” Bielsa said of Muslera, whose error came in the 42nd minute when he failed to deal with Álex Baena’s shot from inside the penalty area. The goalkeeper appeared to be caught off guard by the bounce and could not get enough control to push the ball away from goal. The 40-year-old Muslera, who had previously retired from international duty, returned to the national team setup earlier this year under Bielsa, a decision that had drawn criticism from some Uruguay supporters. Muslera had also be...

 Israel and Lebanon sign US-brokered framework deal aimed at easing tensions and outlining path toward future peace agreement Israel and Lebanon signed a U.S.-mediated framework agreement on Friday following four days of negotiations in Washington, setting out a phased approach aimed at reducing tensions and laying the groundwork for a potential future peace deal. The agreement represents a significant diplomatic step but faces major uncertainty over implementation, particularly given Hezbollah’s continued armed presence and political influence in Lebanon. The framework envisions, over time, ending Israel’s military presence in southern Lebanon and restoring Lebanese territorial control, though officials acknowledged that outcome remains distant. Under the plan, Israel would maintain a security zone inside the so-called “Yellow Line” until Hezbollah and other armed groups are disarmed and no longer pose a threat. Israeli officials emphasized that military freedom of action in the a...

 U.S military strikes Iranian missile and drone sites near Strait of Hormuz after drone attacks on commercial shipping and ceasefire tensions escalate The U.S. military carried out strikes on Iranian targets near the Strait of Hormuz, according to U.S. Central Command, marking the first such action since a recent agreement was signed declaring an end to hostilities. The strikes come after Iran reportedly launched drone attacks against commercial vessels transiting the strategic waterway. One drone struck a Singapore-flagged cargo ship, Ever Lovely, as it exited the strait along the Omani coast, prompting what U.S. officials described as a “powerful response.” U.S. aircraft targeted Iranian missile and drone storage facilities as well as coastal radar installations in the region, according to the statement. Vice President Vance, who helped lead negotiations tied to the ceasefire agreement, said the U.S. would respond forcefully to any violations, writing that “violence will be met w...

 Reese Witherspoon balances career projects and relationship with Oliver Haarmann Reese Witherspoon is moving through a busy stretch of work and personal commitments, according to a source close to the actress. The 50-year-old Morning Show star is currently involved in promoting Elle, a Legally Blonde prequel series that follows her original character’s high school years. The project also includes her work behind the scenes, including involvement in casting and production decisions. “She loves the kind of focus that comes with having a lot going on,” the source told PEOPLE. “She really enjoyed working behind the scenes on the show, including the casting process, and feels proud to be bringing something she cares so much about to a new audience.” Alongside her professional schedule, Witherspoon has been spending time with German financier Oliver Haarmann, whom she has been linked to since 2024. The pair recently made their first public appearance together at the Elle premiere in New...

 Cape Verde became smallest nation ever to reach World Cup knockout stage after historic unbeaten group run   A Cape Verde has defied expectations to become the smallest nation ever to reach the World Cup knockout stage after completing an unbeaten group stage campaign. The island nation secured qualification with a 0-0 draw against Saudi Arabia on Friday night, finishing the group without a defeat in their debut appearance on football’s biggest stage. “We are small,” goalkeeper Vozinha said. “But we have big hearts, and we are fighters.” Cape Verde’s campaign included a 0-0 draw against 2010 champions Spain and a 2-2 comeback draw against Uruguay, results that carried them into the round of 32. Coach Bubista praised the achievement, saying, “The team was very eager to show this to the whole world. We are proud of having arrived at this stage. We have shown that we are a small country, but that we fight for the things that we want to achieve.” Cape Verde finished second in the...

 Iran fan rushes field after late goal drama as offside call denies World Cup knockout breakthrough in chaotic finish vs Egypt  An Iranian fan ran onto the field in celebration and had to be restrained by seven security guards after a dramatic late sequence in Iran’s World Cup match against Egypt. The chaos followed a 93rd-minute strike from Shoja Khalilzadeh, who ripped off his jersey and was mobbed by teammates after appearing to score a late winner that would have sent Iran into the knockout round for the first time in the expanded 48-team tournament. For a brief moment, Iran believed it had completed a comeback and secured progression. However, the goal was overturned for offside following a video review, wiping out the decisive strike and changing the outcome of the group. With the goal disallowed, the match ended in a 1-1 draw, sending Egypt through the group stage while Iran was left waiting to learn its fate depending on other results. Egypt will now face Australia in ...

 Veteran Actor and Scholar Kola Oyewo to be Laid to Rest in August: Family Releases Funeral Details The family of the legendary Nigerian actor and respected theatre academic, Chief Dr. Adekola Gabriel Oyewo, popularly known as Kola Oyewo, has officially announced the transition and final burial arrangements for the late icon. The three-day funeral program is scheduled to take place in Osun State from Wednesday, August 5, to Friday, August 7, 2026. Oyewo, who passed away at the age of 80, leaves behind a monumental legacy that spanned several decades across stage, television, and academia. In an official statement, the Bangbola Oyewo family of the Ese-Ola Royal House in Oba-Ile described the late actor as a devoted patriarch, grandfather, great-grandfather, trusted colleague, and a highly esteemed traditional ruler. A Celebrated Life on Stage, Screen, and in the Classroom Beyond his memorable roles on screen, Kola Oyewo was a respected academic who served as an Associate Professor o...

U.S military ended killings of Christians in Nigeria, says Trump United States President Donald Trump has claimed that the US military has ended the killing of Christians in Nigeria. Trump made the remark on Friday during an event in Washington, where he spoke about his administration’s security operations and efforts to combat terrorism in different parts of the world. According to the US President, American intervention in Nigeria played a major role in halting attacks allegedly targeted at Christian communities, particularly in areas affected by insurgency and violent extremist activities. “As you know, we recently struck Nigeria and largely ended the slaughter of great Christian populations. He described the situation before the alleged intervention as severe, claiming that thousands of innocent people, including women, children and the elderly, had been killed in brutal attacks. “They have a great Christian population. They were being butchered, butchered thousands and thousands o...

 France 'regrets' after Burkina Faso breaks off relations France said on Saturday it was considering its response after Burkina Faso broke off diplomatic relations, TRT Afrika reported. Burkina Faso said on Friday it had severed links with its former colonial ruler after years of worsening ties over security, sovereignty and alleged foreign interference. The French foreign ministry said in a statement that it “regrets” Burkina Faso’s decision and urged French nationals in the West African country "to exercise heightened vigilance". Burkina Faso Communications Minister Gilbert Ouedraogo said the decision took effect on Friday and accused France of supporting "subversive networks" and "terrorists", charges that France has previously denied. "The essential conditions for promoting relations based on mutual respect, reciprocal trust, respect for the principle of non-interference in internal affairs, and national sovereignty are not in place,"...

 Alicia Keys reveals why she told her dad to stay away Some childhood wounds linger until they are finally confronted, and for Alicia Keys, that reckoning came long before fame. In her documentary Girl From Hell’s Kitchen, the Grammy winner revisits the pain of growing up without her father, Craig Cook.  She recalls the heartbreak of broken promises and missed visits, which eventually led her, at just 13 years old, to write a letter cutting him out of her life.  Raised by her mother, Terria Joseph, in Manhattan, Keys grew up watching her mother sacrifice her own dreams to provide piano lessons and stability, while her father drifted in and out of her world. Music became Alicia’s refuge during those lonely stretches, a way to channel anger and disappointment into creativity. She immersed herself in jazz and blues, while her grandfather Joseph Augello stepped in as the steady father figure she needed.  Despite the absence of her biological father, Keys found strength i...

 Ariana Grande spotted having lunch with ex boyfriend Ricky Alvarez in Texas Ariana Grande was seen having lunch with her former boyfriend, Ricky Alvarez, in Austin, Texas, ahead of her Eternal Sunshine Tour performance on Friday, June 26. According to PEOPLE, a source said, "They've been hanging out recently." A representative for Grande declined to comment. The sighting comes after PEOPLE confirmed in June 2026 that Grande and her Wicked co star Ethan Slater had ended their relationship earlier this year. Grande and Alvarez dated from 2015 until July 2016 and have remained friends since their breakup. During their relationship, Grande told Billboard in 2016, "We're happy. I'm a very happy girl. I have a healthy life right now, and I think that's all anyone cares to know." Following their split, Alvarez responded humorously after Grande mentioned him in her 2018 song Thank U, Next. He later wrote, "Nothing but gratitude. Thank you, next… those ...

 Madonna Says Working With Daughter Lourdes Helped Heal Longstanding Resentment Madonna has spoken about her working relationship with her eldest daughter, Lourdes Leon, saying a recent musical collaboration gave them an opportunity to address feelings that had built up over the years. Speaking during The Madonna and Graham Show on the BBC, the singer said Lourdes, who also goes by Lola, had previously been reluctant to work with her because she wanted to establish her own identity. "She approached me, she's been very reticent to work with me," Madonna said. "She doesn't want to be perceived as my daughter, taking advantage of her privilege." The pair recently collaborated on Madonna's new release, Confessions On A Dancefloor: Part II. According to the singer, the project marked a change in their relationship. Madonna said Lourdes later told her she had realised she had been holding onto emotions from her younger years. "Maybe it's a kind of, I ...

 Footballer’s wife Andrea Bello dies protecting daughter during Venezuela earthquake A footballer in Venezuela has confirmed the death of his wife, Andrea Bello, following a pair of earthquakes that struck the country on Wednesday, June 24. Héctor Bello, who plays for Marítimo de La Guaira, shared the news in an Instagram post on Friday, June 26, saying Andrea died while protecting their 1-year-old daughter, Alana. "You'll always be our favorite hero, Mommy," he wrote alongside a photo of his wife. "I'm going to make sure our baby remembers how wonderful you were, how much you loved her." He added that he would tell their daughter how Andrea acted during the earthquake. "I'll tell her the story of how you saved her, how you gave your own life for our daughter, how you were a brave woman who, even with your last breaths, never abandoned her," he wrote. According to the U.S. Geological Survey, Venezuela experienced a magnitude 7.2 earthquake foll...

 Abia State Emerges Champion as Maiden South-East Amateur Boxing Championship Ends in Umuahia The maiden edition of the South-East Amateur Boxing Championship (male and female categories) concluded on Friday in Umuahia, with the host state, Abia, emerging as overall champions. Abia State dominated the competition, clinching eight gold, three silver, and two bronze medals. Enugu State finished second with four gold and four silver medals, while Imo State placed third with one gold, one silver, and five bronze medals. Anambra State came fourth with one gold and two bronze medals, and Ebonyi State finished with two silver and three bronze medals. Declaring the championship closed, the Abia State Commissioner for Sports and Youth Development, Nwaobilor Ananaba, commended the five participating states for displaying a high level of sportsmanship throughout the event. Represented by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Jane Igwe, the commissioner stated that Governor Alex Otti’s admi...

 Imo Widow Pleads for Release of Son Sentenced to Death 28 Years Ago Over Alleged Robbery Mrs. Celestina Amadi, a 75-year-old widow from Abazu Akabo in Ikeduru Local Government Area of Imo State, has narrated the painful ordeal of her son, David Amadi, who has spent 28 years in prison after being sentenced to death for an alleged robbery she insists he did not commit. David, who was 17 years old at the time of his arrest in 1998, is now 45. According to his mother, he was arrested while attending a dance event in Uzoagba with another young man. Police officers, acting on a complaint by one Vita, searched for and apprehended him at a funeral gathering.  “He was dragged out, kicked, and bundled into a vehicle to Owerri,” Mrs. Amadi recounted. She said she was harvesting cassava on the farm when the incident occurred. Her husband later died from high blood pressure, which she attributed to the trauma of their son’s arrest and continued detention. The widow explained that after Da...

 The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has said it is yet to receive the Certified True Copy (CTC) of a Federal High Court judgment delivered on Friday, June 26, 2026, which set aside an earlier order directing the commission to register the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) as a political party. In a statement issued on Saturday, INEC’s Chief Press Secretary and Media Adviser to the Chairman, Adedayo Oketola, confirmed that the commission was aware of widespread media reports about the ruling but could not comment on its details until it obtains and reviews the official court document. “The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is aware of reports circulating in the media regarding the judgment delivered on Friday, June 26, 2026, by the Federal High Court sitting in Lokoja, which set aside an earlier order concerning the registration of the Nigeria Democratic Congress,” Oketola said. “However, as of this moment, the Commission has not yet received the Cer...

 IGP Launches Operation “Kosaye” To Flush Out Kidnappers, Criminals From Lagos, Ogun States The Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, has officially launched "Operation Kosaye" (No Chance) in Lagos and Ogun States as part of renewed efforts to rid both states of kidnapping, banditry and other violent crimes. The operation, supported by the Lagos and Ogun State Governments through the provision of logistics, is aimed at clearing forests, border communities, criminal hideouts and other black spots used by kidnappers and other criminal elements. Addressing journalists at the Ogun State Police Training School Iperu, Commissioners of Police in Ogun and Lagos States Bode Ojajuni and Tijani Fatai, said the security operation had already recorded remarkable successes, with the rescue of five victims kidnapped along the Ijebu Ode Sagamu Benin expressway on Thursday 25th June and neutralisation of five kidnappers as well as the arrest of four others.  The CPs explained that all i...

 DSS FREES, COMPENSATES MAN WRONGFULLY LINKED TO BOKO HARAM DSS Clears Kaduna Herder, Awards ₦3 Million as Internal Review Expands Justice for Wrongfully Detained Nigerians The Director-General of the Department of State Services, Oluwatosin Adeola Ajayi, has ordered the release of a Kaduna-based herder, Nura Idris, after an internal investigation cleared him of alleged links to Boko Haram terrorists. A statement by the DSS notes that Idris, a farmer and livestock rearer from Soba Local Government Area of Kaduna State, was arrested in June 2024 by another security agency in Suleja, Niger State, and later transferred to DSS custody over suspected terrorist links. Following a comprehensive review of his case, the DSS found no  evidence connecting him to terrorism. The Director-General immediately ordered his release and approved a ₦3 million compensation package to support his reintegration, with additional assistance promised to help him rebuild his livelihood. Speaking after h...

Man caught with severed human hand in Lagos The police command in Lagos has arrested a man, Samson Onilewaji, 21, after he was found with body parts, firearms, and stolen items during a stop-and-search along the Lekki-Epe Expressway. The command’s spokesperson, Abimbola Adebisi, said the suspect was intercepted in an unregistered commercial shuttle bus carrying six occupants. She said a search of the vehicle and its occupants led to the recovery of a suspected human right hand, two locally made pistols, one live cartridge, two axes, a point-of-sale terminal, and five ATM cards from the suspect. “During a search of the vehicle and its occupants, the suspect, identified as Samson Onilewaji, ‘M’, aged 21 years, was found in possession of a suspected human right hand, two locally made pistols, one live cartridge, two axes, one POS terminal machine, and five ATM cards,” the police command said in a statement on Friday, June 26. Ms Adebisi said the suspect confessed after recently robbing th...

 LASG INTENSIFIES EFFORTS TO COMPLETE ALL ONGOING HOUSING PROJECTS Lagos State Ministry of Housing has intensified monitoring efforts on contractors handling key housing projects across the State to ensure timely delivery of the projects or be sanctioned. During a scheduled inspection tour of the Lagos State Housing Estate Sangotedo Phase II Scheme and two other joint venture housing schemes within Abraham Adesanya Housing Estate, the Commissioner for Housing, Hon. Moruf Akinderu-Fatai, alongside the Permanent Secretary, Engr. Abdulhafis Toriola and Technical Directors in the Ministry, frowned at the slow pace of work by some of the contractors and insisted on delivery within the agreed timeline. The inspection formed part of ongoing efforts by the Ministry of Housing to monitor project implementation, evaluate construction progress, and ensure the delivery of quality housing infrastructure to Lagos residents. During the visit to the Abraham Adesanya Housing Scheme, the Commissione...

 Nigerian Army Recruitment Candidates Injured In Road Accident While Travelling to Zaria Several candidates recently shortlisted for recruitment into the Nigerian Army from Imo State were injured after the vehicle transporting them to the Nigerian Army Depot in Zaria, Kaduna State, was involved in a road accident on Saturday morning. According to military sources, the candidates were on their way to the depot to begin their basic military training when the accident occurred. The trip was reportedly being coordinated under the supervision of Lieutenant Colonel P.D. Ngal. A military source familiar with the incident said the candidates had departed Imo State for Zaria before the unfortunate crash. Videos circulating online showed several injured candidates lying by the roadside and inside damaged vehicles as emergency responders and passersby worked to rescue them. Many of the victims were later taken to nearby hospitals for medical treatment. As of the time of filing this report, th...

 Saudi Arabia suspends travel and entry from 3 African countries Saudi authorities has announced the suspension of travel and entry from the Democratic Republic of Congo, Uganda, and South Sudan as a precautionary measure to limit the potential spread of the Ebola virus. These new measures include suspending the issuance of all types of visas for individuals arriving from the affected countries, in addition to barring entry to travelers who have resided in or been present in any of these countries during the 21 days prior to their arrival in the kingdom, even if they transited through other countries They also indicated the continued implementation of additional precautionary measures for travelers arriving from countries neighboring areas impacted by disease – including Rwanda, Burundi, and Tanzania – along with strengthened screening procedures at entry points and enhanced early detection capabilities. These steps are part of the Saudi Arabia’s preventive measures to address cros...

 Legendary Crossover: Fuji Icon Pasuma Spotted Vibing at Wizkid's Exclusive Paris Party   In an unexpected and beautiful clash of musical eras, legendary Fuji musician Alhaji Wasiu Alabi Pasuma was recently spotted enjoying himself in the crowd during an exclusive performance by Afrobeats superstar Wizkid in Paris, France. The heartwarming moment occurred on June 25, 2026, during Wizkid’s highly anticipated album pre-launch party. The event drew an elite crowd of artists, promoters, and socialites, all gathered to celebrate the Grammy-winning star’s upcoming project. A Legendary Link-Up in Paris Wizkid, who had already been making waves globally after rocking a luxury timepiece worth ₦123 million at the Louis Vuitton Paris Fashion Week, treated guests to an intimate and high-energy performance of his hit tracks. A viral video shared by prominent music promoter Billyque—who is currently in Paris coordinating Pasuma’s live showcase—captured the 58-year-old Fuji veteran singing a...

 Trump unveils new US passport with picture of himself President Donald Trump on Friday unveiled a rendering of a new limited-edition US passport to mark the country’s 250th anniversary of independence — featuring his stern-faced likeness. “The U.S.A.’s New Passport, which says, ‘Welcome, but be good!'” Trump said in a post on his Truth Social platform featuring the passport mock-up. The image features a glowering Trump leaning on his desk and his signature, with the text of the Declaration of Independence in the background. It appears to be based on a portrait taken by White House photographer Daniel Torok. The opposite page shows a painting depicting the declaration’s signing in 1776, with the words “United States of America 250.” The White House posted the same passport rendering, with the words “PATRIOT PASSPORT.” The State Department — which had previously announced that a commemorative passport with “custom artwork” would be available from July 6 — did not immediately respond...

 ‘All she needed was oxygen’ — outrage as 400-level UNIOSUN student dies over ‘poor medical care’ There was outrage at the University of Osun (UNIOSUN) on Friday following the death of Grace Osunlakin, a 400-level student, over alleged poor healthcare facilities at its Ifetedo campus. Some students staged a protest to express their anger over the death of their colleague, whom they claimed could have survived if adequate medical care had been available. In a video from the protest seen by TheCable, a student accused the university management of failing to provide functional healthcare services despite collecting fees from students. “You claimed you built a hostel and clinic for us, but none of them is functioning. There are no nurses or doctors. We paid school fees and everything, but you’re just extorting us. Let us go if you can’t take care of us,” the student said. According to students, Osunlakin, a student of criminology and security studies, suffered a medical emergency and f...

 NIGERIAN ARMY REPOSITIONS LEADERSHIP STRUCTURE TO STRENGTHEN OPERATIONAL EFFECTIVENESS AND NATIONAL SECURITY The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has approved a strategic reshuffling of senior officers across key operational, command, training and staff appointments within the Nigerian Army (NA) as part of ongoing efforts to enhance operational effectiveness, strengthen national security and consolidate the Army's capacity to address emerging security challenges across the country. The appointments affected some field commanders, school commandants and principal staff officers at Army Headquarters. In the new posting, Major General WM Dangana has been appointed General Officer Commanding 3 Division Nigerian Army and Commander Joint Task Force Operation ENDURING PEACE, replacing Major General EF Oyinlola, while Major General EI Okoro takes over as General Officer Commanding 6 Division Nigerian Army and Land Component Commander Joint Task Force South-Sout...

Anambra Assembly Seeks Security Identification Numbers for Okada, Keke, Shuttle Bus Operators By Chizoba Okeke The Anambra State House of Assembly has urged Governor Chukwuma Soludo to direct the Commissioner for Transport to immediately establish a security identification numbering system for all commercial transport operators in the state, including okada riders, keke operators, shuttle bus operators and other commercial vehicle operators, as part of efforts to strengthen public safety and security. The resolution followed a motion sponsored by the member representing Nnewi North Constituency, Hon. Augustine Ike, and co-sponsored by twenty two other lawmakers during plenary on June 25 in Awka. Presenting the motion, Hon. Ike observed that the absence of a proper security identification system for commercial transport operators has made it difficult for security agencies and relevant government authorities to effectively identify, monitor and regulate their activities, particularly in...

 FG Commits ₦32.8bn BHCPF Disbursement to Improve Healthcare Delivery Nationwide The Federal Government has approved the disbursement of ₦32.8 billion through the Basic Healthcare Provision Fund (BHCPF) implementing gateways to strengthen healthcare delivery across Nigeria. The funding is aimed at sustaining recent gains in population health outcomes and disease control, while expanding access to quality primary healthcare services for citizens, regardless of their location or socio-economic status. The approval was one of the major outcomes of the 15th Ministerial Oversight Committee (MOC) meeting on the National Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative, the Basic Healthcare Provision Fund, the Sector-Wide Approach, and Government and Donor-Funded Programmes and Initiatives. The meeting was co-chaired by the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Muhammad Ali Pate, and the Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako. The Com...